Here are the answers to same 12 questions asked of the students in the previous post, but from the adults on this trip:
Patty Littlejohn
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: the mammoth site because even in our day and time, we’re finding that history is being revealed constantly, and at a new pace.
2. Least interesting site we visited: Evan’s Plunge – and my reason – I find it hard to believe that there is really 5000 gallons a minute coming into that.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget – listening to the students in awe as they could see all the animals and sites.
4. Everyday I looked forward to: the upcoming sites and scenes that the kids had never seen before.
5. I got tired of: the possibility of rain, so often.
6. It was a “bummer” when – I would see the orange signs that said “road construction ahead”….
7. A “pleasant surprise” was being prepared for the rain at one point – and it didn’t rain!
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Old Faithful, because it still amazes me that we have such hydrothermal activity underground.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? My swimsuit.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A warmer jacket.
11. What about this trip would you change? Maybe not to pack so much activity into a day.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? The possibility of going out west and for the kids to be able to see a whole new world that they’ve never seen in Franklin.
Kristi Jefferson
1. Most interesting of the sites we visited: I thought it was at the Fishing Bridge Lodge at Yellowstone Lake, where the ranger gave us an explanation about Yellowstone Lake, and the geysers, and the formation of the area. He explained about the Continental Divide and many other things.
2. Least interesting site we visited – Cabella’s – it didn’t have a historical or real-life value to add.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget: How everybody worked together – mosquitoes! – the beauty that exists in our country.
4. Everyday I looked forward to: seeing how all the students would react to something they had never seen before and how they grew as individuals on the trip.
5. I got tired of: mosquitoes, mosquitoes, mosquitoes.
6. It was a “bummer” when the kids weren’t able to go horseback riding when they were anticipating it – two times.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was getting to meet the gentleman who had worked on Mt. Rushmore, and also when Mary, Jeff, and Brant Littlejohn came to visit.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? It’s a toss up for me between all the sites in Yellowstone and Custer State Park – we couldn’t do one without the other!
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? Poncho – never touched it.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? More long-sleeved shirts and pants for the cold.
11. What about this trip would you change? Not a thing – it is a wonderful educational opportunity and we are blessed to have Patty arrange it, organize it, and lead it for each of the past 21 summers.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? It should remain a camping trip and one where the children are involved in all the everyday activities in addition to the sites. I think the technology addition should continue too.
Cas Jefferson
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: The Fishing Bridge – where we learned how the lake was formed and all the information related to that.
2. Least interesting site we visited: - Wall Drugs – it was alright, but it was more touristy – but the kids liked it.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget: The scenery is breath-taking, every turn you don’t know what you’re going to see next, the historical information about things we saw, and the kids – how they interacted with each other – it was good thing all the way around.
4. Everyday I looked forward to what we were going to do next!
5. I got tired of the mosquitoes!
6. It was a “bummer” when – I really didn’t have much disappointment on this trip!
7. A “pleasant surprise” was when Patty’s family surprised her, and the interaction between all the kids with little Brant – both the girls and the boys.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? It would be a toss up between Yellowstone and Custer – Custer because of the remoteness and being able to see the stars, and Yellowstone because it is such a large area with so much more to explore –we need more time to see everything!
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? the poncho
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? Maybe more warm clothes, maybe some stronger bug spray.
11. What about this trip would you change? And 12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? First, I wouldn’t change anything on this trip because the kids need to do the chores and all the interactions that help them mature.
The other part of that is – this is the Northwest – don’t ever lose the Southwest trip either, because both trips are totally different. Both trips are awesome, awe-inspiring. It is a great experience for the kids and for the adults who come. What I’ve heard from adults who have done this for a number of years is that each time there is a different experience even if it changes a bit. If you have the opportunity, a company that you work for that will let you have 16 days off, to make this trip, I would recommend it to anyone. This is a camping experience, a four-seasons, not-getting-waited-on type of deal, but the rewards are immeasurable.
Abigail Reynolds:
1. Most interesting: Devils Tower - It’s unlike anything else.
2. Least interesting: Cabela’s - I’m not big on hunting/fishing, but I know some of the kids really like it—and this trip is for them. :-)
3. I’ll never forget: The hike to Inspiration Point. It’s my favorite part of the trip! Also going to the brink of Yellowstone’s upper falls – we had never done that before on this trip.
4. I looked forward to: Seeing the students’ faces when they saw something new.
5. I got tired of: Listening to the X-Men movies—they’re hard to follow based on dialogue alone.
6. It was a “bummer” when: The mosquitoes attacked!
7. A “pleasant surprise” was: Jeff telling me that he wanted to surprise his mom—and the fact that we pulled it off.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Grand Tetons—they’re just amazingly beautiful
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all – should’a left at home? Nothing—after 8 times, I’m pretty good at packing for this trip.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? Aloe
11. What about this trip would you change (considering only realistic, reasonable changes)? Maybe add one more day in Yellowstone, but there’s nothing I’d want to cut to make that possible.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? That it exists. The kids (and adults) get so much out of it. I would hate to see it end.
Carole Grooms
1. Most interesting: I thought the Grand Tetons and Hayden Valley in Yellowstone were the most beautiful places. The mammoth site was the most fascinating because it was the “real deal” – no facsimile here! Devil’s Tower was the most amazing geological thing to me – how that formed, the formations in the rocks, and the sheer size of it. And Yellowstone – how it is still such an active thermal area, living and breathing and changing right before our eyes.
2. Least interesting site we visited was Wall Drug – just Tourist City to me – nothing to learn, only money to spend on junk.
3. I’ll never forget: the wildflowers all throughout the Rockies – the flowers that we work so hard to make grow in our gardens at home grow wild everywhere and the colors were just amazing – and the cold weather that we were not expecting!
4. Everyday I looked forward to the next new site - and laying down at night, going to sleep. I slept really well every night because we were so tired.
5. I got tired of the competitive arguing and bickering that went on in our van on a regular basis.
6. It was a “bummer” when I forgot I had been cutting up jalapeno peppers then took out my contact lenses (then dealt with three days of uncomfortable contacts), when I broke my big toenail in half the second day of the trip, and how hard I hit the ground when I fell off the horse. And, everyday we were at Flagg, I kept hoping for an opportunity to walk down to the Snake River and just sit, put my feet in, watch for wildlife, but we never had time.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was not having to pack up camp and move for the last night at Flagg Ranch as expected, finding a great pair of shoes at Cabella’s for about 75% off. A really special moment was at Jackson Hole, when Patty’s family was leaving us. Brant was laying on his stomach, playing in the grass, when someone said “kids, come say by to Brant” to our students. Our kids, boys first, all raced over to Brant, and joined him on the grass, on their stomachs, chins supported by fists, all in a little circle studying whatever bug Brant was looking at too. It was a really sweet moment.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? The Grand Tetons – amazing views, beautiful mountains, and Yellowstone – which is like four parks in one. I would love my sisters and I to come back and hike some long trails.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? Too many summer clothes, my knitting project, even as small as it was, I just didn’t have time to fool with it. And – other lenses for my camera and a backup battery, already charged and ready to go.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? My Tilley hat. More socks. Binoculors.
11. What about this trip would you? I would love more time to just sit – time to watch for animals. Also, would love more hiking, like the hike to Inspiration Point – I wish we had a hike like that on five or six days of the trip, maybe even longer ones.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? The kids doing most of the work – they gain soooo much independence on this trip having to take care of all of their equipment and the camp equipment in general, doing the cooking, prep work, clean-up, etc.
Rita Oakley
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: The visitor’s center at Yellowstone Lake – where we got the scoop from the ranger on the Yellowstone caldera, the continuous changing of paths through the mudpots area, the windstorms, the catching of invasive lake trout, etc.
2. Least interesting site we visited: Cabella’s was interesting because of the 32 point deer displayed, so I’ll say Corn Palace - because it wasn’t a buffalo
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget: being so close and buffalo sneaking up on me one morning, and the incident on the horse trail ride (in all seriousness). The scenery and all is beyond belief, but it is the kids which gives this trip its special touch and memories – the kids, the leaders, and dynamics of each group are unique. Also – the kindness of strangers on the trip, like the man who sold us gas in South Dakota when we were too far from a gas station.
4. Everyday I looked forward to everything that was coming up! All the possibilities – seeing the things I might not have seen on the trips previously.
5. I got tired of telling kids to wash their hands before you cook, touch food or eat!
6. It was a “bummer” that the trip is so short! There is so much to do in so little time!
7. A “pleasant surprise” was – how well these kids got along. They all had moments, but there were no blowups. They all tried to behave well.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Custer State Park (South Dakota) because we saw the buffalo in the mornings coming in, we could see the trees where they rubbed against them to shed their fur, where they left spots on the ground where they had been laying. The fishing was wonderful there too – we ate fresh trout!
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? My bandanas for sweating (because the trip was cool).
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A smaller tote for my souvenirs.
11. What about this trip would you change? I would extend it – more days.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? It should never be turned into a “motel trip” – it should remain a camping, kids-do-the-work trip, where kids are able to experience all of these things and responsibilities.
Debbie Alcorn
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: Mt. Rushmore – because we had the opportunity to meet one of the men that actually worked on Jefferson’s and Lincoln’s head.
2. Least interesting site we visited: Evan’s Plunge – I expected the water to be warmer, a little hotter, than it was.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget: the memories it brought for me for when I took this trip with my parents and my siblings.
4. Everyday I looked forward to seeing my children experience something I experienced when I was their age.
5. I got tired of re-tying fish hooks!
6. It was a “bummer” when Sean’s five-pound trout got away.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was when the grizzly bear was so close to our car.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Yellowstone park because there are so many things to do within the park itself.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? Two fanny packs.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? My husband.
11. What about this trip would you change? I honestly can’t think of anything!
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? The number of diverse sites and activities that are included in the trip.
Showing posts with label reflections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reflections. Show all posts
Sunday, July 12, 2009
12 Questions
We asked everyone on this trip to answer twelve questions about the experience. The different answers really show how each person learns and grows in their own unique way from this trip! See individual answers following. The twelve questions were:
1. What was the most interesting or educational of the sites we visited and why?
2. What was the least interesting site we visited and why?
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget is:
4. Everyday I looked forward to:
5. I got tired of:
6. It was a “bummer” when:
7. A “pleasant surprise” was:
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why?
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all – should’a left at home?
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had?
11. What about this trip would you change (considering only realistic, reasonable changes)?
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change?
Ben P.
1. Most interesting: The Needles Highway - We got to climb on the fun rocks.
2. Least interesting: Corn Palace -It wasn’t very informational or fun
3. I’ll never forget: having fun with all my friends all across the country.
4. Everyday I looked forward to all the fun activities of that day.
5. I got tired of washing the dishes.
6. It was a “bummer” when all the mosquitoes attacked us.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was when Ms. Littlejohn’s relatives joined us for part of the trip.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Definitely Yellowstone because it was so big and there were many fun things to do there.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all?
My rain poncho because every time it rained we got in the vans or under a shelter.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? Maybe a little extra cash.
11. What about this trip would you change? I think we should have had a campfire every night.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Having the kids cook their own meals.
Claire C.
1. Most interesting was the Mammoth site because you could see the stuff in the ground and it had the posters and stuff to show it all. It showed the sinkhole and all.
2. Least interesting site we visited was the Crazy Horse monument because it wasn’t complete and it was boring. The movie was boring. Also Corn Palace because I thought it was ALL going to be made out of corn and it wasn’t. It was just walking around and it wasn’t anything really interesting – just some corn on a wall.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was meeting people I didn’t even know went to our school, and seeing things I didn’t even know existed – like half the things on our itinerary – Devil’s Tower, Grand Tetons, Crazy Horse, Corn Palace, Wall Drugs, and The Badlands I had never heard of before.
4. Everyday I looked forward to seeing something new and not being stuck in the tent.
5. I got tired of setting up the tent and putting it down and riding in the van SO much.
6. It was a “bummer” when we kept having to go in the vans the first night when it stormed because we had been riding in them all day. And when we went horseback riding and it got rained out.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was making s’mores – and meeting Brant Littlejohn.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Evan’s Plunge because it was amazing!
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? A poncho because we weren’t even outside in the rain – we were under a pavilion or in the van.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? I wish I had had a second pair of shoes because mine got soaked. And, I wish I had had a fan and a heater.
11. What about this trip would you change? Some time to just sit around and not do anything, and not go to Crazy Horse because you can see it from afar.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Having it! And Ms. Littlejohn leading it.
Daniel S:
1. Most interesting of the sites we visited was Mt. Rushmore because one- the movie was really cool, and two- I thought it was very interesting that they have that big hall of flags. It was just really cool.
2. Least interesting site we visited was Wall Drug – we didn’t get much time to look around, and even though I did buy a souvenir for my brother there, it just wasn’t that interesting.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget is going to the mammoth site because seeing those giant mammoth bones and other prehistoric animals was really cool for me cause I’ve loved paleontology since I was four.
4. Everyday I looked forward to doing something new and exciting.
5. I got tired of certain members of our group being annoying.
6. It was a “bummer” when we didn’t get to go horseback riding the first two times and when I got eaten up by mosquitoes. And, when Claire’s horse kept “cutting the cheese” on mine.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was Ms. Littlejohn’s son, daughter-in-law, and grandson came to see us.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Evan’s Plunge because I know that every member of my family, especially my siblings, would love to go there because it was so much fun.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? My rain poncho- once it rained I was usually under a pavilion or not out in the rain.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? More socks, and a fan.
11. What about this trip would you change? Go to some more new places like Wind Cave and Jewel Cave.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Going to Yellowstone.
Doug O:
1. Most interesting of the sites we visited was the Mammoth site because there were so many interesting facts that I learned, like how the mammoths got there from a sinkhole and why they were all males.
2. Least interesting site we visited was Crazy Horse because we didn’t get close to it and after 61 years they have only carved the head – it’s not even finished.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was meeting new friends and seeing all the attractions again. (I’ve done this trip before.)
4. Everyday I looked forward to seeing something exciting and not riding in the van all day!
5. I got tired of riding in the van all day and all the mosquitoes at Flagg Ranch after how many pounds of bug spray. And I got tired of washing dishes and setting up the tent and taking it down.
6. It was a “bummer” when we were gonna go horseback riding but got rained out, and then we were gonna go again but we got winded out, and then when I thought we were going to the St. Louis arch, but we didn’t.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was having s’mores and having a really good horse named Tank. Also, meeting Jeff, Mary, and Brant Littlejohn.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Mt. Rushmore because it was interesting and Evan’s Plunge because it was really fun – and I didn’t go down the big slide at the beginning and then the girls forced me to and I loved it!
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? A poncho, a toboggan cap.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A heater
11. What about this trip would you change? More time to watch for wildlife and go somewhere besides Flagg Ranch because of the mosquitoes there.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Having Ms. Littlejohn plan and lead this trip for so many years.
Eduarda L:
1. Most interesting: Mt. Rushmore, because I’ll never forget the presidents’ heads on the rocks.
2. Least interesting site we visited: Crazy Horse - Because it took so long to build and wasn’t finished, and the nose was all crooked.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget is Rachel going “Woooooo, It’s Devil’s Tower!”
4. Everyday I looked forward to what we were going to do or see.
5. I got tired of loading and unloading the cargo van every day or so and getting kicked off the air mattress.
6. It was a “bummer” when we didn’t get to go horseback riding the first times and when it rained so much.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was meeting Brant Littlejohn.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Evan’s Plunge because it was REALLY fun!
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? My Northface – I used my hoodie instead.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A fan and a heater.
11. What about this trip would you? Not go to Crazy Horse.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? The adults – I like having them along.
Eric D:
1. Most interesting of the sites we visited: Mt. Rushmore. It was very interesting how they carved the faces and how much they look like the real person. Also I learned a lot about the monument in the little museum.
2. Least interesting site we visited: Crazy Horse Monument - Because it is just a copy of Mt. Rushmore but for Indians.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget: Seeing two moose.
4. Everyday I looked forward to: Getting my passport book stamped and learning about the monuments.
5. I got tired of seeing so many deer.
6. It was a “bummer” when I fell off my horse while horseback riding.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was when Ms. Littlejohn’s son, daughter-in-law, and grandson came and met us on our way to Badlands National Park.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Yellowstone National Park because it is so beautiful and there are so many landmarks and wildlife.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? My reading book.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? Nothing.
11. What about this trip would you change? Stop going to Cabela’s because it wasn’t necessary.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Swimming in Evans Plunge and going to Mt. Rushmore.
Emily G:
1. Most interesting of the sites we visited was Mt. Rushmore because it was pretty amazing and it was a good experience.
2. Least interesting site we visited was Crazy Horse because I don’t think there was really a point to it – I didn’t really get it.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was all the people that I met.
4. Everyday I looked forward to food!
5. I got tired of not being able to go horseback riding and putting up the tent.
6. It was a “bummer” when we didn’t get to make ice cream ever!
7. A “pleasant surprise” was meeting Brant Littlejohn.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Evan’s Plunge because my mom would scream and my dad would do a cannonball!
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? Nothing, cause I pretty much used everything.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? More money, a flashlight, and a heater and a fan – and a swimsuit!
11. What about this trip would you change? Skip going to Crazy Horse, wish we would have gone swimming more.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? One, that Ms. Littlejohn leads it, another, that we get to do most of the work because we’re independent, so we can learn for the future.
Rachel D:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited was the mammoth site because they told us a lot of facts and I was very interested.
2. Least interesting site we visited was Crazy Horse because I wasn’t impressed with the progress.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was Devil’s Tower because it was great! It was very large.
4. Everyday I looked forward to sleeping.
5. I got tired of waking up in the mornings, setting up my tent.
6. It was a “bummer” when it rained every day.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was meeting Brant Littlejohn.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? It would be Evan’s Plunge because my whole entire family would enjoy it. Even my parents.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? A rain poncho.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? More clothes, a fan, and a heater.
11. What about this trip would you? Stay only at a place that has showers, and not a pot hole toilet.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Having Ms. Littlejohn run this trip and doing the trip yearly.
Rashaad D:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited was probably Old Faithful because I’d never seen one (a geyser) before and I got to find out how they worked.
2. Least interesting site we visited was probably the Mammoth Site because I was kind of bored there – I wasn’t really interested in that. We got to do a lot of better stuff.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was probably the horse back riding because it was a first for me and I did well.
4. Everyday I looked forward to was going to sleep at night because I was tired!
5. I got tired of putting up the tents and taking them back down.
6. It was a “bummer” when the first two horseback rides got cancelled, when my sleeping bag got wet.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was Evan’s Plunge (where Steven and I did better than others on the rings.)
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? The horseback riding because I want them to experience it with me! It was the prettiest ride.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? My poncho and I only got my fan out twice.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? More money!
11. What about this trip would you change? Not go to the mammoth site.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? The camping!
Scott B:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: Mammoth site because somebody actually explained stuff to us
2. Least interesting site we visited: Crazy horse because it was only a head
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget: Mount Rushmore
4. Everyday I looked forward to seeing new things
5. I got tired of Eric and Ben singing
6. It was a “bummer” when Steve McNair died.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was when I found my phone after I lost it.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Yellowstone because it was awesome
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? Sunscreen
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? Better camera
11. What about this trip would you change? The amount of people (less) and items (people brought too much stuff)
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Yellowstone
Sean A:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: The Badlands. No question. Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument show a lot of pictures about the place before you get there, but you could see the Badlands in hundreds of pictures before you get there, and still be amazed at the site. It is the only place so amazing that I forgot to breath. It was amazing. The Badlands of South Dakota are truly amazing. Truly awesome. Truly a site to see.
2. Least interesting site we visited was….. Probably Crazy Horse, because it was a little monotonous – the museum was amazing, but the actual monument was a little boring because you see what it is going to be but when you get down to it you only see the head and some marks where the horse is going to be. I think it is going to be really cool when it is finished, but my least favorite.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget – this whole trip, because everything here is completely new and I’ve met a lot of new people, never gone camping for this long. I have never gone this far north, never dreamed of seeing Mt. Rushmore, didn’t know Crazy Horse existed. Seeing the mammoth site was cool and Evan’s Plunge was really cool too.
4. Everyday I looked forward to whatever we were going to do that day – I was excited by anything and everything we did on this trip.
5. I got tired of sitting in the car with Steven and Rashaad and listening to Daniel’s complaining.
6. It was a “bummer” when didn’t get to go horseback riding the first time and when Uncle Tom’s trail was closed.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was meeting Jeff and Mary Littlejohn and Brant.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? The mammoth site and Evan’s Plunge. Evan’s Plunge was unlike anything I’d ever seen before and had never thought of a rock bottom. It was amazing to see all the mammoths.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? All the winter clothes.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A travel chess set.
11. What about this trip would you change? I would not go to that really bad campsite – Wilson State Park – because the tall grass itched and there were all sorts of spiders, and the bathrooms had more cockroaches in the toilet than there were in the trees.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Seeing the sites and going to Custer State Park – the best campsite we went to.
Steven F:
1. Most interesting site we visited was the Mammoth Site because you got to learn how they got there and why they were all male.
2. Least interesting site we visited was Crazy Horse because it wasn’t finished.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget is the places we went.
4. Everyday I looked forward to seeing something new.
5. I got tired of the car rides, the temperature (hot and cold), unloading and loading the van, and cleaning.
6. It was a “bummer” when it was always raining and the road construction.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was seeing some of the wild animals
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Mt. Rushmore because my family’s never been there before and it was neat.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? An extra jacket – I had two.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A pillow and a fan.
11. What about this trip would you? How short it is – it should be longer so we could see even more places.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? All the places we went
Will G:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: The geysers because there were so many so close together
2. Least interesting site we visited: Corn palace, I just thought it was boring
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was my Switchblade Comb (souvenir)
4. Everyday I looked forward to: Going to the next place, seeing stuff
5. I got tired of: Setting up the tent, Putting it up, setting stuff up in general
6. It was a “bummer” when: We had to leave places so fast and didn’t get time to stay, and not climbing more of the Badlands
7. A “pleasant surprise” was: Getting to climb more at the needles after not doing tons at the Badlands
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? The Needles, because the climbing was so fun, some of the views were amazing, and there was so much and it was awesome. Might not be what people expect as one of my favorite places, but it was awesome
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ?
Poncho, 2 swim trunks(not just 1), extra clothes
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had?
More to entertain for the car, Sharpies, stuff like that
11. What about this trip would you change? More time at stops like Wall Drug and Badlands and Needles, etc…
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change?
The places we go to.
Will W:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: Devil’s Tower. It was interesting to read all the theories behind how it was formed.
2. Least interesting site we visited: The Badlands. The view was awesome, but when we started to climb around, it started storming, so we had to leave early.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget: Seeing a Grizzly Bear ten feet away.
4. Everyday I looked forward to: Whatever we had planned for that day.
5. I got tired of: 10 Hour Car rides.
6. It was a “bummer” when: Our Horseback riding got cancelled twice.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was: Catching a lot of fish.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Yellowstone, because they so many different things.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ?A poncho
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A laser pointer
11. What about this trip would you change? Stay at campsites that all had nice restrooms.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? The sites we visit.
1. What was the most interesting or educational of the sites we visited and why?
2. What was the least interesting site we visited and why?
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget is:
4. Everyday I looked forward to:
5. I got tired of:
6. It was a “bummer” when:
7. A “pleasant surprise” was:
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why?
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all – should’a left at home?
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had?
11. What about this trip would you change (considering only realistic, reasonable changes)?
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change?
Ben P.
1. Most interesting: The Needles Highway - We got to climb on the fun rocks.
2. Least interesting: Corn Palace -It wasn’t very informational or fun
3. I’ll never forget: having fun with all my friends all across the country.
4. Everyday I looked forward to all the fun activities of that day.
5. I got tired of washing the dishes.
6. It was a “bummer” when all the mosquitoes attacked us.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was when Ms. Littlejohn’s relatives joined us for part of the trip.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Definitely Yellowstone because it was so big and there were many fun things to do there.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all?
My rain poncho because every time it rained we got in the vans or under a shelter.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? Maybe a little extra cash.
11. What about this trip would you change? I think we should have had a campfire every night.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Having the kids cook their own meals.
Claire C.
1. Most interesting was the Mammoth site because you could see the stuff in the ground and it had the posters and stuff to show it all. It showed the sinkhole and all.
2. Least interesting site we visited was the Crazy Horse monument because it wasn’t complete and it was boring. The movie was boring. Also Corn Palace because I thought it was ALL going to be made out of corn and it wasn’t. It was just walking around and it wasn’t anything really interesting – just some corn on a wall.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was meeting people I didn’t even know went to our school, and seeing things I didn’t even know existed – like half the things on our itinerary – Devil’s Tower, Grand Tetons, Crazy Horse, Corn Palace, Wall Drugs, and The Badlands I had never heard of before.
4. Everyday I looked forward to seeing something new and not being stuck in the tent.
5. I got tired of setting up the tent and putting it down and riding in the van SO much.
6. It was a “bummer” when we kept having to go in the vans the first night when it stormed because we had been riding in them all day. And when we went horseback riding and it got rained out.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was making s’mores – and meeting Brant Littlejohn.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Evan’s Plunge because it was amazing!
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? A poncho because we weren’t even outside in the rain – we were under a pavilion or in the van.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? I wish I had had a second pair of shoes because mine got soaked. And, I wish I had had a fan and a heater.
11. What about this trip would you change? Some time to just sit around and not do anything, and not go to Crazy Horse because you can see it from afar.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Having it! And Ms. Littlejohn leading it.
Daniel S:
1. Most interesting of the sites we visited was Mt. Rushmore because one- the movie was really cool, and two- I thought it was very interesting that they have that big hall of flags. It was just really cool.
2. Least interesting site we visited was Wall Drug – we didn’t get much time to look around, and even though I did buy a souvenir for my brother there, it just wasn’t that interesting.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget is going to the mammoth site because seeing those giant mammoth bones and other prehistoric animals was really cool for me cause I’ve loved paleontology since I was four.
4. Everyday I looked forward to doing something new and exciting.
5. I got tired of certain members of our group being annoying.
6. It was a “bummer” when we didn’t get to go horseback riding the first two times and when I got eaten up by mosquitoes. And, when Claire’s horse kept “cutting the cheese” on mine.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was Ms. Littlejohn’s son, daughter-in-law, and grandson came to see us.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Evan’s Plunge because I know that every member of my family, especially my siblings, would love to go there because it was so much fun.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? My rain poncho- once it rained I was usually under a pavilion or not out in the rain.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? More socks, and a fan.
11. What about this trip would you change? Go to some more new places like Wind Cave and Jewel Cave.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Going to Yellowstone.
Doug O:
1. Most interesting of the sites we visited was the Mammoth site because there were so many interesting facts that I learned, like how the mammoths got there from a sinkhole and why they were all males.
2. Least interesting site we visited was Crazy Horse because we didn’t get close to it and after 61 years they have only carved the head – it’s not even finished.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was meeting new friends and seeing all the attractions again. (I’ve done this trip before.)
4. Everyday I looked forward to seeing something exciting and not riding in the van all day!
5. I got tired of riding in the van all day and all the mosquitoes at Flagg Ranch after how many pounds of bug spray. And I got tired of washing dishes and setting up the tent and taking it down.
6. It was a “bummer” when we were gonna go horseback riding but got rained out, and then we were gonna go again but we got winded out, and then when I thought we were going to the St. Louis arch, but we didn’t.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was having s’mores and having a really good horse named Tank. Also, meeting Jeff, Mary, and Brant Littlejohn.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Mt. Rushmore because it was interesting and Evan’s Plunge because it was really fun – and I didn’t go down the big slide at the beginning and then the girls forced me to and I loved it!
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? A poncho, a toboggan cap.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A heater
11. What about this trip would you change? More time to watch for wildlife and go somewhere besides Flagg Ranch because of the mosquitoes there.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Having Ms. Littlejohn plan and lead this trip for so many years.
Eduarda L:
1. Most interesting: Mt. Rushmore, because I’ll never forget the presidents’ heads on the rocks.
2. Least interesting site we visited: Crazy Horse - Because it took so long to build and wasn’t finished, and the nose was all crooked.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget is Rachel going “Woooooo, It’s Devil’s Tower!”
4. Everyday I looked forward to what we were going to do or see.
5. I got tired of loading and unloading the cargo van every day or so and getting kicked off the air mattress.
6. It was a “bummer” when we didn’t get to go horseback riding the first times and when it rained so much.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was meeting Brant Littlejohn.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Evan’s Plunge because it was REALLY fun!
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? My Northface – I used my hoodie instead.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A fan and a heater.
11. What about this trip would you? Not go to Crazy Horse.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? The adults – I like having them along.
Eric D:
1. Most interesting of the sites we visited: Mt. Rushmore. It was very interesting how they carved the faces and how much they look like the real person. Also I learned a lot about the monument in the little museum.
2. Least interesting site we visited: Crazy Horse Monument - Because it is just a copy of Mt. Rushmore but for Indians.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget: Seeing two moose.
4. Everyday I looked forward to: Getting my passport book stamped and learning about the monuments.
5. I got tired of seeing so many deer.
6. It was a “bummer” when I fell off my horse while horseback riding.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was when Ms. Littlejohn’s son, daughter-in-law, and grandson came and met us on our way to Badlands National Park.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Yellowstone National Park because it is so beautiful and there are so many landmarks and wildlife.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? My reading book.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? Nothing.
11. What about this trip would you change? Stop going to Cabela’s because it wasn’t necessary.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Swimming in Evans Plunge and going to Mt. Rushmore.
Emily G:
1. Most interesting of the sites we visited was Mt. Rushmore because it was pretty amazing and it was a good experience.
2. Least interesting site we visited was Crazy Horse because I don’t think there was really a point to it – I didn’t really get it.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was all the people that I met.
4. Everyday I looked forward to food!
5. I got tired of not being able to go horseback riding and putting up the tent.
6. It was a “bummer” when we didn’t get to make ice cream ever!
7. A “pleasant surprise” was meeting Brant Littlejohn.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Evan’s Plunge because my mom would scream and my dad would do a cannonball!
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? Nothing, cause I pretty much used everything.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? More money, a flashlight, and a heater and a fan – and a swimsuit!
11. What about this trip would you change? Skip going to Crazy Horse, wish we would have gone swimming more.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? One, that Ms. Littlejohn leads it, another, that we get to do most of the work because we’re independent, so we can learn for the future.
Rachel D:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited was the mammoth site because they told us a lot of facts and I was very interested.
2. Least interesting site we visited was Crazy Horse because I wasn’t impressed with the progress.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was Devil’s Tower because it was great! It was very large.
4. Everyday I looked forward to sleeping.
5. I got tired of waking up in the mornings, setting up my tent.
6. It was a “bummer” when it rained every day.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was meeting Brant Littlejohn.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? It would be Evan’s Plunge because my whole entire family would enjoy it. Even my parents.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? A rain poncho.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? More clothes, a fan, and a heater.
11. What about this trip would you? Stay only at a place that has showers, and not a pot hole toilet.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Having Ms. Littlejohn run this trip and doing the trip yearly.
Rashaad D:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited was probably Old Faithful because I’d never seen one (a geyser) before and I got to find out how they worked.
2. Least interesting site we visited was probably the Mammoth Site because I was kind of bored there – I wasn’t really interested in that. We got to do a lot of better stuff.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was probably the horse back riding because it was a first for me and I did well.
4. Everyday I looked forward to was going to sleep at night because I was tired!
5. I got tired of putting up the tents and taking them back down.
6. It was a “bummer” when the first two horseback rides got cancelled, when my sleeping bag got wet.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was Evan’s Plunge (where Steven and I did better than others on the rings.)
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? The horseback riding because I want them to experience it with me! It was the prettiest ride.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? My poncho and I only got my fan out twice.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? More money!
11. What about this trip would you change? Not go to the mammoth site.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? The camping!
Scott B:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: Mammoth site because somebody actually explained stuff to us
2. Least interesting site we visited: Crazy horse because it was only a head
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget: Mount Rushmore
4. Everyday I looked forward to seeing new things
5. I got tired of Eric and Ben singing
6. It was a “bummer” when Steve McNair died.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was when I found my phone after I lost it.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Yellowstone because it was awesome
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ? Sunscreen
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? Better camera
11. What about this trip would you change? The amount of people (less) and items (people brought too much stuff)
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Yellowstone
Sean A:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: The Badlands. No question. Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument show a lot of pictures about the place before you get there, but you could see the Badlands in hundreds of pictures before you get there, and still be amazed at the site. It is the only place so amazing that I forgot to breath. It was amazing. The Badlands of South Dakota are truly amazing. Truly awesome. Truly a site to see.
2. Least interesting site we visited was….. Probably Crazy Horse, because it was a little monotonous – the museum was amazing, but the actual monument was a little boring because you see what it is going to be but when you get down to it you only see the head and some marks where the horse is going to be. I think it is going to be really cool when it is finished, but my least favorite.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget – this whole trip, because everything here is completely new and I’ve met a lot of new people, never gone camping for this long. I have never gone this far north, never dreamed of seeing Mt. Rushmore, didn’t know Crazy Horse existed. Seeing the mammoth site was cool and Evan’s Plunge was really cool too.
4. Everyday I looked forward to whatever we were going to do that day – I was excited by anything and everything we did on this trip.
5. I got tired of sitting in the car with Steven and Rashaad and listening to Daniel’s complaining.
6. It was a “bummer” when didn’t get to go horseback riding the first time and when Uncle Tom’s trail was closed.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was meeting Jeff and Mary Littlejohn and Brant.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? The mammoth site and Evan’s Plunge. Evan’s Plunge was unlike anything I’d ever seen before and had never thought of a rock bottom. It was amazing to see all the mammoths.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? All the winter clothes.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A travel chess set.
11. What about this trip would you change? I would not go to that really bad campsite – Wilson State Park – because the tall grass itched and there were all sorts of spiders, and the bathrooms had more cockroaches in the toilet than there were in the trees.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? Seeing the sites and going to Custer State Park – the best campsite we went to.
Steven F:
1. Most interesting site we visited was the Mammoth Site because you got to learn how they got there and why they were all male.
2. Least interesting site we visited was Crazy Horse because it wasn’t finished.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget is the places we went.
4. Everyday I looked forward to seeing something new.
5. I got tired of the car rides, the temperature (hot and cold), unloading and loading the van, and cleaning.
6. It was a “bummer” when it was always raining and the road construction.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was seeing some of the wild animals
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Mt. Rushmore because my family’s never been there before and it was neat.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all? An extra jacket – I had two.
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A pillow and a fan.
11. What about this trip would you? How short it is – it should be longer so we could see even more places.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? All the places we went
Will G:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: The geysers because there were so many so close together
2. Least interesting site we visited: Corn palace, I just thought it was boring
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget was my Switchblade Comb (souvenir)
4. Everyday I looked forward to: Going to the next place, seeing stuff
5. I got tired of: Setting up the tent, Putting it up, setting stuff up in general
6. It was a “bummer” when: We had to leave places so fast and didn’t get time to stay, and not climbing more of the Badlands
7. A “pleasant surprise” was: Getting to climb more at the needles after not doing tons at the Badlands
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? The Needles, because the climbing was so fun, some of the views were amazing, and there was so much and it was awesome. Might not be what people expect as one of my favorite places, but it was awesome
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ?
Poncho, 2 swim trunks(not just 1), extra clothes
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had?
More to entertain for the car, Sharpies, stuff like that
11. What about this trip would you change? More time at stops like Wall Drug and Badlands and Needles, etc…
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change?
The places we go to.
Will W:
1. Most interesting or educational of the sites we visited: Devil’s Tower. It was interesting to read all the theories behind how it was formed.
2. Least interesting site we visited: The Badlands. The view was awesome, but when we started to climb around, it started storming, so we had to leave early.
3. The thing about this trip I’ll never forget: Seeing a Grizzly Bear ten feet away.
4. Everyday I looked forward to: Whatever we had planned for that day.
5. I got tired of: 10 Hour Car rides.
6. It was a “bummer” when: Our Horseback riding got cancelled twice.
7. A “pleasant surprise” was: Catching a lot of fish.
8. If you could go back to a site on this trip THIS summer and show it to your family, where would it be and why? Yellowstone, because they so many different things.
9. What did you pack or bring that you did not need at all ?A poncho
10. What did you NOT bring, but wish you had? A laser pointer
11. What about this trip would you change? Stay at campsites that all had nice restrooms.
12. What part of this trip should NEVER change? The sites we visit.
Friday, July 10, 2009
A list of "Firsts"
A List of “Firsts”
We asked the people in each vehicle to make a list while we drove this morning of all the things they could think of that they saw or experienced for the first time on this trip. Seeing each of the national parks, monuments, and the different towns and states was a “first” for many of the people on the trip, so those aren't listed separately below. But, everyone seems to have found some thing or experience that was uniquely new to them on this journey
This was my first time….
To camp
To see a grizzly bear, prairie dog, elk, moose, marmot, buffalo, antelope, mule deer, pika, longhorn steer
To fish
To catch a fish
To climb rocks (at Badlands and the “Needles”)
To be “bear aware”
To smell a mudpot
To write in a blog
To watch the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”
To cook on an outdoor stove
To sleep outdoors under a shelter
To have a National Parks Passport book and have it stamped
To dunk my feet in Yellowstone Lake – 56 degrees
To ride a horse
To be in a campground that doesn’t have a shower or sink
To eat buffalo meat
To be away from both parents for 16 days
To cook stir fry
To use a “bear box”
To use a compost latrine restroom
To lose my wallet
To play in the snow, wearing flip flops, throwing snowballs, in July
To do laundry in a public, coin-operated laudromat
To do my own laundry
To wash dishes by heating water on a camp stove
To learn about other’s fears
To talk to people on this trip that I did not know before or even know that they went to school at Freedom
To go 16 days without TV or computer
To swim in a hot-springs-fed pool
To fall from a horse
To ride in a car for four days straight, stopping only for gas/restroom/to eat
To go to as many as 9 states in 16 days
To eat Frito-chili pie, bacon-cheese sandwiches, different flavors of fudge
To be in 32 degree weather in the summer
To step in buffalo poop
To see an active archeological dig
To see cornfields as big as the ones in Iowa and Kansas
To see “pigtail” bridge turns in the road where the turn is so tight a switchback would not work
To see a tall pole marker beside a fire hydrant so it could be found when the snow covers it up
To see an interstate exit/entrance ramp made of gravel
To see a geyser
To see a road being completely resurfaced, all at one time, by a series of machines that ground up the old road, recycled the waste into new surfacing, then laid it back down
To go through a tunnel as small as the ones on the Needles Highway
To pump gas into the car
To start a fire
To see a two-story tall piece of farm machinery
To see a crop duster in action
To see a crossing arm, like at a railroad track, installed to close roads in winter
To see snow drift barricades alongside the interstate
To see a coal strip mine with its own rail station
To peel garlic and slice onions
To see energy-generating windmills
To cross the Continental Divide
To see a Sinclair dinosaur at an actual Sinclair gas station
To see dried raccoon “privates” for sale
To be on Mountain time
To see a place, like the lake or Devil's Tower, that was actually in a movie
To do a hike, like to Inspiration Point
To see a "dirt devil" in a Kansas field
To see so much snow on the mountains in summer
To get some bison fur
To get so close to, and so scared by, bison
To eat fresh mountain trout right after it was caught
To see up close where the bison rubs against the trees to rid their winter coats
To see where a bison had bedded down in the grass
To see the other side of Yellowstone's upper falls
We'll continue to add more "firsts" and more come to mind...
We asked the people in each vehicle to make a list while we drove this morning of all the things they could think of that they saw or experienced for the first time on this trip. Seeing each of the national parks, monuments, and the different towns and states was a “first” for many of the people on the trip, so those aren't listed separately below. But, everyone seems to have found some thing or experience that was uniquely new to them on this journey
This was my first time….
To camp
To see a grizzly bear, prairie dog, elk, moose, marmot, buffalo, antelope, mule deer, pika, longhorn steer
To fish
To catch a fish
To climb rocks (at Badlands and the “Needles”)
To be “bear aware”
To smell a mudpot
To write in a blog
To watch the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”
To cook on an outdoor stove
To sleep outdoors under a shelter
To have a National Parks Passport book and have it stamped
To dunk my feet in Yellowstone Lake – 56 degrees
To ride a horse
To be in a campground that doesn’t have a shower or sink
To eat buffalo meat
To be away from both parents for 16 days
To cook stir fry
To use a “bear box”
To use a compost latrine restroom
To lose my wallet
To play in the snow, wearing flip flops, throwing snowballs, in July
To do laundry in a public, coin-operated laudromat
To do my own laundry
To wash dishes by heating water on a camp stove
To learn about other’s fears
To talk to people on this trip that I did not know before or even know that they went to school at Freedom
To go 16 days without TV or computer
To swim in a hot-springs-fed pool
To fall from a horse
To ride in a car for four days straight, stopping only for gas/restroom/to eat
To go to as many as 9 states in 16 days
To eat Frito-chili pie, bacon-cheese sandwiches, different flavors of fudge
To be in 32 degree weather in the summer
To step in buffalo poop
To see an active archeological dig
To see cornfields as big as the ones in Iowa and Kansas
To see “pigtail” bridge turns in the road where the turn is so tight a switchback would not work
To see a tall pole marker beside a fire hydrant so it could be found when the snow covers it up
To see an interstate exit/entrance ramp made of gravel
To see a geyser
To see a road being completely resurfaced, all at one time, by a series of machines that ground up the old road, recycled the waste into new surfacing, then laid it back down
To go through a tunnel as small as the ones on the Needles Highway
To pump gas into the car
To start a fire
To see a two-story tall piece of farm machinery
To see a crop duster in action
To see a crossing arm, like at a railroad track, installed to close roads in winter
To see snow drift barricades alongside the interstate
To see a coal strip mine with its own rail station
To peel garlic and slice onions
To see energy-generating windmills
To cross the Continental Divide
To see a Sinclair dinosaur at an actual Sinclair gas station
To see dried raccoon “privates” for sale
To be on Mountain time
To see a place, like the lake or Devil's Tower, that was actually in a movie
To do a hike, like to Inspiration Point
To see a "dirt devil" in a Kansas field
To see so much snow on the mountains in summer
To get some bison fur
To get so close to, and so scared by, bison
To eat fresh mountain trout right after it was caught
To see up close where the bison rubs against the trees to rid their winter coats
To see where a bison had bedded down in the grass
To see the other side of Yellowstone's upper falls
We'll continue to add more "firsts" and more come to mind...
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