The past 2 weeks I read The Yellowstone Story (Vols 1, 2). I also read the daily news: conservation and environmental stories in particular. When I line up the Yellowstone Story next to the current public lands crisis (e.g., rescinding National Monument status of public lands), I find a remarkable parallel in the story lines. The…
Overall, my first week has been great. The learning curve is steep and, already, I have learned much. Here are a few of the most important lessons so far: Bison are rude Every few days, 3 bull bison wander into my campsite. I call them Larry, Curly, and Mo. They are simply grazing, but they…
There is a delight in the hardy life of the open. There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm. The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation…
I finally tracked down my busy son and daughter-in-law and shared my summer news. Now I can tell everyone–I will be a camp host for the National Forest Service, right outside of Yellowstone National Park in Gallatin National Forest. This gig is a bit different from most camp host jobs. My main task is to…
Now that I am at peace with hunting, I try also to see the bigger picture around the continued battle between man and wolf. The entire controversy centers around one issue: ranchers want to raise livestock but wolves will sometimes kill and eat from the herds. It is a simple battle. The situation right now…
I now start a long stretch without camping. I won’t go again in October because of work commitments and a visit from my son and his lovely lady. If we have sunny, calm days in November, I will get out again, at least for day trips. I am seriously considering a few winter expeditions, nothing…