StoryCorps in Oklahoma: "I Saw Wolves!" (ENCORE) (Dec 23, 2011)

Jean Hubinger and her grandson, Tristan Blue, share a similar love for nature. It’s a common bond that only strengthened during a trip to Yellowstone National Park.

“You’ve taken a lot of the family on trips… like (me) to Yellowstone,” said Tristan. “Why did you decide to do that?”

“Well…” said Jean, “ I got an email from National Geographic and they were talking about winter in Yellowstone, which I always wanted to do. Then they said, ‘wolves.’ I remembered that wolves were your very favorite animals, so I called your mom and dad and asked. Then, I called you and you went, ‘Well, yeah, OK’.”

Tristan said, “I know there are a lot of grandmas who usually don’t do this kind of stuff and my friends are always surprised how I have a grandma who would do something like take me to Yellowstone. What inspired you to do that?”

Jean replies,“Well, I just like watching other people enjoy things, you know? When I’m off on a trip by myself, like when I went down to Big Bend, I’m thinking, ‘Gee, wouldn’t it be fun to have the family with me?’ So, that’s why. You know, I took Elliot up to walk across the Mississippi. I didn’t really enjoy the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - ‘cuz I’m not into Metallica - but that’s where Evan went. So, yeah! I enjoy just taking you guys and watching you have a good time.”

“I was really excited about that (and) I remember it was gonna be one of my first trips away from the family - without my parents or siblings,” Tristan continues, “So, what was your favorite part about Yellowstone?”

“Well, I think it was the winter and watching you” said Jean. “You just loved to plop down in the snow.”

“Yeah, it was like a wonderland for me. And…I saw wolves.” Tristan adds.  “They were everywhere (as) I remember. Just to see them wild...when you see a wolf in the zoo it’s very depressing, but when you see a whole pack of them going in for the hunt it’s exciting.”

Jean asks, “Do you think you’ll take your kids up there in the winter some time when you grow up?”

“Most likely,” Tristan replies. “I wouldn’t mind having a little house or a cabin down there when I get older.”

Produced for KGOU by Jim Johnson, with interviews recorded by StoryCorps, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording and collecting stories of everyday people. The Senior Producer for StoryCorps is Michael Garofalo.