The Work Never Ends, But College Does...

I know it's been a while and I've probably lost all of my followers, but I've just been too busy transitioning from Wyoming to Raleigh the last few weeks to update my blog. Now that I have a free moment to sit down, I'll update you all on what's been happening in my extremely exciting life. On August 9th, I bid farewell to the wild wild west and happily greeted North Carolina.

The few days I had at home I spent catching up with friends and family, feasting on home cooked meals, unpacking just so I could repack for Raleigh, and desperately trying to get used to the humidity once again. Let's just say my hair didn't care too much for me now that I was back in the south.

Now, back in Raleigh I'm hitting the books, embracing NC State football with open arms, and loving CITY life. Yellowstone was incredible, but I definitely missed the small conveniences the city has to offer. So far, sophomore year has promised to be a good one. Stay tuned to hear of my future NCSU shenanigans and experiences.

Go Pack!

Take Only Memories...Leave Only Hoof Prints

Don't have much time for a long post today, but figured I'd take advantage of Jackson Hole's wireless to upload some pictures of todays HORSEBACK RIDING trip! Rachel and I set out to the Tetons early this morning for a day in the saddles. We arrived at Teton Horseback Adventures around noon and embarked out on a two-hour ride. Rachel's horse's name was Tink, while mine was Be-Be. Our guide/wrangler was a local cowboy and ranch owner named Jake. Not only did he train horses for a living, but he claimed to be a pretty good two-stepper as well. He even told me he'd prove it if I came to Jackson one night for a night of dancing. The day and weather turned out great, but by the end of the ride my legs had taken the shape of a bow and I had a little trouble walking. After putting up our saddles we decided to roll into Jackson for dinner at the brewery and some internet time and now we're about to head back to Grant. Continuing to have a wonderful last two weeks in Yellowstone!

Life Is Either A Great Adventure Or Nothing

Last week Rachel, Katie, and I set off on another outdoor adventure. This time our destination was Jenny Lake in the center of the Tetons. Instead of doing our usual activity hiking, we decided to take it to the water and try our canoeing skills. After we rented a three-man canoe we hit the water. We paddled out with Rachel in the back as the driver, Katie in the middle, and me leading the way in the front. With each stroke of our oars we became more excited. The beauty that surrounded us was absolutely breathtaking. The looming Tetons above our heads stood as a magnificent piece of art that was only embellished in the reflection of the water. As we paddled on we waved at passerby canoes and happily let our feet dangle in the lake water. It was the perfect day if I may say so myself. That was until a huge black cloud swept over the mountains and a burst of thunder rang through the air. With the small fear of getting stuck in a thunderstorm we hurriedly began to paddle back to shore. Our inexperienced muscles and skills made it difficult to paddle for long periods of time without stopping, but somehow we managed to make it back to the dock just as the rain began to pour, Even though mother nature decided to prematurely end our canoeing trip we still got a great experience out of it and had a blast. From there we drove on to Jackson Hole, one of my new favorite towns. We ate dinner at the Snake River Brewery and used their free WiFi to complete a few Internet needs. From there we drove back to Grant to settle down after a fun filled day.

The wireless at Grant isn’t the best so I’m trying to take advantage of other destinations so I can keep you updated through Facebook and my blog. Pictures are difficult to upload, but I’m doing my best. There’s plenty more on my Facebook profile if you want to check them out. The summer is quickly coming to an end, but I’ll keep you up to date on my upcoming adventures in the Wild Wild West.

Climb The Mountains And Get Their Good Tidings

It hasn’t become unusual for our days off to consist of scenic hikes in various places in Yellowstone. Rachel and I decided to conquer the treacherous Elephant Back hike one day. It was a short hike, but straight uphill. We were both completely out of breath by the time we made it to the top of the mountain but I’ve never seen a view more worth the climb. It was absolutely breath taking. The panoramic view of Lake Yellowstone with the snow covered Rocky Mountains in the background would make time stand still.

Our original plan for the next day was to go swimming in Firehole Canyon, but the warm weather seemed to take a break so we decided to go hiking once again. This time our destination was Cascade Lake. Once again the gang consisted of Rachel, Katie, and I and two of our coworkers Daniel and Stuart. We set off through a large wooded area, which then opened up into a huge meadow full of wild flowers and streams. Once we arrived at the lake we laid in the middle of a sunny field and ate snacks and simply enjoyed being outside. About 100 yards away a lone buffalo seemed to have the same idea. When the mosquitoes became too much we packed up and headed back to the car. Back at Grant we ate dinner and relaxed for the rest of the evening.

The Mountain Is Calling, And I Must Go

Once again for our day off Rachel, Katie, and I set off on another 9-mile hike to Fairy Falls. This time we brought our Turkish friend along Izzet. The first part of the trip was interesting with Izzet screaming in the backseat of the car to play “Fergalicious” on the iPod. After satisfying his Black Eyed Peas music needs we arrived at Fairy Falls hiking trail. The four of us laughed, made conversation, and stopped all along the way for photo opportunities. When we finally arrived at the waterfall we of course took more pictures and then sat down for a small, but delicious picnic of summer sausage, pepper jack cheese, and crackers. We then made the wrong choice in deciding to follow Rachel down a path she swore she had taken before and assumed looped around. After walking about 3 extra miles than we were supposed to in the WRONG direction we realized that Rachel had lead us astray and was no longer the leader. Although we took an alternative and longer route we got to see a lot of interesting things along the way like an elk carcass, some lone buffalo, and geysers that we wouldn’t have had the chance to experience otherwise. Even though our feet and legs paid the price from the few extra miles of hiking it was once again a great day.

When I returned to Grant Village that night my aunt and uncle, Kathy and Ryan Kephart, had just arrived in Yellowstone and asked me to join them for dinner along with Flip and Karen Watson at the Grant Village Restaurant. It was nice to see some people I knew and share some of my pictures and exciting stories with them.

Later that week I met up with my aunt and uncle again and drove to West Yellowstone where we had dinner at a great Italian restaurant called Pete’s. I finally got to satisfy my enormous craving for pizza. On the way back we got to experience Yellowstone at dusk and on the verge of a huge lightning storm. Just before the storm rolled in we got pictures of shadowy mountains, smoky geysers, and full on rainbows. It was some of the best sightseeing I’d experienced since being in the park.

Enlightenment Begins Where The Pavement Ends

For my first official day off from work my friends and I drove to Grand Teton National Park and did an 8-mile hike around Jenny Lake at the base of the Tetons. The group consisted of Rachel the geologist from New Jersey, Katie my new best friend from Oregon, Stuart the guy from Ohio who hikes 8 miles barefoot, and of course myself.

We left Grant Village that morning and drove to GTNP where we stopped by the visitor center and chose the best hike. From there we went to Jenny Lake where we ate our sack lunches by the water and fought off hungry ground hogs. We then set out on our four-hour hike. Along the way we took pictures of the Tetons, Jenny Lake, rivers, and waterfalls. The weather was beautiful and the setting was perfect. As I glanced up at the magnificent Teton Mountains I realized that it doesn’t get any better than this. What better atmosphere could you spend your entire summer break in?

After we finished our hike we all piled in the car and made our way to Jackson. Pulling into Jackson you could hear our stomachs growling. We decided to eat dinner at a burger place called Billy’s. It was another memorable experience. We each ordered the “Giant Billy Cheeseburger.” It was not only “giant”, but it was also the BEST cheeseburger I’ve ever eaten. So if you’re ever in Jackson Hole and looking for a good place to eat I recommend you stop by Billy’s. Before heading back to Grant we walked around Jackson and shopped for a while. So as you can see it was an eventful day and one full of new and exciting experiences.

I Am Delaware North

After I dropped my parents off at the Jackson Hole airport, I’d made it about a mile down the road before I had a brief moment of panic and I realized I was completely on my own for the summer. A wave of terror set in for just a moment. Then like it never happened at all I calmed down and realized just how much fun I was going to have and all that I was going to experience this summer.

Today was my first actual day of work. I’ve been going through training programs for the last two days, but now I’m an official working employee. I just want to say that I tip my hat to anyone who has ever worked in the food industry. This is my first experience and so far I love it, but it’s a lot of work. The lunch rush can be terrifying, but I enjoy the high energy and fast pace environment. It definitely keeps things interesting and the time goes by quickly. Running the cash register was a little nerve racking, but I learned quickly and had a great time in the process. All of my coworkers are super nice and always ready to step in and offer a hand. Gale is my angel. She keeps me on my toes and fills up all the drinks for me as I take peoples order. Without her I wouldn’t make it. It’s also a comfort that she reminds me of both my grandmothers. I think my first day went pretty well, but there’s always room for improvement. I look forward to learning more and getting more experience under my belt.

Buffalo District

Being out here is almost like living in a different world. Unlike in the city, where you have to watch out for pedestrians crossing the street, here you have to yield for buffalo. I think my mom experienced her first panic attack when my dad let one get a little too close to our car.

The two days my parents and I got to spend in Yellowstone together before I started work were nothing short of amazing. Who knew I’d have so much fun traveling with my parents? We spent the whole two days making the entire figure eight around Yellowstone Park and stopping at all the popular spots. Along the way we saw elk, buffalo, antelope, big horn sheep, and even a few grizzlies! As soon as I spotted my first bear jam I practically jumped from the car while it was still moving to get a good look at my first bear of the summer. While I snapped shots of a grizzly off in the distance my dad continued driving causing me to have to chase down the car in front of two very amused park rangers.

Among our many stops we went and watched Old Faithful erupt while we sat on the lodge’s porch and ate pretzels the size of our heads. We drove up to the Beartooth Highway and got to experience snow in June and stop at the Top Of The World Store. We hiked along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and took pictures of the upper and lower falls. We also stopped and walked around Mammoth Hot Springs. Needless to say our two days in Yellowstone were jam-packed.

Wyoming! Forever West...

So we FINALLY made it to Wyoming! Of course before we could actually enter the great state we had to stop and document it all on film. A kind family from Ohio even offered to take a family photo for us! And just to prove what a small world it really is we ran into the SAME family that night in a restaurant in Cody on the other end of the state!

The first attraction we visited was the overwhelming Devil's Tower. After a small hike up to it's base and quick photography session we decided to make a pit stop at a small convenience store for some of our favorite snacks and head on to Cody. We took a long, but beautiful scenic drive through Wyoming and arrived at Cody that evening for dinner. We then got back in the car and finished the final leg of our trip into West Yellowstone.

Our drive through Yellowstone turned out to be a little more dramatic than we expected. We hadn't been in the park an hour before my "lead-foot" father got pulled over for speeding. Luckily he was spared and the ranger let it slide. How ironic that my dad had just given me a lecture on watching your speed in the park? So if you're only allowed one warning, I guess my dad just used mine...

On the road again...

On June 8, 2010, my parents and I bid farewell to our home in North Carolina and set out for the Wild West in our fully packed Honda Accord. We drove thirty straight hours stopping at numerous rest areas and popular attractions across the country.

Our first big stop was the St. Louis Arch. It was my first time witnessing the spectacular monument at night. It was difficult to get decent pictures, but the experience and sight wasn’t anything less than breathtaking. We then proceeded to find our way out of St. Louis and drove by the Cardinals brand new stadium in the process. We knew then that Hayden would be jealous to find out he missed it. From there we drove all through the night and stopped in South Dakota for breakfast. After crossing the Missouri River and getting my first glimpse of the Black Hills I finally felt like I was in the West. That afternoon we drove into Keystone, SD and visited the famous Mount Rushmore. From there we continued our trek through beautiful South Dakota.

Our next destination was Deadwood. On our way there we drove through Custer National Park and stopped at a local’s house and purchased some homemade Bison Jerky and Bison Hot Sticks. I must admit that I was a little apprehensive at first to sample some random Bison Jerky being sold out of some stranger’s garage, but once I got over my fear and tried it I fell in love. My parents have had constantly to pry it out of my fingers ever since.

Driving into Deadwood was definitely an experience. It was my first time and I was excited to see what all the hype was about. Deadwood is famous for it’s hit HBO show “Deadwood” and it’s many casinos. Since none of us had showered in some time, we checked into a hotel and freshened up before we hit the legendary town. Deadwood is also known for its outlaws that took up residence there at one time. The most famous goes by the name of “Wild” Bill Hickok. Hickok was shot in the back by a fellow outlaw in the infamous Saloon No. 10 during a dangerous card game. After dinner we toured the cobblestone streets of Deadwood and visited the Saloon No. 10 that Hickok took his last breaths in. We then went and watched a play put on by some local actors that told the story of the trial of the man who shot “Wild” Bill. From there we drove up to the Mt. Moriah Cemetery where Hickok was laid to rest. We then realized we could barely keep our eyes open from lack of sleep so we all agreed to call it a night and returned to our hotel for the evening.

The Guide Master

Did you know that Yellowstone National Park was the first national park to open in the United States? Did you know that Yellowstone has over 67 species of just mammals? Well if you didn't know that or you don't know me, my name is Alex Hughes and I'm going to be your teacher/tour guide throughout this blog.

Now for a little bit about me, like I said my name is Alex and I'm from Murphy, North Carolina. I'm an upcoming sophomore at North Carolina State and majoring in Elementary Education with a focus in Science. I'm the middle child in my family. I have an older sister named Lindsay Hughes who also attended NC State for her undergrads and is now a grad student at Western Carolina University. I also have a younger brother named Hayden Hughes who attends Murphy Middle School and whose life is consumed with sports and athletic statistics. Both of my parents were raised in Murphy and both attended Appalachian State University. And just like my parents I love to travel, which is why I'm going to be moving to Yellowstone to work this summer.

As for my job I was offered a position through Delaware North Parks and Resorts, to work at Grant Village in Yellowstone National Park for the entire summer. Grant Village is located on Lake Yellowstone on the southern end of the park. I'll be working as a "food server associate" in the Grant Village General Store. I'll be there from June 14th to August 8th. I'm hoping to experience and see all that I can and keep you guys updated on my adventures in the mean time. Wish me good luck and feel free to contact me about any questions or just comments.

-Alex