Dear Reader,
Like for most tourists who (had) entered Yellowstone National Park through the North Entrance, the Roosevelt Arch and its words, "For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People", provoked the realization in both your narrator and students (who arrived via Old Gardiner Road) that they had indeed arrived at Yellowstone National Park. Through their hard work, the YCC crews assumed this mission of the arch's words to protect the people's natural and cultural heritage as well as people's access to recreation. After the first week of spike, crews packed and cleaned their tools then readied themselves for their first weekend recreational activity: assume the visitor role and embark on a tour of the park.
Veterans of this blog may recall the unique circumstances behind Session I's park tour: all staff and crews in one caravan that roamed an empty park. Although visitation numbers have decreased by 20% since last year, this park tour afforded Session II students anthropologic observation in addition to a look on the geologic, zoologic, or botanical features of the Yellowstone ecosystem. Also in response to this busyness, we split into crews to conform with COVID guidelines and to not overwhelm visitation sites. All crews visited similar sites, i.e., Midway, West Thumb, Old Faithful, Canyon, etc., but at different times. See the pictures below!
Alpha
Bravo (with a guest appearance by Charlie crew)
Charlie
The Polar Plunge
YCC tradition has it that every student should jump into Joffe Lake in as flamboyant a costume as possible. Your narrator has discovered the following documentation to prove that this tradition is still very much alive.
Next up, week 2!
Regards,
Your Narrator
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