Not for Wimps

Driving cross country is not for wimps. Neither is it cheap.

The gas in Utah can be so rare, a lone station is welcomed regardless of the price. Nearly a dollar more per gallon than what I've found in eastern Wyoming, I gladly paid it rather than suffer stress as the needle neared empty. And, plus, everyone has to make a living, and the out post gas station is like a gold strike when needed.

Of course, there's the summer road construction, the cross winds and huge RVs and semi trailers three deep that cause consternation. A person just does their best, listening to good music, eating chips and drinking ice water.

I find that gas stations will generally give you free ice in your mug when you buy a tank of gas. I have water in the car.

Motels are another story. Sure, I could camp, but with no trees near I-80 and temperatures hovering in the 90s, a shower will feel wonderful. TV, coffee, and soft bed aren't to be shunned either. Just my luck I pick the exit with more construction. I'll deal in the morning. Everything is easier when you're rested.

I had a good summer in Zion. Family matters have called me home and the managers are very understanding. Of course I must see my son before he heads to Iraq.

New adventures are for next season. I never really know whats coming up next. A spontaneous life has its benefits and disadvantages.
I can only be who I am.

Fall Is In The Air

The blossoms have turned to fruit. Tiny grapes on grapevines, tiny acorns in scrub oak trees, gourds on the ground vines.

Its been cloudy many days. Yesterday morning I used my cell phone, but reception was difficult. This morning it sprinkled, and clouds again cover the northern skies.

I'm not sure where all the deer have gone. Only one was foraging on the lawn. I only saw a few on my hike. Soon it will be mating season. Perhaps that is done away from the tourists of Zion.

Its been a good summer, but I'm ready to go home. The ups and downs of living in a National Park make good memories.
It helps me appreciate all there is in the real world. It brings a new perspective to the tourist industry. A person can build skills in their field while meeting interesting people from around the world and enjoying fabulous hikes on days off.

Fall is a time of bringing fruit to maturity. This can be taken both literally and spiritually.
The shorter days, cooler nights remind us that to everything there is a time and season. The fruit matures so animals can feed and gain weight for winter, and new plants will sprout in the spring.

Fall is in the air. Kids are heading back to school. I'm getting ready to enjoy a winter by the fireplace.

Dropping Like Flies

Its that time of year in the seasonal world where lots of folks are heading out.
Some are at the end of the "work agreement" a sort of paper work thing we refer to as a contract, yet the company strictly says is a work agreement.

Some are heading to other dreams for one reason or another: being bored with this location, being sick of the weather, missing home, heading back to school, hating their bosses, tired of the room mate.

Some have family emergencies, reunions or weddings. Or so they say. It doesn't matter. The two week notice is customary, polite, and allows a rehire.

Some have been "let go". Fired. Too many rules, couldn't get out of bed,
no-call-no-show.

I saw this same thing last year in Yellowstone. I saw this on the trail.
They say never leave a trail in the rain. Wait until its sunny, then see if you really want to leave.
That probably applies for a seasonal job too.
Never leave when you're mad. Wait. Think about everything. The Big Picture. Sleep on it.

And when the trail gods tell you its time, you'll know it.

Under Duress

A young friend of mine is having some interesting developments in life. I looked up "duress" in the online http://wikipedia.com
I like this free source of information. Like all media, one must be open minded with information received and given.

I think this information has bearing in our pitiful economy where jobs are hard to come by and we have more at stake than just a nine to five paycheck.
Of course, I am not a lawyer, and have no idea how well this would be received by an employer.

A friend of mine working in the parks system in seasonal capacity said this was his plan for signing documents he'd rather not sign. By writing "signed under duress" he could adequately object to the procedure and get on with his job.


The elements of economic duress

1.Wrongful or improper threat: No precise definition of what is wrongful or improper. Examples include: morally wrong, criminal, or tortuous conduct; one that is a threat to breach a contract "in bad faith" or threaten to withhold an admitted debt "in bad faith".

2.Lack of reasonable alternative (but to accept the other party's terms). If there is an available legal remedy, an available market substitute (in the form of funds, goods, or services), or any other sources of funds this element is not met.

3.The threat actually induces the making of the contract. This is a subjective standard, and takes into account the victim's age, their background (especially their education), relationship of the parties, and the ability to receive advice.

4.The other party caused the financial distress. The majority opinion is that the other party must have caused the distress, while the minority opinion allows them to merely take advantage of the distress.

This post is just some research on my part. Whatever a person does in their own circumstances must be approached on an indivigual basis, with proper counsil.

Where the Deer Feed

This morning before work, and before the heat of the day, I went down the Grotto Trail, on the Lodge side of the road. I was looking for deer. They have a couple favorite spots, off the beaten paths, and sure enough, this young doe was browsing on leaves. She didn't seem to mind my photography efforts. I spoke to her, and she didn't run.

Now lizards are a whole 'nother creature. I'd like to get a picture before I leave this fall, but so far none have sat still long enough.

Today was a good day. I enjoyed my co workers, cooked on the Line, trained my replacement, and didn't even feel tired. Now, that's almost like having fun!

I guess its all about knowing where to look, and when. Travel down the right path, at the right time and the trail gods will grant your desire.

Least, that's how I'm chalking up today's goodness.

It Always Gets Better

A friend on the trail once told me she always felt optimistic when the day started out rotten. She said she knew things were going to get better that day.

Yesterday was so sweet, I knew today would have to be hard. If all the days were good, we would become weak, wouldn't know how to look inward for our strength.

Or evaluate our goals.

And just when I get so tired of all the games, rules and nonsence, ready to give up, a beautiful day comes along.

I like the changing tides. I like the surprises. But there must also be the knowledge that it ends, and we are the masters of our destinies.

Right now I'm cooking for employees in Zion. Its not easy. Everyone likes different things, and the menus rotate over and over every eleven days. So, there are complaints, and people forget its self serve. That also means self-bussing. Yeah, your mom doesn't work here.

So, maybe its time to just lay it out there. I'm getting bored.

But, tomorow will be better. Has to be.

All Things In Their Season

The desert is in bloom. Fantastic purples, pinks, reds, white amongst the cactus and aloe plants.

Even though I came here to see all this, sometimes I get caught up in working and sleeping. Then on days off, pile on the hiking miles.

I work 1 p.m to 9 ish. So, there's time in the mornings to enjoy the warmth and glow of this canyon. That's what I'm doing now. Sunshine, exercise, a walk before work. Nothing sets the stage for a beautiful day like a commune with nature.

Zion is quiet this morning after Memorial Day weekend has past. Deer roam freely, wild turkeys ramble through the grass. Lizards scurry happily. Least I think they are happy.

All things in their season. One season at a time.

Going Home

After a summer at Yellowstone, and time with the family, I am heading home. This whole seasonal adventure was much more intense than I had ever expected: in friendships, experiences, emotions. Not that everyone who does this could experience the same.

They say its all in the attitude and
what one brings to the table.

I think that must be true.