Posted by Jared on August 06, 1997 at 09:33:06:
In Reply to: First Trip posted by ROB on August 05, 1997 at 06:53:50:
Thanks for your insight and report on your trip. I just thought that I would put in my two cents worth, however, repetitive it may be. The postings this far have been very accurate and expressed good points of view. I just want to add or re-enforce the idea that the park burned because it needed to burn. Nature is a great mother and has a mysterious way of always defeating mankind and his wants. The Park was very overgrown and had an over abundance of dead fall. You may have noticed this as you drove along the lake shore between Fishing Bridge and West Thumb. There is a large amount of deadfall and it is nearly impossible to pass through this area on foot.
I wasn't in the park during '88 but I was in '89 and my initial response was similiar to your. "How could this happen?" Well, since then, I have come to love the fact that it is burnt. To see the many seedlings coming up and the many flowers, except in the very hot burned areas, is awe inspiring.
I guess what I am trying to say is that don't discount YNP because of the burnt areas, love her for it and gain an appreciation for the fact that Mother Nature can take care of herself.
Enjoy and good luck
Jared
By the way, I believe (but am not sure) that Y-stone was one of the larges fire fighting efforts ever. This just goes to show that many people felt and feel the same way you do.