Comments on: Now for Your Viewing Pleasure…Faith

By: Nathaniel Missildine

Nathaniel Missildine — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:27:20 +0000

Yeah, the same happened for us. You almost have to stick to the tourist circuits when traveling with little kids, especially at five weeks, wow that takes courage. When we last had a five-week old under our care, I thought I was brave for going to the park. Either way, it’s nice to have the beaten path viewed by a new set of of eyes.

By: jonathan evison

jonathan evison — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:51:24 +0000

. . .this was great . . .just drove out to yellowstone this fall and had a ball, though with a five week old son, wasn’t able to get far off the beaten path . . .

By: Nathaniel Missildine

Nathaniel Missildine — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:04:50 +0000

There was some extended fidgeting and galloping dangerously around geyser basins that didn’t make the cut here. Sit tight falls under the category of parental delusion.

By: Marni Grossman

Marni Grossman — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:01:21 +0000

I’m surprised that your daughters let you get away with telling them to “sit tight” for 37 minutes. Surprised and impressed.

By: Simon Smithson

Simon Smithson — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:14:26 +0000

Yep. Those things are awesome. I first saw them at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and I couldn’t believe it.

By: Nathaniel Missildine

Nathaniel Missildine — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:00:43 +0000

Funny you say that about squirrels. My wife, who grew up in France where they’re less common, is the same way. When she first visited my hometown in woodsy Pennsylvania, I tried to apologize for all the annoying, hyperactive rodents in the trees behind my old house. But it was like a trip to the zoo for her.

By: Simon Smithson

Simon Smithson — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:36:29 +0000

Yeah, I’m a bit the same way. I always wonder if there’s something wrong with me – am I not appreciating the nature the way all the tourists are?

That being said, I giggle like a schoolgirl whenever I see a squirrel. We don’t have them over here, so the sight of one is enough to make me happy for the rest of the day.

By: Nathaniel Missildine

Nathaniel Missildine — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:32:07 +0000

Thanks for these comments. Often, it’s the very fact I’m instructed to enjoy something that causes me to pass, even if that thing happens to deserve the attention. Because no matter the hype, Old Faithful (or the Grand Canyon or the Eiffel Tower, etc.) can still pack a wallop.

By: Simon Smithson

Simon Smithson — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:08:42 +0000

I’m with Don – good piece, Nathaniel. There’s very much something to be said about getting off the beaten track and away from the things you’re instructed to enjoy.

By: Don Mitchell

Don Mitchell — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:31:02 +0000

Because I grew up in a place riddled with tourists, this:

“The devout followed the walking paths around them and stopped at the appointed observation areas. They wanted to take nothing for granted nor did they want to return home only to relate the story that they’d passed on the singular sight their neighbors and coworkers associated with this national park.”

totally resonated with me.

Good piece.