I’m officially unemployed, at least until next April sometime. Am I sad? Yes, I will miss the North Rim and Grand Canyon. Do I want to stay? No, there’s way too much snow here in winter.
It’s been yet another awesome season. My fourth.
Hiked the North Kaibab trail with Mike.
Joined a wonderful group of Grand Canyon National Park employees on the Colorado River.
And got to fly over Grand Canyon.
I enjoyed leading the Artist-in-Residence program and with the help of other staff as judges there will be a talented and diverse group of artists at the North Rim during the summer of 2012.
I’ve talked to thousands of visitors and hopefully enhanced their experience at Grand Canyon National Park. Most of them now feel like friends.
Had an end of season party Tuesday night at my place and thank goodness FabGrandma remembered to take a few photos.
Ranger programs finished Saturday and I presented the last one of the season, the 8pm evening program about the Native Americans who lived in the canyon almost 1000 years ago.
Sunday I helped the volunteers open the Visitor Center which will be open until October 29th, weather permitting.
The Grand Lodge served its last meal the morning of the 16th and my boss took the remaining Rangers to breakfast.
Sunday night the concession threw its annual Survivor Party including dinner, beer and live music which I attended for a little while with FabGrandma and FabGrandpa.
Now it’s time to pack it up and get ready to roll. Planning on pulling out the 20th when Mike and I leave for a road trip into southeastern Utah to visit some National Parks I haven’t seen in over 35 years.
You had an eventful summer. I'm glad you shared it with us.
What a wonderful life you have, a job you love and the freedom to explore our world in the winter.
I love your life! Cheers to another great season. I'm jealous you're hitting up the Utah parks, and I only wish your fifth wheel could walk (er, roll?) on water–with so much time off, you could come meet up with us mid-voyage! 😉
Sounds like a great job/vacation:)
We are planning a trip next spring sometime. Reading and following your blog has given us some ideas.
Nice synopsis of your work season. Enjoy traveling and don't forget to blog!
Sad and happy… as you suggested the other day… could that be someone with a torch bringing some good news?
Enjoy your travels… all that snow scares me too!
Boy, I sure enjoyed your posts this summer and this last one really wraps things up nicely. Thanks. I feel like I have spent time on the North Rim because of your writing and photos. Thanks and enjoy a great off season.
Wonderful photos of your season in the Canyon, Gaelyn. Hiking with two friends today, we spoke of meeting Mary there in the spring for a few days. I thought of you! Safe trip and enjoy the Parks!
Its not hard to understand why you love you job so much when you look at where you live and work and what you get to do. What fabulous experiences you have and I am sure your trip to Utah will be one of great memories and experiences as well. Looking forward to experience it with you through your camera.
what a spectacular!
i thoroughly enjoyed all of your posts you shared about that amazing trip/adventure!
enjoy your travels!
I still cant believe the summer is gone. seems like you just arrived in the Canyon. Have a wonderful trip to Utah..go quick before it freezes!
You have a very eventful year, good and bad. But it is nice to see a summary of what looks to be a very rewarding summer.