Arizona

Opening the North Rim 2013

Posted by Gaelyn Olmsted on May 14, 2013 Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

May 142013

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park opens its gates May 15th by 8 am. I’d expect a line so please be patient, the canyon isn’t going anywhere.

All the employees of Forever Resort and the National Park Service have been cleaning, stocking, training and studying in preparation of your arrival.

If you plan to stay in the park, make reservations way ahead of time. That includes camping or staying in the Lodge cabins.

There are no bad views of the Grand Canyon. Opportunities include overlooks, a drive on the Scenic Road and hiking. Or just hang out at the Lodge. Food and cocktails are available or bring your own picnic.

Ranger programs happen daily. Learn more about the condors that fly over or the geology of the canyon.

Check out the North Rim Guide online. And stop in the Visitor Center for more information or to buy postcards, books or videos.

I’m ready. My boots are polished and my uniform is pressed.

What are you waiting for?

Returning to my Summer Grand Canyon home

Posted by Gaelyn Olmsted on April 27, 2013 Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

Apr 272013

Arrived at my summer Grand Canyon home Wednesday afternoon. Returning to an old friend yet always with new eyes. I am so fortunate to live and work here for six months of the year.

The new to me truck pulled the 5th-wheel like a dream. Up over several mountain passes averaged 10-12/mpg. And when not towing 19/mpg. I’m a happy camper. Notice how the color matches RV accents.

Parked, leveled and ready for the summer season. Well, almost ready. Still have to dig out the official Park Ranger uniforms, dust off the iconic “flat top” hat, and spiff up a few programs.

Doesn’t quite feel like summer temperatures at 8200 feet. Yet there is very little snow left. Guess I’ll put away the summer dresses and pull out the sweaters. Snow will most likely fall again. Of course, nothing normal about weather.

I did notice some Mahoney blooming near the rim.

The North Rim doesn’t open to the public until May 15th, 2013. So over the next couple weeks we’ll be preparing for the crowds. It’s sort of like re-opening a small town every spring. Sure hope you’re planning to visit Grand Canyon. Stop by the North Rim visitor center and say hi. Or see you on a trail.

In the mean time, it’s really nice to enjoy the park’s peace and quiet. Life is good at my summer Grand Canyon home.

Cowboys riding to Reno

Posted by Gaelyn Olmsted on January 17, 2013 Arizona, art

Jan 172013

Had to go to Wickenburg to take care of some banking before I leave for South Africa. Don’t want them denying me from overseas. That has nothing to do with Reno. But Wickenburg is a western town so I do occasionally see someone on horseback.

But Reno is where these cowboys were headed just not in the most conventional manner.

When I saw this truck pull into the carwash as I drove by I looked for the first place to turn around.

Have to respect Don’s inventive idea of washing the dust off these life size bronze sculptures before he waxes them and takes them to Reno. I’ll bet he’s headed to the 2013 Safari International Convention January 23-26 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Don is not the artist but does own Montana Lifestyle Fine Art and represents painters, sculptors and musicians that “brings Montana into your home.”

The sculptor of these fine bronze creations, Bradford J Williams was raised in eastern Colorado out on the range. He’s a self-taught artist and one of the most sought after in his “cowboy way of life” genre. I can certainly see why. I was ready to saddle up and ride to Reno too.

Capturing the present for future memories of the past