I am now back in southern Utah (basing out of St. George) for the remainder of the summer, after several beautiful weeks in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. I'll be camp cheffing four more trips in Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyons through the end of August--looking forward to everything but the 115 degree August heat of Zion! I should know more about my post-August plans/schedule/adventures in about a week...stay tuned!
Thursday, July 24
The Grand Tetons
Yellowstone is impressive for its immense expanses of forests and meadows, but in my eyes it compares not to the dramatic peaks of the Grand Tetons. Driving south from Yellowstone, you cross the Rockefeller Parkway, round a bend, and suddenly the Tetons are in view, exploding out of Jackson Lake into the blue sky above. 
Jagged and snow crested, they make a stunning first impression.
Even with ridiculous giant pink sunglasses, I can't steal the scene from the Tetons.
My fellow trip leaders/camp crew on the shore of Jackson Lake. From left to right: Morgan, Justin (aka Abe), Justin, and Lauran. 
Mt. Moran in the pale morning light.
Hiking past Leigh Lake on my way into Paintbrush Canyon.
Wednesday, July 23
Biscuit Basin
While on a trip in Yellowstone National Park, I had some time during the middle of the day to do a short hike in Biscuit Basin. Gorgeous weather, mysterious mini-geysers and multi-colored hot springs, Mystic Falls and countless wildflowers all made for a most pleasant afternoon.
Hands Down, The Best Fishing Day. Ever.
65 trout, just like this one, all on dry flies, in one day. I need not say more.
Saturday, July 5
My First Trip
Near the end of my first trip, I finally had a few free hours to explore a bit in Zion. Every day I started at 5am (or before!) and was often busy until 9 or 10pm. As I get a bit more efficient in the kitchen, I will likely free up a few more hours in the middle of the day, but my first trip was mostly non-stop. Try to imagine throwing a dinner party for 30 people, keeping in mind different dietary restrictions and the likes/dislikes of picky kids, and after they've all gone home (their tents), you sleep a few hours and get up to cook them all breakfast. And then do that six days in a row. One day I was on my feet for 18 straight hours without sitting down! Despite the long hours, the trip was quite fun and even invigorating, especially considering where I got to place my kitchen each day.
On the penultimate day, the Camp Assistant Sarah and myself had some time to hike the "Narrows", a beautiful canyon with walls rising from both sides of the Virgin River. There isn't much of a trail, one just walks up the cold river, avoiding the few deep holes, or taking a dip in them. It is a truly beautiful gorge, I am hoping to return later in the summer do traverse the entire 16 mile hike from top to bottom.
Camp Assistant (and sous chef / cake decorator) Sarah, who helped me put the artistic touches on this carrot cake.
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