Stories from someone just fumbling through
Well, having completed my first week of the 2014 field season, I can say that it's started out in a very unexpected way. First, I swiftly came down with a pretty severe head cold about a week ago, which has seemingly reinvigorated itself today. I think it was a combination of the dust in the… Continue reading Yellowstone: Week 1
Hold on to your hats, kiddos! This is a long one! I was always really interested in risk assessment in grad school. I even wrote a paper on it soon after Hurricane Katrina because I was interested in why-- in the face of massive destruction, environmental pollution, lack of infrastructure, and an increase in violent… Continue reading Yellowstone: Risk Assessment
I realize that many of you may not know what exactly I'm doing in Yellowstone besides just generically "working" here. That could mean anything. I should be more specific. Back in 2006 (probably before that), the National Park Service's Greater Yellowstone Network Inventory and Monitoring (GRYN) Program selected amphibian occurrence to be a vital sign… Continue reading What in the heck am I doing here?
So here is the final data on my little "vacation." I did not intend to make driving to Yellowstone a vacation but it turned out that way. It was my third time making the trek from New York and I was absolutely dreading it. In years past, I never gave myself much time to enjoy… Continue reading An overview of my trip
Once I hit Cody it was smooth sailing. I was on the very last leg of my trip and I couldn't wait. I stopped to get groceries, enjoyed an older gent playing accordion in front of the supermarket (very random) and got my oil changed. Yup, my Honda is purring like a kitten. That machine… Continue reading From Cody to Yellowstone. I've reached my destination!
I've got a soft spot for Buffalo. If I could live anywhere in the west, Buffalo would be in my top five. It's small enough to not get lost but big enough to have all the creature comforts. The downtown is charming but not offensively touristy. It's the gateway to Yellowstone and is located at… Continue reading The Big Horns and more…
After the Badlands, I hit the road again with the intention of stopping off to see Mount Rushmore. My mother told me that I'd enjoy the little town of Keystone and Mount Rushmore is basically right there so I veered off Interstate 90. That area of the state is basically a hot spot for tourist… Continue reading Keystone, South Dakota to Buffalo, Wyoming
After 1880 Town, I stopped by Wall Drugs because....well you just have to. It's an institution and the hundreds of billboards starting from the state line serve to create an insatiable pavlovian urge to visit. I took pictures of the inside last year so check out this post if you'd like to see them. Wall… Continue reading Wall Drugs & The Badlands, South Dakota
On Interstate 90, just a few hours west of the Corn Palace is 1880 Town. It's basically one of South Dakota's many over-the-top, crazy, unexpected roadside attractions. I've always scoffed at 1880 Town because it seemed like a tourist trap. It boasts a large collection of Dances with Wolves paraphernalia--which I never saw. Costner… Continue reading 1880 Town, South Dakota
Just to review: After Lily Dale, I headed to Chicago to stay with a friend for the night. Then it was off to Myre Big Island State Park in Albert Lea, Minnesota for some camping and hiking. I finally, begrudgingly, left the park at around 3:30 pm and headed west until I hit a… Continue reading The Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota
The Unmaker 