Nature

I had been wanting to go to Yellowstone National Park for a long time. I finally got to go. We went in the “off” season in mid-September because there are supposed to be less people. If that was less people I never want to go when there are more people. The irony of wanting to be in nature while being surrounded by people, cars and tour buses makes you ponder what it means to be in nature. I suppose people are part of nature too, but it’s everything that people bring with them that makes it less enjoyable. Getting out of the car to breathe in the fresh air only to suck in someone’s cigarette smoke is less than ideal. Then again, in Yellowstone it’s hard to breathe in anything but sulphur while marveling at nature’s oddities. Then there is the average citizen.

Despite signs, warnings, postings and a million informational tidbits telling you not to be an idiot, there are people walking on the hot thermal pools, trying to get selfies with wild buffalo and walking on the top of a wall with a 1000 foot drop off on the other side into a valley. Never mind common sense. I don’t believe it exists any more; if it ever did.

Another weird thing about Yellowstone is you can’t camp anywhere except at their designated campgrounds which are completely booked. Given the above statement I can see why they have this rule, but if you can’t find a campground or other accommodation, you have to leave the park each night, which is what we did. I guess it’s good business for the neighboring towns though.

I am so glad we went, but honestly, I don’t think I would go back. If I want hustle and bustle I would go to a city. Otherwise, for me, the rejuvenation I get from nature comes more from the quiet and remote areas.