I'm in the Canyon

Hello audience. Sorry for my lack of updates. I think it's been a couple of days. I haven't done much too exciting. I've just been finishing up training and today I made my trek to Canyon Village, which is south and east of Mammoth Hot Springs. I like it here as far as the scenery is concerned. Much more wildlife, furry creatures, tall pine trees, waterfalls and rivers. I can't complain.

First thing's first: This blog entry may be shorter than originally planned due to the fact I just spent roughly an hour trying to get the stupid thing to connect to the network. I'm ready to be done on the computer. But, moving forward...

I made a quick trip to Billings yesterday, camped overnight next to the Yellowstone River, and got attacked my mosquitoes. It was glorious. Actually, it wasn't too shabby. The strange thing was that there was an oil refinery right across the road and neighboring the Yellowstone River. That's a true shame... Anyway, after a short night's rest we decided to head back from Billings via Highway 12. All I can say is it is a phenomenal drive. I highly recommend it to anyone driving in that area. We maxed out at somewhere close to 11,000 feet at the top of whatever mountain we were driving on. Plenty of beautiful lakes and such on the way down. Basically, save up your money, fill up your gas tank, and head towards Red Lodge, MT.

I was in a big hurry to get out of the dorm facilities in Mammoth so I could make it Canyon before the person in charge of giving me my room key left for the day. The drive on Beartooth Highway/Hwy 12 took a little longer than anticipated. I made it to Canyon Village in a little over one hour. Not too bad considering I had to maneuver a "bison jam" and a "bear jam". (I've had multiple questions already asking what a "(insert animal type) jam" is. Basically a bison gets in or near the road and causes all of the silly tourists to come to dead stop and whip out their favorite picture maker to savor the memory of a furry creature that likely isn't seen often in their homelands.)

Upon arriving in Canyon I was directed to the personnel office to gain access to my room, but before I could even make that happen I had already been seen by my assistant manager, Becka. This worked out wonderfully because she then guided me up the stairs to the lodge where I'll be working and I met serveral co-workers. I then got the low-down on when I'll start (Wednesday at 2pm) and then was given a tour of the facilities that Canyon Village has to offer by my manager, Nadia. Thank you ladies.

I came back, moved a few things into this massive sized room I am equipped with and then went to the dining hall. I was the cool kid who ate by himself today. Not a problem though, as I was actually somewhat impressed with the meal selection, which was a hearty portion of chicken penne with alfredo sauce. After that I decided I'd head to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to snap a few photos. It turned out to be somewhat of a learning trip as I began talking with a couple guys who were there taking pictures as well.

I saw quite a bit of wildlife today and snapped a few images of that, and will try to upload the best ones, but I must say that this internet connection is very slow and even more questionable, so if there aren't too many photos, I'll try again later. Enough of the rambling, I shall be on my way now.

I tried to incorporate some of the clouds in this. The picture didn't really do justice for the actual view.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

What's up Mr. Bison? This was on my drive, so I just stuck the camera out the window and snapped.

Just a good shot of the moon on my way back from the Canyon.