Menu

Tag: training

Smooth sailing first day back to work

April 25, 2016

IMG_20160425_122033594

8am start time came early for me after six months of unemployment, or as I’d rather call it semi-retirement. The end of April is time to go back to work. Five returning Rangers met our new Admin Assistant and the Boss to do paper work, it’s the government you know. Plus we had to catch up with each other’s winter doings. And it started to snow, grapple really which is unfortunately very dry stuff when we need the moisture. Came down hard most of the day. Back to winter. At least it held off a few days to get settled in. Seems it usually snows the day I arrive or the next day.

Then the boss talked about some changes to our program scheduling. Nothing too major. Exchanged an hour long mid-day kid program with a 20 minute morning “Geo Glimpse”. Think I’ll talk about fossils. Also added a guided hike on the Widforss Trail mornings that staffing allows. Being the trail is named after painter Gunnar Widforss I might try to focus visitors to look at nature with an artist’s eye. Heck every body carries some kind of camera these days. Yet I’m not sure I’m qualified to teach photography.

Instead of working four 10-hour days like in the past many seasons we’ll be working a 5/4/9 schedule. As soon as I figure that out I’ll let you know. It adds up to 80 hours over a two week pay period. So one week we work five days with two days off and the next week we work four days with three days off.

The first two Artist-in-Residence arrive on opening day, May 15th. More on them as I find out.

Another Ranger and I will be marching in Kanab’s Amazing Earthfest parade May 14th. I think a float is being sent over from the South Rim. Lots of activities are happening for the week of May 8-14. More on that coming also.

Next week we’re going to the South Rim Monday to Wed/Thurs for training.

After lunch we all tackled a long overdue clean up in our tiny offices. Four piles for broken and antiquated stuff: trash, recycle (none inventoried electronics to Kanab’s Earthfest), surplus to the South Rim, and the I don’t knows. Opened up a little space to rearrange what’s left. Then we all fought and won with the computers trying to log on with IT’s help and do some more official business.

We still have much to do get ready to open. Going to be a great season.

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

South Rim Grand Canyon training Day 2 – Mission Possible

“Your mission which you should accept because you don’t have a choice is to become familiar with the sights and sounds of the South Rim.”

Cloud shadows over North Rim & cave in Redwall from Rim trail to Yavapai, training, South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona 

Cloud shadows over the North Rim

This was our first day of Grand Canyon training challenge in May on the South Rim: (Click here for the drive there.)

Cancellation stamps South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

1. Collect cancellation stamps from the following places: Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Verkamps, Kolb Studio, Yavapai Observation Station, Books-n-more.

Gaelyn & Jessica at various points South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona collage

2. Take a photo of your team at the following places: Mather Point, Backcountry Office, √El Tovar, √South Kaibab Trailhead, √Yaki Point, √Bright Angel Trailhead, Hopi House, Lookout Studio, Train Depot with visitors getting off or on the train [those with √ shown, we made it to the others also but forgot to get a photo].

Bus drivers collage South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

3. Take a photo of three different bus drivers.

 Kids play Wildlife Day South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Kids play about not feeding wildlife

4. Attend one Shrine of the Ages Wildlife Day program.

Wildlife collage South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Turkey Vulture, Big-eared Bat, Harris’ Hawk, Great Horned Owl

5.Take a photo of two different animals including the animal handler.

Jessica at South Kaibab trailhead South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

I was paired with Secret Agent Ranger Jessica who is new to our team this season. However, she is not new to the canyon as she’s been a river runner on the Colorado River. She’s a great gal and we’ve hit it off famously.

Mike taking photo from South Kaibab trailhead South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Secret Agent Mike was visiting for the weekend so he joined our team and documented some of our covert mission.

South Kaibab trail Black bridge over Colorado River from Rim trail to Yavapai South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

South Kaibab trail and black bridge across Colorado River

We hopped aboard the blue shuttle at Maswik Lodge then transferred to the green shuttle near Mather Point headed for the South Kaibab Trailhead.

Wooden dory Wen Nevills Expedition at Visitor Center South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Plywood dory introduced by Norman Nevills in 1938

Next stop was Yaki Point, then back on the green shuttle to the visitor center and book store for cancellation stamps.

Canyon view from Mather Point South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Then we walked to Mather Point and continued on the .7 mile (1.1 km) to Yavapai Observation Station for photos which are on Jessica’s spy camera along with several others.

Native hoop dancer at Hopi House South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

By now we were getting hungry and thirsty. Plus wanted to watch the Native dancers…

Hopi House South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

…at Hopi House.

MITapeSelfDestruct

“As always, should you or any of your IM force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck.” 

Mountain Chickadee along rim trail to Yavapai South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Mountain Chickadee

Mission accomplished.

Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim , 19 Comments

South Rim Grand Canyon training Day 1

Snow on the meadows North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

When the staff left the North Rim on April 30th for Grand Canyon training on the South Rim the snow still covered the forest and meadows.

North Rim Colorado Plateau from Hwy 89A Arizona

We got down to the warmth of House Rock Valley and a white mosaic could be seen on the plateau.

Vermilion Cliffs Hwy 89A east Arizona

The Vermilion Cliffs rise from the valley floor to the north.

Colorado River upstream Marble Canyon from Navajo Bridge Hwy 89A Arizona

The Colorado River slices its way through the land carving Marble Canyon.

Colorado River upstream from historic Lee's Ferry crossing Arizona

We took a side trip to Lee’s Ferry where a variety of boats transported settlers, missionaries, miners, traders, Indians and tourists across the river for 55 years before Navajo Bridge was completed in 1928.

Colorado River downstream, Lee's Ferry launch Arizona

Today, recreational boaters launch near the old ferry site to experience the wilds of the Colorado River.

Painted Desert Hwy 89 Arizona

Next we headed south through the Painted Desert.

Storm over SanFrancisco Peaks Hwy 89 Arizona

And as we approached the turn off to head west onto the South Rim the San Francisco Peaks could be seen getting a new dusting of white. Would we never get away from the snow?

Arizona, Grand Canyon NP , 31 Comments

Lijit

© Copyright 2008-2024. Geogypsytraveler.com