The clock struck 12

I could not think of a title for the life of me until the APR announcer mentioned it was midnight and I realized my day of departure had arrived!

My last hike on the Arizona Trail was the perfect way to end this season. A nice meander through the North Rim's famous meadows and the Ponderosa pines of the Kaibab National Forest ended with a snack on a log at the edge of a clearing. Dinner in the EDR was adequate, but I was more interested in watching LSU beat South Carolina on my laptop in the room, so I don't even remember what was on the menu. Today was even less adequate, but once again I had more important things to do. One of the cooks, however, did turn out a batch of lemon squares that were so close to the ones I love at Cafe Pierremont in Shreveport, I imagined it a sign from above that it was time to go home. To end the evening, I finally had a few minutes to spend with a few friends, people that have become a part of my daily life. Some I will see soon, others may never cross my path again. Undoubtedly, I will see Brody and Allan next month in Simi Valley on my way to Canada, but beyond those "little brothers" I have had to recognize that for many people this is a gypsy lifestyle. I don't believe it is something I would enjoy, but for some of my friends loading everything they own in their car and taking off for the next resort is perfectly acceptable. And if the Grand Canyon North Rim never sees them again, few people will notice. I will, but that is just unrealistic me!

Before I turn in (it's 534 miles to Santa Fe), I thought I would close with what are a few things I know many of you might be wondering...what's tops on my list of things to do after six months at the Grand Canyon.

So, here's a Top Ten List direct from New Dorm Room 208:

1. Get a haircut. Nothing says "old hippie terrorist" like grey hair sticking out of a baseball cap.
2. Get my shoes shined. I did my best, but eventually the dust and dirt of the Grand Canyon won out.
3. Clean up the Jeep. And that includes fixing the fender flare knocked loose when Allan and I were playing "Rat Patrol" on the Point Sublime Road.
4. Eat BBQ. And Japanese. And real New Mexican. And French. And a real breakfast at the La Fonda Hotel.
5. Resume regular e-mail and phone calls with my buddies who assumed I was on another planet. I was.
6. Meet my favorite philosophy department chair at Centenary College for a long lunch.
7. Work a N-Y Times Sunday puzzle with my uncle to prove I am still on top of my game.
8. Have a real smoothie from Shane's Smoothie Shack...God, I have missed those!
9. See the nieces and nephews. Remember me? Uncle Shelbs?
10. And, finally, on November 4th, vote for "that one" for President of the United States!

From the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge...happy trails!