Dear Reader,
Last Sunday, your narrator was one among the staff who drove to Yellowstone International Airport in Bozeman to pick up students. Just one day later, the park closed and the very highway that your narrator rode upon was in some sections nothing but an abyss into the Yellowstone or Gardner Rivers. That your narrator, his fellow staff, and the youth crews are here to witness such a one in 500 year event and its various consequences: exclusive access to the Park in what would normally be peak season, service in the reconstruction effort, and an unimpeded view into nature's raw power, gives us all pause as we reflect upon its significance.
Mens et manus (mind and hand): while we ponder over our surroundings, our hands are just as busy on various work projects. While a June snow storm amid a 36-hour power outage aborted original plans to camp elsewhere in the park, our stay in the YCC cabin introduced us to the art of firewood preparation, from removing the outer bark to chopping it with an axe.
The greater Mammoth area gained additional bear boxes thanks to us, the Hot Springs themselves now have signage that alert visitors in six different languages of dangerous ground near thermal features, and we foresee the beginnings of a new trail.
This week was one full of hard work, uncertainty, but adventure. Although your narrator must admit that it was not an easy one, everyone's perseverance and grit have impressed him thoroughly. Up next: the weekend's recreation trip and Chuck Sams, the director of the National Park Service. Thank you for swinging by!
Best, Your Narrator
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