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Tag: ranger programs

18 May 2021

Getting on with Rangering at Bryce Canyon

Days off are a good and healthy necessity, especially now that I’m into the more real summer Rangering at Bryce Canyon.  Plus there’s the necessity of doing laundry so I went into town to also get WIFI while the washer and dryer did their thing.

construction jct SR63 & 12 Bryce Canyon City UtahI had planned to take a little adventure on UT22 north through Johns Valley to Antimony, then west at Otter Creek Reservoir on UT62 through Kingston Canyon, returning south on US89 for stop in Panguitch at the Big Fish for all you can eat Friday fish fry, and back east on SR12 to Bryce.  A mostly paved loop of maybe 100 miles and hopefully lots of places to stop for photos.  Seemed like a great plan.  However, construction for the stupid roundabout at the junction to UT22 north barely had egress that was blocked by a huge gravel truck I wasn’t about to argue with.  So instead I went to the nearby Subway for lunch and to turn around.  We all hate construction and it may have an affect on visitor experience.  I’m working on patience, not always successfully.

14 Pine LaGrange Park IllinoisLater in the day a loving message of early Happy Mother’s Day from a cousin along with a Google image of the house our mom’s grew up in made me smile, with just a tiny tear.

Just before I left work on my Friday—on Wednesday—the next two-week schedule came out from my rather harried and soon leaving supervisor.  Oops, it was a January schedule.  Later, a corrected version showed up in my personal email that had many errors.  Several people do look over drafts but mistakes get made when in a rush.  I received another update before returning to work after my days off.

trees hoodoos clouds Sunset Point Bryce Canyon National Park UtahSunday—my Monday—began with real Rangering at Bryce Canyon as I presented the 11am hoodoo geology talk followed by time to rove the rim answering questions and taking photographs under the perfect cloudy sky.

hoodoos valley Pink Cliffs clouds Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI did have to walk away from the Navajo Loop trailhead after a while because of the idiots tourons who won’t listen to the Ranger suggestions.  People see a sign for 1.3 mile round trip and think flip-flops and no water is adequate, even with warning signs.  The steep descent and ascent is 600 feet in .6 mile at 8000 feet in elevation.  Need I say more.

The day ended at the plaza information desk outside the visitor center answering questions, orienting visitors, and helping Junior Rangers.  The last is being handled a little different with COVID possibilities still looming.  When we hand out books to people we deputize an adult and give them badges to award after activities are completed.  Sometimes families return for us to swear in their Junior Rangers reciting the pledge.

Jr Ranger badge Bryce Canyon National Park Utah“As a Bryce Canyon Junior Ranger, I promise to do all I can to help protect my national parks.  I will collect litter while out exploring.  And show respect for nature by not disturbing anything wild.”  And keep my room clean, eat my vegetables, listen to my parents, not fight with my siblings…  added variations by Ranger choice.

Natural Bridge Bryce Canyon National Park UtahAfter a late start morning and an hour at the info desk my schedule allowed up to 3 1/2 hours as the “Road Ranger”.  That basically means cruise the scenic road and stop at any overlook(s) you’d like to rove and answer questions.  Oh yea, my kind of Rangering at Bryce Canyon with 7+ options depending on parking availability.  I took my own truck/toilet and drove to Natural Bridge, one of the larger parking lots and with lots of visitor turn over.  As in, oh-ah, take a selfie, and move on.  Had fun telling visitors Natural Bridge isn’t a bridge in Bryce Canyon which isn’t a canyon.  If you built a bridge what would it cross over?  Right, flowing water usually.  And that’s how a rock bridge is created geologically, flowing water.  And there isn’t flowing water or rivers here.  Instead it would be called an arch, created by other forms of weathering and erosion including water.  Oh yea, and canyons are also formed by rivers, which is also not the case at Bryce.  Instead there are 14 “amphitheaters” along the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.  Kind of looks scalloped, like the marks left behind from biting into soft bread.  Always meet a lot of great people in national parks and here I met a biker, part of a group of friends, named Galen so he had to have a picture taken with Ranger Gaelyn.

view from Farview overlook Bryce Canyon National Park UtahContinued back towards homebase via a stop at Farview overlook with a far view I wanted to re-familiarize with, plus that’s where the summer hotdog wagon parks but they weren’t there yet.  So I stopped at home for reheated pizza for dinner before returning to the info desk and closing now at 8pm.

Started another later morning and I’m so glad because it was only 22° when I woke up at 7:30am.  Granted it did get up to 62° in the afternoon.  Spent the entire day around the visitor center starting with a little project time which included checking email and on this day taking care of the library, one of my collateral duties.  Then out to the info desk, more project time, and back to the info desk to close on an exceedingly busy visitor day along with other park business.  I issued my first backcountry permit of the season and went over it all several times with a patient young couple to make sure I did it right.  Lots involved with map and explanations of rules, forms, records, pay envelope, and distribution of bear canister for all food and aromatic items (mostly being protected from Ravens and chipmunks), all at the cost of $5 per camper.

By Wednesday I’m saying, “Thank goodness it’s my Friday.”  Another cold 25° morning opening the visitor center by 8am with a new to Bryce Ranger T, making the process much quicker than doing it alone.  After a couple hours at the info desk I drove to Sunset Point to present the 11am hoodoo geology talk which went well with a pretty large crowd, honoring distancing though not all masked.  Then Ranger T and I had the rest of the day at the end of the road, Rainbow Point, to rove to our heart’s content, real Rangering at Bryce Canyon.  We spent about 3 1/2 hours at Yovimpa Point, a short walk from the Rainbow Point parking lot with a 100 mile view to the south, all the way to the northern edge of the North Kaibab Plateau where you’d drive to the North Rim of Grand Canyon which opened May 15th.  We answered many questions and took turns talking about the Grand Staircase, both geologically and as a BLM managed national monument, which is visible below this 9100 foot high point in Bryce.  An awesome afternoon even warming up to 70° so I was finally warm.  I forgot the camera so no pics.  Then as we packed up to leave I saw that a chipmunk had peed on my cloth book bag used to carry props.  The little bastard/bitch.  There wasn’t even food in it.  Good thing it’s washable.  Saw the hotdog wagon at Farview on the way past but already running a little late continued back to base.

Back to days off preparing for a visitor next week.  I even thought of trying again for last week’s aborted day-drive but then I remembered it’s everybody’s Friday, crowded, and there’s construction.  Think I’ll just stay home until Saturday when I’m back to Rangering at Bryce Canyon.  And now wondering what will change with the CDC saying no masks for the vaccinated.

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Bryce Canyon National Park, Park Ranger, Places I've been, United States, Utah ranger programs, roving 20 Comments
06 August 2020

Living in the NOW

Sierra cat on rocking chair in RV Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI really try living in the NOW even though I enjoy memories and planning for the future.  With the recent state of COVID affairs, the future is so unreadable.  So I’m working on one day at a time which includes work and limited play.

Last week on a day off I was home working on the computer.  Everything seemed slow, barely a signal to get online, every program opened “not responding” for way too long.  I was frustrated with waiting.  During mid-day many visitors are online.  Living in the NOW was not so nice.

Rangers pointing at me VC plaza Bryce Canyon National Park UtahCelebrated World Ranger Day July 31st.  All Rangers deserve recognition for taking care of visitors everyday through a pandemic.  My supervisor has worked his bum off making Bryce Canyon National Park Rangers available to the public.  Thank goodness we don’t only staff the information tables outside the visitor center.

hoodoos valley Table Cliffs storm clouds Bryce Canyon National Park UtahAfter a hoodoo geology program I hung out near Sunset Point.  That day, dramatic clouds provided intermittent shade for perfect hiking and taking photographs from the rim of the main amphitheater.

hoodoos valley Table Cliffs storm clouds Bryce Canyon National Park UtahNo rain hit the ground.

hoodoos valley Table Cliff shadows clouds Bryce Canyon National Park UtahThe next day the clouds thinned out and the temperature rose.  I was a little cooked after four hours roving along the 8000 foot rim at 88°F.

red Paintbrush flowers in Manzanita bush Bryce Canyon National Park UtahA good time to stop in shade and take a photo.

light shadow hoodoos Bryce Canyon National Park UtahAt one point, a visitor asked where is my favorite special place and when I told him, wherever I am, he couldn’t believe it.  “Like I would love the dump”, where I never go.  I told him “I try living in the now, as much as possible.”  He just couldn’t understand.

Ravens on hoodoos Bryce Canyon National Park Utah

Ravens on hoodoos Bryce Canyon National Park UtahMy now is frequently in the comfort of my own home—either RV—or outside in a lovely natural environment.  I kind of plan it that way.

Yovimpa Point from Bristlecone Trail Bryce Canyon National Park UtahLooking at Yovimpa Point from the Bristlecone Trail

Sunday, Ranger Julie and I went to Rainbow Point at the end of the scenic road, another hot day of 90°F at 9100 feet in elevation.  After setting up some tables with props and “Please do not touch” signs I left Julie to present the first Grand Staircase geology talks of the afternoon.

trees Pink Cliffs clouds Bristlecone Loop Trail Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI sauntered 1 1/2 hours roving almost one mile of the Bristlecone Loop Trail.

Southeast view Paria River canyon Rock Springs bench Hackberry canyon 50 Mile & Navajo Mt Bristlecone Point Bryce Canyon National Park UtahFrom Bristlecone point I enjoyed a long distance view southeast putting more of the surrounding geography in perspective while trying to figure out what I saw.  Navajo Mountain bulges almost 10,000 feet on the horizon about 90 miles away.  Later with good NatGeo maps and some online help I determined to the left of Navajo Mt lies the Kaiparowits Plateau and the right Echo Cliffs.  Mid-ground starts with the upper Paria Canyon, with Rock Springs Bench next, followed by the Hackberry Canyon, and a rather unrecognizable flatland beyond which is actually multiple benches and canyons.

trees burn piles Bristlecone Loop Trail Bryce Canyon National Park UtahI chatted with folks about fire ecology.  A section of the trail borders a backburn from 2018 when lightning strikes started the Lonely Fire in late August and early September the Riggs Fire.  They burned together outside the park and started to approach Rainbow Point in the park.  Suppressing fires for over 100 years didn’t do forests any favors.  Now people try to clean up the unnatural amount of dead fuels and even thin some trees in an effort to restore forest health.

Bryce Canyon Junior Ranger book coverAt a forest gazebo along the trail, I met a family and was interviewed by their soon to be Bryce Canyon Junior Ranger.  The Questions from their Junior Ranger Book and my answers follow:

“Which was the first national park you ever visited? When did you visit?”  1974, Rocky Mountain National Park.

“What do you remember about that experience?”   I thought I’d live there someday.  It just hasn’t happened, yet.

“What do national parks mean to you?”  Special places for special people, that’s everyone.

“Of all the national parks you’ve visited, which was the most special to you? Why?”  Whichever one I’m at, as a Ranger or visitor.  Because I try living in the NOW.

Ground squirrel begging Bryce Canyon National Park UtahAfter returning to Yovimpa Point it was my turn to talk geology while Julie roved.  After several hot hours with multiple small groups I briefly had the overlook to myself.  I sat down in the shade with a dark chocolate fig brownie and water.  Before long, a family arrived, walked to the safety fence, and a kid tells me a squirrel is eating my food.  No, I’m eating my food.  Except I forgot about the Oreos in my fanny pack, that I also forgot to zip shut.  My newest friend.

Navajo Trail trees hoodoos clouds Sunset Point Bryce Canyon National Park UtahEven though I was tired from the long afternoon, I went out for the full moon rise as it was only ten minutes before sunset making it easier to photograph without using a tripod.  Walked down the Two Bridges side of the Navajo Loop Trail about five switchbacks, just below what I call the Mask.  (For its shape and nothing to do with COVID.)

hoodoo moon Navajo Trail Bryce Canyon National Park Utahhoodoos moon Navajo Trail Bryce Canyon National Park Utah

Took some shots of the last light before the moon rose a little further south than expected through a smoky haze so not visible until about 15° above the horizon.  I moved up and down trail 30-40 feet catching it between several different hoodoos.

hoodoos moon Navajo Trail Bryce Canyon National Park Utah

hoodoos moon Navajo Trail Bryce Canyon National Park UtahThe camera kept going auto on the ISO and I couldn’t figure out why.  After every shot I’d have to try to put the ISO back where I wanted it, on manual.

hoodoos moon Navajo Trail Bryce Canyon National Park UtahThe next day I figured out the problem is the touch screen, that is now turned off.  I look through the eye viewfinder with my left (and better) eye and my nose touched the screen.  The camera’s choice was up like 25,000 and exceedingly grainy.

I woke the next morning feeling exhausted after almost seven hours of sleep.  Even after coffee and breakfast I couldn’t do another day at Rainbow Point so called in sick and went back to bed for another four hours of blissful sleep.  Don’t think I messed up the schedule too bad as Paula had help opening then went to Rainbow alone.  I might have overdone the day before getting over heated and dehydrated.

Intern Ben at evening program Bryce Canyon National Park UtahBy afternoon I felt recovered and the next day shared a late schedule with our intern Ben.  It’s his last week here so I gave up my evening program for his presentation about the science of life in the universe.  Really glad I had to open locks for setting up the slide projector and be there for this excellent program, not about aliens.  Afterwards, most of the staff, all wearing masks, joined together in the employee parking lot to look at the sky with our Vogon telescopes.  (Not open to the public.)  The only time we’ve had them out all season.  We are all going to miss the two astronomy interns who soon return to online school.

rock hammer agate rock Agate Hill Dixie National Forest UtahSo, although I was up late on my Friday, the next day I went rock-hounding with April.  Being both our days off, my first her last, we didn’t start our adventure until 10am.  Besides we weren’t going too far away either.  And unlike my last drive-by, we had no problem finding Agate Hill.  Good idea to go rock-hounding with a geologist.

collection various agates from Agate HillOf course we gathered way too much rock even though under the allowed 25 pounds plus one for each person.  So many gorgeous colors: yellows, oranges, reds, black, root beer brown, and white.

Southwest view trees valley Agate Hill Dixie National Forest UtahI was so busy looking down at the rock that I failed to take many photos of the lovely landscape which included the eastern cliffs of Red Canyon as well as the Sevier River valley to the west.  After a couple hours we went to The Big Fish in Panguitch for lunch and quick stop at the market, plus a long wait for April’s ice cream cone at the tourist trap in Bryce Canyon City.  A wonderful day living in the NOW.

I respect that 2020’s NOW certainly isn’t always the best for many reasons.  But for my own sanity, I have to try living in the NOW at least some of each day to find the good and beauty.  What NOW are you happiest in?

Push my buttons!

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24 June 2020

Bryce Canyon first at setting the bar

valley Table Cliff clouds Bryce Point Bryce Canyon National Park UtahBryce Canyon first national park in the nation to present live Ranger programs.  We are setting the bar in Utah national parks and even the visitors comment on how we have our act together.

Although Bryce is making history with firsts I am not.  Didn’t get the camper emptied or cleaned over last week’s two days off as planned.  Maybe this week with three days off.

Cockcomb Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument UtahFirst field trip

Last week, instead of an unpleasant cleaning chore, I went on my first field trip of the summer with fellow Ranger April.  She was sent with a government truck into Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to gather rock samples and I went along for the ride safety.  No permit needed for non commercial purposes, 25 pounds per day, plus one piece, with a total limit of 250 pounds per year.

Cottonwood Road Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument UtahEast off the Paunsaugunt Plateau on Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 to Cannonville then south on Cottonwood Canyon Road, which can be impassable even to all-wheel-drive vehicles under wet conditions.  But it’s been dry so there was just dust and washboard to deal with, along with amazing scenery.

Cottonwood Road Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument UtahWe drove along an eroded geologic fault, parallel to the Cockscomb’s dramatic shapes and colors where the Carmel and Entrada formations are turned upright along the East Kaibab monocline.  Then continued not quite to the junction with SR89 observing the stratigraphy while geologist April decided where to gather on the return trip.

Navajo sandstone Lower Hackberry Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Utah

Navajo sandstone calcite boxwork Lower Hackberry Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument UtahStopped at Lower Hackberry for samples of Navajo sandstone with intricate calcite boxwork.

Cottonwood Narrows Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Utah

rocks from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument UtahThen further north at Cottonwood Narrows with colorful, jagged Navajo Sandstone pinnacles lining the road and gathered some fine samples showing ripple marks.

Sadly, I left my big camera behind and had to shoot with the phone.  Even worse I got bit up by gnats and now have a whole bunch of bumps and itches on my face.

Bryce Canyon museum opens

sunflower Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument UtahThe museum in the visitor center opened and now we allow 50 people into the building. People stay longer because of that so frequently there is a line to get in.  We are still counting at the door, not my favorite shift as I’m lousy at numbers and math.  The displays have to be sanitized a couple times a day so the area is briefly closed to the public.  The movie theater is still closed as distancing would have to be monitored in such a small space.  We do not have enough staff for that.  As it is, some schedules are opening or closing without other National Park Service staff.  Thank goodness we work as partners with the Natural History Association employees and help each other breaking down the day setup of merchandise, tables, and popup tents as needed.

hoodoos amphitheater Bryce Canyon National Park UtahBryce Canyon first Ranger programs

We started scheduled and advertised Ranger programs on the 21st, first full day of summer, Mom’s birthday (she’d have been 96), and Father’s Day.  Bryce is the only national park in the nation to do so, and will continue if the public can follow distancing guidelines.  Just before the 2pm hoodoo talk a visitor told me about a woman coming up the trail with a bad ankle being supported by two people. I could see them only a few switchbacks down the Navajo trail and radioed for medical assistance. When I returned to the tables moments before I should start the talk several groups of people were standing on the distancing dots waiting. I was impressed and thanked them for doing the right thing which allowed me to drop mask and talk.

If all goes well and the night sky is clear, laser constellation tours by interns will start this week.

The same day started longer open hours from 8am to 8pm.  Ranger info is still outside the building.

Not a first for more bug bites on my face.  After work and washing my face I was speckled with pink dots of Calamine lotion.  When did that stuff get so runny in consistency?

smoke Mangum fire from Yovimpa Point Bryce Canyon National Monument Utah

Mangum fire map 6-23-20In fact those nasty biting gnats eventually chased Ranger Paula and me off Yovimpa Point at the end of our day.  But not before I presented one and a half formal Staircase geology talks out of a possible four, talked about the Mangum fire, and answered questions.

cows by horse corral Bryce Canyon National Park UtahCows are not wildlife

wrangler leading horses & mules Bryce Canyon National Park UtahMaybe the wranglers can roundup the stray cattle

A Bryce Canyon first for me was coming home after work to maybe a dozen cows outside the horse corral 100 feet from my door.  I called the non-emergency dispatch number in Glen Canyon and in the brief time it took for Law Enforcement to arrive the cows had wandered northward, still in the park.  Must have a break in the fence along the border between grazeable national forest and Bryce National Park.  The UCC (Utah Conservation Corp) crew of youth have been walking the fence to make needed repairs.

Cottonwood Road Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument UtahVisitors to Bryce Canyon act respectful and keep distancing, for the most part anyway.  I am noticing many large family-like groups.  They seem grateful for many Bryce Canyon firsts and frequently thank Rangers for their service.  I notice more people wearing masks to enter the visitor center than out at overlooks or trails.  I am wearing mine when in uniform in the public except for outside roving on trails when at a safe distance from others.  And now some counties in Utah, including Garfield and Kane that Bryce straddles, have gone Green, “the new normal”.  Not sure I see that as a good thing.

valley Table Cliffs clouds Cannonville UtahNext…

Come my Friday on Tuesday, and trying to decide what to do with my three-day weekend, other than the laundry I put off last week partly because it’s a bitch to find parking near either of the free/included in rent, in park options.

Feels like the summer season has barely started yet the season is almost half over already.  OMG, I find myself already thinking about what to do at the end of the season and over the winter which brings me back to owning two RVs I can’t move together.

Even after resetting the outside booster antennae my signal is not great, but guess that’s not a Bryce Canyon first.

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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.

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