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One of my true, Blue, friends saying bye...
My heart sunk and I barked a big HELL NO - Say it Ain't so - totally out loud.
And now I must forgive
I'm too old a fart, to have such a nerve wreck, first thing in the morn.
Enjoy yourself, whilst I plans me's revenge.
It's not like it has ever been before. All expectation from years past have flown out the window just like any expectation that the drumpf would never get as far as he has in the election cycle. In 2014 the vsitor count was 3.6million visitors, 2015 4.2million... this year probably gonna hit 5 million. The infrastructure can barely handle what happened last year and even the Superintendent admitted that "We are in crisis mode with the numbers we are seeing." And changing any policy that would be effective will take at least two years to implement due to the need for public comment periods and all the due process involved in changing a public policy.
I've been here for over a decade and been a ranger up till this year... it's a madhouse from day one, the park has been open since 4/15 the campgrounds and lodgings open Friday and most were already booked for this by August last year unless there are cancellations. I refuse to work there ever again until there is a cap on how many people can enter/day. We're anticipating 5 million visitors this year, I'm even bailing out of the area and shopping for new digs away from here... and this has been my life for a long time. Most of the local businesses are selling to three entities, half of them sold in the past 6 months. The entities are Delaware North (a huge corporation); Panama Papers-rich Chinese (all transactions cash in fist-a tell-tale sign); and Mitt Romney and friends/extended family. I know all these sellers so I am not just blowing steam.
I do hope you have a wonderful trip, just anticipate lots of traffic delays throughout the park and things you never ever want to see going on inside a national treasure like this.
And have a safe journey... and I sincerely do hope you beat most of the crowds but they have learned to show up on day one and keep coming until closing in November.
Our family came out by train to Glacier and then south to Yellowstone. An old friend, John Kerr was one of the 'wolf rangers' then and took us out one magical morning to see the critters roaming wild.
We remember so vividly him advising us to go further then most. The popular sites were so crowded like you said, but he counseled us to go 100 yards beyond the parking lots and the big attractions and you'll be nearly alone. He was right. Once we got out and away the quiet beauty of the land suffused our senses and renewed our gratitude for all the wise people that worked originally to reserved these wonders as public land. And we certainly were thankful for you folks working there in the present days.
Trip of a lifetime!
Cheers to you, 2naSalt, and all your compatriots! 
I was thinking I was still conversing with SCUBA, my mistake.
Russian River was awesome last time I was there, used to have a big hippy-raggae party on the river every summer. been a while since I was there but it was so memorable I have never forgotten.
If I do see John I'll do that but the chances are slim, I have jumped to a different agency that will have me out away from the park, not willing to go there until things change, I don't even want to go in just for a short time. But I think he's in the Mammoth District so I might cross paths with him in my new job anyway since we're both the the public safety/education business. I won't be too far from the park at times, I'm just glad I won't have to go in the park to work. Last year it took over an hour to get from the west gate to the loop system every day. I had to use the LEO entrance many times to get around the gate just to get to my post... and break up at least one traffic jam on the way.
Anyway, have a great time in northern California!!
If I do see John, I'll surely pass the greeting along.
And to all who are traveling this season, have a safe and pleasant journey!!
I've been to Wyoming but not the other places, and Wyoming is incredible. I LOVED the Grand Tetons (be sure to find out what that means!).
for making me think even for a brief moment you were on of those sorry people who just have to announce why they cannot take the online heat
You are really getting away from "it all"!!! Have a wonderful time. Looking forward to the photos!
I spent a week hiking in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons last September. It's so amazing!!
Just got you back. Scared me to death 
It's been over three decades since I was there and I really want to see it again. So, envy, envy. 
Sounds like you're having a fun summer. 
Just after the park opens and just before it closes are the best times to go there. It gets cold at night but there aren't many tourists there at these times.
We like to backpack the Winds and the Absarokas too. Wyoming is stunningly awesome.
Have fun, Scuba!
be safe
...not reason to set off the caldera. 
and forgot to tell us.....
Can't say I blame ya!
until they read your post! 
Have fun on your fishing trip!
and aim that camera a few times that way for us...
Have a wonderful and safe trip!
have a great time. 
One of my best vacas was the Grand Tetons.
Have fun!
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