A Family Portrait

Perusing thrift stores is a passion that everyone in our apartment shares.

This lovely purchase below was only $4.00 at a store in Bozeman.

Now displayed in our home, it is a reminder of our bond as bunk mates, the similarities we share, the differences that distinguish us, our late night social life, and our desire to fly away from front desk work as soon as possible.

From left to right: Chase, Sean, Jake, and Drew

LOST

Locked Onboard Sean's Transport:

a Lady, an Oddball, Sean, and a Turk.

When opportunity allows, we visit the Park.

The time of day varies depending on free-time, but most trips take place within the afternoon hours.

However, on one particular Sunday evening, a group spontaneously ventured through the west entrance gates, not realizing that they would be there for a very long time.

Despite unknown road closures and incorrect turns, the journey was a memorable one.  Inspired by the passing silhouettes of dead trees, the eerie glow of a full moon, and the haunting harmonies of Radiohead, four friends grew even closer within the confinement of Sean Hansen's vehicle.

 

Enes and a bull elk.

Geothermal gaulking.

Reading, Writing, and ArithMETHic

Seriously, if you haven't quite grasped the grand scale of meth use in Montana, just take a look at this poster fabricated by a nearby elementary school.

 There is nothing glamorous about meth use kids.

Hidalgo, Reggie, and a Horse with No Name

 One cannot fully experience Montana nor become a true Mantanan without meandering the state's mountains and hillsides atop a horse.  The bond between boy and bronco can become unbreakable and an experience with these equine animals was just what we needed on our day off.

 

Perhaps the only perk to positions behind the front desk is the recreational hook-ups.  

Outdoor adventure agencies & tour companies are constantly hoping to promote their businesses by first winning over hotel workers.  When baited with enough free services, the hope is that we in turn will then use them as recreational recommendations to guests in our hotels.

Opportunities include rafting trips, zip-line adventures, hiking tours and of course, horse back rides.

Jake and Hidalgo, a trusty steed of the right breed.

Sean and his stubborn/free spirited Stallion whose name was not remembered and is thus unknown.

Drew and Reggie, seen here having just emptied his tank.

Smoke a Pack a Day

We discourage the use of cigarettes.  However, we strongly suggest taking a break to enjoy a good ole pack of friends in times of stress or when you simply need a good puff.  Below are photos documenting the people who have gradually become members of our pack here in West Yellowstone.

Our friends Anar & Enes.

Cooling off in the Madison River.

Chase and Danny.

Some of our Baptist buddies from the South.

Characters Welcome.

A tribute to, and a sampling of the characters we have encountered in and around Yellowstone National Park:

Here our friend Rachel poses with two of the most humerous of humans employed at the Hibernation Station: Lorene & Jim.

With her Jedi hairstyling and his Jim Hensen looks, the delight some couple pictured below will surely have success selling their hand-crafted goods at this year's Mountain Man Rendezvous.

In Virginia City, we observed this village dainty walking her pet ferret.  While waiting at the town creamery shortly after, we realized that the raw curdled material used to create the ice cream quite resembled the back of this woman's quadriceps.

We strongly discourage affiliating with this man and/or dialing the number seen on the back of his t-shirt. 

Just yards from the entrance of our hotel, this woman was either preparing for the worst or just had not sufficiently removed her garb after battle.

Though not visible from this photograph, the driver of this vehicle is adorned in a police uniform bearing the words "beer sheriff."  Also not visible is his partner in the passenger seat, Cousin It.  It became apparent very quickly that both were frequents at car shows and quick draws with the middle finger.

Keeping House

 

The neon phrase "NO VACANCIES" is a common sight in the hotel and motel windows of West Yellowstone City throughout the summer months.  One motel, however, is equipped with a neon warning simply bearing the word "SORRY."  Perhaps the owners of the property are simply cautioning guests of inevitable problems or their budget has not yet allowed them to purchase the remaining statement.

Filemon & Delia, head housekeepers of the Yellowstone Park Inn & Suites, the Yellowstone Country Inn, the Traveler's Lodge, and the Dude and Roundup Motel.  Yes, four freaking properties.  They are among the numerous hardworking house keepers who keep the hotel industry going.

 

Abby.

Adan.

Our housekeeping friends that work at Hibernation Station: Anar, Enes, Sasha, and Emil.

Maximina.