Getting Settled in at Yellowstone

When we first drove into Yellowstone National Park we decided to get our camp set up. Before doing this of course we had to check in. We were planning on spending the week at Grant Village staying in the same campground so we would not have to pack up and set up everyday. Reservations had been made in advance so we did not have to worry about that. The original campsite we were assigned was set between two roads and had no trees. It was a dusty patch of ground that was right across from the bathroom. In short not the ideal site. We figured it would not be the worst thing if we got stuck in this site but why not see what else is out there. We decided to go back and see if there were any other options. Luckily for us the guys working at the check in desk were super nice. Not only did we look at other sites on a map but they were sweet and fun to joke with as well. We decided on an outer site that is in a tent only loop. It is best to get a site in a tent only loop because then you won’t have to deal with generators. Once we drove up to the site we were so glad that we had made the effort to get a better site. Because we were on the outer loop there were plenty of trees all around. Although this is a compact campground this site was large and our neighbors were hidden behind trees so it did not feel like there were people all around us. We quickly went about the business of getting settled in for the week. We went to the general store to go ahead and get groceries and stock up for the week – this was the plan anyway. We ended up frequenting the store throughout the week. Mom and I both got distracted in the store as is common for me. We not only left with groceries but we both had a new cowboy hat. Brad and I have been collecting pint glasses along our journey as well as before we hit the road so we picked up a Yellowstone pint glass to add to the collection and Mom got a tee shirt. Mom was really happy with her hat selection and was pleased to find a hat that she likes. It is rare for her as it is with most girls to fins a hat that flatters you but if I might say so myself she looked good in that styling cowboy hat – maybe not as good as I looked but you know =). She has another opinion about who the hat looks better on but this is my story so that is how I will tell it =) After settling in to our camp we had a delicious dinner and just talked. One thing that I was excited about this week was not only getting to share some of our trip with a part of my family but also to have my Mom help design some of the meals. I love going home and eating some of the things that she prepares. We were camping so I knew it was not going to be gourmet but I knew there would certainly be a different twist than Brad and I have been bringing to the table. We had pasta with a Sarah twist and it was camp delicious. Mom and Tom were two weary travelers so we took the first day easy and got acclimated to Grant Village. Since we were in bear country we loaned them a bear spray for their tent in case of any unwanted company as unlikely as it is, it is better to be prepared for it. Mom did have a bit of a spook when Tom snored in the middle of the night and she was convinced that there was a snarling bear just beyond the borders of her tent. Luckily when she woke Tom the snarling stopped and she figured out the snarling was actually snoring. Luckily that was the closest we came to a bear attack. We made a fire and Mom and Tom really were appreciating everything that has become so normal to Brad and myself. This made us appreciate it again as we had in the beginning of the trip. Not that we have stopped looking up in the night sky with awe or stopped enjoying being warmed by a fire it has just become normal. What a lucky thing! It was nice to be reminded unknowingly that what we are doing every day is amazing. We left most of the exploring for later in the week.