The Nature World Is Better Than The Digital World That Man Has Created

Another week down at the office. Can you believe i've been here for 3 weeks? It has flown by! Some of the other interns and I went to Yellowstone again today. We went around half of the lower loop and got pretty tired so decided to come back the quickest way possible. I'm sure we'll find our way back soon. Entrance to the park was free this weekend, so we wanted to take advantage while we could. So much has changed since last weekend, most notably the lack of snow. The pass going to the loop from the east entrance of Yellowstone was blocked for part of the morning by snow and falling rocks. We eventually made it and as we were driving around the lake, I noticed that it was almost completely melted. Last week the top was frozen over, but this week, there were only a few patches that had ice still on the top.

All the melting water was incredible. There were waterfalls of cascading water coming off the cliffs, and all the rivers were absolutely raging. I wish I could record what it sounds like. I have never heard a river rush so much.

About 2 or 3 miles on the lower loop, we ran into a huge group of cars lining the road that only means 1 thing....bear. Sure enough, we found a grizzly bear snoozing in the sun! It was pretty neat to see!

The rest of the day, we went over to Old Faithful and walked around all the trails to see all of the other geysers and hot springs. It was really neat to learn how geysers actually work (the diagrams in the info brochure really helped too!) and then see them in action.

On our way back home we saw another grizzly bear! This one was smaller than the first but looked more silvery and more what I would consider a grizzly bear. They were both incredible to see and absolutely beautiful, but I definitely wouldnt want to get too close to them.

While we were at Old Faithful, we were waiting for the geyser to blow and there was a large family sitting near us. We heard one of the kids (he was about 10) talking to one of the rangers giving a presentation, and he said, "The nature world is better than the digital world that man has created." First of all, where did this kid come from? Second, when did 10 year olds have such philosophical statements? But he is so true. I am amazed at what my camera is capable of doing, but it is only a small glimpse at what I really see. I wish I could aptly describe everything i've seen here, but words simply cannot do it justice. There are so many people that I wish I could drag to the top of the Sunlight Basin, or to the last rise of the road before heading down the hill overlooking Yellowstone Lake, or in front of the elk calves, buffalo calves, bears, and new growth throughout the park. I want to stand beside them a shake them and say "how can you not believe!?" God has created SUCH a beautiful world for us and I completely fail at thanking Him enough for what He has given us. My devotional that i've been working through is a wonderful resource (thanks Amy!) and I hope to share it with several friends and family once I get back this summer. The nature world IS better than the digital world that man created, because GOD created it all. The beauty of the land out here continues to amaze me. God is good. All the time.

Tomorrow I'm headed off to church again and then my errands for the next few weeks. I've gotten some really nice letters this week (thanks Bec!!) which were a pleasant surprise, and feel well-informed about everything that's going on at home. Tomorrow will be a busy day, but hopefully I can find some alone time to look back at what i've done the past 3 weeks. My spanish is improving, but still has a ways to go. Until then, buenas noches! :)