May 2-4, 2016
Once again snow on the ground when we Rangers left the North Rim headed for training on the South Rim.
After a quick cookie stop at Jacob Lake Inn we headed east off the the Kaibab Plateau under threatening skies which hung over the Vermilion Cliffs.
The further east we got the clouds began to break up a bit and by the time we arrived on the South Rim there was a whole lot of blue sky.
The five gals stayed above the old Verkamps store, now a visitor center, which is suppose to be haunted and has rattily old radiators and pipes. Us two “senior” Rangers got the two bedrooms and the three younger gals brought sleeping pads and bags for the living room floor. The walls are decorated with art from the park’s Artist-in-Residence program, of which I’m the Lead on the North Rim.
And an absolutely awesome view from the roof top porch.
After unpacking we toured the museum archives where I’ve been before but could definitely spend days to weeks to months. We saw taxidermy animals, 1000s of years old split-twig figures, a sandal and pottery, millions of years old fossils and rocks, and John Wesley Powell’s pocket watch.
That night the ladies made a stir fry dinner for everyone, the guys went to a different house to stay in, and I went to bed early. Heard a little rattling in the pipes but then fell asleep and wasn’t disturbed until the the alarm clock.
The next morning under clear blue skies and almost 60F some of us went on a Ranger lead fossil walk.
Back to Verkamps for lunch and a bonus condor sighting and even though far away was very exciting. After getting our keys and some office supplies we attended a training about Collaboration and Conflict which was exceedingly helpful considering how weird and crazy last season was.
Then we had the rest of the afternoon to wander so I suggested a ride out to Hermit’s Rest. Because we had a government car and the gate code we avoided using the shuttle for that rim drive. Only stopped at a few overlooks, chatted with some Ravens, and did a quick spin into Hermit’s Rest before heading back to Verkamps for fajita dinner made by the guys.
North Rim from Grand View overlook
View from Desert View Watchtower
First thing the next morning we had to get photos and fingerprints for an ID card to get us logged on to the government computers then headed east out of the park with a stop at Grand View overlook, the Tusayan Museum, and Desert View Watchtower.
And past Echo Cliffs back home to the North Rim.
What great photos and I am sure the training brings you all up to date with what is going on. The fossils are interesting and I do hope we get to see a Condor 🙂 Time is creeping up on us …… Have a good week Diane
Thanks Diane. We’re almost ready to open. Condors are not often seen from the North Rim unfortunately, but you just never know.
Oh we miss this area so much already! How fortunate you are to work there, to drive to training through such a magical place. We definitely need to take the shuttle to grand view and get back to the tower in clear weather – thanks for sharing what we missed! I do so hope the crowds aren’t horrendous with the centennial celebration. We’re avoiding national parks this summer 🙂
I love the drive between the two rims and it was delightfully quiet on the South. I too am avoiding NPs this summer, other than where I work.
An interesting thought came to me after reading this post, if you don’t mind my asking… do you leave at the end of each season knowing that you have a job to return to, or are you rehired each season? Inquiring minds want to know. 🙂
After three seasons of good evaluations I have rehire rights so don’t need to reapply here. Good question.
Not a bad place to have to go for job training!
It was much less crowded than today’s trip.
So – this is what it looks like before the crowds descend? Glad it was snowless for your training. I bet you have your fill of snow by now! Have a great season, Gaelyn.
Today is was at least 70+ and felt delightful on the South Rim for the brief time I was there, drove back and forth for a long day. Hope you’re enjoying the beach.
Love that you stopped for cookies on your way. Sounds like nice accommodations and good food. Envy you skulking around in the archives. Wonderful pictures of the park from the south side and especially my favorite, Desert View Watchtower and its views. How heavenly to be there with way fewer people I assume.
All us North Rimers are pushing for a cookie punch card. One of the best accommodations and training I’ve had at Grand Canyon. Might get to stay there again for a “Ranger Trade”. The South Rim does have the advantage of huge long views with the river, yet there’s no bad views. Was on the South Rim today and was much more crowded. I’m glad for tomorrow off.
Sounds like my idea of training…lots of fun free time, little work:)
Sure was better than today’s there and back again trip with larger crowds.
Oh I am so jealous!!!!!
GCA is desperate on the NR.
It looks like you had a good training program. I’ve started several jobs and it always like “… your office is here and the crapper is down that way, so get busy and I’ll see you later.”
This was definitely one of the best trainings in my 8 years here. Besides it can’t be all bad at Grand Canyon.
I’d love to spend some time in the museum archives. Lovely views from your south rim visit.