SEASONAL JOB!

 Here it is, half way through 2021 and I have news I could have posted months ago. After getting a good medical report in March, I packed up my Jeep and started a job at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon! I drove into the canyon after a two hour wait at the South Entrance....the only available method as the East Entrance would be closed due to the pandemic on the reservation. 

I met my roommate in the dorm room and settled in. As it turned  out, my roommate did not find park work a good match for her and she vacated after just a couple of weeks.

My primary Guest Service Agent position would be at the Bright Angel Lodge. Occasionally, I would find myself on the schedule for Maswick Lodge or El Tovar. I looked forward to visiting with guests and  making new memories and friends. I realized my body was going to take a while to adjust to hours of standing.  When I worked the front desk at Lake McDonald, Glacier NP in 2018, it took about two weeks to adapt. Well, after three years, loss of a kidney and a battle with bladder cancer , there is a new me. My body can't  seem to adjust,  so the  seasonal job came to an end July 3rd. I will say that conditions attributed to my decision. Reports show National Parks see an uptick by 15-20% with services 50%. Guest expectations are high. Disappointed and angry folks in an agent's face most of the shift takes a toll. So, again I experience an abbreviated stint. 

Looking back, I will have some recollections of guests that stood out. Several  underestimate the harshness of the canyon's elements.  Late March and early April still finds ice on the trail in spots. If one doesn't use crampons, it's treacherous. Late spring produced dangerously hot and dry conditions resulting in two heat related deaths. Exuberant folks arriving ready to check off a bucket list item end up with life altering experiences if they develop heat stroke. On the other hand, it's rewarding to get the thanks for finding the last available room for a parched and weak young girl who just couldn't get up the last switchback in time for a departing shuttle. 

Some of the questions...one just has to find a way to keep a straight face!  Examples: "If I walk to the bottom of the canyon, is there a shuttle back?"  "Is there a swimming pool at the lodge?"  Can anyone give me just one national park lodge with a swimming pool? If folks would just do a little bit of research ....it's exasperating really.  On the other hand, it's  fun to see first time expressions. So many say, "It looks like a backdrop!"

I admit that I looked at many travelers with wonder. Many arrive with physical needs unmet and needing assistance.  The primary village shuttle has not been running and won't  be running all summer. Folks who are impaired and not mobile are somewhat stuck! There are only so many wheel chairs a hotel has to loan. Arriving with walkers is a huge challenge for these unfit travelers. I have been stymied until just a few days ago. I read a submission on social media titled  " Cancer Sucks National Parks Tour". I got it. Does my new understanding make the situation easier or better? No - but I'm  again reminded to live and let live. 

As frustrating as the position has been, there have been touching rays of humanity. 

About 9PM one night a lost elderly man approached me at BA front desk and said, "I'm lost." He had gone out, equipped with his large camera on the shuttle to catch sunset. It was dark when he returned and he became disoriented.  My manager slipped into the back office to contact Park Rangers and I tried to compose this man who had become more frustrated.  As it turned out, his wife had also contacted Park Rangers. They were reconnected as I finished my shift.

A woman traveling solo noticed a family of three struggling to get around after departing the train.. The mother was not very mobile and did not realize the Village Shuttle was not running. This stranger came into the El Tovar as I worked  the Front Desk. She was interested in renting a wheelchair for  the woman for the few hours the family would be at the canyon. It didn't phase her to have her card swiped for a $300 guarantee.  About 4PM she returned with the chair. She had spent her afternoon making sure the family had a pleasant experience fulfilling a dream.

Later that same afternoon, two middle aged men approached  me at the front desk with an elderly man in tow. "He doesn't know where he's staying" one man says as he produces a hotel key. After a swipe of the key, the elders room is identified in another property just a few steps from the El Tovar. These two men agree to take Mr. Elder to his room while we called the room to let family know. Two acts of kindness I hope I will hold dear when I think of my Grand Canyon experience!

My team at Bright Angel was a sampling of about everything one would hope to keep things exciting and entertaining.  I am grateful to have worked with caring people.

Many followed me on Facebook as I posted daily pictures.  In case you didn't,  I'll  give highlights here. Let's start with the signage NPS uses to TRY to inform guests.

                          And then, there are the occasional signs to remind us of our place. 

I've taken advantage of the shuttles that are running, seeing the variety of sunrise, sunset vantage points. I've experienced a few miles along both Bright Angel and Kaibab Trails. Taking a hard fall about a month after arrival along the LEVEL Canyon Rim Trail, my confidence was knocked backward.   After several weeks and engaging a coworker, I regained self assurance and got on both trails in pleasant early morning hours. 

There really is something for everyone. Whether you are an avid hiker, physically challenged, a historian, scientist or family with small children, there's a WOW factor for you! Please visit, but research first at www.nps.gov/grandcanyon.

I think Lookout Studio is exceptionally picturesque and I subconsciously photographed it more than any other setting.

                                           

                                                Lipan Point during the Golden Hour.

    So, that chapter has closed.  Here is a hint to the next chapter happening soon!