Headed backto Backcountry

In the backcountry until July 2nd.

First Night in the Backcountry

I just returned from my first night in the backcountry. We had to come back and take up another trip worth of supplies. The trip up yesterday was in the pouring rain and the water was pretty rough but we made it. We took up 4 canoes full, two ranger in one boat, two rangers in another boat towing a canoe, and me in a canoes paddling by myself (how's that work). Maybe they were testing me but I passed. As I was pulling my boat the final mile up the channel, I slipped and busted me knee pretty hard on some rocks, luckily I was already in ice cold water so I didnt have to worry about icing it. Anyway, so we get there and get everything unloaded and we were gonna head back and stay at home, but we notice a storm moving across the water. We were debating whether to haul ass or wait it out. By the time we decided to haul ass it was too late bc as we were trying to paddle out I kept getting bashed into the rocky beach and wave started coming over into the canoe. So we pulled ashore and ran back to the cabin were one of the rangers cooked pizza and hot chocolate for everyone and we stayed the night. It was a lot of fun. We are taking lunch right now, then loading up and headed out again for the next few days. I have some pics of the trip that I will post later. I just wanted to try and keep yall updated.

Bye

In the Backcountry!

I am currently in the backcountry and will not return until July 2nd. I will update yall as soon as possible.

Thanks

Updated Schedule

June 24th-July 2nd Backcountry Trip
July 3rd & 4th Off and Mal is visiting
July 5th-13th Backcountry Trip
July 14th-18th Off and awaiting visitors
July 19th-22nd Work (duties not specified at this point)
July 23rd-27th Off and expecting visitors
July 28th-Aug 1st Work (duties not specified at this point)

This as the most up to date scheduling that I have received, I will update yall as soon as I know more.

More Bear Sightings

Today at work I had to do some more trail clearing. We hiked around 7 miles and cleared 35 trees. We had to drive about 30mins down this busted up gravel road, and I saw some bison and a grizzly bear all from the road. I tried to take a pic, but I was driving and I couldnt get the window down or my camera out quick enough. I never see them when my camera is ready, but at least I am seeing lots of cool stuff. I do have one good pic of the bear that someone gave me, but I'm sure I will get one of my own before its all over with. Today was a light day compared to our usual. I got to run the chainsaw some more too. They are good about letting me do things and learn things, not just doing it all themselves. Tomorrow I leave for my first backcountry trip(YAY!) We will spend the day hauling supplies in by canoe. Their is a chance we may spend the night back here if we need to take another load the following day, but I am packing as if we will be there for good. We are starting with a group of 5, but three will leave after a few days and it will be just me and one other ranger. We will begin replacing the flooring in the cabin, I'm not sure how long that will take (could be longer or shorter than a week I guess). I have all my food ready and I just have to pack my clothes.
My backcountry menu is:
Tacos for 2 nights
Chicken w/ rice and pasta for 2 nights
Potato Soup w/ ham
Beef and Bean Chili
And I have sweet potatoes is a can that will be eaten at some point. Lunch will consist of bagels, applesauce, and a nutrigrain bar.

Sounds good dont it?

The next post will have my schedule posted.

Bye

Back on the Job

Today was my first day back to work and I was glad to start back. Another ranger and I had to drive up to Mammoth (2.5 hrs) for a CPR/first aid training class. I am officially certified so that is good. The drive up was nice and we saw lots of good sights and wildlife including: elk, bison, mule deer etc. Tomorrow is trail clearing and then I'm off to the backcountry! The bugs are really starting to pick up, I may need more bugspray on the next care package (haha). Well, not much else to write about today, its time for dinner and I will try to post something good tomorrow bc that will be my last blog for the next week.

BYE

Thanks Mom and Dad!

Thanks for sending the care package. I appreciate all the goodies and will be taking them with me on my first backcountry trip, which starts Friday and last for the next 6 days. Since I got the alarm clock I now have everything I need out here (that doesnt mean you should stop sending care packages). I keep forgetting to post my schedule but remind me and I will do so. Thanks for keeping up with me and make sure Josh, Jake and the rest of the fam is aware of my blog and checking it/posting comments.

BYE

More Hiking

Greetings from Yellowstone. Today has been a beautiful crystal clear summer day (which is always subject to change). This morning some friends from work and I drove down to the Tetons and did some hiking. It was 10 mile loop that had some good views from atop the mountain and then went down between two lakes. We also stop in a nice little mountain meadow and had lunch. It was a little chilly so it was great hiking weather. They are calling for some snow tonight, depending on your elevation. Anyway, I managed to aggravate and old blister so I will probably just chill tomorrow. I have to get all my food and supplies ready for my first overnight trip in the backcountry. I am very excited and I know it will be cool. I have CPR/firstaid training Weds., then trail clearing Thurs, and I head to the backcountry for the following 6 days.

Ralph and Mary K-I appreciate the book in the care package but it was too short and I finished already(haha). It was a great book, John Grisham is the man.

The bear has been seen a lot the last few days so I think I will have an early supper then go out and look for him. I sat out last night for an hour but I didnt have any luck. Maybe it will be different tonight. The park has been pretty busy lately, and the construction near the south entrance has made the driving slower, but it has to be done though.

I will talk to yall later!

Happy Father's Day William!

That goes for you too Ralph, and all the other fathers who are checking the blog. I hope yall have a wonderful day and I wish I could see yall.

I will post again later when I do something exciting (washing clothes, working out, and cleaning house doesnt apply).

Hiking in Grand Teton

Today I decided to head south to the Grand Teton National park and do some hiking. I found a pretty good loop that ended up being just under 10 miles. I packed a lunch and made a nice little day out of it. It had some nice views of the Tetons (as you can tell by the pics). I got stuck in a thunderstorm also, which wasnt ideal. I ended up waiting it out under a pine tree with lots of big boughs. The next storm that popped up I was about I mile and a half from the car and I just ran for it. It is pouring hear now. The grizzly was spotted this morning headed toward the horse corral just after I left to hike. I didnt see much wildlife on the hike, however I did have a run-in with a blue grouse who was evidently territorial. The bird was right on the trail and when I saw her it was already heading toward me. It started puffing out its neck feathers and going after my foot (I couldnt make this up). I tried to just walk by but it kept following me and pecking at me. Had I not been in the National Park I would have made the bird dinner, but I did end up having to kick the damn bird to get it to leave me alone! I got a picture of the perpetrator and I will be making a warning sign. HaHa. Anyway, That was it for the day. I just purchased a fishing licence and I may test my luck tomorrow, but we'll see.

Talk to yall later. WARNING: Crazed Blue Grouse spotted

Yellowstone Update

Today was my first day off of 5, so I headed to Jackson to restock my supplies. Jackson was really crowded, probably bc this weekend is free admission to national parks and people are headed up. I got a lot of good supplies that should last me for a while, however, I spent $10 more than I make. Oh well. Anyway, the drive back from Jackson to Yellowstone was spectacular. Today was the prettiest day we have had, it was 65degrees, bright sunshine, crystal clear skys, and everything was green with the exception of the white mountain tops. I actually enjoyed the drive a lot. I got back and took care of some housekeepin stuff. I clean a little and got all my groceries in, and I mad some of Miss Bonnie's famous pimento cheese. I'm so pumped about it. A little taste of home. Anyway, after that I decide to drive up the road and go on a new hike, however, when I got there I discovered the trail was closed to bear activity (boo). So I drove way to another trail that is out of the park, and guess what, the road was closed after I drove all the way out there. I was almost upset, but as I was driving back I saw a trailhead sign and I looked and it wasnt on any of my maps. But I figured I'd come this far, dang it i'm gonna hike! So I hiked for about 3 miles or some, and then I did a little detour and climbed to the top of this cliff and got an awesome view of a river valley(the pic with my feet in it). I looked with my binocs and saw some elk and trumpeter swans and a majestic golden eagle. Then coming back i saw my first moose (I put a nice stalk on it that would have made ole Jedediah Smith proud.) Then I walked up to the river and noticed that something was swimming across and I got a good pic of the elk. Technically I could have bagged both the elk and moose(had they been in season) bc they were in the national forest and not the national park. I am washing a few clothes right now and then I'm gonna take a quick peek for the grizzlies before I go eat dinner. I'm debating on what I should do tomorrow, I might drive way up north in the park, but it will probably be crowded with the free weekend and I dont want to just sit in traffic.

More Grizzlies!

I just saw two more grizzlies right across the river. I was able to eat an early dinner tonight so I went over and sat on the riverbank to look for bears. I walk down a good ways and didnt see anything, but as i was walking back something caught my I and it was that same grizzly i've been seeing (the same one thats been coming into the residential area). He was only about 300 yds away from me and i debated whether I should try and run get my camera, but i dont want to get it and come runnin back and then the bear is standin on my side. I watched it for about 4o min, and I decided I had seen enough. As I was walking bank up the bank towards the ranger station I see a dark spot moving further up the mountain and when I looked it was a monster grizzly. That other is a sub-adult bc the other one I saw was realy big. It cool how you can tell the difference between the bears bc the one I've been seeing has a blonde stripe right behind his shoulder, and this new one was alot darker with a grayish blonde face. Anyway, its time for bed.
Just want to keep you posted.

BYE

PS- Mal, bring your binoculars.

...Continued

Ok I'm back. Luckily the gym is right beside the computer (which is also right beside the washer and dryer) so i am able to workout while taking care of other things. I plan to go on some new hiking trails and I may hike a little in Grand Teton. I am gonna go fishin at one of the lakes and see how my luck is. I would like to catch dinner but I am goin to the store as a backup plan. Next week is my first backcountry trip and I have been planning my meals so I can pick them up at the store. I have talked with the folks and they gave me some good ideas about what works and what doesnt. I have been told cooking some stuff ahead of time to bring in is a good idea. I am gonna do tacos the first two nights (thanks Ralph and Mary K) and then maybe some chicken and I still workin on the rest. Maybe some ham and some of those chunky soups. We'll see. This first trip will be kind of a test run for the rest of the year. I will be at a backcountry cabin and I will not be able to post anything for the week, but I have a jouranl (thanks again Mal) and I will keep detailed notes and take lots of pics so that i can update yall. I hope everything is going well with everyone. Keep me update on any news that you would like to share so that I am some what up to date with everyone. Oh yeah, I saw that same grizzly last night after I walked out of the ranger station. Thankfully he decided to stay on the other side of the river.

Talk to yall later.

PS. Coach- I'm still working on our hunting connection out here, but I'll keep you posted. I pretty sure I got one in Montana in the bag, I'm working on an Idaho, and havent had much luck with WY. I think I have a promising lead on a Yellowstone fishin guide.

The Weekend Has Started

For me at least. I just got off work today. Today was a pretty slow day (I dont mind those once every two weeks.) I did the horse chores as well as some other projects around the barn for most of the day. And I also had radio training which was boring but I had to do it, and I know how to use the radio in case of an emergency. I have a 5 day weekend, which I dont like bc I like working with these guys (and bc I can spend more in those five days than I make in 14!) I have to go to town tom. and get groceries and supplies, and I also have a few chores around the ole trailer. I have to put you on hold bc someone needs the computer.

This is horrible!

You're not gonna believe the type of stuff they are making me do. Today I had to help load up a bunch of material and supplies, put them on a boat, and then carry them across the lake to a channel. We then transferred the items to canoes, then we paddled them up the channel to the ranger cabin. It was blue skys, crystal clear water, bright sunshine, and green vegetation everywhere. They are even gonna make me spend weeks at a time in these cabins by the lake miles from civilization. I am miserable.

YEAH RIGHT! I am having so much fun! This place is unreal. Today was a blast. I was all decked out in a dry suit bc the water is still real cold (although that didnt stop me from taking a dip). After we boated across the lake to the channel (which is just a river flowing from the other lake) we got in the canoes and paddled two miles upstream until the current was so bad and we had to drag them the final mile. It was fun thrashing through the water. Then we ate lunch when we got to the cabin. Also, there was a dangerous part bc we found an animal carcass (sorry for the pic) and we had to be extremely careful bc bears will bed down beside or even on their kill. We had to get trash bags and remove it so hikers wouldnt get attacked. Anyway, tomorrow is my friday, and then i have 5 days off, and i'm not sure what type of fun i'm gonna get into. I have a real bad ingrown toenail and it hurts like hell, so I might take one day to stay off. My first backcountry trip is next week so I have to start prepare my gear and get supplies from town. Keep posting and I'll talk to yall later

BYE

Thanks Ralph and Mary K

I just got your care package! Thank you so much for sending out those things and the card. I will be putting those items to use ASAP. Ralph- congrats on the successful stem cell procedure, I know you are happy to be done with it. I have been praying for you (and the fam) and I appreciate yall keeping up with me and posting comments. I'll call yall in the next few days when I head to town. To answer your questions, all this excitement is occurring within our district (the south ranger district). And all the folks that I am working with are commissioned law enforcement (LE's) and the boss of our entire district is the leader of the park SWAT team and he is a badass. All the folks i'm working with are backcountry rangers (as appossed to frontcountry) meaning all there patrol is done out in the backcountry, which is the best place to be!

Talk to yall soon

This Place is Nuts!

Today was suppose to be relatively straight forward. We had to hike 2 trails, clear them, then hike out. Sounds simple right? I might actually get home at a decent hour so I can stare at the bare walls of the trailer?! Wrong. One broken chainsaw, an hour an a half delay, 50 something trees in which all the cuts were hard, 12 long up and down miles, one mile as fast as we could run, one extremely long rocky beach, 20 fresh bear tracks on the trail, one cold dip in Shoshone Lake, 2 blisters, a code 3 call for immediate backup, a road block, and more traffic duty. Ands its nearly 9 and i just got home. This is soooo much fun.

Our chainsaw broke this morning on the first tree we came to after a 45min drive, so we had to drive back to get a new one. We began clearing trail (which were both beautiful) and we didnt have that many, but because the trail was so steep they were all very interesting to cut. We stopped and had lunch right on the beach and the view was great. Then we started the other 5 mile trail that followed the lake (sounds easy right) it was up and down with trees tangled everywhere. As the end of the trail approached I needed something to keep me moving (at this point I am dripping sweat and I remembered i brought a change of clothes), so I told the ranger I was with " I'm gonna jump in the lake when we get there", and I did and it was freezzin, but refreshing. So as we are hiking out, we are on our the 12th mile of a 13 mile trip, we began to hear commotion on the radio, and as we are listening, we here the other ranger say he in pursuit, then you hear him come on again and say "I need backup, NOW", and we can hear commotion in the background. So the ranger looks at me and says "we gotta move", and me are runnin as fast as we can with all our gear on our backs down the trail. When we get to the car, we check in and hit the lights and siren and head to help. And the ranger told me I would need to stay in the car (booooo), but when we show up our boss tells me to get out and do traffic duty. It was a domestic dispute with three people and two huge pitbulls, it was crazy. But I finally made it home and now I need dinner, so I will post again tomorrow. I'm suppose to be canoing in supplies to one of the backcountry cabins, so I will keep yall informed.

Bye

This Place is Nuts!

What's the Cliche About Govt. Workers?

Whatever it is, it doesnt apply to the folks I'm working with. These guys are the hardest workin bunch and I love it. I didn't post yesterday bc the ole slave drivers didn't get me back to the trailer until nearly 10 o'clock! Our day started at just before 7am as we headed towards Yellowstone Lake for a day on the water. Just as we had finished loading the boat and were about to leave the dock, we got a call on the radio of a car accident (rollover) and we had to respond. We arrive on scene and I am told that I am put on traffic duty and to turn my radio (that I just got the day before and had no intention of using) to this channel so we can communicate directly. So I helped with traffic control as the ambulance came and then we had to wait for the tow truck to remove the guys car. So we finally get the car accident all settled and we are getting back in the truck, and we receive another call that there is a fire alarm going off at one of the lodges and we were closest so we had to respond to that too (someone was trying to cook in their room). So after we finish all this it is obvious that the boating is canceled, so we decide to finish clearing one of the trails that is covered with fallen trees. Well, 10 miles and 125 fallen trees later we finally finished. It was a very long day to say the least. We all took even turns running the chainsaw (I had to wear chaps and a hard hat like a lumberjack). These guys are so good at explaining the proper (and safe) way to do all the activities that are asked of me. They do a great job of teaching me the correct way instead of just telling me so that I can remember it in the future. Thankfully, before we hiked out, we stopped at one of the backcountry cabins and had a snack and some gatorade to replenish ourselves. The view from the cabin is unreal.

When I woke up this morning I was hurtin bad, and I had chaffing from carried my pack for so long with a wet shirt on. So this morning was our rescheduled boat trip (which started just before 7 again). I was givin one of the rangers a hard time and I asked him if I needed to pack dinner as well as lunch for today. The day started off cold and cloudy on the water, but the sun eventually came out. We had to ride out and check some campsites and see if they needed bear poles or sign repair or fire ring repair or a new toilet hole dug. We were out for the whole day and it was a lot of fun. We took out lunch break in a nice little cove and watched some folks flyfish. I was thankful for a day to recover and get to ride a little. Tomorrow we are back on the trail to clear 2 more trails that are over 10 miles again. I dont think there are going to be as many trees down so it shouldnt be too bad.

Keep posting me comments and keeping me informed on how yall are doing. I know Mallorie is coming soon, which I am excited about, but I can handle more visitors.

Talk to yall later. Enjoy pics. The first is the two rangers who I cleared with as they work on the blocked trail (one person cuts while the other two throw the logs to the side and try to keep up). THe next is the only break we took during our 15 hr day. The next pic is one of the backcountry cabins that i will be staying at. The next is a view from the porch of the cabin (not bad huh). Then that is me driving the boat today while the rangers are looking for stuff (dont worry, it was a 5mph zone). And lastly is a view of the mountains from the lake. I know, I got it tough out here :>)

hand

Out on the Trails

Today was my first day of trail clearing. It was hard work but a lot of fun. We hiked around 7 miles and cleared over 60 trees and we are only half way! The other ranger and I took turns, one with the chainsaw, the other with an ax. I had a blast. The weather started out as beautiful sunshine, but that gave way to clouds and rain. We got a little wet, but by then I was so sweaty and gross that it didn't matter. Tomorrow I am going out on the boat to travel to some remote campsites to hang bear poles and work on the sites. I will be sure to take my camera with me to try and get a few good shots. This pic on the right was my view for lunch, not bad huh? Then the next is a pic of the rain coming over the mountains towards us. And this last one is some of the wild flowers that are growing everywhere. Yall would love it.

Everyone keeps saying to stay on the trail, but that is a common misconception. The bears and other animals use the same trails that we do. They usually use them in the evening, all night, and in early mornings. That is why that tell not to hike at the those times. The guy from the bear management office that tracks bears with collars said that when they are documenting bears movements and times it is on the trails just before hikers usually get to them.

Everyone is doing great on the posts...keep it up!

I may be able to get phone service as we head up farther north tomorrow, I will try to call if I get a break from work.

Bye

Friday Update

Hey everyone. I just got of work and I was gonna go for a short hike, but since I'm gonna be on the trail all day the next few days I decided to get in a workout instead before heading to the store. The sun came out here about two hours ago and it turn into a beautiful evening. I'm sorry I haven't posted any pics lately, I should have had some today while on the lake but I left my bag in the truck (worst part was my lunch was in there too!) I will take it tomorrow and try to get some good shots while we are working on the trail. Is it wrong to take a picture while you are working? Nah. Anyway I hope everyone is doing well and I appreciated everyone checking up on me and leaving comments. I still have an open trailer for visitors!(sounds appealing i know)

holler at you later

Working Man

Thanks for all the post. I would suggest sending those items listed by UPS or FedEx, but the pony express may work too.

I am on my lunch break right now so I thought I would update yall a little. Today started with horse chores and then we began loading up two trucks with trailers, including 4 kayaks, 2 canoes, and 2 small motor boats. We hauled them about 30 mins up to Lewis Lake, were we got to go out on the water and tow all the boats into the backcountry area. It was fun but the boat ride was a little chilly. We are on the last leg of preparation to start the season. I believe a few of the rangers will begin going into the backcountry within the next week. Tomorrow I go on my first trail clearing, and I think we are suppose to cover around 10-12 miles. I don't think we will make it that far because there are so many trees down on those trails. I have to go to the store tonight becasue I'm out of bread, but I will still try to post more this evening if I can.

Bye

Yellowstone Update

Greeting to all. Sorry so late on the post today, I work until 6 and then I usually try to get in some activity or another right after. Tonight all of the Backcountry Rangers had a cookout (Deer and Elk!) and we got to hang out together away from work. There are 6 rangers and one spouse. It is such a great group to be working with, I am very lucky. I am starting to get to know all them better and they are really opening up and accepting me. Plus they keep inviting me over for cookouts, I hope this continues. I brought those onion potatoes to the cookout (arent you proud), which was I nice change of pace to actually bring something to contribute instead of just eating a ton of food (although I did eat a ton). And they gave me more meat to take home. Anyway, I had another day one the job, and 8 more to go. My schedule is pretty much 9 days on and 4 or 5 off. They are starting to give me more responsibilities as well. Right now I have been doing lots of project in the frontcountry as wel prepare for our excursions into the backcountry. I am also doing horse chores twice I day (which I really enjoy). I have a CPR/first aid training class coming up, as well as a radio training class. I am learning all kinds of things. I have been giving a schedule for the next month or more and I will try to post it when I get a chance. A bear has been frequenting our residential area, so I am taking my bear spray with me everywhere. Today I was doing a lot of outside work and I had to be conscious to look up and be aware.

This is my address while I am here

Jordan Costner
Yellowstone National Park
Snake River District PO Box 280
Moran, WY 83013

The following is a list of items that I will accept as care packages: (this is merely a rough list and you may send other items and I will decide if they are acceptable)
Not listed in order

• More bear spray
• Clock Radio w/ alarm
• 1 dozen Taco Bell seasoning mixes
• Beacon sweet tea
• Anything from Wades (please pack in dry ice to insure freshness)
• Holden's ranch chicken stew
• $1000 (give or take a few hundred)
• A full day of crystal clear sunshine
• Waterproof Silicon spray
• My beautiful girlfriend
• Chainlink Fencing (Or a guarddog- and no not Sophie!)
• Non-stick frying pan

Keep the comments coming! And I still have room for guest.

Back on the Job

Jordan tried to post something, but I got word he had some trouble. Anyway, he asked me to post something. He said that he's been occupying the majority of his time with the horses. I know he has been enjoying this. I believe he is always searching for wildlife there....he says he carries his binoculars everywhere and every chance he gets he looks for any wildlife he can! I believe the grizzly siting was a crazy experience for him. Though he didn't get to snap a picture, his neighbor gave him a picture he'd taken earlier that day while the bear was grazing. Jordan is enjoying the whole experience right now - especially the work. I'm not surprised - he's in his element. -Mallorie

My First Grizzly!

Well, I finally saw one, and of course it was when I don't have my camera (i should have known). Anyway, as I left the ranger station after my post last night I decided to look across the river with my binocs to look for wildlife. As I was walking the ranger I was with said "there's a grizzly", and sure enough there it was, lumbering out of the forest into the grassy valley. I watched in awe for about ten minutes, but then I had to leave and do the horse chores. After the horse chores, I rushed through dinner so that I could get back over to the river bank to see if the bear was still there. He (it) was right where I left him, grazing in the meadow and digging for roots and/or rodents. I watched him from a long distance, maybe 1000 yards. It eventually stooped grazing, and really started walking with a purpose, towards the river! It walked up and down the bank, and I lost it a few times in the brush. I was just about to call it a night (it was right at 9pm) when I spotted it again on the river bank (this is where it gets interesting). I posted a picture of the view from the station, and you will notice that the river has 3 channels right now due to all the runoff. Next thing I know, the grizzly is in the river, swimming across the first channel. He gets on the island, walks up a good ways and crosses the second, which is very small. Now there is only about 300 yards between me and the bear. He jumps right in the last channel and swims to the shore about 150yds away from me. When I saw all four of his feet hit my side of the bank that was it for me. I high-tailed it back to the safety (yeah right) of my trailer. It was an adrenaline rush seeing that thing. A lot of my neighbors saw it again this morning and got pics. Got to go back to work, I'll post more later.

PS- I'm liking the participation in posting comments

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

I decided to branch out a little further today and I drove up to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. It took over an hour to get there, but the drive was beautiful, with lots of rivers, green meadows, wildlife, all with a backdrop of snow covered peaks. I have been spoiled the last fews days and haven't seen the tourists, but there was a decent crowd at the falls overlook. The paved paths weren't my thing, so I found a good little trail that went along the rim of the canyon, and I ran into very few people, which was nice. The hike had some great views. I might have accidently gone a little further than the end of the trail to get a few better shots. Anyway, its back to work tomorrow, which I am very excited about because after all, that is what I came here to do. I have to go help do some horse chores, here is a pic of some of the "guys".

P.S. In response to Coach Wallaces post, its hard to be real tough when i'm 5 miles from the car, 15 miles from the ranger station, and Ihavent seen another person on the entire trail. But I thought I kept my composure pretty well. But I did start hiking a little faster after that.

Later

A Long Day on the Trail

After a vigorous workout and went back to the trailer, pack a lunch, and headed for the trail. I branched out today and did a trail I had heard some folks talking about. It was 9.5 miles rounded trip and it wore me out pretty good. It was fun, but I wont add it to my list of repeatables because it had virtually no water, which is a must for me. It winded up and down the continental divide through a pine forest and ended at a huge lake (Shoshone Lake). I hiked by myself again it can get nerve wracking if you let your mind wonder too much (especially when you start seeing bear tracks like this one, i think thats a black bear). I took my bear bell and clapped and yelled "hey bear" what felt like a thousand times. I did get to see a few elk right at the end which was nice. I had to get back to help with the horse chores, and now I'm thinking about an early dinner and hittin the sack. Tomorrow I'm thinkin about driving up and checking out other parts of the park before all the tourists get here. If I do I will try to give some of you a call when I get service.

To answer Ralph's question, counting VUA (visitor use assistants), Backcountry Rangers, Administration, volunteers, and me there is around 25 folks at the South Entrance.

Talk to yall later!

Yellowstone Update

Last night was the big BBQ for all the park employees of the South Entrance. It was a lot a fun. I finally got to meet everyone and get to know some of the people that i will be working with. Everyone seems really nice, which will make being here for the summer even more fun. There is a good mix of young and not quite as young (political correctness), as well as folks from all over the country. The head honcho's wife is from SC (small world) and she brought banana pudding! And she gave me the leftovers, probably because I raved about it. We also had hamburgers, hot dogs, fruit, and lots of deserts. It was at the ranger station which is like an old log cabin and it has a big fireplace. It went great. This morning was my first attempt at the horse chores at the corral. I volunteered myself yesterday because that would give me something else fun to do. It went well, until I got the hay out to start feeding them and one started doing the broncin bronco right beside me. I had to duck out of the way. Maybe it just seemed closer than it really was, but it freaked me out a little. I'm about to workout some and then I'm going to branch out on a new hike, but I'm not gonna go too far because I have to be back at the corral by 4 to help with the horses again.

I'll holla at cha later

Hiking in the Snow

I left you last time with news of snow, and it continued until just after lunch. It was so beautiful and I decided to go hiking on a trail that begins right near my trailer. Hiking alone isnt suggested, but I aint sittin in the trailer all day either. I was also hiking in an area where there have been grizzly spottings. But luckily, just as I began my hike, I heard people coming up behind me, and it was my boss and others taking the horses out for a test run. Although i didnt get to ride, I just let them pass and fell in line with them. It worked out for the best because with the hard snow it would have been hard to tell where to go. But I ended up coming back after a few hours, as they were having to work the kinks out with the horses. It was so cool to hike out in the woods in such a hard snow. And yes Mallorie, I had enough clothes. Thank god I got a waterproof camera because it has come in handy for some good shots. I was soaking wet when I returned, and worse yet, my boots, those warm ones i always wear hunting, I guess I've about worn them out because they arent as waterproof as they use to be. And Mom and Mal will be happy to know that I have been using my bear bell when hiking by myself. I'm about to go for a run, then it will be time to get ready for the party.....FREE FOOD!

This is where a little stream feeds into a small lake, and this is the the folks riding horses, with Georgia the mule bringing up the rear.

Later.

It's A White Out!

That's right folks, it's snowing! Hard. And they are calling for more. I woke up this morning and it was raining, and then while I was cooking breakfast it began snowing. Its really coming down. I am listening to the ranger radio, and they are saying it is even worse everywhere else (I am at the furthest southern portion of the park). I was gonna go on a long hike, but I don't feel like getting lost due to lack of visibility, but I'm definitely going somewhere (on foot). They are starting to close some of the roads, so it must be really bad farther north. Do bears like the snow... we'll find out.

The Horses Arrive

I went over and fed the horses some carrots I got from the store. Maybe if i suck up to them now they will behave for me when we are in the backcountry. There are 6 right now and I believe a few more are coming. One of 'ems name is Nip, and I dont know which one he is so I was watching me back.

Bill- forgot to tell you thanks for riding out with me... I appreciate it. I know you are thankful that things didn't work out with my roomy, your trip might not have been as much fun. I went hiking after lunch and I went on the trail me and you started near the ranger station (moose trail loop). I followed all the way up the river and at about the halfway point is Moose Falls. Then it crosses the street and comes back, total around 4 miles. It was cool, check the pics.

Attention: I dont know if yall heard, but "things didnt work out" between my roommate and the NPS, so I have the trailer all to myself, with one open bedroom and a fold out couch. I'm sure we could negotiate a reasonable deal (related to food). They may try to find another intern, but its unlikely. So that means that I should have some visitor in the next few weeks. (Those of you with high standards may want to make a backup reservation just in case the trailer doesnt meet your expectations.)

This last pic is the view from the ranger station. It is a great place to just sit and look for wildlife. I sat here today after my hike with my binoculars (never leave the trailer with out them, and you should bring some if you come). There are so many open areas, including way up in the mountains. I saw all kinds of birds and then I saw some elk far off in the distance. Then, while I was looking at the elk, I saw either a coyote or a wolf (couldnt tell due to the distance). It was awesome! I'm gonna sit out again tonight after dinner, which reminds me, one of the rangers gave me some elk fillet that is marinading in the fridge as I type. Dinner Time!

Love yall and I'll talk to yall later.

P.S. Besides Mallorie and Ralph, I am disappointed with the poor participation in writing post. Lets go people, if i can figure out how to post and put up pics, yall can figure out how to leave a comment.