My family camped and spent a great deal of time in the parks and national forests in our area. We lived near Lassen Park, and my father had me fly-fishing when I was about 10 years old. In my high school years we lived in the mountains east of Redding, Cal. We had our own trout stream 100 feet from our front door; deer, elk, Black Bear and Mountain Lions were common on our place. I grew up being trained to understand and enjoy the wild country.

After three years in the Army I went to college (LLB) and then went into Law Enforcement for a total of 34 years. During those years I took my wife and two boys on many trips to most of the western states, we traveled by RV. Our trips were to see the National Parks and the scenic wonders. Our first visit to Yellowstone and the Teton area was for two weeks. I fell in love with both parks, and prior to my retirement we returned three more times. I retired and then my wife and I spent four seasons living and working at Old Faithful. We spent all of our free time out in the parks, and the greater Yellowstone area. In 2005 we returned again to the Yellowstone area on vacation. My zeal for the area has not ebbed.

We would be returning this year to again live at the park, but I have grandchildren who need grandparents right now. When they are older we will return to Yellowstone for another season.

I was talking with a couple from Australia in the store where we worked. I told them we lived in the park, and had done so the past three years. The lady asked me if I knew how lucky I was to be able to live in the park. It stopped me for a second, but my answer was; "Yes I did, it was my dream come true".

I wrote this guide to assist others to find the wonders of Yellowstone; and in the greater ecosystem around the parks.

This is my first travel book; I have edited a Civil War journal of Cpl. Frank Grant, 11th Vt. Vol. Infantry.

Ken Manies belongs to Amicus Books Literary Lounge Authors Program.

Books by Ken Manies:

An Honest Guide to Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks