POWERGRAMS

20 Darby said. "Sustainability programs like recycling are enormous efforts." Darby said his time at Plant Farley prepared him for his responsibilities at Yellowstone. His Southern Company experience made it easy to understand the national park business dynamics and to fit into a new organization. His responsibilities at the park were similar to those of an environmental specialist at Farley. The benefits of a strong safety culture helped Darby identify areas for park improvement and offer guidance to Yellowstone staff, such as opportunities for investigative work after injuries and shifting to a more preventative approach in safety programs. The Yellowstone caldera is the largest supervolcano in North America. The caldera is dormant but has erupted several times in the past 2 million years. More than half of the world's geysers and hydrothermal features are in Yellowstone. In 1978, Yellowstone was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darby said his work was rewarding as he brought fresh eyes and valuable experience to the national park's organization. He was able to help meet safety and sustainability goals as well as plan for future park improvements. The Alabama Power retiree was able to accomplish things he couldn't back at home, such as joining Yellowstone's 100-mile hiking club. He said each hike in the park was "so wonderful." "But hiking to the top of Avalanche Peak has been my most rewarding hike," Darby said." It was only 2.5 miles to the top, but it's a 2,000-foot elevation gain to the 10,500-foot peak. It took me over two hours, and I stopped numerous times to catch my breath, but I eventually made it. The peak was above the tree line and still had snow from a couple of weeks earlier. There was about a 30- mph windchill, but the view was 360 degrees and worth the effort. I found a dry spot behind a small, stone windbreak and was able to call home while enjoying the view for about 45 minutes before coming back down." Darby said he'll always remember special moments during his service at Yellowstone, such as riding around the park with co-workers at daybreak after the first significant snow of the fall. "We were like four kids getting into Disney World before the park opened," he said. Darby enjoyed meeting co- workers from across the country who had also been drawn to the park. He counted among his hiking pals people from Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and a retired firefighter from Wetumpka. But the adventure couldn't go on forever: Darby went to Wyoming without his wife, Connie, for more than two months. He doesn't think either of them could endure his leaving Birmingham for a full season at Yellowstone National Park. "I'd love to come back to Yellowstone, but if I return, it would likely be with Helping Hands, a program for volunteers to serve a few weeks in the spring and fall when college students aren't available," he said. "I hope to find something serving people close to home. I had a lot of 'me' time on this experience, so I have a desire to give back and I look forward to continued adventures." Wooden footbridge traverses the Lamar River in Yellowstone. Darby (far right) and friends from Helping Hands in Hayden Valley after first snowfall of season.

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