I’ve been privileged to visit Yellowstone National Park several times over my lifetime. I’ve seen Old Faithful erupt and made

sure my kids were exposed to the amazing variety of the landscape in the park. I’ve seen moose, elk, swans, and much more. Each moment is capable of taking my breath away.

When it came time to decide where to set Grown-Up Second Chance, the park seemed the natural location.

One of the most memorable times I spent in the park was a September camping trip with my husband. Every night the elk bugled us to sleep. We took some of the less-traveled roads in the park, allowing us to feel the heat of the Firehole River and see a geyser spurt almost by command.

We spent an evening sitting by the fire in Old Faithful Inn (which is also where we got to take showers!), and had a fine dining experience in the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. In the latter, we sat by the window overlooking the lake while a pianist played behind us. It was fun to imagine being wealthy in the grand days where leisure was considered as much of an occupation as work.

The thunderous falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone haven’t diminished in grandeur from the time I first saw them in the 1970s. I would love to be able to spend time with watercolors painting those falls. I make my sisters take a hike there, but I have to confess it’s not something I’ve ever done.

It’s the little moments that make an off-season, longer trip to Yellowstone so much worth it. These shaggy beasts were particularly cooperative one morning.

Want to visit virtually? Pick up a copy of Grown-Up Second Chance and enjoy!