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Returning to my Summer Grand Canyon home

Grand Canyon

Arrived at my summer Grand Canyon home Wednesday afternoon.  Returning to an old friend yet always with new eyes.  I am so fortunate to live and work here for six months of the year.

Dodge 2500

The new to me truck pulled the 5th-wheel like a dream.  Up over several mountain passes averaged 10-12/mpg.  And when not towing 19/mpg.  I’m a happy camper.  Notice how the color matches RV accents.

5th-wheel RV

Parked, leveled and ready for the summer season.  Well, almost ready.  Still have to dig out the official Park Ranger uniforms, dust off the iconic “flat top” hat, and spiff up a few programs.

Snow pile

Doesn’t quite feel like summer temperatures at 8200 feet.  Yet there is very little snow left.  Guess I’ll put away the summer dresses and pull out the sweaters.  Snow will most likely fall again.  Of course, nothing normal about weather.

Flowering Oregon Grape

I did notice some Mahoney blooming near the rim.

Grand Canyon Lodge

The North Rim doesn’t open to the public until May 15th, 2013.  So over the next couple weeks we’ll be preparing for the crowds.  It’s sort of like re-opening a small town every spring.  Sure hope you’re planning to visit Grand Canyon.  Stop by the North Rim visitor center and say hi.  Or see you on a trail.

Overlook on North Rim Grand Canyon

In the mean time, it’s really nice to enjoy the park’s peace and quiet.  Life is good at my summer Grand Canyon home.

Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park North Rim , , , 37 Comments

Endings and Beginnings–Grand Canyon and beyond

Snow buried Grand Lodge by Gary Keysar North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

I’m officially unemployed, at least until next April sometime.  Am I sad?  Yes, I will miss the North Rim and Grand Canyon.  Do I want to stay?  No, there’s way too much snow here in winter.

Morning light & shadows on Deva, Brahma & Zoroaster temples from Lodge North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

It’s been yet another awesome season.  My fourth.

View up Roaring Springs canyon Kaibab Trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Hiked the North Kaibab trail with Mike.

Some of the crew at 120 Mile camp Colorado River trip Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Joined a wonderful group of Grand Canyon National Park employees on the Colorado River.

Flying over Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

And got to fly over Grand Canyon.

Artists in residence Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

I enjoyed leading the Artist-in-Residence program and with the help of other staff as judges there will be a talented and diverse group of artists at the North Rim during the summer of 2012.

Visitor friends North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

I’ve talked to thousands of visitors and hopefully enhanced their experience at Grand Canyon National Park.  Most of them now feel like friends.

Karen's beverages of choice at party North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona by Karen

Had an end of season party Tuesday night at my place and thank goodness FabGrandma remembered to take a few photos.

Sunset from Lodge North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Ranger programs finished Saturday and I presented the last one of the season, the 8pm evening program about the Native Americans who lived in the canyon almost 1000 years ago.

Gaelyn at Cape Royal Walhalla Plateau North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Sunday I helped the volunteers open the Visitor Center which will be open until October 29th, weather permitting.

Staff at breakfast Grand Lodge North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

The Grand Lodge served its last meal the morning of the 16th and my boss took the remaining Rangers to breakfast.

Survivor party fruit table Grand Lodge North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Sunday night the concession threw its annual Survivor Party including dinner, beer and live music which I attended for a little while with FabGrandma and FabGrandpa.

Mt Haden under full moon from Point Imperial North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Now it’s time to pack it up and get ready to roll.  Planning on pulling out the 20th when Mike and I leave for a road trip into southeastern Utah to visit some National Parks I haven’t seen in over 35 years.

Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park North Rim, National Parks and Monuments 12 Comments

Park Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

01 Ranger Gaelyn at Cape Royal with Wotons Throne in background NR GRCA NP AZ (1024x767) 

I have the Best job in the world! Or so I think.

02 Angels window NR GRCA NP AZ (1024x768) 

I work four 10-hour days and get three days off. And work is like play for a Park Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park. Plus I’m seasonal by choice, so only work six months a year.

03 Western Tanager NR GRCA NP AZ (1024x748) 

Western Tanager

My daily schedule is diverse, from working in the visitor center helping people plan their visit whether here for four hours or four days, to presenting programs about history, condors, geology, ecology, archaeology, or paleontology.  I know, that’s a lot of ologies. I call myself a generalologist.

04 View SE from Cape Royal NR GRCA NP AZ (1024x768) 

Monday I went out on the Walhalla Plateau, after a few office chores.

 05 Prickly Pear cactus flowers & sego lily collage (996x1024)

Out at Cape Royal the flowers are blooming.

06 flowers at Cape Royal NR GRCA NP AZ (1024x910) 

I was there two weeks ago and only saw a few yellow daisy-like flowers.

 07 Angels Window & beyond E NR GRCA NP AZ pano (1024x573)

Now I’m enjoying the first of my three days off. Life is hard, but guess I’ll suffer through it. I sure hope you love your job (or retirement) as much as I do.

 

Grand Canyon National Park North Rim, National Parks and Monuments, Park Ranger , 17 Comments

Lijit

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