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.

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.

We Ponder

We ponder not whether to wander....but where.

I am working in Yellowstone this summer. The trails are marvelous, but work keeps getting in the way. Seems like there is just not enough time to commit to the finer views, the distances to cover, that primitive release that comes with a long time in the back country.

So, I'm pondering a long hike. The mountains all around here merit serious attention. Or perhaps a base camp by a river. Or get back on the CDT. Humm

We ponder.