Before the first big holiday of America’s summer, all staff prepared for busy at Bryce Canyon National Park expecting increased visitation. There’s only so much we can do, and the rest is up to you. Maybe not “you” personally, but doing some homework and being prepared sure helps for a better experience when visiting any national park site. I ended up spending some unscheduled time off at home before the weekend.
The Monday before Memorial Day I received my second Moderna COVID shot. Quick and easy, felt fine, and even took myself to lunch in Panguitch. I had two paid days off for this procedure so I stayed home and hoped I wouldn’t get sick. My boss sent over a care package in the afternoon including canned chicken soup, applesauce, jello cups, and Gatorade. I continued to feel fine all day.
Turned out to be a wildlife sort of day. Mule deer grazing on the last road home.
Plus observing five baby Stellar Jays in a nest outside my window. I had to look closely because they were so quiet, like fauns left alone, yet they are usually raucous birds. And now they have fledged.
I managed to USB tether the old laptop to the new phone and worked on some blog posts. Lots more time involved moving photos from new laptop to old via flashdrive, but doable. Spent many hours laboriously labeling photos.
Slept good that night except for trying to write a blog post in my sleep. If only I could think them into cyberspace. My arm was sore in the morning and it wasn’t long before I was back in bed with the chills. Only felt a bit better Wednesday morning so stayed home again. Shot the shit out of that work week as I had the next two days off.
And to be honest, except for feeling sick, I really didn’t care. I’m struggling with work this season. I’ve identified as a Park Ranger for 29 years and don’t know how to retire. Worry a little about money and where I’m going to live. Still have to get signed up for Social Security that got put off when COVID hit last year. I just can’t see myself doing nothing. I’ve followed my gypsy dream for over 40 years. Maybe I could offer RVer gatherings in the desert this winter to photograph/watch the full moon and include sunrise over the Kofa Mts. Offer presentations at RV Parks about Grand Canyon. How about a group called the Boondocking Buddies? I don’t really like marketing so would find it challenging to organize. I lack motivation. Barely taken any photos.
Woke up Thursday morning with a headache. Very unusual for me. Because I couldn’t get online, I labeled over 600 photos and still not half way through March, that’s 2020. I am anal that way and figure someday I may not remember where I took photos, then hope I can still read. I took a nap, something else unusual for me. Friday was mostly more of the same, without the headache, while I worked to learn how to do more online with the new phone. I also learned that the current Windows 10 operating system is seen as software and wants to update regularly. Not so great when there’s no reliable internet signal. That means taking the laptop to work and use public WIFI.
I prepared mentally to be busy at Bryce Canyon for the holiday weekend.
By the time I started work Saturday morning at nine the three entrance station lines were 15+ vehicles each and the visitor center parking lot was filling fast. I was happy to just grab a radio and be on my way to the rim for the 11am Hoodoo geology talk. Spent the next four hours roving with a lunch break followed by more roving as I walked back and forth along the “easiest” trail half mile each way between Sunset and Sunrise Points making over 150 visitor contacts (contact is answering questions for X amount of people).
What a crazy day! I believe the predictions that this will be the busiest summer in National Park Service history. Got so busy the park closed for over two hours mid-day, no place to park anywhere including an overfull shuttle parking lot out of the park. Medicals all over. TOO MANY PEOPLE! YIKES! My day ended at 6:30 after a couple hours at the outside information tables. I do love to help people enjoy the park but some don’t even know what they came to see and seem to want to just check the place off a list in a couple hour visit. Such a shame.
After work and in the office it took 45 minutes to update Windows on the new laptop and I caught up with email comments on posts and paid my credit card. In the morning it wants to update some more and I still get the error, “Network busy on windows” when trying to use PDANet+. Feels like I wasted $1000 on this laptop. Then I got online via the phone with no PDANet+ and not even sure how I got there other than persistence.
Sunday I started work at the information tables in the middle of the middle day of the first HUGE holiday weekend. Thank goodness only an hour but will continue to help if/where needed. Still crazy busy at Bryce Canyon and another day with several hours of closure at the entrance station. Wonder if this will continue all summer. I also covered information a couple hours before closing at 8pm. I needed a mantra to keep a smile on my face—and eyes above mask when needed. “Thanks for visiting Bryce, please treat it, and each other, with respect.”
Utah Prairie dogs
Presented the 9pm evening program about wildlife at Bryce Canyon before calling it a long day. Only presenting one program a day isn’t enough. Certainly not what I signed up for.
I have started conversations with visitors about over crowding in the parks, asking them what do we do? They are not in favor of knocking down trees for more parking lots, thank goodness. Most agree reservations to enter and limited numbers seems OK. Have to figure out what the public can do to get involved in these decisions.
Arrow Balsamroot
Feels like I should write an article about the problems for National Park Service seasonal Park Rangers—who the public love–yet get treated rather poorly being college educated and underpaid because getting paid in sunsets is not enough; experience overpriced housing/RV parking if available and often with no or little internet connection available; loose earned sick leave when quit working as seasonal no matter how many years; struggle to get permanent with benefits; deal with upset visitors and overworked supervisors due to lack of staffing. Don’t get me wrong, most of us absolutely love our jobs but it could certainly be better.
I survived the long holiday weekend being busy at Bryce Canyon. Monday eventually slowed down a bit. I worked the information desk during a still busy morning. After lunch I presented the 2pm Hoodoo geology talk and roved the rim for three hours with 175 visitor contacts. Yes, we carry counters. Ended the day picking up litter around the visitor center parking lot.
Tuesday I was scheduled for project time, all day. So I took the day off as a “mental health day” and drove the 1 1/2 hours to Cedar City for my new eye glasses. A worthy project. Was able to retrieve my old phone and it has a SIM card so presumably I can load the photos to my laptop. Also did a little shopping and went out to lunch. And now the cupboards and fridge/freezer are stuffed. And I didn’t have to go shopping on my next three days off.
Wednesday I went back to work for my Friday doing my favorite schedule, after opening the visitor center, to spend the day at Rainbow Point, the end of the scenic drive. We are now scheduled to present Grand Staircase geology talks at 12:30 and 1:30 if there’s any visitors at Yovimpa Point. A short paved walk from the Rainbow Point parking lot with a huge view 100 miles south. It’s not an overly busy place, which I dearly love. Yet I still answered over 100 questions and ended up presenting many mini talks about a variety of subjects based on those questions. I am in my element, yet look forward to days off to regroup. And this week get an oil change for the truck. I continue to wonder if we’ll be this busy at Bryce Canyon all summer, and can I survive the crowds.
Lazy sunset shot from RV door
I’ve been grumpy lately and whining a lot. I apologize. In fact, I’m rather surprised anybody is still reading let alone commenting. Trust me, I appreciate you all. I’m going to blame at least part of this problem on dehydration. Working a nine-hour day mostly outside in a high and dry environment it’s not easy to drink enough water. I remind visitors all day to drink about one liter of water per hour when active. Yet I get home in the evening to discover I might have drank 2-3 liters all day. By bedtime, I’ve downed at least another 2-3 liters depending on time and how much Sierra pesters for a filled glass for herself. Yes, we share the glass and she helps me remember to drink, when I’m home.
At least I finally got out for a sunset along the crowded rim as even evenings are busy at Bryce Canyon National Park.
If you can’t vent to your online friends, who can you vent to?!
I just don’t know how you do it! I couldn’t abide all those people. I like being a hermit.
Take care. We love your work and your tales.
Thanks for being there. I do like people as well as being a hermit during the winter.
Hang in there kid. Life can and does throw us a lot of curves at times. When we get older, they can get a little harder to adjust too. I’m turning 75 this August and can feel my body complaining about it but my wife and I decided not to give into it. Need to stay active both physically and mentally or everything’s going to just grind to a halt. Stay positive, Really look forward to your posts.
Thank you for being an inspiration and your support. This season has been rough and I hope gets better.
Good thoughts as always, I look forward to reading your posts and seeing your photos. Moderna #2 hit my wife pretty hard, but I only had a day of being fatigued. It was nice the NPS gave you some time off to recover. If what I read about other parks applies to Bryce, it will be a busy summer. Hang in there. I look forward to a chat next winter, somewhere in the desert sw, hopefully on a day that is not so windy. Cheers!
Thank you. It is very busy. Guess I got spoiled last summer when it was quiet. I too hope we can hang in the non-windy desert this winter.
Your followers support you Gaelyn. You give insight to the life of a Park Ranger and a full time RV’er. The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. I will be here to read it all. 2nd Pfizer kicked my butt too. Down for a few days. The Parks are sooo crowded. I always carry a trash bag and gloves with me on my outings to pick up. Figure it’s the least I can do to help out. You’re being proactive with the visitor conversations about how how to manage the crowds. What about a formal survey at certain points in the Park? Zion needs help too and suffering. Thank you again for being the Ranger you are.
Thanks for your support and kind words. Way too many people in our overrun parks. Zion is a zoo. I’m going to hand out comment forms.
Well I forgot a couple things … lol. Your new glasses look fun. I like them! And the Stellar Jay picture is great!
I am happy with the new specs. The baby jays have fledged.
It’s been a long, hard 14 months, and I’m sure you’re not the only one who gets grumpy sometimes. Heck, I know I sure do! Despite the occasional grumpiness, it still seems like you are an exemplary ranger and make a difference on the lives of the visitors who are lucky enough to talk to you and hear your programs. I wish the NPS took better care of its seasonal rangers. It would be nice if they took care of you and offered retirement benefits for working x number of seasons. They certainly couldn’t do it without you!
Thanks, I know we’re all tired of the BS from the last year +. When I interact with the public it’s all good. But I am tired.
Look’n good in your new spectacles! After over a year of Covid Closures, all of us want to be outside! The local news covered the crowds/closures/restrictions enforced at Yosemite, Zion, Bryce, etc. I wouldn’t want to be the ranger to tell a family that’s been waiting for hours to come back another day.
Thanks. I wouldn’t want to be that Ranger either, but… people need to plan better.
Kudos to you. I couldn’t do what you’re doing, but it’s a critically important job. I don’t have the patience any more. Too many knuckleheads out there, and I don’t like crowds. I’ve come to the conclusion: There are just way too many people on our poor little planet! Getting harder and harder to find solitude. I sure enjoy your photos!
Thanks. Being a Ranger is glamorous but not always easy. I agree about too many people.
Dear Gaelyn, I love following you on your life as a Park ranger. I would think the powers that be would take better care of their passionate workers like you. I love the babies in their nest and I love Sierra sitting on your workdesk. Have a great day. Jo
Thanks. The Feds have more important things to take of than us Rangers. But it would be nice for them to take a closer look at what we do and treat us better.
This is a great post Gaelyn with beautiful pictures. The one of you is really great! You don’t look as overworked as you clearly are.
I’m sorry to hear you had a multiple day reaction to the vaccine but happy that boss provided a care package. Remember they say those with the strongest immune systems have the strongest reactions. That lets me out. I had no reaction to either Pfizer shot and actually was worried maybe they didn’t really give it to me. I wonder even with the vaccine if we will ever be able to take off the masks I so hate.
New laptop, new phone, terrible internet sounds terminally frustrating. I am in awe that you label all your photographs. I simply do not have the patience for it. Mine are in folders by date but you are right that it wouldn’t be so easy to remember where I was since the photos themselves are not labeled.
Really hope this summer as not as bad as it has started out in terms of tourons. And I definitely hope they get all this out of their systems before next summer. I don’t blame you at all for being more than ready to retire. But that means when I FINALLY get back out west you won’t be my favorite park ranger. Sigh!
Thank you for the lovely compliment. Perhaps the new glasses hide the bags under my eyes. Most people in Utah aren’t wearing masks. I still do under certain circumstances. I hope to always be your favorite Park Ranger, or at least a guide to the west.
Hmmm – somehow I didn’t post the end of that….. you’ll be my favorite photographer, ex-park ranger and local guide to all things Natural.
I hope you can figure out what retirement means for you. It’s different for everybody. Myself, I loved the work, but hated all the stuff that went with working for a corporation plus it was sad to see the younger people screwing each other over to make themselves look good. If all I had to do was talk to customers and coordinate things that would be great.
I think a major rethink on the parks is in order. The old 1960’s way of everybody just show up doesn’t work. I can see mandatory bussing in and making reservations and less time, energy, and space devoted to automobiles. We also need more recreation areas in the country. Maybe not so much National Parks, but spaces for people to go to. I think there is a real hunger out there.
Thanks for all you do.
Thanks for the moral support. I’m sure many go through a dilemma about retiring. NPS is definitely behind the times. And we do need more green spaces for people to enjoy.
I love your photos and if you want to vent off a bit of mood then I am happy to hear you and know I am not the only one that has these moments. I have got so busy at home that I am not following blogs (except you) and I have not blogged for ages. Plenty of photos on standby it is just finding the time!!! Retiring is far busier I find than working, but then there are two of us to be looked after, and what seems like a big house and a big garden. On the other hand I cannot imagine being in a tiny place with no garden! I still dream of spending my retirement in a game reserve in RSA but it is not likely to happen. Take care and running photographic courses sounds good to me, if you were closer I would be on your door step.. Keep safe and take care. Hugs, Diane
Thanks. I’ve missed your posts and figured you were busy in the garden. I like your retirement dream and would gladly join you, in my own tiny chalet.
Hi Gaelyn, pleased you finally got your laptop working,I never would have guessed you were having problems because your posts with wonderful photo’s are always here for us all to see, so how do you manage it? I panic when we have a power cut worrying if all the stuff on my computer is lost. I admire your work and the fact you quickly get yourself organised whenever there is a hitch. You are an inspiration. Looking forward to your next post and especially Foto Friday !!!
I am addicted to blogging, so even through the frustrations I persist. And sometimes take the laptop to work or town to get things done.
Hi Gaelyn,,,,ditto everyone above for mood comments. Everyone has them and I’m happy I’m not the only one. Computers—-I’ll never figure out them, just muddle along. Glasses are nice! Ever check out Zenni.com ? If not do so, You can save hundreds of dollars. Retirement is always a big ? in life but sounds like you are on the right track. Love the pictures and the story. Sorry you had problems with the vaccine but now it’s done!
Take care.
Thanks for the moral support. I forgot about Zenni and could get a second pair of glasses in another color. I am confused about retirement.
You could get sunglasses from Zenni. RMNP started implementing reservations for visiting the park this year, because of the exact reasons you are experiencing.
I think reservations are the way to reduce over crowding.
Maybe this year you can hope more people only want the quick two hour experience and then get out of there. I see Rocky National is only allowing entrance with reservations through mid October so clearly that’s an option. The coast rv parks are nearly full but we’re not finding crowds at the traditional tourist places so not sure where they are other than in their RV. We like that 🙂 Getting your social security will give you more options moving forward.
I think reservations are the answer, even though I don’t like to make them myself. Glad you’re not in crowded areas.