Prairie Wind: Yellowstone or Bust.....It's About Time

What's the best thing about Nebraska? The Wyoming State line. I know....I know....I get it from Stachia all the time. I think my jokes are funny, and they are, but no one else does. I git it.

The Great Yellowstone Expedition of 2017 has defeated The Great Spring Blizzard of 2017 and arrived safely and triumphantly through the gates of Yellowstone. With much fanfare and horn blowing, The Motel Squad entered the most Historical Roosevelt Arch and to each man wanted their picture taken under the Arch. So each one posed and the moment captured for all to see, but then we had to wait and wait and wait to get our photo by the Yellowstone sign....it was worth it.

It felt like I was home. The clear blue skies, cool crisp air and the smell of pine welcomes me back each time. We followed the river up the hill to Mammoth Springs and the calcite springs were steaming in the cool air. There is nothing like them anywhere else. The mountain is comprised of minerals that have been forced to the surface with geysers and has built up over time to a very large calcite deposits that are still growing. A sight I dare say The Motel Squad was not expecting. It was great and of course they convinced grandma to go with them to the top. I however knew it was quite the climb, and even said so, but was dismissed to guard the car as off they went. I guess I should have told them how hard the climb was, or that we could drive to the top, but what fun would that be?

I watched them as they navigated the level boardwalk enroute to the strenuous climb I knew lay before them and settled in for the wait and return. An hour later they came back down the mountain much less animated than before. They looked a little tired but educated. We didn't make it to the top, they said. Wanna drive up there, I asked? I loved the looks I got....

Yellowstone is a magical place full of wonders around every turn. I guess that's why so many people come here year after year. The very popularity that draws the crowds will be the thing that kills it. We tried to instill in the kids the importance of Wild Places and the role they play in our lives. It is of most importance to balance the need for these places to be visited but also be preserved for generations to come. How sad and unacceptable would it be for these kids not to be able to visit here as adults and bring their kids. I'm not willing to accept that outcome, and there are many like me. People who come here don't often show the reverence or understand the importance of that which they see here. It's not just Yellowstone. Many of our natural wonders are threatened by overcrowding, over use and vandalism. Many places in this park are marred by thoughtless visitors that destroy or damage features irreplaceable by man. We witnessed thoughtless people posing too close to a bison, approaching Grizzlies or walking on geothermal features without regard for personal safety or the damage that they were doing. Visit the park but be respectful. courteous and mindful of the importance of what you see. What don't kill you will make you stronger. Except for bears. Bears will kill you....:)

After Mammoth we decided to head to West Yellowstone and check in to our motel. We passed streams and waterfalls, small geysers and wonders that they were seeing for the first time and I hope it was sparking a fire in each one to return someday and bring their families.