Forever West... For the Last Time

Grand Teton National Park and the Teton Science School hold a very special place in my heart. For the last seven years, my colleagues and I have brought a group of 6th grade boys to Jackson, WY, for a week of outdoor education. The week we spend together is nothing short of remarkable.

Well, I'm back in the Tetons again, and on this trip I'm doing my best to take nothing for granted because this may be the last chance I get to savor this region. Since I made the decision to move to Hong Kong, I haven't experienced nostalgia or fear of loss; until I got here.

I feel like Wyoming has become my second home. There are few other places in the United States (or the world) where I have spent more time. Between skiing Jackson Hole and hiking Grand Teton National Park with the boys, I bet I've spent months in this region! How lucky am I? This corner of the world, on the Western edge of Wyoming, is magical indeed, and I'm a bit sad knowing I won't have the privilege to return here each year.

As I look back through photos, I recall all the vantage points; all the experiences in the Jackson Hole Valley: climbing Blacktail Butte, encircling Jenny Lake (8 miles!) stopping for a photo at Mormon Row, tracking bison and moose across the valley floor, searching for bears near String Lake, snow shoeing and cross country skiing, navigating the blacks at JHMR; the list goes on and on.

My time in Wyoming has helped me define my character and interests, too! For example, I know that I'm a mountain lover (as opposed to a beach bum), I know that I love to hike, and I love the distinct vibe of the "Wild West."

Perhaps I can lead a group of students from Hong Kong to the Teton Science School and Grand Teton National Park. If not, I'm going to have to make time to come back on my own.

Regardless of what the future holds, you can take the man out of Wyoming, but you can never take Wyoming out of the man.

Forever West...