SUNRISE IN WEST YELLOWSTONE

A WEST YELLOWSTONE SUNRISE

From the picture above you might think that Yellowstone National Park is on fire again like it was in 1988.  This is NOT a fire in Yellowstone.  This is a picture of a West Yellowstone sunrise looking into Yellowstone National Park.

I took several photos of this sunrise that particular morning and was struck by the fact that this one seems to indicate that Yellowstone is burning.

This is just a small sample of the sunrises you might be lucky enough to catch with your camera.  I took this one about 7:24 a.m. one morning.

When you come to visit here be sure to bring your camera and plenty of film or cards for your digital cameras.  You would not want to miss opportunities for photos like this one.  The only problem is that they change all too quickly so you have to be sure and be ready.

RECOVERY

A few months ago, a member of my family made the very difficult decision to ask for help for an addiction problem.  Needless to say, I was thrilled that this person had finally realized the need for help.

Fortunately, we were put in touch with a facility that offered state of the art care for our family member.  I realize that rehab can be a so called "crap shoot" meaning that relapse is always a possibility and that all members of the family live with that every day.

However, I also discovered that the underlying cause for the addiction can often be more devastating and more difficult to deal with than the actual addiction. Depression is a terrible disease - mostly because it is a "hidden" illness.  It does not show when you look at the person and, most of the time, they do not talk about it for fear of being judged.

Do not tell them to "put a smile on your face" or "just get a grip and get over it."  It is not that simple.  It is an illness that they live with day in and day out.  They wake up with it in the morning and it is there when they close their eyes at night.  It is a REAL illness - not an imagined one.

If you have a family member or even know of someone who is fighting an addiction, please, please pray for them.  They need to know that someone cares.

Do not judge them because there - but for the grace of God - goes you.

A COMFORT IN TIME OF LOSS

For several years I was privileged to share the company of a wonderful, large, loving and adorable animal.  His name was Prince and he was a Plantation Walker - strawberry roan in color.

He was an absolute love and held a special part of my heart.  Unfortunately, due to old age, I was forced to have him put down.  This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life.

He was truly a gentle giant - willing to do my bidding and giving me many hours of riding pleasure.

After his loss - my local vet sent me a copy of THE RAINBOW BRIDGE.  No - it did not take away the pain of loss - but - it did let me know that someone cared about my loss.

If you have lost a loved pet - whether it be dog, cat, horse, goat, sheep, pig or whatever - I hope this little poem will help ease your pain.

THERE CAN BE DANGER IN YELLOWSTONE

YELLOWSTONE RIVER

GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE

There is no doubt that a trip to Yellowstone National Park is absolutely amazing.  You will see sites that you can see no where else in the world.  The Park is meant for your enjoyment - but - there has to be rules and regulations that will help keep you safe during your visit.

Unfortunately, there is also danger in Yellowstone.  You must remember that the animals in the Park are not tame.  They are wild and - if provoked or disturbed - they can attack.  They are protecting their own and we (the visitors) are the strangers in their environment.

Animals are not the only danger that Yellowstone presents.  The rules and regulations about the use of canoes and tubing or floating the rivers in the Park have been put in place for a very good reason - just as the barricades at the different thermal features are there for a reason.

Last week some of the young people working in the Park for the summer decided to disregard the rules and go tubing down the Yellowstone River.  The result is that one of those young people did not survive their adventure.  The river can change from calm and peaceful to a raging torrent in the span of just a few feet.  Two of the three young people managed to get to the riverbank and get out - the other was not so lucky.  They recovered his body 2 or 3 days after the incident .

Just this morning I got word that a young girl had stepped across a barricade at the Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone in an attempt to get a better photograph.  She fell 550 feet to her death.

Please remember that those barricades are there for your protection.  They are not put up in an attempt to spoil your perfect photo.

Please obey the rules and regulations and have a safe and happy vacation in Yellowstone.

HORSE BACK RIDING IN THE YELLOWSTONE AND BIG SKY AREA

THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY

WHY DID THE HORSES CROSS THE ROAD???

If you are in the Yellowstone area and decide to give horseback riding a try - you have many options. I have only mentioned three of those options here.

You can go to Parade Rest Guest Ranch located 8 miles north of West Yellowstone and take a trail ride. They offer a variety of rides and one is sure to suit your riding skills.

You can also give Diamond P  - located a few miles west of West Yellowstone down Highway 20 toward Idaho a try.  They are located in close proximity to the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo arena.

You can also go about an hour north of West Yellowstone to Big Sky and check with Jake's Horses about their trail rides. The horses pictured above are from Jake's.

You will find that the businesses that offer horseback rides generally have a variety of rides to choose from.  You can usually do anything from a one hour ride to an all day ride.  It just depends on how long you want to sit in the saddle.

I have put the links to the horseback rides that I am aware of in this post so you can check out their websites and get more detailed information about what they offer as well as their rates.

Happy Trails!!!!!

YELLOWSTONE HALF MARATHON 9/27/14

YELLOWSTONE HALF MARATHON

Mark your calendars for the Yellowstone Half Marathon.  It will be held at the Rendezvous Ski Trails on 9/27/14.  All trails are dirt trails.  The races are being held on Forest Service Land.  There are prizes and a great raffle.

There will be a 1/2 Marathon, a 10K Run, a 5K Run, as well as a 2K Run for the kids.  

Registration fees are $25.00 for the 5K Run - $35.00 for the 10K Run - $45.00 for the 1/2 Marathon and $80.00 for a 1/2 Marathon Relay Team.  The kids 2K Run is free.  If you register after  9/13/14 you need to add $10.00 to the registration fee.

The 1/2 Marathon begins at 9:00 a.m.  Both the 5K and 10K Runs begin at 9:30 a.m. while the free kids 2K run begins at 10:30 a.m.

You may register online at www.racemontana.com.  You may also check out rendezvousskitrails.com for additional information.  You may also call Free Heel and Wheel at 406 646 7744 for information.

ASTRONOMY IN YELLOWSTONE

NIGHT SKY

If you are an astronomy buff and if you are in the West Yellowstone area on August 23rd you might want to check out Astronomy Night at the Yellowstone Nature Connection.

The location is across the parking lot from the Chamber of Commerce and it begins at 8:00 p.m. Come and learn "How We Are All Made Of Star Dust".  The program will be presented by the Dark Sky Ranger and there will be a constellation tour afterwards.

Feel free to bring your own star gazing equipment but, if you do, be sure to all ahead for a set up area for your equipment.

You may contact Yellowstone Connection at 406 646 7557 if you need additional information.