Trip Report - Guiding in Yellowstone - September 2024

In September 2024, I guided two wonderful trips - an 11-day with Mikaela Oster and a 5-day with Nicco Tyson - across the wilds of Yellowstone. I’d only driven through the Park once before, so it was wonderful to spend so much time getting to wander around. It’s wild out there - grizzlies, wolves (and heard the yipyipping of their pups), black bears, elk, moose, bald eagles, pelicans, and many more birds and squirrels and deer mice. And while the weather wasn’t always pleasant, my clients stayed resolute and cheerful!

On my second trip, a client asked, “how does it feel to be wrapping up another guiding season?” And I had to pause before answering. I spend so much time in the spring prepping my body and gear, and then I go out and see what happens for months, praying my body will hold up (I’ve dealt with a lot of overuse injuries in the last few years). And then, somehow, I reach the end of the season, and I try to be thankful, but usually I’m just tired. The gratitude only comes later, when I look over the photos and remember all the joyful moments, watching clients learn new skills and ways of being in the world. And then I start looking forward to the next season.