It’s always difficult to say goodbye Grand Canyon. Happens every year for the last seven, and this one no easier. But sadly my summer season is over at the North Rim as the gold falls from the aspens. And hopefully before the snow falls on the plateau.
As usual its been an awesome season sharing the canyon with people from around the world. The best of times is seeing the look of wonder on people’s faces especially when they’re seeing it for the first time. “Wow!” is the most often heard word. Phones, iPads, and cameras of every size, shape and color capture memories. Conversations occur between strangers. Languages from around the world.
A busy season with increased visitation, here and many other southwestern parks. Utah tourism put out a big push in advertising and the North Rim is part of the most visited triad around Kanab including Zion and Bryce National Parks. The National Park Service’s #FindYourPark campaign preparing for next year’s centennial seems to be getting the word out very well. Fuel prices were down this summer making travel more affordable. But how many people can a national park handle? The experience is altered by fighting crowds and circling parking lots. Are National Parks being loved to death? Obviously people do LoveTheirParks. Too bad Congress doesn’t.
Saturday, October 17th was my COB (Close of Business) after a three hour shift at the Visitor Center. Sunday I’ll pack up the stuff/chachkies/detritus and Monday roll off the Kaibab Plateau. But instead of heading south to Yarnell the big wheels roll northward almost to Utah. Hello Fredonia. Every time I tell someone I’m moving to Fredonia in my head I hear “Hail Fredonia!” from the Marx brother’s movie Duck Soup. Except that Fredonia was in New York. Fredonia, AZ: population 1300.
Many of you know I met Bill almost five months ago while blocking a road on the edge of Kanab Creek wilderness. Hopefully you’ve been following along as he tours me around southern Utah. Nice to have a tour guide instead of always being one. Our friendship/relationship, oh we’re not sure what to call it, continues to grow and flourish. Basically we really enjoy each others company. And that would be hard to do from Yarnell almost eight hours away from Kanab, Utah.
No word yet on the job with the Forest Service North Kaibab District, located in Fredonia. But I did make the cert and was referred. Government Human Resources are extremely slow.
I’m really looking forward to time off so Bill and I can go explore more of the southern Utah slick rock, especially now as the temperatures have cooled down from the summer hundreds and before the winter cold. Of course I am still writing about the last journey after leaving Hovenweep.
Hi, Gaelyn. Been silent because I had a photographer from out of town that I was being tour guide to. Yes, it is sad to leave a place, albeit temporarily; I have the same pangs when I leave the US for here and vice-versa…..but Fredonia beckons! Hail! I’m so glad you have found a guide of your own. I owe you a big fat email. Coming…
Your photos are amazing, I feel like I have been there with your tours but I am sure that I would also be saying Wow if I ever see it in real life. Enjoy your time with Bill. Diane
There is much WOW in the US.
Why do I have a lump in my throat when it is YOU who is leaving? haha! Well, as they say “If you don’t leave, you can’t come back!” And what a great reason to winter in a new location. It’s a slow moving train here in Devil’s Canyon with all the rain, and we have lost a couple of “cars” but I still hope to get through Kanab in the next week or so. Will send you a PM when close and see if you are around to say hello.
I’ll bet you have a hard time leaving every beautiful place you visit. Much rain at the North Rim so hoping I have no problem pulling out today. Do get in touch, would love to meet you and go hiking.
Hope you have a great a great winter exploring! Good luck on the job, too. Not sure if I should hope you get it or not. Work sure cuts into your exploring time for sure!
Will you be in Q in Jan.?
I have mixed feelings about the new job too. But I am looking forward to playing this winter. Maybe Q in Jan, how about you?
I love our National parks, it a shame that Congress is holding back the funds. Good luck on your next job! But, for now enjoy your time off. Wonderful post and photos.
It’s about time Congress listens to how much people love our parks. Thanks, am looking forward to time off.
Gaelyn, I really enjoyed reading your most recent entry. Your description of closing the North Rim for the season brought back some fond memories when Nancy and I would be involved with the event. I also enjoyed your comment about the National Parks being loved to death. Nancy and I came back from Yosemite this past week, having spent four wonderful days in the park. We both were shocked at the numbers of visitors, the endless lines of vehicles along the roadways that make crossing a road a risky adventure. We were out on Olmsted Point in the high country and thought of you. Hope you have a good winter in Fredonia. It sounds good having a friend/partner a bit closer than an eight hour drive. Let us know if you come down to Anza-Borrego again this year. – George V.
Thank you George. It really is hard to walk away from the canyon every fall, as you know. Your presence is still missed there. Even had a couple visitors ask after you and the star gazing. I have yet to visit my namesakes point in Yosemite, a place I want to visit but may have to wait for less crowds. When Bill and I visited the Needles District and Arches it was truly crazy. Time to explore more NF and BLM. Hope to bring Bill to Anza-Borrego this winter. Now we have to get John and Shirley to join us all there. Take care.
Hi Gaelyn I haven’t been commenting much over recent months, they are been very full & a bit worrisome here, but I have been following, and very much enjoying your summer. Thank you. I can’t travel for a few months yet so vicarious travel us even more important to me! I look forward to learning about Utah from you……obviously the Grand Canyon is world famous, so it almost seems familiar. However Utah is a whole new landscape for me 🙂 I wish you safe & happy travels & a very happy winter.
Thanks, glad to hear you’ve been following along this summer. I’m really looking forward to more Utah adventures. Hope you’ll be back in travel mode soon.
Good Luck Gaelyn on all fronts. UT is such a beautiful state – will look forward to your photos.
Thank you Barb.
Can’t believe it’s over for another year but clearly you are starting a new and exciting chapter in your life and I am SO HAPPY for you both. Hope that job comes through for you but no matter, I know you are going to have a wonderful winter. Hope it’s warmer where you are. Or that you both are going to continue travels to warmer climes.
Me either, but I’m OK with having time off especially spending it with Bill. A little warmer in Kanab but winter is coming and I’ll be happy to explore warmer climates. Thanks Sherry for sharing my happiness. Hope you are both well.
Well how fun is that to look forward to a new destination for your “off” season and a new relationship to boot? Good luck with getting the job and setting up your wheelestate.
Thanks Patti. Life has taken a shift for the good.
It seems like you just got to the canyon.
And before I know it summer will return.
I love that you love seeing/hearing the wonder of those who come to witness the beauty of the canyon – you’re definitely spending your summers in the right place 🙂 Your winter will be so fun and exciting, exploring a new place with Bill. Perhaps our paths will cross in January if you two make it to Q.
Summers are wonderful at the canyon. Now to decide what to do for fun over the long winter. May make it to Q in Jan.
Oh I love your plans (or lack of them re the job)… but who cares about that when where you’re going and why is fantastic news. Keep on enjoying those great tours by that knowledgeable leader (and any fringe benefits that may accrue). Have fun (and share what you can ;>)!
Thanks. I am happy to not be working and having a great place to stay while getting work done on the RV.
I miss the Grand Canyon already. I may not get the chance to comment as often as I used to, but I still follow. Really looking forward to see what Fredonia looks like.
Me too. Don’t think you’ll be impressed with Fredonia. Work is keeping you busy.