Our National Parks Story
By Susan and John Heard
November 11, 2011
In September, 2010 we had the opportunity to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks . We are in our sixties, have lived abroad for many years and have traveled and seen some wonders of this world, but the majesty and beauty of the scenery and the animals in these two parks took our breath away. A regal elk bull and his herd lazing by a river; the glaring stare of the iconic American bison. The moonscapes and burbling pools holding scientific discovery in Mammoth Hot Springs. A morning drive in the Lamar Valley and a solitary coyote prowling, listening. In the far distance a pack of wolves howling and running along the river below us. Wild, mournful, beautiful. A once in a lifetime experience. The gold, quivering leaves of aspen next to a shimmering Yellowstone Lake on an autumn afternoon. The excitement when a black bear bursts through the bushes after an hour's wait while she munched berries. The dramatic grandeur of the Tetons on Jenny Lake. We were humbled and so proud that our country offers such priceless gifts to be shared. We need to do everything possible through laws and financial support to keep the magic of our national parks protected and cherished. It is a treasure we cannot afford to lose. Susan and John Heard Naples, FL
