It’s already the 8th week of my internship at the Henry’s Fork Foundation, and looking back, I did not expect time to go by this fast. I think what has made my time Out West most entertaining has been the variety of activities I’ve had the chance to partake in. I wanted to take advantage of this final blog post to share some of the fun things I’ve done outside of work, although I can’t deny that some of my favorite memories have been during the 9 to 5.
On a weekly basis, the town of Victor hosts a music and food truck event called “Music on Main”, and this has been why Thursdays are my favorite day of the week. It’s been great to see an array of local artists perform in such a lively crowd, as well as not-so-local ones, like a Brazilian Samba band! Since I’m not such a great cook, I’ve also enjoyed grabbing a bite at the food trucks, which are all local businesses from around the area. I’ve discovered my new favorite dessert here at Music on Main: Transylvanian chimney cakes. I would have never thought that Teton Valley would introduce me to the delights of Central European deserts, but that’s just one of the ways in which Idaho surprises you!
Apart from festival events like this one, making the drive to the National Parks somewhat close to Ashton has also been great. So far, my fellow interns and I have made the trip to Grand Teton National Park and Glacier National Park, and Yellowstone is on our list for one of these last weekends. I wasn’t really a fan of hiking until coming Out West, but I’m so glad I discovered this new hobby. In Grand Teton, we hiked Cascade Canyon, which took us along a beautiful stream while we were surrounded by the ginormous mountain peaks. Then, in Glacier, since we went camping there for a long weekend, we were able to do 3 hikes. The one that I most enjoyed was hiking up to Grinnell Glacier. I’d never seen a glacier up close before, and even though the end of the trail was closed, these were some of the best views I have ever seen.
Throughout these nature-immersive experiences, I never missed a chance to get in the water (when safe, of course). Since I live by the beach, summers back home are always surrounded by water, and I’m glad that I didn’t miss out on this experience this year either. In the Tetons, I took multiple dips on the ice-cold stream, and in Glacier, the alpine lakes were a perfect way to cool off to prepare for the hot day, or to end the day just right before making dinner. Also, I’m very thankful that we were able to camp in Glacier. I think it was a great way to experience the park, and to disconnect from the rest of the world for a few days.
It’s going to be a bittersweet day when the time comes to leave Ashton, Idaho. Although I was quite weary upon coming to spend my first college summer in a place so different from where I’m from, I think it was a great decision. I’m very proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone, and for taking advantage of working at a conservation organization that allowed me to explore a new part of the world.
Hopefully, this is only the beginning of my affinity with the American West.
Music on Main
Interns at Grand Teton National Park
Grinnell Glacier hike at Glacier National Park