Unspoiled natural beauty awaits us. Let Eric and Darlene guide you through some of their favorite wildlife hotspots

Your Connection To Nature adventure?

Get connected…www.YC2N.com

Winter Wolves of

Yellowstone 2016-2017

Dear Traveler, Welcome! Our Tours include all meals, all activities, all hotels, all ground transportation, and a great wildlife itinerary. Two professional leaders, Eric and Darlene, accompany you for the entire tour in addition to local guest guides. Our small group size means you’ll have great food, exciting activities, and lots of memorable experiences. Join our group of smart nature-lovers and intrepid travelers who have made Your Connection To Nature their connection to nature for the last 11 years. Happy Travels! Eric Powers Darlene Prowse

$1,699.99 plus airfare based on double occupancy and 6-12 participants

Got your eyes fixed on traveling?

Well… feast on THIS!

Come join our pack…

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Exploring a Winter Wonderland The Fine Print: Terms and Conditions

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Welcome to a fabulous Eco-Venture! Land cost includes: Accommodations and meals as specified in the itinerary (including hotel/restaurant taxes, as applicable) all local transfers, tours and activities as described in the itinerary. Accommodations listed in the itinerary are subject to change without notice for similar or better quality, as we deem appropriate and necessary. Land cost does not include: Items not specifically mentioned in the itinerary, airport departure taxes, insurance, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, laundry, telephone calls, Wi-Fi, Internet accessibility, cables or any other expense of a personal nature. Meals or activities missed for any reason are not reimbursed. Reservations and Final Payment: A deposit of $500.00 per person is necessary to confirm a booking; this deposit is applied to the total cost of the trip. All final payments are due by posted due date.

Cancellations and Refunds Cancellations received 35 days before departure date are refundable minus a $350.00 per person booking fee unless a substitute traveler is found. Cancellations must be received in writing; however, they will be considered effective upon verbal advisement of the cancellation. We strongly recommend that you purchase your own trip cancellation insurance, such as: www.travelinsure.com

Mission Statement

Your Connection To Nature, Inc. is dedicated to saving and protecting the environment through educational programs and eco-tours. All profits go back into the programs we run, the animals we rescue, and the communities we serve. Tours can be enjoyed by people of ALL AGES! Non-strenuous options can be made available if needed.

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Dates to remember: September 15, 2016: Deposits Due: $500 (Non-refundable after November 15, 2016)

November 15, 2016: Final Payment Due: $999.99

Check our website for Informational Meeting dates

NOTE: Eco-Tours and Eco-Ventures are two different levels of trips that we offer. Eco-Tours are based around comfort and nature while Eco-Ventures are based around adventure and nature.

Please RSVP:

Darlene Prowse 631.689-8839 darlene.prowse13@gmail.com

or Eric Powers 631.241.0088

YC2N@me.com

www.YC2N.com

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“Ranger Eric” as students know him, is a biologist, teacher, photographer, outdoorsman, and overall nature-lover. He started leading nature hikes in 1987 as a Park Ranger in Colorado until he served two years in the US Peace Corps as an Environmental Education Officer. Since then, he has been running nature centers in Colorado, Alabama and New York. In 2005 he started his dream company, “YOUR CONNECTION TO NATURE” (YC2N), dedicated to meaningful environmental education programs and eco-tourism, these programs connect classrooms to field studies, and give people a better understanding of their local environment. Darlene is an outdoor enthusiast from an early age when she… These experiences shaped her career path as she got her Biology degree studying monkey ecology in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Her studies continued on the nocturnal behavior of desert rodents and dabbled in anthropology and archaeology of pre-Colombian civilizations in Mexico. She went on to study reindeer on Seward Peninsula, Alaska for 7 years and earned her Masters degree. Darlene particularly enjoys horse riding treks, cross-country skiing, and hiking. She has traveled far and wide on her own, including the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, the Arctic Circle, and the Amazon River.

Your Connection 2 Nature

www.YC2N.COM Where learning comes naturally!

Give us a howl…

“Ranger Eric” Powers

Your trip leaders

Eric Powers

YC2N@me.com

631.241.0088

Darlene Prowse

Darlene.Prowse13@gmail.com

631.689.8839

Darlene Prowse

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Yellowstone in Winter It’s all about the Wildlife!

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Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is

America’s first National Park. Located in Wyoming,

Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of

wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk.

Preserved within Yellowstone are an extraordinary

collection of geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, vents, and

of course, the most popular of them all…Old Faithful

Geyser. Another popular sight in the Park is the Grand

Canyon of the Yellowstone, a deep, polychrome canyon

with a monumental waterfall.

There are 67 species of mammals, 330 species of birds,

16 species of fish, 4 species of amphibians, and 6

species of reptiles.

Animals that can be seen in winter include: Elk,

Ptarmigan, Bison, Moose, Wolves, Great Grey Owl,

Coyote, Red Fox, Badger, Bald Eagles, Deer, Bighorn

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Sheep, Stellar’s Jay, Trumpeter Swan, Pronghorn

Antelope, Ravens, Snowshoe Hare, Great-horned Owl,

American Fisher, Barred Owl, Harlequin Duck, Sandhill

Cranes, Golden Eagle, Screech Owl, Wolverine, Bobcat,

American Dipper, Mountain Lion, River Otter, Beaver,

Ermine, Pine Marten, Chickadees, and Magpies.

“The day begins white and windy. Heavy snow, blown horizontal, obscures the mountains and mingles with steam from the hot springs…The snow comes in sheets, sometimes thick, sometimes opening to provide sudden views of windswept wilderness. At Roaring Mountain, we step out in knee-deep powder to watch a group of elk graze bright green water plants in the warm outflow stream. At the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the clouds come apart. Blue sky widens above, and we are washed by sparkling crystals. Gusts tear through the trees releasing curtains of snowflakes brilliant in the sunlight. We see trumpeter swans at an open spot on the river. A line of bison plow their way to an exposed ridge stripped of snow by the wind as several exuberant ravens cartwheel overhead. A day like this is emblematic of Yellowstone in January: a pure, heart-of-winter experience, with conditions changing rapidly and wildlife ever present. We are comfortable but immersed in the harsh splendor of the season. This is nothing like summer!”

By Jeremy Schmidt, January 2008

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Yellowstone 2016-2017

Enrollment Form

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First Name

Last Name

Nickname

Physical Home Address (emergency use only)

City State ZIP

Date of Birth

Age

Passport Number: n/a

My Contact Information

EMAIL(s)è

Cellè

Homeè

Workè

Otherè

Mailing Address:

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Health and Medical Information

Medical, physical, mental, metaphysical or ANY type of special needs that we need to know about in case of an emergency…

Medications:

Allergic to:

Dietary requests?

Emergency Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Relation

Cellè

Homeè

Workè

Email(s)è

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Statement of Disclosure

Your Connection To Nature, Inc., and/or its associates assume no responsibility, or liability in connection with the service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, motor vehicle or other conveyance, which may be used wholly or in part, in the performance of their duty to the passengers. Neither will they be responsible for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle, or through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger; or for any hotel proprietor, or for any other person, engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued. In the event it becomes necessary to change the itinerary for the comfort or well being of the passengers, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the tour operators. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers. No special considerations are made for medical condition or physical handicaps. The passenger accepts full responsibility for evaluating his/her own fitness for this expedition, and shall bear any additional expense should he/she be physically unable to participate in any or all portions of the trip. The right is reserved to withdraw any or all tours should conditions warrant, also declining to accept or retain any passenger as a member of the tour. In such instances, full or equitable amount will be refunded, but this amount shall not exceed the amount paid by the passenger. No refund can be made for any feature of the program not used by the passenger during operation of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used in these tours is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. Airlines and other carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or events during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. Similar responsibility as noted above applies to all types of carriers, including car rental companies. The passenger understands that if he/she books special low cost airfares with penalties, and cancels the reservation, he/she is responsible for any penalties incurred from the airline. All contracts for services provided by Your Connection To Nature, Inc., and its associates are entered into the State of New York and all parties to such contracts submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in the County of Suffolk.

Important Information

If you become ill or injured, your local guide, supported by the Tour Operator staff will make every reasonable effort to secure medical help. Therefore, it is important that you advise them of any problem when it first arises. Should you become seriously ill or unable to participate in the program for any reason, arrangements will be made to return you home as quickly and safely as circumstances allow. Keep in mind that we will often visit and reside in very remote locations in any type of weather. Technology in these locations may be limited or unavailable. We do our best to establish evacuation plans at each location. Individuals with disabilities are asked to declare and describe in advance their specific conditions or circumstances that require special accommodations or arrangements.

Liability Release Remember, we go FARTHER into the wilderness…

Waiver

I, ___________________________, intend to be fully bound to the maximum extent permissible under laws, having been informed that I/my child may be participating in these activities. While I understand that YC2N has made every effort to secure a safe program, I do recognize the inherent risk of traveling into wildlife habitat and wilderness in remote areas, including personal injury or death, as well as the risk of property damage or loss of property taken on this trip.

I certify that I have been advised to carry the elective travel insurance for myself/my child.

I agree to indemnify all stated parties in this document of any and all costs, including attorney’s fees, should litigation, mediation or other proceedings occur as a result of participation in any of the below activities:

Hiking, Whitewater Rafting, Climbing, Trekking, Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving, Game Safaris, Turtle Tagging, Horseback Riding, Snowmobiling, Dog Sledding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Walking, Vehicle Transportation, Boat Transportation, Air Transportation, or encounters with wildlife.

I am aware that in the event of gross misbehavior, (inclusive of drinking, abusive behavior, and disruption to the group itinerary), the operator, sponsoring educator or YC2N has the right to refuse service and may require the participant to return home at his or her own expense.

[ ] It IS NOT ACCEPTABLE to use photos or videos of me on YC2N website or on printed materials.

[ ] It IS ACCEPTABLE to use photos or videos of me on YC2N website or on printed materials.

Traveler’s Signature: ___________________________________

Today’s Date: ________________

Parent/Guardian Signature (if required):

Parent or Guardian signature required for participants between 15 – 17 years of age. I, ______________________________, certify that I am the legal guardian of the Child _________________________ with the authority to execute this agreement on his/her behalf.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________

Today’s Date: ________________

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What to bring…some suggestions

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• Binoculars

• Travel Pillow

• iPod and charger

• Book, Sudoku, cards

• Travel Journal/pens

• Pr. underwear / socks

Be Prepared

• Bring a written list of your closest friends or family, phone numbers and

email, in case you decide you need to contact someone (and your cell phone

is not working!)

• If you’re prone to allergies, bring your medicine just in case!

• Coffee drinkers, bring a travel mug.

• Other:

What to wear for travel

• Pants and long-sleeve shirt (airports and planes tend to be chilly)

• Hiking boots

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What to pack in your airplane carry-on

• Cell phone (in Ziploc bag)

• Identification / Money

• Sunglasses

• Toothbrush/tooth paste

• Camera / charger

• Small flashlight

What to pack in your suitcase

Minimize packing materials by putting like-things together into zip storage bags, for example, put all the soap,

shampoo, wash cloth, razor, etc into the same Ziploc bag that you can take right into the shower with you!

Sunscreen and lip balm 6 pair of socks Luggage ID tags

Soap, shampoo, small sizes Quick-drying undies Copy of your passport

Swimsuit 2-3 Long sleeve shirts Extra SD cards

2 Insulated undergear Sweater Layers, layers, layers!

2 pair insulated pants Winter Hiking boots Other:

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• Glasses / Contacts

• Medications

• Airline Tickets

• Passport

• Other:

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Yellowstone style, with champagne and hopefully an Aurora Borealis! Overnight at Holiday Inn (BLD). Sun January 1: Option Day

Early rise for breakfast and checkout…all bags to front desk and ready to depart for Dog Sledding by 8:30am. Yes, you will learn the thrilling adventure of mushing! First, you will ride on a dog sled before we each try our hand at driving the sled. Those that pass the test will be hooked up to an actual team of dogs to run a course! After lunch you will have a couple hours for shopping before we depart for Bozeman by 3pm sharp. Dinner in Bozeman. Overnight at Country Inn & Suites (BLD). Mon Jan 2: Depart

Depending on your flight, you might leave early or hang out in the hotel until you’re departure time. (B)

NOTES:

Itinerary is subject to change without notice due to inclement weather and other circumstances beyond our control. We will endeavor to substitute activities, hotels, or travel accommodations with equal or better replacements.

Meals included that day are in ( ).

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

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Tuesday December 27: Bozeman, MT and Dino Fossils

Arrival in Bozeman, MT and pickup from airport. Check into hotel and join us for a tour of a national treasure, The Museum of the Rockies, with one of the largest dinosaur collections in the world. Paleontologist Dr. Jack Horner and his team have created the largest and most important collection of dinosaur fossils all from the Montana area! Our evening program will cover the history of wolves in Yellowstone as well as their natural history. Overnight at Country Inn & Suites. (LD). Wed Dec 28: Tracking Wolves in Lamar Valley

Early rise and shine, hot breakfast and load our private bus into Yellowstone. Sit back and take in the amazing beauty of winter in Yellowstone as we head east on our 5-hour guided bus tour to the original wolf release site in Lamar Valley. With binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras, we will be making stops to view and record wildlife in their winter habitat. After a day of honing our wildlife spotting skills, we transfer to and settle into our next hotel in West Yellowstone, home for the next 4 nights. After dinner, we will host a digital photography lesson...please bring your cameras! Overnight at the Holiday Inn (BLD). Th Dec 29 3: Grizzly Wolf Center and West Yellowstone

Today we enjoy a leisurely breakfast before 9am. We head to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center for a tour and close-up views of wolf and grizzly behaviors. Take your time to get great pictures and videos of wolves and bears. After lunch, you get a couple more hours with the wolves before we take you to the shooting range where we teach you how to shoot a pistol, rifle and shotgun. Our evening program is a short astronomy hike to view the clear winter night sky, watch for shooting stars and if we’re really lucky, the Aurora Borealis. Overnight at Holiday Inn (BLD). Fri Dec 30: Old Faithful

An early hot breakfast and then load up the snowcat for a guided tour into Yellowstone National Park! This all day adventure will take us to Old Faithful Geyser, thermal pools, and lunch at the renowned Old Faithful Inn. There will be plenty of stopping for wildlife sightings, bathroom breaks, photographs, and our guide’s favorite points of interest. For our evening presentation, Eric and Darlene will discuss the Raptors of Yellowstone followed by an outdoor Owl Prowl in an attempt to call in our very own owls. Overnight at Holiday Inn (BLD). Sat Dec 31: Snowmobiling adventure

After breakfast, we each get fitted with snowmobile suits and a lesson on driving snowmobiles before heading out on our 6-hour excursion. We will travel through a variety of habitats in search of wildlife, including mountaintop pine forests, river bottoms, and recent burn sites. After dinner, we’ll share our favorite photos thus far, jump into some fun games like Wildlife Jeopardy and Pictionary, followed by a New Years Eve Bash! Let’s ring in the New Year

Itinerary 2016-2017 Winter Wolves of Yellowstone