Vacations are like Writing

By C. LaRene Hall

As we planned our vacation this year to Yellowstone, I had no idea that several friends would also go there this summer. The reports of what they saw, and the things they did are different from the experiences I had. To me that’s just like writing. Even when several people write about the same thing, the story is always different.

Some of them didn’t see buffalo, but we saw many – some alone and others in herds covering hills as far as you could see. I was surprised that despite signs warning you not to approach the huge bison – people ignored the warnings and there were almost as many people on the hills as wild beasts.

One friend saw bears, but we saw none of those cute cuddly creatures. I know most people think they are scary, but not me. We did see elk, and even mule deer.

While cruising on the Yellowstone River we saw an eagle on an island. I loved the geysers, but my favorite thing was the breathtaking waterfalls. Although the roaring rivers and rapids were frightening, their beauty was inspiring.

Three days in Yellowstone was not nearly enough time to see and do all the things available. It seems that when you are younger and have more energy to hike, you don’t have the time or means to go for long periods. Instead, you have family and job obligations. Now that I have plenty of time, I lack the energy to hike for hours even though it means I may be able to see another waterfall. Maybe I’ll just sit by a quiet lake and write.