One of the things I love most about my job is that it takes me to places I would never have gone on my own. Some of my favorite trips have been to the most unlikely places...like Portland, Oregon (still my fav to this day), or most recently Billing, MT.
A few weeks ago, I went to Billings, MT to work a conference. I try to make the most of all of my work travels and I just couldn't be that close to the largest national park in the US without seeing some of it for myself. So I arranged my flight to stay over a few days after the conference with the plan of going to Yellowstone. At first a few friends from work that were familiar with the area were planning to go with me! (GREAT...because sadly, I have no idea what you do at a national park.) But, when their plans changed, I decided to just go it alone...and honestly it was one of the best trips I've had!
Did I mention, I had no idea what to do at Yellowstone? Thankfully the national park service has a great website to help plan your trip and provide lots of helpful tips:
1. many people die every year at Yellowstone (great!!) 2. for your safety stay 20 yards away from bison and 100 yards away from bears (thanks for the tip)! 3. Do not feed the animals (got it) 4. No cell phone service (in case you are attacked by a bear there is no way to call for help)
I'm kind of nervous about my solo trip at this point but it sounds like a fun adventure! I can't wait to get away from my busy life for a few days...I NEED to get away for a few days. So, I got a car and booked a lodge at the north entrance of the park and planned my route. No turning back now! I only had a day to see the sights so I got up early on Sunday morning and began my journey! Here's some of the highlights:
A River Runs Through It
One of the locals told me about a scenic route from Billings to the edge of Yellowstone. It was amazing!! There's a river that runs along most of the highway so I drove with the windows down so I could hear it roaring. (I think "A River Runs Through It" was actually filmed around there but there were no Brad sightings.) I got about 60 miles down the road before I came to Beartooth pass...and it was closed. I had to turn around and go back to the closest city for new directions! Oh well...it was a beautiful drive so I didn't mind the long detour...all part of the adventure.
With new directions, I headed down the "All American Highway/Chief Joseph Scenic Highway" to get to the east entrance of Yellowstone. If you ever go to Montana, I would highly recommend this route! It's a little out of the way but it's THE most beautiful drive you will ever take (I think it is actually rated that way in some travel magazine). The best views of the drive.
This is where the toothless man let me borrow his binoculars :)
I love how the scenery changes!
5 hours later....finally to Yellowstone!
1st stop -- Buffalo! I think I am closer than 20ft but they don't seem to mind.
More river runs through it! I am completely captivated by the rivers.
Big horn sheep...I think
Tower Falls and the canyon it runs through!
Mammoth Hot Springs and the last stop before the lodge.
After 9 hours in the car, I am ready to head to get some food and sleep (FYI not many places to eat along the way...or go to the bathroom!) The Absaroka Lodge (as known on the internet) AKA Absaroka Motel. Not quite as rustic as I had hoped but at least it had a balcony overlooking the river. I'm exhausted so I fall quickly to sleep to the sound of the rushing river!
After 9 hours in the car, I am ready to head to get some food and sleep (FYI not many places to eat along the way...or go to the bathroom!) The Absaroka Lodge (as known on the internet) AKA Absaroka Motel. Not quite as rustic as I had hoped but at least it had a balcony overlooking the river. I'm exhausted so I fall quickly to sleep to the sound of the rushing river!
The sun starts to rise around 5:30am in Montana, so I didn't want to miss it. I woke up early and decided to head back into the park before leaving for the airport.
Elk eating breakfast! Sunrise...amazing! I am too captivated to leave, so I decide to head down to the Norris Geyeser Basin.
I think I was one of the only people in the basin that early in the morning and it was freezing. I can't explain how tiny I felt in the middle of this basin but it was beautiful. The pictures don't do justice. God has a sense of humor because I'm not quite sure the purpose of the geyers other than to blow stinky water/steam into the air. I think I smelled like sulphur the rest of the day (I feel bad for the people sitting next to me on the plane)!
At this point I am running late to get back to the airport so I have race back through Yellowstone...no time to stop for pictures!
I was so sad to leave. I did not want to come back the land of tall buildings, busy highways, and busy schedules. I don't think I had enough time to detox from my need to be busy doing something. It's so hard to just "be still" before the Lord, because I always want to be doing something for him (maybe that's just my pride). I thought this trip would be a great way to escape all that busyness but instead I was busy driving from one landmark to the other trying to see as much as I could. While it was amazing and definitely soul nourishing, I never really stopped to be still. I guess the art of stillness isn't about escaping the busyness after all...it's about being still before the Lord in the midst of the chaos. Maybe where I am isn't the issue. Maybe the issue is really the state of my heart. Lord, help me to learn the art of stillness!
