Inspirational people

My experience, here in Yellowstone, has been an even more joyous one because of the people I've met. Here are just a few that have inspired me.

Who else could I start with than my roomie, Cathleen! She has been mentioned in almost every blog post I've had. We met on the bus from Bozeman that very first day. Mostly because we were the only 2 people on the bus that had not come from Bulgaria.

Originally from Indianapolis, Cathleen is pursuing a journalism career, though her time here at Yellowstone may lead her to write about Yellowstone in a historical manner, or even become a ranger. She has the gift of the gab, and probably speaks twice as many words as I ever do in one day, and it is always a joy to be around her. She has an unassuming, intellectual and playful spirit about her. I am grateful to have met her...



Dustin, from Nashville, TN. He was here only a few short weeks and then had to leave unexpectedly, but it was great having him here. His spontaneity, love of nature and Honda Element led us to unexpected places and beautiful sights. One of my favorite memories was when Dustin, Justin, Cathleen and I were driving on the Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone just after midnight one night, when he suddenly pulled over so that we could all get out of the car and see the stars. I had never seen so many stars in my life. There were so many, that I could see them on both sides of me - on the horizon. It was as if there we stars all around me, but on the ground. I will always remember that...



Tiffany and Ross from Kalamazoo, Michigan. They are by far my favorite couple here. They both were offered jobs in the Park, and within a day, gave their jobs in Michigan (which they had been at for several years) their 2 weeks notice. Their employers in Michigan loved them so much, that they instead gave them each a 3 month leave of absence, just so they could have them back again in the fall. In 2 weeks, they packed up all their stuff, drove out to Wyoming, bought a used RV in Jackson, and currently live in their RV just outside of Gardiner until mid-September. It is obvious they love each other and love being with each other, and their thirst for adventure is equal. I love them!...


Dearest Elizabeth. Where can I begin? Here are just some of the reasons that Elizabeth is outstanding:

1) She decided to enroll in college for the first time when she was 43.
2) By age 59, she received her doctorate.
3) She has an inflatable kayak that she brings with her at all times, just in case she comes across a river she'd like to ride on.
4) She is in the process of achieving her goal of hiking 500 miles by mid-October, after virtually no hiking experience prior to this April.
5) Once while hiking a trail on her own recently, she encountered a wolf, face to face. She and the wolf just calmly looked each other in the eyes, as if they had an understanding, and all was well.
5) She gives Cathleen and I unlimited amounts of wise woman guidance whenever we need it.


7) In addition, she drives this car...


Yep, Elizabeth is the definition of kick-ass.

It's easy to be inspired by others here.