We were on our way at 4 this morning, flying out of Raleigh by 6 am. Melissa met the team in Bozeman, MT. After grabbing lunch and supplies we headed to Yellowstone National Park.

On our way we saw osprey, bald eagle, elk, pronghorn and white tail deer. We observed geologic features such as a dike (a place where magma filled a crack in existing rocks and solidified). And we discussed a glacial cirque (or bowl) on Electric Peak.

We stopped for a photo opportunity at the Roosevelt arch. We reflected on John Muir’s quote as it relates to our group:

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

After checking in we ventured on a walk through an aspen grove and had our first group meeting, where we talked about some of the cares we are leaving behind, what cares we could let drop off behind us.

We also had our first wildlife highlight of the trip: a black bear meandering through a meadow.

After dinner we did a short hike to Wraith Falls. We had an amazing first day!