Now that I’m in the park and done with the basic government paperwork I’m under a 14-day self quarantine so the first week I’ve been teleworking and training at Bryce Canyon National Park, outside wearing a mask most of the time.
I will admit it feels pretty strange to be sitting at home with barely any signal and working while my furry co-worker sleeps by my side.
After hours at the computer I move and park near the lodge for a better signal and a walk along the rim.
Sunset Point parking lot almost empty
It is weirdly wonderful with very few visitors. Although I expect that will change as the summer progresses and more trails open.
Navajo Loop trail is closed because of major rock fall.
The concession isn’t open yet, and our campgrounds are closed, so there’s no overnight accommodations yet.
I’m still living in the truck camper and not sure when the 5th-wheel will be towed in. The fellow who moved it last fall and stored it over the winter is busy with the natural history association part of the visitor center that opened last Wednesday with occupancy limited to 20 visitors. No rush but I am looking forward to the big house and hope it fits into my new site. Plus I’ll put the booster up and hopefully be back to a strong signal.
Ranger modeling Hoodoo Geology talk
The interpretive staff is getting some training which is being conducted outside. We have several new Rangers this season. Physical distancing is possible at the North campground amphitheater and overlooks. We are wearing masks and were given black masks to wear with uniforms. Makes Rangers look kind of scary. Not to mention inhibiting breathing and drinking water.
Lower left the iconic Thors Hammer seen from Sunset Point and the Navajo Loop Trail
The weather has been delightful with days up to 70°F and nights as low as the 30s. Thankful to have electricity and heat. Plus just enough clouds to make the few photos I’ve taken look pretty.
Horses and mules were brought in mid-week so my new neighbors are a little noisy at times. My windows look right down onto the corral and loading area. Maybe I should get to know them better.
What looks like an immature Golden Eagle landed on a tree above a neighbor’s trailer. Sat there at least 30 minutes. But sadly my photos are out of focus. Not sure if it’s me or the camera as I need to have my eyes checked rather badly.
That along with also needing a hair cut and a visit to the dentist. Guess it’s all going to have to wait a little longer.
Next week’s schedule includes more teleworking and training outside. Then it’s time to dig out the uniforms and hope they fit. Utah is opening up a bit so expecting more visitors. Yet none of us are anxious to see the park overcrowded.
great to see you and Sierra settling in. Looking forward to following along as you continue through the season. Do hope you get your big house soon, if for no other reason than having something in the waiting wings is always a bit of a pain. Onward!
Thanks. I am anxious to get us out of the furry house and into a bigger place with running water and shower.
Beautiful photos and I love the eagle. Looks good to me. I have just had my eyes tested and they told me my eyes have improved! I find it very strange going shopping and everyone, including us, are wearing masks. A few months back they would not have let you into a bank wearing a mask, so odd.
Take care and stay safe. Diane
Thanks. Maybe the photos look out of focus because my eyes are bad. Training is strange with everyone wearing masks and making it difficult to hear someone speaking. I haven’t walked into a bank in many months.
Great opportunity for pictures showing off Bryce without the the usual crowds. I’m sure some will be calendar quality. Enjoy the training while staying safe!
I really haven’t been to the rim enough to take advantage of the reduced crowds and take photos. Couple times I thought about going for sunset but right now that means battening down the camper and unhooking which I don’t seem to have the ambition for after a day at work.
We loved Bryce so much, one day we need to take an extended road trip back to the southwest as there are so many wonderful sites. Should be quite interesting to see how well people follow the rules, hopefully, you won’t have to do too much reminding. Happy for you to have the opportunity of being back at Bryce for your second(?) season.
I find it interesting though that you have to self-quarantine for 14 days. As soon as visitors start arriving at the park you’ll have no idea who you come in contact with, and they probably won’t even know they’re sick. What’s the premise behind the quarantine. I know the premise, I guess I’m asking why since you’ll be outside and exposed to so many.
Yes, Bryce is beautiful and it is my second season here, and hopefully a full season.
I’m under quarantine because I came from out of state. But to tell you the truth I’ve been out and about around more people in the last week than all the rest of the year. We will be outside dealing with people from all over and soon taking an assertiveness training that hopefully won’t be needed.
Bryce looks to be presenting itself beautifully as always. My husband and I took the longer mule ride in 2010. Absolutely stunning. Even though I had difficulty walking that night….lol Enjoy your weirdly wonderful time at Bryce!!
Yes, Bryce is BeaUTAHful. I wanted to do that mule ride last fall before I fell. Oh well, hopefully this year.
So happy to see your photos of Bryce. It’s just beautiful. I would be really enjoying it with so few people. Are the Rangers allowed to walk the trails? Hope you get your big house soon so that you can use your truck easily.
Bryce is BeaUTAHful. Yes, the park is open just not all the trails and we Rangers can hike on them as well we’re just not in uniform/identifiable. My hiking has been limited to the top while I adjust to the altitude. Hope to find out today when the 5th-wheel will be delivered.
WOW ! What a beautiful place Bryce is Gaelyn and your photo’s do not seem out of focus at all. Love the Canyon photo’s and the Eagle is splendid . You sound happy to be back there. Keep the mask on and stay safe. O.K.
Bryce is BeaUTAHful and it is good to be back. Maybe the pics look fuzzy because of my currently poor eyesight.
Beautiful pictures. Though I am not sure I have ever read your blog and the pictures were not beautiful.
Thanks for such a nice compliment. I really love taking photos of beautiful places, things, and sometimes people.