A decision has finally been made and I’m going back to Yarnell for the winter. But first I have to remove the camper from the truck so I can tow the 5th-wheel. So, I’m driving back to Yarnell today to drop the camper and back to the North Rim Wednesday. Then I have about two weeks left of my summer season at the North Rim before hauling the big house to I know not where. Have locals looking for options.
This trip includes no lollygaging along the way. It’s a seven hour drive from the North Rim to Yarnell. Way more than I usually like to drive in a day. I’ll be able to take my time on the next trip down with the 5er.
Why Yarnell? I have lived there 10 winters and made friends in this lovely small community. My BFF is having a knee operated on this winter and I’ll be there to help her through recovery.
Will I travel this winter? I have at least two trips planned. The Grand Canyon Historic Symposium on the South Rim November 4-6. And a January trip to Quartzsite, Arizona for a couple of gatherings. Sure hope there’s more in store.
Sometimes I have a difficult time making a decision. Maybe too many options bogs me down. Then there’s the ideas that just cost too much money. I’d really like to return to South Africa but it doesn’t seem to be in the budget this year. I’ll keep dreaming.
I applied for two winter seasonal positions, Big Bend and Death Valley. And although I was referred to both never got a call, interview, or offer. Being a Park Ranger is really competitive work and winter season offers less choices.
So I’m headed back to Yarnell.
Well at least we will get to see you this winter! You are always welcome up our way but it is not warm and dry here in the winter for sure. Have long pants and socks on here at home for the first time this season. Hoping I’ll be back in shorts and sanders at least a couple of more times this season! Have a great rest of the season and safe travels!
Much warmer in Yarnell than the North Rim but not quite shorts and sandles, at least for me.
Sounds like a good plan. Will probably see you in Q in January.
That would be great.
I offered to volunteer at Death Valley two days a month. I had to write twice to even get a response and then after a promise of will get back with you, nothing. I was offering myself, an NAI certified interpretive guide for free, with good references, two weekend days a month. Nothing. I wonder why?
Anyway have a safe ride.
Certainly DEVAs loss. I wasn’t holding my breath for an offer. Looks like you’re enjoying the new place.
Sounds like meeting up in RSA is not on the books :-(( Drive safely and take care, hugs Diane and Nigel
Sadly not this year.
You’ll be a big help after knee surgery. Only 2 more weeks – that season went fast! That’s about the limit of my time in the van, and I’m usually just the passenger. Too much sitting for me. Safe trip.
Was a gorgeous drive except for a couple hours of intense wind. Still more hours than I like.
Once again, Gaelyn, you are a testament to the line that a rolling stone (or park ranger) gathers no moss. You are doing a lot of driving in a very short time. Please be careful. Every time I read about you or some of the others driving up or down from the North Rim and heading South, I think of Jessica every time. Sure glad Nancy and I were able to connect with her on our visit in August.
Have a question for you: Why does one have to confirm that he/she is human when responding to your blog? I failed to check the box this time and clicked on submit only to have the computer shake a finger at me and told me in no uncertain terms that I need to check the box. About the only thing it did not say is FOLLOW DIRECTIONS, VARGA! WHAT’S DA MADA WIT YU?
Thank you for your concern. I too think of that.
Clicking that your human reduces the amount of spam. Of course I know you are a wonderful human, but alas the internet doesn’t. Sorry for the inconvenience.
It’s good to have made a decision.
Feels good and right.
Glad to hear you made your decision:) Returning to familiar ground is always fun. Travel safely as you get things set:)
There is something to be said for the familiar. And I’m sure some unknown adventures ahead.
So sorry to hear that Big Bend and Death Valley didn’t work out. I can’t imagine who they could find more qualified or better at her job than you are. Not envying you that 7 hour drive but you will be back in a place you have loved and there is something in that. Hope it is a moderate winter or you find a way to take several trips out to fun spots of your choice.
I wasn’t holding my breath for a winter job just figured I couldn’t say no to an offer if I didn’t apply. Although Death Valley would be an interesting winter. Warmer here in Yarnell, at least right now. I’m sure to wrangle in some travels this winter.