Because it was getting too hot in the desert I moved up in elevation to enjoy a second Spring into Summer. And now it’s getting warm here at almost 5,000 feet so will be time to move up again for yet another Spring into Summer.
Mary’s Garden
I’ve been spoiled during my stay at Mary’s, treated well and frequently fed, power, and even a cool guesthouse to shower and hide out reading during the heat of the day. And it got warm a few days last week pushing 90°F outside and more in the camper.
When I realized this is almost the very last of my hibernation/isolation/distancing, I wanted to savor it. So I’ve been even lazier than the previous four months in the desert. I spend a large part of the day on the computer, writing, working on photos, answering emails, and way too much time on Facebook.
Photography has been pretty much sunsets.
In addition to a change in environment and temperature, following Spring into Summer offers some new flowers and birds. (Iris, Lavender, Iris; Verbena, unidentified, 4 O’Clocks)
Javelinas wander past which I’m used to from Yarnell.
And then there’s more marvelous Arizona sunsets where it changes so fast it’s not easy to keep up.
Columbine along the Wagoner Road
I went shopping with Mary in Prescott, the biggest town I’ve been to in many months. Traffic wasn’t as bad as I remember but Costco was a zoo. They have signs that state, “Members must wear a mask to enter the store.” Bullshit! Only a little over half of the customers and staff wore masks. Shoppers were much closer than six feet. Couldn’t wait to get out. Other stores were about the same. Doesn’t demonstrate that people have learned distancing. I find it’s hot to breath with a mask on.
Word from B&B is the replacement propane tank will be delivered in Congress early this week. I’d say it’s about time after messing with this for a year.
We’ve all had ups and downs this year, yet all in all, I’m thinking it was a good winter for me to heal and regroup. Now, 8 1/2 months after breaking my wrists I am feeling physically healed and ready to return to the job I love as a Park Ranger. My official start date is May 10th, that’s when I move into Bryce Canyon National Park. The following day I will report for duty, in a mask, receive paperwork, find out what my duties will be—different than business as usual—and self-quarantine for 14 days while teleworking from my RV.
Bryce actually opens under limited services May 6th. I can go into the park and hike but not in uniform. I’ll be polishing up some new program ideas and who knows what else. I am ready to return to Park Ranger life, though practiced differently than in the past. I’ll try to keep you updated while working a 40 hour week.
So, now it’s once again time to move on and up in elevation for a third Spring into Summer at Bryce’s 8000 feet. Hope to pull out mid-week with a stop near Flagstaff for a picnic with a friend and a night or two on the North Kaibab National Forest near Jacob Lake (and maybe a cookie).
