Treading trodden trails

It has been one month. On April 30th, after one last swing through the grocery store for lip balm (my Mother was right!) and a locking gas cap (my Father was right!), I set out from Page, AZ, into what was a huge unknown. I did not know a soul, had no idea if I would meet any like-minded friends and, most importantly, was concerned that I would be up to the task of whatever the "accounting lead" would be expected to do. The only familiar thing that day was the highway. At least I had driven US-89A many times when I lived in southern Utah and was the "Voice of the Canyonlands."

Saturday night, one month later, at one of the best tables in the dining room, three friends celebrated a birthday and our one month anniversary. Not only have we grown close to each other, but we have become comfortable in our surroundings. Brody, who turned all of 19 on the 31st, is already a housekeeping supervisor with his own radio and handle. He's "H-5," a name we call him with great affection. Rick has easily become one of the deli's most valuable employees. His pizzas are always perfect, but beyond that he has a terrific ability to see the big picture in restaurant management. And as for me, I am thoroughly enjoying my role as the jack-of-all-trades in the entire operation. Not only is the accounting part routine, but being somewhat of an expert in all three lodge software packages and the vending machine guru keeps me from being bored. Did you know that you can "program" a Coke machine using the selection buttons on the front? Valuable knowledge, I can attest!

Ken Patrick was a park ranger here years ago before being transferred to Point Reyes National Seashore, where he was murdered in 1973. One of the least-hiked, but most popular trails is named for him and it is where I spent this weekend's afternoons. The route runs from the North Kaibab trailhead through wooded terrain before crossing the highway to Cape Royal where it begins this almost indescribable rim-hugging jaunt all the way to Point Imperial. Because I worked half-days this weekend, I chose to hike the two parts on separate days. My Saturday excursion began at the tourist-ridden trailhead closest to the lodge. The North Kaibab trailhead is actually a huge parking lot and corral for the popular mule rides. It was overflowing with cars and day visitors, all lounging about in lawn chairs, most of whom probably never set foot down a trail. Once I got on the Ken Patrick that circus quickly disappeared behind me and I had the whole plateau to myself.

On Sunday, I had not intended to resume that hike. Instead, I planned to drive out of the park to a national forest trail, much like last weekend. Something inside, maybe just the late start, however, said I should make a quick U-turn and head out to the trailhead for the rim portion of the Ken Patrick. What a smart decision. The elevations are close to 9000' at points along the trail, but no matter the height, it is the view across the canyon that is awe-inspiring. It is not exaggeration to say you can almost see forever. And the shades of color are something in a watercolorist's dreams. I did not make it to Point Imperial, but I got close enough to know that I will do this one again, probably in the opposite direction. And with a camera. Yes, the one time I decided to hike light, I regretted it.

So, like each weekend before this one, I have had that moment where the realization hit me that this is not a vacation. It wasn't on the Ken Patrick, but I wouldn't blame you for assuming so. It was actually Saturday night before dinner sitting on the long covered front porch of the lodge, enjoying a Jack Daniels sour on the rocks with a squeeze of lime. A few guests were strolling about in the cool night air and a clear, blue sky offset the tans and greens of the lodge. And if you listened closely you'd have heard this voice quietly exclaim "I cannot believe they pay me to do this!"