Montana called and we answered. But no one told us it would be this cold.

From sea level to a mile high and from 75 degrees to 29 degrees in 1500 miles is a whole lot of difference!  As our Ecology Project International Guides welcomes us to Montana, the wind was blowing through the Paradise Valley along the Yellowstone River.  Maybe it wasn't as welcoming as our guides - notice the shivering, foot-stamping and huddling:

After being outside for less time than most of us spend brushing our teeth, the kids were chilled to the bone.  We let them into the lodge where they started to thaw out a bit.  You can see they made themselves at home pretty quickly.

So what's the plan for tonight?  Well, since we've all been up since before 5am this morning, the energy level is waning and I'm predicting an early bedtime so we are ready to take on the wilderness tomorrow!  But despite the lack of sleep, students are already busy, some are learning about tracking and preparing a presentation for after dinner, another group is studying the journaling of previous EPI participants, and the last group is busy cooking up a feast for us in the kitchen.

And by now some of you might be wondering, where is Mr. Hurley??  No worries, he's working very hard.

Next time I write, it'll be about our first foray into Yellowstone to learn how to snow shoe - I have no doubt that will be an excellent photo op.

Sleep tight Pirates!