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?