I was given the opportunity to recruit in Yellowstone for the resort I work with and had the privilege of bringing my parents on my recruiting trip with me. I had never been to a National Park with my parents as a child but since growing up and moving out, I have had the opportunity to live in Denali National Park and explore others along the way. My passion for parks has grown immensely so when I was told I could invite someone along on my adventure, I immediately called my mom, asking her if she and my father would like to join. They said yes and so the planning began!
I picked my parents up from the airport in Grand Junction, Colorado and we set out for Yellowstone that afternoon. We camped in Idaho our first night, entering into the park from the west and heading to Mammoth Falls for the first fair. My parents eyes were glued to the windows as water falls, rivers, mountains and wildlife passed by. They were in complete awe of the beauty that surrounded them. We made a few stops along the way, taking in the sounds of nature and enjoying peaceful, quiet moments.
The next two days were spent between Yellowstone Lake and Old Faithful. We were able to secure a small cabin right next to Old Faithful, hearing the geyser burst alive every hour. Grabbing a glass of wine, we headed out to the observation deck at dark to find we had the entire show to ourselves. Something about sitting with my parents, as a grown adult, and getting to watch them experience such a sight for the first time made me realize what it must have been like raising my sister and me. The two were like children, exploring and sensing all around them, eyes open to a world they don’t have the pleasure of enjoying all too often.
I’ve visited many parks and have found special pieces of each to take with me. Yellowstone will hold the greatest memory in my heart as it was a time I finally saw my parents in peace with Mother Nature and for the first time in my life, I got to take them on a vacation they will never forget.
Sincerely,
Yellowstone National Park
America's first national park is named after the river that runs through it. Within the park's massive boundaries, visitors can find mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and some of the most concentrated geothermal activity in the world. The park has 60% of the world’s geysers, as well as hot springs and mud pots. It is also home to diverse wildlife with the largest concentration of mammals in the Lower 48 states, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk.
State(s): Idaho Montana, Wyoming,
Established: 1872
“The world is filled with darkness but with the parks, there is still opportunity for humanity to see the beauty of this earth and gives us a reason to fight to protect it. ”
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Greetings from Yellowstone National Park
The joy, beauty, serenity and amazement of the natural world, readily accessible, is wonderful. I wanted to have my son who is part of the next generation explore and appreciate the beauty of what our parks have to offer. We protect what we love and appreciate. It feels so harmonious…
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