My National Geographic experience was beyond what I hoped it would be.  

First, I've said it before but I have to say it again: I LOVE TO TRAVEL! I love to see new things, experience new places and meet new people. I have found that my views on all those things have been greatly enhanced since I picked up my camera a few years ago and started using it for more than just taking snap shots. I see things differently now. I see beauty in things I used to be bored with. I see detail and the way the light shines on the landscape, on a structure, on a face. I look forward to the next bend in the road with almost heart-pounding anticipation for what I'm going to find next.  

My drive to the CM Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming was no exception. I drove through flat farm lands with beautiful old barns dilapidated and unused. I saw a group of small town locals celebrating vintage cars and farm equipment. After taking a few pictures and was driving away, the townspeople scattered and ran for cover as a rain storm, complete with lightning and thunder suddenly descended on them. I saw a ghost town with old buildings that carried memories of hardworking people just trying to survive. As I got out of my truck to take a closer look, I was immediately swarmed by mosquitos that lived in the swampy fields nearby. I ran back to my truck after only being able to capture two quick images, slapping mosquitos as I ran.

Trying to stay on the road while squashing the ugly blood thirsty insects that followed me into my truck, I almost missed the bear on a hillside near the highway foraging for food after a long hibernation.  

I finally made it to the CM Ranch where my National Geographic training was to begin.