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.

To Everything there Is A Season

With temperatures hovering near 100 degrees, I just want to remember some snow. They tell me it will get at least 10 degrees warmer in July.

To everything there is a season, and a time, under heaven.

Today I met the guy I'll train to replace me in the EDR. The Chef says to do a good job. Then, I can move to the Line. It will be seriously hot there, facing the "window" or place the plates get put when they are ready to be sent out. At arms reach, under that shelf like set up, with heating elements above, is counters and all sorts of additions for the plating.

Behind me will be grill (or broiler, they call it) flat top (where we place Talapia, trout, arrowhead chicken breasts, grilled cheeses). That station, I'm informed is for the "broiler bitch". Male or Female.

Then, behind the "wheel man" is a deep fryer, gas burners going constantly, and farther down the line is the "saute" station, with more hot boxes, gas burners, and stuff I've yet to learn.

Of course there are cold drawers for keeping all this fresh meat and condiments cold and at arms reach, and hot steam tables for keeping all the hot sides ready to plate.

So, its going to be hot work. I am looking forward to it. Making beautiful plates of scrumptious food for each diner.

Maybe I'm not a burned out cook. Maybe I just need a new station.

Working F'n B

F and B sounds like swearing. F'n B. After awhile, that's how I feel.
I think I'm a burned out cook.

Today I saw something interesting, and it reminded me of the universal mom-habit of applying spit as a cleaning agent.
Seems chef's hands are always clean, and are the universal tool.
Or so we are all led to believe, or assume, or hope by virtue of its common practice.

It is a widely accepted opinion that Food and Beverage is the hardest and least appreciated department, especially the Employee Dining Room (EDR) crew. If anyone out there cares, give your EDR person a thanks today for a job done, even if not well.

Zion is getting hot, nearly 100 degrees. Its still lovely, and I can't wait for my days off to enjoy some more of it. The river has slowed, the banks receding. The grass remains green here in the valley, however, because it is watered with sprinkling systems.

I feel removed from the general news loop. No one really talks about all the pressing issues the country faces. We work, we sleep, we hope for days off to play.

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.

A Day of Gifts

I found this little boardwalk up to a lovely waterfall while hiking to the Temple of Sinawava. I never expected to see this little treasure spot. No one was there, either. Its between shuttle bus stops, too, so unless you're walking, you'd probably miss it as well. Its not even on the waterproof map of Zion National Park.

I got mail today. One envelope had a check from "my" gallery, which sadly is changing hands. Thanks Janette, for everything.

I found 65 cents, and speakers for my laptop on the Free table in the laundry room.

I read from a book my friend sent me from Yellowstone, about Yellowstone.

Life is full of gifts.

Thank you Trail Gods.

This frugal survivalist appreciates all the gifts that come my way.

And I'm not too proud to pick up a penny, either.

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.

Zion's High Points

This warning sign was at the end of the Narrows. Its too early in the season to venture up into the canyon. When the water exceeds 140 cubic feet per second, it is too dangerous.

Zion has some really special places. Many of them are well known, like Angel's Landing, Observaton Point, and the three Emerald Pools.

www.youtube.com/user/brawny03

Taste of Zion and Sights in Zion are a couple videos I've shot so far of these hikes.

Fortunately on my days off, I can eat a good breakfast in the employee dining room, take a bottle of water and light pack, and hike to these really great views.

I always recommend an early start. Its cooler, less crowded, and
you have the entire day to enjoy it.
Also, you can avoid the afternoon thunderstorms, although rare, can occur in late summer.

Why Does It Match?

Hiking up to Scout Lookout in Zion National Park, I noticed a hand print in cement. It was small, perhaps a child's? Wait! It matches mine.

I'm not into cement paths.
But, its accessible. We the employees here are told not to use the term handicap accessible. Just Accessible.

What's happening to us, as a people. I heard a lady on the cement path at Temple of Sinawava say "Its so much nicer this year. Last year this trail was all Dirt!"

Walking along in flip flops, munching apples, cameras and IPods in tow, down cement paths, back to the shuttle buses that run every 15 minutes, we all get a chance to see extraordinary views of cliffs, rivers and valleys that must be felt, loved and above all, preserved.

I wonder if life has become too easy. The things we cherish the most are the things we struggle to win, nearly loose, but at last regain. Perhaps our paths have become too generic, too certain.

That hand print matched mine.
Does it reflect a universal desire to leave one's mark on the earth?
Or, an opportunist just taking advantage of wet cement?
Was it the trail gods warning me not to become lazy by choosing too obvious a path?

Zion National Park

Another season, another seasonal job. An artist once said, "if you're not living life on the edge you're taking up too much space." That's how I feel right now, on the edge, counting days, hoping the Home Feeling returns.

But, tomorrow, my first day off since driving 2100 miles to get here, I'll truly be on the edge: a day hike up to Angel's Landing and some cliffs with edges to spare.

Its amazing all the people who actually live and work in the park, yet don't hike it.
I hope to video my adventures and post them on YouTube.

Fun In the Woods

Having fun in a secret place, spending the day creating something new, and sharing it with friends is one of life's greatest joys.