Good news is I am in prep mode for a 10-day trip to Jackson, WY and about to be immersed in Yellowstone's beauty. The trip is part of an Extended Learning class through WVU. Our Prof., Michael Sherwin, provided a thoughtful Reader for us to consider prior to and during our trip. After all, what is a photo without thought (hint: a snapshot).
Well, we are considering conservation, reintroduction of the wolf, the nature of ecosystems and the impact of humans upon those systems (the science of "peoplemessitupology"). As I read our prep materials, I can't help but think on the parallels of my home in West Virginia. We've had King Coal, killing thousands of miners for more than a century, now we are headed down the new and improved road of Marcellus Shale and its promise to deliver us all from the mineral extraction industry and all its destructive nature?
(http://www.pressconnects.com/viewart/20130311/NEWS11/303120002/NY-will-make-health-call-gas-drilling-weeks) Anyway, this is about round 6 for NG and WV.
So Moving On...
On a side note, Wyoming and surrounding states are reciprocal with WV Carry Permits so I debated mailing myself personal protection for the wildlife, then I decided I wouldn't be the slowest in the group. Later I debated the same for personal protection from people, but again I've decided I haven't slowed that much with age.