Our National Parks

Our National Parks

Topic Author: Amy Carlson

Posted: 11:45 PM Aug 16, 2008

Replies Posted: 4 comments

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Our family just returned from a 2 week vacation to Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky, Montana. We've had the opportunity to travel extensively but this was our first trip to a national park. It was only fitting we start with the nation's first national park, Yellowstone.

The trip began with unanticipated excitement as our flight from Milwaukee to Minneapolis was forced to make an emergency landing back in Milwaukee. Two of the front tires had burst on take off, causing one of the engines to stall. After numerous trips back and forth over Lake Michigan, we landed safely amidst a full fleet of emergency vehicles lining the runway. Our kids deemed it a great adventure and even had their picture taken with the Hazmat crew as we waited in the rain on the runway.

We finally made it to Billings, Montana the next day and enjoyed a visit with Becky Hillier (former NBC 15 anchor) and family. It took a full day to cross Beartooth Pass on the way to the east entrance to the park. The kids loved having a snowball fight with their dad when we finally reached the peak.

We entered the park from the east and were delighted with our first sight of a herd of bison. It got even more up close and personal as a bison walked down the road next to our van. We never saw any bears, but there were plenty of elk and deer.

One thing that really struck me was the number of visitors from different countries. We heard over 15 different languages being spoken throughout the park. It seems that they've all discovered the natural wonders of our country.

Yellowstone did not disappoint. There were surprises at every twist and turn of the road from the Grand Canyon to the Mammoth Hot Springs to the famous Old Faithful geyser. My daughter celebrated her birthday at the historic Yellowstone Hotel as a group of young people from 10 different countries sang a special birthday song for her.

From there we took the scenic drive along the Gallatin River to Big Sky, Montana. The family favorite turned out to be a Whitewater rafting adventure. Two Italians who did not speak English shared our raft which proved interesting when the guide shouted commands of "forward 2, back 3".

While my husband learned to fly fish, I took the kids to the top of the mountain via the ski lift with the intent of hiking back down. How hard could that be? It turns out fairly difficult, especially when you hike down the wrong side of the mountain. Somehow we got turned around and hiked down a ski run. Over a rail fence, we saw huge gorgeous log homes, each one bigger than the last. I finally sensed that something was amiss so we crawled through the fence to ask a landscape guy for guidance.

I knew we were in trouble when he asked what town we were headed for. He told us we were in Yellowstone Club and must leave immediately before security caught up with us. I suggested that they might be able to help since were were lost and out of water. He told us to go back the way we came....hike back up the ski run to get to the other side of the mountain. We followed his command and eventually ended up back at the chair lift. We told the operator about our encounter and asked why it was such a big deal. He laughed as he explained that we had walked through Bill and Melinda Gates' back yard while they were in residence.

My children have learned that any trip can become an adventure and also the importance of reading a map. :)

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

by victoria Location: Madison on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:41 AM

Our family went to Yellowstone, one of many road trips we took as a family. Yes, Yellowstone is a beautiful as well as an interesting place. I was sorry we couldn't have spent more time there. Where exactly is Big Sky? I think that I like the mountain area best because it isn't as heavily populated and the geology radiates such GRANDEUR.

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by Trish on Aug 24, 2008 at 06:15 PM

Ha-Ha!!! Great story Amy... Sounds like a memorable trip for everyone.... Oh well a few mis-encounters always make for an interesting family vacation... How is Becky Hillier? Glad that you were able to get together again....

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by Cindy Location: Blue Mounds on Aug 17, 2008 at 04:46 PM

Glad to hear that you were able to take your family to one of the most beautiful areas in our country. Five years ago, we took our family on a two week trip to Montana, covering the entire western half as well as Grand Teton National Park. While we did not have the (mis)adventure you had with your visit to the Gates', we went to a ranch, hit three national parks, saw Calamity Jane's saddle, learned how to rope ,drove to Canada for dinner, and ate in a tepee near Jackson Hole. It was the best vacation we ever had, and I am sure one your kids will never forget. If I had to leave WI, Montana would be my first choice. The people are friendly, no nonsense folks that tell you like it is, the Kallispel area is breathtaking, and the wildlife awesome. Hope you can go back someday! We plan to...it was our best trip ever.

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by Mike Location: Madison on Aug 17, 2008 at 09:13 AM

Amy- That sounds so cool! My vacations are NEVER that fun!

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