• Home
  • About Geogypsy
    • Herstory
    • Parks where I’ve worked
  • Places I’ve been
    • United States
      • Arizona
        • Antelope Slot Canyon
        • Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
        • Colossal Cave Mountain Park
        • Flagstaff
        • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
        • Grand Canyon National Park
          • Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
          • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
          • Toroweap
        • Havasu Canyon
        • Horseshoe Bend
        • Jerome
        • Kaibab National Forest
        • Lee’s Ferry
        • Meteor Crater
        • Navajo Bridge
        • Oak Creek Canyon
        • Painted Desert
        • Pipe Springs National Monument
        • Prescott
        • Quartzsite
        • Saguaro National Park
        • Sedona
        • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
        • Vermilion Cliffs
        • Walnut Canyon National Monument
        • Wupatki National Monument
        • Yarnell
      • California
        • Anzaberrego
        • Bakersfield
        • Death Valley National Park
        • Joshua Tree National Park
        • Redwoods NP
        • Salton Sea
        • Yucca Valley
      • Colorado
        • Mesa Verde National Park
      • Florida
      • Illinois
        • IL River
        • Morton Arboretum
        • Starved Rock State Park
      • Michigan
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • Oregon
        • Crater Lake NP
        • Mt Hood
        • Oregon Caves National Monument
      • Texas
        • Alpine Texas
        • Padre Island
        • Port Isabel
        • Rio Grande Valley
      • Utah
        • Brian’s Head
        • Bryce Canyon National Park
        • Buckskin Gulch
        • Cedar Breaks National Monument
        • Cedar City
        • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
        • Dixie National Forest
        • Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
        • Johnson Canyon
        • Kanab
    • World Travels
      • Germany
      • Mexico
      • South Africa
  • Tours
  • Photography
  • Work with Me
    • Sponsors
  • Contact
Geogypsy
Menu
  • Home
  • About Geogypsy
    • Herstory
    • Parks where I’ve worked
  • Places I’ve been
    • United States
      • Arizona
        • Antelope Slot Canyon
        • Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
        • Colossal Cave Mountain Park
        • Flagstaff
        • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
        • Grand Canyon National Park
          • Grand Canyon National Park North Rim
          • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
          • Toroweap
        • Havasu Canyon
        • Horseshoe Bend
        • Jerome
        • Kaibab National Forest
        • Lee’s Ferry
        • Meteor Crater
        • Navajo Bridge
        • Oak Creek Canyon
        • Painted Desert
        • Pipe Springs National Monument
        • Prescott
        • Quartzsite
        • Saguaro National Park
        • Sedona
        • Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
        • Vermilion Cliffs
        • Walnut Canyon National Monument
        • Wupatki National Monument
        • Yarnell
      • California
        • Anzaberrego
        • Bakersfield
        • Death Valley National Park
        • Joshua Tree National Park
        • Redwoods NP
        • Salton Sea
        • Yucca Valley
      • Colorado
        • Mesa Verde National Park
      • Florida
      • Illinois
        • IL River
        • Morton Arboretum
        • Starved Rock State Park
      • Michigan
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • Oregon
        • Crater Lake NP
        • Mt Hood
        • Oregon Caves National Monument
      • Texas
        • Alpine Texas
        • Padre Island
        • Port Isabel
        • Rio Grande Valley
      • Utah
        • Brian’s Head
        • Bryce Canyon National Park
        • Buckskin Gulch
        • Cedar Breaks National Monument
        • Cedar City
        • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
        • Dixie National Forest
        • Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
        • Johnson Canyon
        • Kanab
    • World Travels
      • Germany
      • Mexico
      • South Africa
  • Tours
  • Photography
  • Work with Me
    • Sponsors
  • Contact

Category: Uncategorized

21 September 2021

Moving again

Thursday I roll with the 5th-wheel so I am moving again.  That means I am very busy packing and searching for help to do some of the heavy lifting.  Also means I have no time to put together a proper blog post.  And most likely won’t get this week’s Foto Friday Fun out either.  In fact, I’m not sure what my signal will be were I am moving too, so…  If you don’t hear from me you’ll know why.  Of course that could also mean I’ve frozen to death as this morning it is 29° at Bryce.

I leave you with one of the last photos taken at Bryce Canyon of September’s full moon through a hoodoo window.

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Uncategorized 28 Comments
06 July 2021

And yet another week of Rangering at Bryce Canyon

It’s hard to believe you’re not all tired of reading about my daily grind of Rangering at Bryce Canyon and thinking out loud about the future.  Once I started working on ideas I’ve become calmer about retirement thoughts making work flow better also.  Thanks for listening, sharing, and making suggestions.

Limber Pine roots exposed on rim hoodoos clouds Bryce Canyon National Park UtahLimber Pine roots along the rim exposed by erosion at about one foot every 50 years isn’t even geology

After two days off I returned to work a busy Saturday with a couple hours at the information desk.  Then after the 11am Hoodoo geology talk and some lunch I hung out near Sunrise Point for a couple hours making contacts with over 150 people.  Most want to know about the Queen’s Garden Trail starting down into the hoodoos from that point.  Some seem more prepared than others.  A dog came off the trail with no leash and when I asked if there was a person with the dog I was barely acknowledged and then totally ignored when I informed the person of leash rules and being on a no dog trail.  I called Law Enforcement but nothing came of it.  Seems there always has to be one jerk.  So that’s what comes of Rangering at Bryce Canyon.

Late start is common on Sunday’s schedule as I present the 9pm evening program every other week.  That schedule also includes two two-hour stints at the information desk.  I would so much rather be doing programs or roving somewhere in the park.  The repetitive questions get old.  “I just got here, what shall I do?”  Sometimes I look at them with a smile—thank goodness that can be seen again—and respond, “What did you come here to do?”  Tends to catch them off guard.  So I quickly add, “how long will you be here, do you want to hike or drive?”  Once I’ve oriented them to the map, in the newspaper they were given upon entering the park, I let them make decisions.  I am amazed how many visitors actually read my name tag and thank me by name.  A marvelous payoff for Rangering at Bryce Canyon.  Had several interactive children at my evening program about wildlife, both a blessing and a curse when staying on a schedule.

Next day after desk time I presented the 2pm Hoodoo geology talk then roved around Sunset Point for a couple hours.  Day ended with picking up liter around the perimeter of the overflow parking lot.  Way too many cigarette butts (I can now say that after four years cig free), hair ties, disposable water bottle caps, masks, and much micro-trash from food wrappers and merchandise packaging.  Went home tired and glad for the next day off from Rangering at Bryce Canyon.

hoodoos valley canyons clouds Paria View Bryce Canyon National Park UtahA full project day seemed best used as a mental health day preparing for company.  I felt guilty in the morning sitting in front of a heater while the Pacific Northwest temperatures soared higher than the desert Southwest.  How crazy is that?  Climate change?  Finally the park went into Stage 2 fire ban restrictions:  NO campfires, NO fireworks, NO smoking except in vehicle.  I’m betting the adjacent Bryce Canyon City still plans a fireworks display.  All morning and early afternoon the sky was dark and rumbling yet dropped very little rain.  Then just as my friends arrived it started to rain harder.  They brought it with from St George.  I was grateful for that and more.  We sat inside chatting for a bit then the rain stopped and we enjoyed a picnic dinner they brought along before going to the rim for a possible light show.  Ended up at Paria View where I rarely go because it’s a very tiny parking lot.  I now have a whole new respect for this overlook and may return for the next full moon rise.

tree shadows Paria View Bryce Canyon National Park Utah

tree shadow Pink Cliff Paria View Bryce Canyon National Park UtahWorked Wednesday as my Friday opening the visitor center.  We didn’t get huge amounts of rain at Bryce but below in Zion National Park flooding occurred that trapped people for a few hours and brought a lot of water and mud downhill.  The park closed Thursday afternoon and was already partly opened by Friday morning.  Many visitors either arrive at Bryce from, or are going next to, Zion so they had concerns.  Sadly, we didn’t have any better information than everybody could get on Zion’s webpage and Facebook page.

BRCA BARK Ranger program Bryce Canyon National Park UtahSometimes updates at my own park are hard enough to keep track of.  Like, we now have a B.A.R.K. Ranger program: Bag waste/poop, Always on a leash, Respect wildlife, Know where you can go.  Supposedly we’ll have some card and sealed dog treat to give to dog owners plus merchandise they can purchase.  Oh boy, one more thing to do.  Like we aren’t busy enough Rangering at Bryce Canyon.  2018 set the record at 2.6 million visitors and we are currently up 18% from that without international visitors.

Whiteman trailhead Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI ran away for an afternoon at Yovimpa Point, my happy place at the end of the scenic road, where it’s not so busy yet still chatted with over 100 people.  No rain fell while I watched clouds build to the north.  I did encounter a few drops on the way home and even stopped at Whiteman trailhead for a look at the weather to the east.

trees cliff SR20 West UtahThis followed by three days off from Rangering at Bryce Canyon.  I left the park early on Friday to avoid the issues of the second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, visiting the park.  I drove to Panguitch for breakfast and took SR20 west to I15 for a different, faster, yet pretty route to shop in Cedar City and returned the same way.

Pink Clliffs Navajo Mt clouds Paria View Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI do hope monsoon visits the Southwest and brings enough rain to discourage the starting of lightning caused fires.  That would be wonderful for the drought stricken land.  Enjoyed a bit more rain on my days off.

Thursday was a day to remember the Yarnell Hill Fire eight years ago when 19 firefighters lost their lives and over 100 people in Yarnell lost their homes.

Sort of puts things in perspective.  Like why am I whining about my future retirement.  I recently realized retirement plans don’t have to be made forever.  And maybe wishes can come true when friends come through.  Time to move on and make the most of Rangering at Bryce Canyon, as it might be my last season.

Spiderman walking to WalMart Cedar City UtahLook who shops at Wallys.  Maybe shopping at the Fireworks stands in the parking lot.  (Post scheduled before the 4th of July so I am praying no fires are started because of careless fireworks, or Spiderman might have to come to the rescue.)

Linking to Our World Tuesday

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Bryce Canyon National Park, Park Ranger, Places I've been, Uncategorized, United States, Utah seasonal Park Ranger 25 Comments
06 May 2021

I’ve had it

I’ve had it with struggling to get a signal strong enough to get online at home.  Even with the booster my phone barely works for more than texts.

I’ve had it with the BS of Windows updates screwing up everything on my new computer. Now the phone and computer won’t talk because of an error “Network busy on Windows” that stops PDANet (how I tether my phone).

I’ve had it with software that won’t work because it needs updates and I’d have to be online.

I’ve had it with taking my laptop into town, or work, to get any signal at all. Town didn’t work for me today trying to load/post/schedule Foto Friday Fun. I really don’t want to go to the office on my days off. Working 40 hours a week is enough right now. And I may have had it with that too.

Yes, it’s a rant. Maybe it will go out, and maybe not.

No photos because I haven’t taken one photo this month.  Besides, it wouldn’t have loaded anyway.

Push my buttons!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...
Uncategorized 20 Comments
← Older posts
Newer posts →

Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

Let’s share our stories.  Here’s more of mine…

My wheeleastate

I am currently…

…boondocking somewhere in southern Arizona.  In the area, give a shout.

Geogypsytraveler on YouTube

Follow my journey on YouTube. Just click the pic. Hope you’ll like, share, and subscribe.

Click image for 7 minute documentary (Password “geogypsy” lowercase)

Making the Gypsy documentary is a story of its own.  Click below for the rest of the story.

Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Photos available for sale include prints, greeting cards, coffee mugs, tote bags, phone cases and more

Reflected Wave 24X16 metal print under $100

Custom Coffee Mugs

Many items to choose from including prints

The Last Blast 24 x 16″ metal print under $100

Need a signal boost? When I boondock on public lands sometimes signal is weak or intermittent and a booster helps. Click the pic to visit WeBoost.

Connecting to nature and the rest of the world too.

Please contact me for photo purchases not seen at GLOlmsted Photography

Order fulfillment is by Fine Art America. If you’re not happy with your purchase, for any reason, simply return it within 30 days, and you’ll receive a full refund of the purchase price.

Why read Geogypsy?

The gypsy life spring-summer 1998 - "You were a real pioneer. RV'ing before it was cool." ...Yogi

How do you process photos? - “Your photographs create an Emotional feeling in the viewer...that they become One with You.” …Cindy

Life’s transitions between travel and work play - "I know you love your job as much as you love travel -- it shines through all your posts." ...Sallie

Lions at Kruger National Park - “Wonderful post, thank you. I was hooked start to finish!” … Peter B

11 lessons looking back 2013 - “A great post -- made me think, made me smile, made me want to cry." ...Sallie

Wildlife video Kruger National Park - “Gorgeous, this makes me want to go straight to South Africa now.” … Ayngelina

Living nomadically & connecting to nature documentary - “What an experience you had and gave to the "crew." Sometimes I think you don't realize how unique and inspiring you are.” …Alan

Search

Popular Posts

1. Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography. 2. Educate yourself about the places you photograph. 3. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions. 4. Use discretion if sharing locations. 5. Know and follow rules and regulations. 6. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them. 7. Actively promote and educate others about these principles

Categories

Archives

Sites I follow, read & recommend

  • A Full-time Life
  • A Yankee in Belgrade
  • Bob's Eyes
  • Box Canyon Blog
  • Camels and Chocolate
  • Dawns bloggy blog
  • In the Direction of Our Dreams
  • Jane in her infinite wisdom
  • Janie and Steve, Utah Trails
  • Kathie's Birds
  • Las Adventuras
  • Memorable Meanders
  • Oh, The Places They Go
  • On the Road Abode
  • Port Elizabeth Daily Photo
  • Stillhowlyntravels
  • Take to the Highway
  • Technomadia
  • the good luck Duck
  • Travel with the Bayfield Bunch
  • Wandering Earl
  • Wheeling It
  • Yogi's Den

Caught in a Slot 9×12 canvas print under $50

If you don’t like what’s going on in your government, contact your Congress

Directory of Senators

Directory of Representatives

Lijit

© Copyright 2008-2024. Geogypsytraveler.com
%d