Good Morning Folks from the "Old Faithful" Inn,
I had to come up here to do my blog as we have no cell phone or personal internet coverage where I work at the south entrance to Yellowstone. It is my first trip up to the "Inn" this season as Craig Pass, the primary route here was still blocked with snow last week when I had my first days off.
The mountains of Wyoming have had 162% of normal snow fall this year and it is still pretty high on the sides of the road. When we moved into our apartments they had to bring in a "Bobcat" to clear a path. It is pretty incredible up this way right now. I love it!
The new job at the gate checking entry passes is nice because I get to sit down, not as much pressure on the "ol" back as standing for hours in a visitor center. The complicated part is learning all the different categories of visitors and translating that to the myriad of keys on the cash register. We sell so many different kinds of passes, and the real complexity is figuring out the commercial groups entry permits. The good part is that most people pay at the Tetons entrances, and since you get two parks for the price of one, that is nice! We just check to make sure they paid and give them the map and paper for Yellowstone.
One of the great things about being here is seeing my friends here in Wyoming. "Old Ranger" Bob and I went to Jackson on a "Geezer" shopping spree yesterday. Although, I did not see a film we had a good time. When first I got here was able to make our traditional "opening of Signal Mt. Lodge" Margaritas and Nachos fest with friends Darlene and Mike. I spent some time visiting with my friend Laine Thom (as well as others) at the Colter Bay Visitor Center, where I worked for 9 years. Today I am up at Old Faithful to spend the day with Cindy Henry, another old friend. It is too bad her husband Bob is up in Alaska. We had many good times together in this park.
As for my new acquaintances in my new position, I like those that have come in so far. I really like my boss, Candice. She is probably the best supervisor that I have ever had (so far). She is very patient and understanding in training us as well as just being a good person. My apartment mate, Jeff is a good guy and somewhat of a "geezer" too being 59, another good call by our boss, putting us together. Our apartment is only a couple of years old and Candice gave us the two bedroom, two bath place. Accomodations make up for the isolation we have at the Snake River Ranger Station (south entrance).
Movie update: I have seen two in Jackson since my arrival. The first, Thor, was kind of fun. I would normally not have gone to this one but read a couple of fairly good reviews plus, Kenneth Branaugh (Brit Shakespearean actor/director) directed it. It is a fantasy/super hero movie. The second was Bridesmaids, Kristin Wigg (she also co-wrote the script), who I love. It is billed as a female Hangover, but that is an oversimplification. Although I enjoyed that film, I think besides being very funny (and gross in some places) it has some depth to the story of the main protagonist's point of view. Plus, it is more a female view of life. I liked it a lot.
In addition, I want to send tidings, and get well wishes to my niece Kimby who will be having surgery this week.
Well, that's about it from here. I have go meet Cindy for a bountiful breakfast buffet here at the Inn.
Cheers all, until we meet again, here in this blog or else where in person, e-mail, or Facebook.
