The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Upper Falls. Spring 2011.

We have 20 days left before we leave Yellowstone forever.  Well not quite forever because that would be unnecessarily dramatic, I'm sure we'll be back sooner than later.  It is definitely strange to think that we aren't coming back this summer.  It's been my home for the last two years - and Graham's a summer longer. 

East View at Inspiration Point.  Summer 2010.

I went on an amazing Canyon Ski tour the other day and was feeling a bit teary eyed when we went out to Inspiration Point.  When you get to the parking area, there are some steps to the right, which I think I've only been done once or twice and there is a view out to the left that takes your eyes down the river meandering through the Canyon for what seems like miles.  It's a view that most people hurry past in the summer to get down the stairs and it's a view in the winter that few get to experience.  I think it's my favorite view.

East View at Inspiration Point. Winter 2012.

I used to love going out to the rim after work to get away from the hustle and bustle of the developed areas.  I would bring my notebook and write about whatever had been on my mind.  As the words escaped through my pen so would the tension and stress be blown away by the warm summer breeze. 

Near the end of my first season, Luke and I had gone for a hike along the North Rim as a farewell and had accidentally gotten off the trail near Crystal Falls.  We followed what must have been an old path that was fine on the side we were on, but once we crossed the stream it had been overgrown.  We scrambled up the hill and found an old building.  I couldn't tell you what it was because Luke was so afraid a Ranger was going to come popping out from behind a tree and give us a fine for being off trail.  We were about 60 seconds away from the Brink of the Upper Falls parking lot but I can still see Luke running off out of fear.

Upper Falls at Night.  Summer 2010.

The next chapter of my life is going to be amazing - hiking from Georgia to Maine with my best friend.  It's certainly getting sad that this chapter will soon be wrapping up.  I'm sure to have a few more nostalgic posts before the end is over - the Canyon has been my backyard, I figured it was the best place to start.

North Rim.  Summer 2010.

P.S. The 2012 Snow Lodge Winter Olympics begin next week!  Gunga Ga Lunga!