The first day of guide training at Grand Canyon began with updates and changes to be aware of.
Part of the Greening of Grand Canyon includes adding water fill stations so bottled water won’t have to be sold. Should also reduce the recycling of all those plastic bottles. Of course, if you don’t bring your own water bottle you will still be able to buy water bottles to fill and they’ll most likely have cute pics or logos of the canyon. Just one bit of info today.
And, yes, as of March 1st, 2010 visitors with gun permits will be able to pack a loaded gun on their hip in states where that is legal. Not really sure why they need to but that was part of the Credit Card bill. Hell, I can’t carry a gun while in uniform unless I’m a law enforcement officer, which I am not and don’t want to be.
P15 collard cougar at Grand Canyon (NPS archives)
22 adult cougars have been collared at Grand Canyon. One of the backcountry Rangers said that makes them out numbered 6-1 by cougars. Only 20 people in the USA have been killed by cougars since 1900. Hope nobody packing decides to shot one with more than a camera.
Other topics covered were about the proper way to dispose of human waste in the backcountry. Funny how folks really don’t want to haul out their own poop. How to safely prepare food and water for tour groups, reading the stars from different cultural perspectives, condors released in Arizona during the summer months, and archeology. And to end the day, Ranger Pat brought us up to date on the latest podcast technology being used at the canyon which you can check out here.
Community Building where I was all day
Got a couple inches of snow and more is falling. Tomorrow morning I start off with a tour of the historic Kolb Studio’s residence. Sure hope I’m allowed to take pictures.
I'm not opposed to guns, but like you, not sure why anyone would need one in the canyon. And I DO hope there are as many cougars (or more) at the end of the season as there are now.
I'm sure the cute, logo'd water bottles carry a cute price, too!
Don't get me started about human waste. I've seen plenty in my letterboxing excursions. It's really shocking. And part of my being outside means picking up trash, and I make my kids do it, too. They didn't know what they were picking up. (I didn't, either. I wouldn't have had them do that.) Glad we had hand santizer with us!
I cannot see what anyone would want to take a gun with on a hike through there? It might make sense so someone but not to me. I own one too and besides target prcatic, I have never used it. I sure hopw that no one shoots one of those beautiful cats but nowdays people get up to all kinds of awful things. Some even think it fun to have these as trophies!!
Boy, do I feel stupid. Had not idea packing loaded guns at the Grand Canyon had anything to do with the credit card bill. I'm sorta speechless about that. That said, I did learn during my recent trip to Wisconsin that hunting is allowed in their state parks and preserves. Hikers there have to wear bright orange ensembles so they don't get their heads blown off during certain seasons. Credit card bill? Must Google.
Gaelyn: What a fun tour. How do they put gun laws in with credit card bills. This country is amazing at times.
I had heard that was going to happen, and was hoping that nonsense would be stricken out of the final bill. I have not ever been afraid working at the entrance station before, but now I wonder if I should invest in a bullet proof vest.
The Credit Card Bill?…geesh.. I don't see the need for that at the parks, but the NRA has a very strong lobby…..Michelle
Guns in the park? I think that was the dumbest of the many dumb laws passed by congress.
It's a Rootin Tutin fearful World. Hopefully by being able to carry guns, they will opt not to.
Yay for the cougars and for the snow to follow their tracks in. Maybe people taste better when they carry guns.
Sounds like you had a pretty interesting day in class Gaelyn. Have you ever seen a Mountain Lion while rangering at Grand Canyon?
I'm more of the bow-and-arrow type, but I can see why a gun would be easier. I think it would be cool to wear one. Not to shoot anyone, but so that the extra weight on one side would help me develop that classic John Wayne swagger. (lol)
Let's see: Water, mountain lions, guns and poop. I think you've covered it all in one post! You even got the weather!