Contemplating the Tetons

9 short days, that's all the time I have left here in Moose, Wyoming. As we all rush to say our farwells and try to conquer the many adventures in our park, let us reflect on what we accomplished. 11 weeks ago I was thrown into a different world, no friends, money, car, or foresight of what to come.

I look back and see the amounts of friendships I've made. It took me no time to find my group of people and new family. Around the second week, I mauled over the thought of finally throwing off my shell and being determined to make friends. Luckily, I am still on this mission 9 weeks later. The money was never a problem, it's something you don't need in this wonderful place. There is no admissions fee for having fun in your own back yard. Hiking the Appex Trail or rock climbing in Boulder City didn't take a dime. I couldn't have stumbled upon any of these outdoor activities if it wasn't for the connections I made with my roommates and others. I do hope everyone has had a chance to set forth on their own adventure where they can find themselves submersed in a world of nature; full of greens, browns, blues, grays, yellows, reds and every other color of the rainbow, should easily describe the secret world we all so long for. I can now say not having a car isn't a problem. My mode of transportation is a mountain bike. Morning and night, I bike to work, from work, to the grocery store, to Jenny Lake and all the other attractions my legs will allow me to drive to.

Maybe a few weeks ago, I sat down at Windy Point Turnout and contemplated has this summer actually been beneficial. Did I waste 12 weeks of having fun on the beach to come here? I'll end with this quote, "I was once lost, but now I am found." That's my answer for you all and do hope there are similar stories out there for everyone else.

Till then,

Joseph Vaughn