Fires

When we left California, there were several devastating fires burning in both SoCal and near our home in NorCal. And while I knew fires occurred in other places, I was not prepared for the reality of about six fires burning between Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

The ranger at our first campground in Colter Bay informed us that she was not that concerned "yet" about the fire, whose smoke was visible in the air and felt in our lungs. It turned out that just days after our departure from the parks, the South Road, which we traveled was closed to the fire spreading and reaching the highway. (for those that know me, I have the uncanny ability to travel just before or after to a place where disaster has struck.)

In Yellowstone, where there were several fires in different locations, we were mindful to pay attention and ask questions about the fires for our safety. After dusk, the fires provided spectacular but scary sunsets. Scary because we knew what fire could mean to all around us. Thankfully, they did not spread while we were there but when we left through the West Gate we were advised to drive with our headlights on in case the smoke was too thick. We were fortunate not to encounter any smoke but when we had lunch in the small town of West Yellowstone, we could see the fire burning in the not so distant mountains near the park, from where we sat. It was intimidating to me but the locals were "watching them" and didn't seem that concerned yet either. I got the feeling that fires are part of the way of life in areas more remote than the rest of the country. Grizzly, bison, long, rough winters, fire. All part of the seasons and cycles of life in those parts of the world.  Still, it hurt my heart a bit whenever we drove through areas where fire took out huge areas.  Yet, at the same time, I knew, that all of this was part of the Divine Plan and Divine Order of the natural world.