Today was a day full of discoveries. If you’d have asked me pre-covid if I’d be interested in taking a camping vacation across the country I’d have said, well, let’s just say it was low on my list. Being forced to rethink how to take a “safe” vacation in the age of corona virus, it suddenly became quite appealing, and thus far has lived beyond my expectations!

It may be cliche, but what a difference a day makes! Sunshine and warmer temperatures made it the perfect day to search for wildlife at Yellowstone. Our mission - to find a herd of bison at the Lamar Valley, home to many of the parks resident mammals. I had a good feeling about this since we spotted our first bison barely 15 minutes inside the park!

I woke up before my alarm, excited to explore Yellowstone. I also needed a little extra time getting ready, since it was only 30-degrees outside!

We took our first driving vacation eight years ago, and ironically Yellowstone was part of that trip. We flew into Rapid City South Dakota, rented a car, visited Mt. Rushmore, drove to Yellowstone for a few days and finished the trip at Jackson Hole, Wyoming flying home from there. At the time, I’d wished we’d spent more time at Yellowstone. Now, in the age of Covid, we’d have that chance, but with a spin!

Independence Day - a federal holiday since 1941, a declaration of independence since 1776, but for whom? July 4, 2020 is far different than any we’ve ever known. No big fireworks displays, no crowded beaches and picnics (at least we are not supposed to) but instead, small family gatherings, and in my case, reflections of what freedom means.