My first impressions

Early this morning I woke up and made my way to the Greyhound Bus Terminal in Bozeman, MT. When I was choosing my hotel, I specifically chose one that was closest to the bus terminal. In fact, it’s right across the street. The hotel -- Western Heritage Inn -- was very nice compared to other brand name chains. The rooms and facilities were modern and up to date. The hotel also served a delightful continental breakfast that included muffins, bagels and juice. If you are visiting Yellowstone for any reason and must stay in Bozeman, I would strongly suggest the Western Heritage Inn.





At approximately 7:15 AM we boarded a big yellow tour bus which took all of us up the mountains to Gardiner, MT where we checked in. The drive took an hour and a half, but it was the best hour and a half of my entire life. Never have I seen such magnificent beauty. It was like something from a film. The bus was making its way up the mountains by driving through other surrounding mountains. We also encountered beautiful roadside streams that were truly picturesque.



After arriving in Gardiner, MT, I completed loads of paperwork and received my employee uniforms which consist of black pants and a red button-up shirt. We then headed to Mammoth Hot Springs which lies just within Yellowstone. There, we ate lunch and attended an orientation. While exploring, I came across some elk that were grazing grass just a few feet away from humans!


After some additional traveling, I was dropped off at my final destination which happens to be 7,734 feet above sea level -- Canyon Lodge. At the moment, the lodge is still closed, so it’s very peaceful. There are but very few people here. We begin our employee training tomorrow morning. I hope it will be great. I am definitely looking forward to the experience.

Oh, and this evening I saw a groundhog (locally known as a whistlepig) trying to get some food from a dumpster. It was the cutest little rodent. And, earlier today on our way up the mountain to Canyon, we were forced to stop for a few moments because a heard of buffalo was blocking the traffic. It was a most amusing sight.