The truth

The Grand Canyon can be boring. Unless you are working or on some weekend hike, there really is nothing to do. There is nothing to spend money on, save for whatever you might find at the gift shop. There is only one dining room, so the idea of eating out is somewhat limited. They do make an interesting pizza or two in the deli, but since I code all the invoices for the entire property I know the concept of handmade is an illusion. Take one 16-inch pizza crust, spread some sauce, sprinkle some shredded cheese, add pre-sliced pepperonis and there you have it, by the slice or by the whole. I think my favorite place is the general store because they have the greatest variety of snacks and drinks, including Arizona Tea in the giant can. And on a side note, ice is free to employees. I assume they realize we do not have ice machines down in our little corner of the outpost, so we can go to the general store or the EDR and ask for a bag of ice, no charge. (Of course, I have proper ice trays in my fridge and I am enjoying normal cubes in my Reed's Premium Jamaica Style ginger ale!)

All of you know I am not immune to mail ordering food. Fed Ex and dry ice make anything possible these days, so I do have a nice Manchester cheese from Zingerman's in Ann Arbor, MI. That same order also included a round of farm bread infused with tiny bits of smoked bacon. At this altitude, it began to dry out fast, so one night I bought a stick of butter at the general store and had a small feast. My toaster served as a substitute for a real oven and when the snacking was done, I was, pardon the expression, a happy camper. The cheese is still in the fridge, however. I keep forgetting to buy a proper cracker in Kanab at the Food Town.

The two grocery stores in Kanab have actually proven to be quite adequate. The beverage selection is even better than what I could find in Shreveport at Kroger on any given Saturday. And all the other items I've had on my list have been available, too. Well, I cannot find Caribou Coffee granola bars anywhere, but someone bought me two boxes when they were at Wal-Mart in St. George. The liquor and wine selection at the Utah State Liquor Store is quite good, but after splurging on two expensive whites and a bottle of Bailey's, I've barely touched any of them. Frankly, it is not the food or drink that is lacking, it is the atmosphere and service. What I really miss is the joy of dropping a bundle at some fantastic Santa Fe restaurant and then browsing the galleries around the plaza. God knows, when October 22nd arrives, I am going to have a meal at Santacafe that will border on orgiastic and buy a painting just for good measure afterwards.

Meantime, there is one bit of good news. Rick immediately found a new job at the South Rim. His termination here may be the best thing that happened to him. He loves movies and film and at the South Rim there is a wonderful IMAX theater. Guess where he is now employed? He also said the pay is better and the room and board less than here at the North Rim. He misses us, but he really is just 12 miles away. And, of course, despite what I might say, I really do miss having a roommate like Rick. Despite his shortcomings, he was a delight to have around.

Yes, this is sort of a random post, totally unexpected I'm sure, but I felt like admitting that it is not all "summer camp" here at the Grand Canyon. There are times I wonder if I gave up a bit too much of my lifestyle and the friends I shared it with to do this insane thing. At other times, I look in the mirror and say "you always wanted to work in a national park so shut up and make the most of it."

Anyway, thanks always for listening. Back to my New Mexico Magazine and the gourmet food column with the mouthwatering photos!