The difficult thing about writing an entry on a day like today is how to put a journalistically interesting spin on what was simply another day like any other. I don't want to become boring and repetitive, but sometimes it simply isn't as exciting as I make it out to be. It reminds me of astronauts on the International Space Station. Don't you imagine that once the excitement has worn off, there are days that their blog might discuss the toilet that doesn't flush or the sameness of the food, completely ignoring the fact that outside their window is the Earth in all its majesty, thousands of miles below.
Here, as well, you begin to take things for granted. The first time the deer were grazing next to my office was a thrill, but tonight as I walked back to the dorm from dinner, the deer walking up the service road in the opposite direction got barely a "how do you do" as we passed within a few feet of each other. It could be a petting zoo without the feeding. And, before dinner, when I went for a quick run, that spot overlooking the canyon was a momentary pause to catch my breath, not the awe-inspiring "wow" moment the first time I sprinted up that trail. Once again, the Chevy Chase approach to "the view."
This morning I received an e-mail from my nephew, Delton, who mentioned he was in the Bahamas at Atlantis, scouting out a location for Hyatt. If you've not been to Atlantis, it is the equivalent of Disneyland on a beach on crack. Despite the promotional literature's photos depicting a serene paradise by the sea, no resort with 10,000 guests is worth the visit. Or the automatic 15% gratuity added to literally every transaction you undertake. Stay at Graycliff in downtown Nassau instead. They roll their own cigars and whip up a terrific caprinhia with real Brasilian cachaca!
The evening ended with a phone call to my Uncle Delton, also a world traveler. He's promised an e-mail to me in the morning, but tonight's conversation could easily suffice. I do miss the luncheons and comparing notes about the N-Y Times Sunday puzzle, but sacrifices had to be made for this adventure and I will simply have to bear up. Cue the violins, please.
Actually, I believe both Deltons are enjoying the idea that someone else in the family has chosen to do something completely off the wall. We are kindred spirits in that regard.
So, what's the most interesting thing to happen in the last few days besides all the now routine lodging/retail snafus a place like this encounters? Well, one of the Ukrainian girls we've befriended asked to use our phone to call home. She had 34 minutes on an international calling card so we knew she would try to make the most of it, but trust me when I tell you I have never heard someone speak so fast and take so few pauses in a conversation that I could not understand in my entire life. Her poor mother barely got a word in! Rick and I could barely contain our laughter. We also realized that our calls to our parents are terribly dull.
It is way past bedtime here. It promises to be an incredible weekend at the GCNR. Enjoy yours, wherever you are!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Randomness
Altitude and alcohol. Friday night Rick and I both got home from late duties at the lodge and decided a nice Bailey's Irish Cream on the rocks would be a fitting nightcap. At 8200' we discovered that one would do it, since we both passed out a few minutes later.
The weather. For the second time in a week, the Jeep was covered in snow. And, of course, being completely prepared after my many visits to Iowa and Minnesota, I do have a scraper.
Grocery shopping in Kanab. Five bags of beverages, Pop Tarts, an ice tray, cleaning and laundry supplies, air freshener (it's beginning to have the "air" of a dorm room) and a couple bags of dried fruit. Lunch was great, too. A small sandwich shop, homemade bread, medium rare roast beef and horseradish spread. Mmm!
Homesick. It struck me on the drive home this place is starting to grow on me. After four weeks, I already know it will be hard to say goodbye for the winter. You cannot buy the solitude or the paradisical nature of this singular outpost on the North Rim.
Saddle Mountain.
When the cars are backed up
down the highway at the popular, touristy
trailheads just north of the lodge, you opt for the more remote trails in the Kaibab National Forest bordering the national park. The viewpoints are spectacular and the footpaths through meadows and aspens along the rim are yours and yours alone.
Thankfully, the East RIm remains a rarely visited part of the park.
Happy Memorial Day!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
It's May, isn't it?
Today it snowed. A dusting that made the trees look flocked and the grass sort of sugar-frosted. Tomorrow it is forecast to be worse. Five inches a day for several days, according to the weather services. But even more important, if it is cloudy and foggy there will be NO view.
I've suggested to several friends and family members that for all its magnificence, the Grand Canyon is really an inaccessible park for the average visitor. Like Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Family Vacation, many visitors simply come for the day or maybe an overnight stay to enjoy the lodge, the gift shop, the view from the rim, and then they are on their way to the next stop on their tour. Unless they are of a rugged bent, there are only a few trails for the average out-of-shape tourist to walk and unless they are well-prepared and conditioned, any mileage down into the maw of the canyon must be measured against the miles they must endure to hike back up and out. So, unless the weather clears up, I predict the next few days will be rather slow.
Tonight, I am observing the closing procedures at our two retail outlets to ensure they are consistent in their routine. It will also make a big difference to me Friday morning when I have to process their work. My first "Z-out" is in ten minutes, but it is with my friend Chris, the guitar player. He is on duty at the General Store tonight, so it should be painless. Now, where are my snowshoes and parka?
I've suggested to several friends and family members that for all its magnificence, the Grand Canyon is really an inaccessible park for the average visitor. Like Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Family Vacation, many visitors simply come for the day or maybe an overnight stay to enjoy the lodge, the gift shop, the view from the rim, and then they are on their way to the next stop on their tour. Unless they are of a rugged bent, there are only a few trails for the average out-of-shape tourist to walk and unless they are well-prepared and conditioned, any mileage down into the maw of the canyon must be measured against the miles they must endure to hike back up and out. So, unless the weather clears up, I predict the next few days will be rather slow.
Tonight, I am observing the closing procedures at our two retail outlets to ensure they are consistent in their routine. It will also make a big difference to me Friday morning when I have to process their work. My first "Z-out" is in ten minutes, but it is with my friend Chris, the guitar player. He is on duty at the General Store tonight, so it should be painless. Now, where are my snowshoes and parka?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Shelby Smith's Day Off (NR)
That would be "North Rim" as opposed to "Not Rated."
Sometimes it does seem like a Ferris Bueller remake here. The school would be the employee dorms and dining area where the inhabitants congregate and lead their pedestrian lives, though we have already had a sex scandal, several nervous breakdowns, firings and general employee behavior issues. Trust me, detention here, however, is a one-way ride to St. George and then you are on your own.
And then there is yours truly, Ferris of the Grand Canyon. Like the Ferrari in the movie, the mode of escape is the Jeep. So, after a quick lunch Saturday, it was off to Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Jackson Browne was the soundtrack and the backdrops were two of the most spectacular viewpoints the park has to offer. Along the way you pass through a forested woodscape of Ponderosa pine and aspen trees on a 15-mile winding two-lane road. In spots you can see the evidence of a forest fire of year's past, but remarkably you also see the rejuvenation Mother Nature begins almost as soon as the flames are extinguished. The highlight of the drive, of course, is Cape Royal. It is hard to describe, but imagine a trail that ends on the top of some massive spire of rock complete with an arch-like window beneath you. Although you trust the fence the NPS has erected at the viewpoint, you still know that you are standing atop something akin to the remains of a huge Roman acqueduct many stories tall.
The fun part of being employed here is there is no rush to see everything. Sunday, I chose one 5-mile trail to hike my manager told me was a favorite of hers. It is the Widforss Trail and it winds through an almost surreal, but peaceful, forest of old trees until almost without warning you top a ridge and "WHAM!" there it is, yet another panorama of the North Rim. The funny thing was at the end of the trail I met a server from our dining room with a friend of hers from the kitchen just sitting on a rock enjoying a cigarette. A five-mile hike for a smoke!
On the way back, I also met another inhabitant of the region -- a 5-foot gopher snake. We literally crossed paths. Its was right behind mine by about a foot or so, but neither of us really startled the other. As I was walking along, the first thing I heard was the slight rustling and then, glancing down, I saw the orange and brown markings and long, slender body crossing the trail where I had just stepped. Normally, I would have let out a curse word or two, but for some reason I didn't. Just two solo hikers out for a stroll or a slither and a quick greeting on a North Rim Sunday afternoon.
Sometimes it does seem like a Ferris Bueller remake here. The school would be the employee dorms and dining area where the inhabitants congregate and lead their pedestrian lives, though we have already had a sex scandal, several nervous breakdowns, firings and general employee behavior issues. Trust me, detention here, however, is a one-way ride to St. George and then you are on your own.
And then there is yours truly, Ferris of the Grand Canyon. Like the Ferrari in the movie, the mode of escape is the Jeep. So, after a quick lunch Saturday, it was off to Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Jackson Browne was the soundtrack and the backdrops were two of the most spectacular viewpoints the park has to offer. Along the way you pass through a forested woodscape of Ponderosa pine and aspen trees on a 15-mile winding two-lane road. In spots you can see the evidence of a forest fire of year's past, but remarkably you also see the rejuvenation Mother Nature begins almost as soon as the flames are extinguished. The highlight of the drive, of course, is Cape Royal. It is hard to describe, but imagine a trail that ends on the top of some massive spire of rock complete with an arch-like window beneath you. Although you trust the fence the NPS has erected at the viewpoint, you still know that you are standing atop something akin to the remains of a huge Roman acqueduct many stories tall.
The fun part of being employed here is there is no rush to see everything. Sunday, I chose one 5-mile trail to hike my manager told me was a favorite of hers. It is the Widforss Trail and it winds through an almost surreal, but peaceful, forest of old trees until almost without warning you top a ridge and "WHAM!" there it is, yet another panorama of the North Rim. The funny thing was at the end of the trail I met a server from our dining room with a friend of hers from the kitchen just sitting on a rock enjoying a cigarette. A five-mile hike for a smoke!
On the way back, I also met another inhabitant of the region -- a 5-foot gopher snake. We literally crossed paths. Its was right behind mine by about a foot or so, but neither of us really startled the other. As I was walking along, the first thing I heard was the slight rustling and then, glancing down, I saw the orange and brown markings and long, slender body crossing the trail where I had just stepped. Normally, I would have let out a curse word or two, but for some reason I didn't. Just two solo hikers out for a stroll or a slither and a quick greeting on a North Rim Sunday afternoon.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The perfect storm
Today was our opening for the season. Between training and special projects the days have flown by. I spent the entire day Wednesday with the Coca Cola reps going to each vending machine putting coins in the change mechanism, making sure the pricing is correct and preparing them to be loaded with product. If you've seen the little round key that opens these behemoths, then you know the fun of being in charge of it and cracking one of them open. I half-expected something to fly or slither out, but no such luck. Alot of leaves and pinestraw, but nothing alive.
Last night was our shakedown dinner in the lodge dining room. Everyone was invited to make reservations and bring friends, so as you would expect I took a party of five at 7:30. Rick and I were joined by Karlee and Bailey, Mormon girls from Provo who have fast become friends. Our friend Brody in housekeeping also sat with us, so it was a well-rounded group. The only setback was the time it took to enjoy the actual meal. We left at 11 p.m!
If you watched the weather forecast you know we had a freak snowstorm. Despite the brevity of actual snow on the ground, it was gorgeous for most of the day Tuesday. Today, as quickly as it was winter, it returned to our normal sunshine and springlike conditions.
And, finally, besides opening day, I am thrilled to say I now have my fridge. And in-room DSL service. And a private phone line with free long distance! I may never leave except for work. Well, there is the canyon to explore, but that can wait. I have browsing to catch up on. So, it is good night from the North Rim and back to the worldwide web.
Last night was our shakedown dinner in the lodge dining room. Everyone was invited to make reservations and bring friends, so as you would expect I took a party of five at 7:30. Rick and I were joined by Karlee and Bailey, Mormon girls from Provo who have fast become friends. Our friend Brody in housekeeping also sat with us, so it was a well-rounded group. The only setback was the time it took to enjoy the actual meal. We left at 11 p.m!
If you watched the weather forecast you know we had a freak snowstorm. Despite the brevity of actual snow on the ground, it was gorgeous for most of the day Tuesday. Today, as quickly as it was winter, it returned to our normal sunshine and springlike conditions.
And, finally, besides opening day, I am thrilled to say I now have my fridge. And in-room DSL service. And a private phone line with free long distance! I may never leave except for work. Well, there is the canyon to explore, but that can wait. I have browsing to catch up on. So, it is good night from the North Rim and back to the worldwide web.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The "High Life"
It can be so incredibly quiet and once the sun sets, so perfectly dark. If you are a writer, or simply someone one with an active imagination, you would find this place to be a great creative stimulus. Of course, if there is nothing else to do worthwhile, you almost have to turn to reading or writing or thinking to pass the time.
The weekends here are not really weekends. Days of the week are simply cycles of the sun and moon with no delineation between a Friday or a Sunday, save for the television or radio programming that might give you a basis for describing a "real world" week. Fortunately, our office will only be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. I will come as close to a normal week as any employee on the property. With that in mind, for the first time, Saturday, I slept in. Not too late, though, because I had to drive to Kanab, UT, to have a tire on my Jeep repaired. It was some sort of minor puncture, but a necessity to be fixed. I am also beginning to understand why it was said that having a vehicle would be so important. The simple ability to get about and go into town cannot be taken for granted. The grocery store, the ACE hardware outlet, the car wash and best of all, the buffalo burger and fries at Al's made all the difference in the world. The guys also really appreciated the errands I ran for them.
Saturday night was thoroughly enjoyable. It reminded me of the true dorm experience we all enjoyed at some time. Chris, who is from Portland, OR, is becoming one of my closer friends, simply because he is intelligent, talented and someone who would rather have a conversation one-on-one while picking on his Fender Stratocaster guitar than waste his time with some trivial pursuit. He is also somewhat of a cynic, so we are two peas-in-a-pod. It also helped that he had a 30-pack of Miller beer and I had a bag of ice. After I showed him the trick of taking a warm beer and rolling it in a bed of ice until it was chilled, we made an evening of it. Just two friends sitting on opposite beds, drinking beer and swapping life stories. And as a little bonus, he played for me an extended guitar improvisation he had recorded on his Apple notebook. One track laid down, then he recorded a second track overdubbing the first. It was extraordinary.
Besides the perfunctory meals, which we believe are like a Pavlovian experiment to keep everyone brainwashed, today was rather nondescript. Well, that is not entirely true. I did hike a little more than a mile down the North Kaibab Trail and at the Coconino Overlook sat and enjoyed a snack and juice and in my best imitation of John Locke from "Lost" rediscovered why I am here.
The weekends here are not really weekends. Days of the week are simply cycles of the sun and moon with no delineation between a Friday or a Sunday, save for the television or radio programming that might give you a basis for describing a "real world" week. Fortunately, our office will only be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. I will come as close to a normal week as any employee on the property. With that in mind, for the first time, Saturday, I slept in. Not too late, though, because I had to drive to Kanab, UT, to have a tire on my Jeep repaired. It was some sort of minor puncture, but a necessity to be fixed. I am also beginning to understand why it was said that having a vehicle would be so important. The simple ability to get about and go into town cannot be taken for granted. The grocery store, the ACE hardware outlet, the car wash and best of all, the buffalo burger and fries at Al's made all the difference in the world. The guys also really appreciated the errands I ran for them.
Saturday night was thoroughly enjoyable. It reminded me of the true dorm experience we all enjoyed at some time. Chris, who is from Portland, OR, is becoming one of my closer friends, simply because he is intelligent, talented and someone who would rather have a conversation one-on-one while picking on his Fender Stratocaster guitar than waste his time with some trivial pursuit. He is also somewhat of a cynic, so we are two peas-in-a-pod. It also helped that he had a 30-pack of Miller beer and I had a bag of ice. After I showed him the trick of taking a warm beer and rolling it in a bed of ice until it was chilled, we made an evening of it. Just two friends sitting on opposite beds, drinking beer and swapping life stories. And as a little bonus, he played for me an extended guitar improvisation he had recorded on his Apple notebook. One track laid down, then he recorded a second track overdubbing the first. It was extraordinary.
Besides the perfunctory meals, which we believe are like a Pavlovian experiment to keep everyone brainwashed, today was rather nondescript. Well, that is not entirely true. I did hike a little more than a mile down the North Kaibab Trail and at the Coconino Overlook sat and enjoyed a snack and juice and in my best imitation of John Locke from "Lost" rediscovered why I am here.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Pay day
It is officially employment. I got paid. $40.21. It reminds me of the first check I received from Chili’s, Ltd, the company that owned the original Chili’s restaurant on Greenville Avenue in Dallas. I had only subbed there as a cook for several weeks, but the dream was to be able to always say "I worked at a Chili’s." And now the dream to be able to say "I work at a lodge in a national park" has come true.
We are also getting closer to our opening date on May 15th. This morning, I was thrilled to see the dining room is now set and the entire F&B (Food & Beverage) staff was busy folding linens and hearing a lecture on alcoholic beverage sales. The front desk clerks were busy being trained on the property management system at a series of workstations the IT director and I assembled in a corner of the lobby and in accounting we were building the sizable number of banks required to operate the hotel, restaurant, deli, gift shop, camp store and service station. Oh, and the coffee bar and "Roughrider Saloon," named for our great outdoorsman president, Teddy Roosevelt.
This morning also had one additional surprise. How often can you say you were unable to get to your office because you had to wait for the deer to wander through? Or that you lingered for a minute or two because the veranda looked so inviting at 7:50 on a clear Arizona morning? No, it is not perfect. We were unable to watch "Lost" tonight because someone was already watching the NBA. And as much as I am enjoying the food so far, I do miss the haute cuisine of the real world or my famous packages of bread and cheese from Zingerman's. Or even just a bowl of gumbo and a lemon square from the Cafe Pierremont. But, you only live once and this is something I simply had to do.
The clothes are almost dry, Rick will be back soon and I need to fetch my tea chilling on the rear of the Jeep. So, until my next post, don't feed the deer, but you are welcome to enjoy the view.
One more thing -- my mini-fridge arrives on Monday. And it is big enough that all my newfound friends can stash a beer or two. And maybe I can order a nice imported cheese and a split of Chardonnay.
We are also getting closer to our opening date on May 15th. This morning, I was thrilled to see the dining room is now set and the entire F&B (Food & Beverage) staff was busy folding linens and hearing a lecture on alcoholic beverage sales. The front desk clerks were busy being trained on the property management system at a series of workstations the IT director and I assembled in a corner of the lobby and in accounting we were building the sizable number of banks required to operate the hotel, restaurant, deli, gift shop, camp store and service station. Oh, and the coffee bar and "Roughrider Saloon," named for our great outdoorsman president, Teddy Roosevelt.
This morning also had one additional surprise. How often can you say you were unable to get to your office because you had to wait for the deer to wander through? Or that you lingered for a minute or two because the veranda looked so inviting at 7:50 on a clear Arizona morning? No, it is not perfect. We were unable to watch "Lost" tonight because someone was already watching the NBA. And as much as I am enjoying the food so far, I do miss the haute cuisine of the real world or my famous packages of bread and cheese from Zingerman's. Or even just a bowl of gumbo and a lemon square from the Cafe Pierremont. But, you only live once and this is something I simply had to do.
The clothes are almost dry, Rick will be back soon and I need to fetch my tea chilling on the rear of the Jeep. So, until my next post, don't feed the deer, but you are welcome to enjoy the view.
One more thing -- my mini-fridge arrives on Monday. And it is big enough that all my newfound friends can stash a beer or two. And maybe I can order a nice imported cheese and a split of Chardonnay.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Rock
The traditional view of the Grand Canyon from the Lodge is enjoyed on the veranda, this huge stone courtyard with a fireplace that I can literally walk into and did. I can only imagine the atmosphere it will create when a fire is roaring one chilly night and everyone is out for a stroll. The veranda is also the best place to get a signal from the tower Verizon erected on the South Rim last fall, so many times before the office opens or before I leave for lunch I will make a call or two sitting on the edge of the stone wall overlooking the North Rim. Tuesday night, however, I was introduced to "The Rock."
Like the lyrics of a Bruce Springsteen ballad, even the Grand Canyon has a place where the kids go to hang out. It is simply known as "The Rock." Down a narrow trail that branches off the one on which I took my afternoon run is a spot where you can make your way to a huge outcropping overlooking a side canyon. It is also a spot where you can get four or five bars on your cell and as I discovered, a place where the people with cellphones and unlimited minutes loan their phones to those who do not have one so they can call their family or friends to simply say "no, I haven't fallen in." I loaned mine to my roomie so he could call his family. He said his grandparents thought he was dead.
Maybe Bruce can do a song entitled "Five Bars On My Verizon and Paradise On My Horizon."
I still need that mini-fridge, but we now have iced tea in the EDR. Thank you, Jesus!
Like the lyrics of a Bruce Springsteen ballad, even the Grand Canyon has a place where the kids go to hang out. It is simply known as "The Rock." Down a narrow trail that branches off the one on which I took my afternoon run is a spot where you can make your way to a huge outcropping overlooking a side canyon. It is also a spot where you can get four or five bars on your cell and as I discovered, a place where the people with cellphones and unlimited minutes loan their phones to those who do not have one so they can call their family or friends to simply say "no, I haven't fallen in." I loaned mine to my roomie so he could call his family. He said his grandparents thought he was dead.
Maybe Bruce can do a song entitled "Five Bars On My Verizon and Paradise On My Horizon."
I still need that mini-fridge, but we now have iced tea in the EDR. Thank you, Jesus!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
More roommates
First, I am considering a blog. Both of my Austin Sig/Geek brothers have suggested it and since they are much more experienced at sharing their daily lives with the world, usually in the form of the accomplishments of their offspring, it must be the cutting edge technology I need to incorporate into my adventure. (Obviously I chose to do one!)
Second, my first roommate lasted only one night. Apparently a certain "screening" process was positive and he is no longer with the company. He was really a nice guy and I felt very bad for him, but the corporate office is very serious about a clean working environment here after a number of years of operation by the prior concessionaire. Me, being me, I gave him some cash to help him get home and we’ll try and stay in touch. Thankfully, as well, I did not share any of this with my immediately family. I am sure they would not understand such an interesting circumstance.
And now for the good news – I quickly found a new roommate. It is my “Lost” buddy Rick Ganther, who hails from Alaska. Loves music, loves movies and trivia and has a sense of humor that is every bit the equal of mine. We will call our dorm room the “Fortress of Solitude.”
By the way, my former employer has already begun sniping about how inaccessible I am for trivial questions about my former position. Should I send a map with a little arrow that says “I am here.”
Second, my first roommate lasted only one night. Apparently a certain "screening" process was positive and he is no longer with the company. He was really a nice guy and I felt very bad for him, but the corporate office is very serious about a clean working environment here after a number of years of operation by the prior concessionaire. Me, being me, I gave him some cash to help him get home and we’ll try and stay in touch. Thankfully, as well, I did not share any of this with my immediately family. I am sure they would not understand such an interesting circumstance.
And now for the good news – I quickly found a new roommate. It is my “Lost” buddy Rick Ganther, who hails from Alaska. Loves music, loves movies and trivia and has a sense of humor that is every bit the equal of mine. We will call our dorm room the “Fortress of Solitude.”
By the way, my former employer has already begun sniping about how inaccessible I am for trivial questions about my former position. Should I send a map with a little arrow that says “I am here.”
Roommates
It has been one of the most interesting weekends of my life.
Last night, for the first time we broke out the beer and the music and enjoyed what my Sigma Chi brothers would call our first “late night.” There are all sorts of people working here, but fortunately I am part of a core group of employees who are younger and more entertaining. As in any environment, certain people will gravitate to each other and it is somewhat obvious after only a few days who will immediately sit with each other in the EDR. Tonight we even used my laptop to play a movie trivia game that uses a DVD to play clips before asking the question. Moreso, however, I am somewhat amazed at how fast we have already grown so comfortable with each other, even if I am, once again, the Old Man of the group.
This afternoon, for the first time since I have been here, I also found the time to go for a run on a trail that leads from the campground to the lodge. It honestly was like a New Balance ad at one point on the trail. After I rounded one corner, there it was – the incredible panorama of the North Rim and everything that is on the south side and beyond. There is a simple bench that serves as a viewing point, so that served as a resting point for a few minutes. But, of course, soon this will be routine, so you don’t stay much more than that.
And now for the news everyone seems to be waiting on. I have a roommate. He is from Phoenix, by way of the beaches of Southern California. A surfer and competitive swimmer named Jeff. We are listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers on my laptop while I write this, so the first night is already going well. But that is not a surprise, since he wasn’t simply assigned to me. We actually met several days ago and after a few days it was apparent he was not enjoying his original assignment, so in one of those “never underestimate the power of the chance encounter” moments I said “sure” when he asked me if he could move in. Are you surprised? You know how much I believe in the value of a friendship that begins like this because most of you happened just the same way. It was also the one uncertain and I am relieved that it worked out so well.
Tomorrow begins the first full week, but the lodge is still in a state of confusion, so I don’t know what we will be doing. Jeff’s a shuttle driver so he might be out in one of the vans and I believe there will be training in the office because we are implementing all new systems with the change of management from last season. I will try to take that pic of the view from my office as soon as possible.
Last night, for the first time we broke out the beer and the music and enjoyed what my Sigma Chi brothers would call our first “late night.” There are all sorts of people working here, but fortunately I am part of a core group of employees who are younger and more entertaining. As in any environment, certain people will gravitate to each other and it is somewhat obvious after only a few days who will immediately sit with each other in the EDR. Tonight we even used my laptop to play a movie trivia game that uses a DVD to play clips before asking the question. Moreso, however, I am somewhat amazed at how fast we have already grown so comfortable with each other, even if I am, once again, the Old Man of the group.
This afternoon, for the first time since I have been here, I also found the time to go for a run on a trail that leads from the campground to the lodge. It honestly was like a New Balance ad at one point on the trail. After I rounded one corner, there it was – the incredible panorama of the North Rim and everything that is on the south side and beyond. There is a simple bench that serves as a viewing point, so that served as a resting point for a few minutes. But, of course, soon this will be routine, so you don’t stay much more than that.
And now for the news everyone seems to be waiting on. I have a roommate. He is from Phoenix, by way of the beaches of Southern California. A surfer and competitive swimmer named Jeff. We are listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers on my laptop while I write this, so the first night is already going well. But that is not a surprise, since he wasn’t simply assigned to me. We actually met several days ago and after a few days it was apparent he was not enjoying his original assignment, so in one of those “never underestimate the power of the chance encounter” moments I said “sure” when he asked me if he could move in. Are you surprised? You know how much I believe in the value of a friendship that begins like this because most of you happened just the same way. It was also the one uncertain and I am relieved that it worked out so well.
Tomorrow begins the first full week, but the lodge is still in a state of confusion, so I don’t know what we will be doing. Jeff’s a shuttle driver so he might be out in one of the vans and I believe there will be training in the office because we are implementing all new systems with the change of management from last season. I will try to take that pic of the view from my office as soon as possible.
The adventure begins
Day One has come to a close! And what an interesting day it has been. After a whirlwind trip to Austin to visit Ralph and Karen Marston and retrieve a piece of audio equipment from the most eccentric repair service in the United States, I had made my way to Santa Fe to acclimate myself to a higher altitude and enjoy several days of gourmet food and galleries with the parents. Then it was a long drive from Santa Fe to Page, AZ to overnight there before the drive down this morning to the North Rim.
I arrived a few minutes before noon and before I knew it I was in a lunch line partaking of my first meal in the EDR. That would be the “employee dining room” for the uninitiated. What an interesting collection of people but before it was over, I had met my immediate manager, other management and staff and a few people just like me, believe it or not. After lunch, it was time to be processed.
I have never taken a drug test before in my life, which on some occasions, MANY years ago, I would have failed. No, they don’t watch, but the chain of evidence procedures are fascinating. Then the moment I had been most anxious about arrived - the assignment of rooms. I am in #208 of the “New Dorm.” That is actually what the sign says above the front door, but as plainly descriptive as that, I was completely surprised by how new this building really is. And the rooms are huge! Even bigger than some motel rooms I have stayed in. Actually it could easily pass for a motel room with its private bath, closet space and very nice furnishings.
So, as I contemplate turning in for the night, all my clothes are unpacked, I am sitting at a desk with my Dell notebook and laser printer set up, and in the background Arizona Public Radio is playing Mozart on my bedside radio. All that is missing is a well-stocked mini-fridge and reading lamp, but a quick trip to the city (St. George) will solve that.
Oh, and one more thing. The view really IS amazing. My office is a few steps away from the main veranda, so for the next 5.5 months I will have a “National Geographic moment” whenever I need one.
Orientation is at 8:30. It is also my first paid day. Stay in touch and once we have wireless in the dorms, I will be back on-line for IMing!
I arrived a few minutes before noon and before I knew it I was in a lunch line partaking of my first meal in the EDR. That would be the “employee dining room” for the uninitiated. What an interesting collection of people but before it was over, I had met my immediate manager, other management and staff and a few people just like me, believe it or not. After lunch, it was time to be processed.
I have never taken a drug test before in my life, which on some occasions, MANY years ago, I would have failed. No, they don’t watch, but the chain of evidence procedures are fascinating. Then the moment I had been most anxious about arrived - the assignment of rooms. I am in #208 of the “New Dorm.” That is actually what the sign says above the front door, but as plainly descriptive as that, I was completely surprised by how new this building really is. And the rooms are huge! Even bigger than some motel rooms I have stayed in. Actually it could easily pass for a motel room with its private bath, closet space and very nice furnishings.
So, as I contemplate turning in for the night, all my clothes are unpacked, I am sitting at a desk with my Dell notebook and laser printer set up, and in the background Arizona Public Radio is playing Mozart on my bedside radio. All that is missing is a well-stocked mini-fridge and reading lamp, but a quick trip to the city (St. George) will solve that.
Oh, and one more thing. The view really IS amazing. My office is a few steps away from the main veranda, so for the next 5.5 months I will have a “National Geographic moment” whenever I need one.
Orientation is at 8:30. It is also my first paid day. Stay in touch and once we have wireless in the dorms, I will be back on-line for IMing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
