A descriptive look at traveling and full-timing with our second RV, a fifth wheel toyhauler.
Laura and Sasha started this adventure in April of 2005
for a two week vacation in a truck camper.
April 2011: At Canyonlands AND Grand Canyon National Parks
So first we were in Canyonlands National Park (for most of the month) but I had gotten word from Grand Canyon NP, Desert View that they wanted me in March. But there is always paperwork, and it sometimes takes a while, especially when the person doing the paperwork gets sick and "forgets" to pass it along to someone else. So it took a while. But that turned out to be OK, as Canyonlands really needed me too. You see, March and April are Canyonlands busiest months, so the longer I could stay there, the better. But I wanted to make sure that I was in Grand Canyon by May 1st, as they would be having training, and I wanted to be a part of it.
So anyway, here is what was happening in April:
April 1st: Starting April 1st through April 8th come out and see the dark skies! (I was totally into the dark skies program as I had just learned a bunch of information and with Canyonlands being a beautiful dark sky, it was important for others to get a glimpse.) Sasha went for a hike, however I do not have the pictures for it, but it is similar to the hikes we did in 2010. But you can see the trail that he took, as he used the GPS.
Reading Pieces of the White Shell, A Journey to Navajoland, by Terry Tempest Williams; watched The Bank Job, 50 First Dates will be next. Very productive Friday, dinner at 9:30 pm of yogurt and granola, with a glass of white wine.
April 2nd: Me weekend is almost over, tomorrow back to work. But later day for me - start at 12, go until 9:30 pm.
April 3rd: My Niece's 7th Birthday - Lindsay had a Fancy Nancy Party, where everyone got dressed up in their fanciest clothes!
The GRAND Canyon, Desert View - this is when I was able to finally tell everyone, yet it still took almost three weeks to move to the Grand Canyon. The GRAND Canyon - this coming season, as soon as the paperwork goes through... I went to Grand Canyon NP in 1990, with my Geology class for spring break, then in 2001 with Sasha for a vacation. Now as a seasonal in 2011!
..
..
April 7th: Sasha did a hike to Wooden Shoe Arch.
April 7th: These pictures below are from a social trail to Wooden Shoe Arch. He was able to get some shots off and you can just barely see our site.
April 7th: As a shutdown of the Government started to loom, people were asking if the National Parks would be shut down...of course they would be...Quote: "The National Parks Service website tallies roughly one million daily hits, catering to would-be travelers and inquisitive students of history."It's the most popular website in the federal government," Barna said. As part of the agency's contingency measures, it plans to post an out-of-service notice in place of the website."
Just today, I had a visitor from Connecticut ask what does the shutdown would mean...Here is the link to the article: Shutdown would take away $32 million a day from national parks. From Sasha: US Govt closing will delay our trip to Grand Canyon. Laura's transfer papers are in delay too. Will be riding out the closure here in Canyonlands, will have the park to ourselves. From Laura: Not scary, but no payee to me. For how long will we wait, it is up to fate! Enough rhyming for now, off I bow.
April 8th: We were waiting to see whether or not the government would be shut down, it came down to the very last wire, about 40 minutes before a shutdown was to occur. On the night of the possible shutdown, we watched the movie, RED - Retired Extremely Dangerous - really good movie! Loved the characters in it, retired folk can still kick some serious butt!
Not sure if this is actually part of the cuts or not, as it was written before the deal was made. Just for the record, as a seasonal park ranger, I do not get steps or increases no matter how many years I work for the NPS. Nor do I get health benefits or anything else that THEY say I get. However, this is the best career of the four that I have had. And I would not trade it for anything.
April 10th: Clear Skies tonight for one of my last programs here at Canyonlands NP. Come one come all, we start at 8 pm. Last night was pretty sweet, and we can still see the winter hexagon surrounding the crescent moon. It will be cold, so bundle up, and bring a red flashlight. We are not exactly sure yet but I have been offered a Park Ranger position in the Grand Canyon NP. As soon as the paperwork is done, I will be there. (of course it would take another two weeks for that to happen!)
April 11th: Bo came to Canyonlands to be with us for a day and a half. He and Sasha went hiking, this time to Squaw Canyon-Lost Canyon loop. Unfortunately, it was not my day off, so they went without me. We were asked what would be the dream parks and I answered: (Besides Grand Canyon of course!) Dinosaur NP, Bryce is good too, Capitol Reef if they ever get RV spots, and I would love to go to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site - why you ask? Because they have gardens and a goat dairy. I like goats.
April 12th: Sasha has another map to share, and pictures are above.
April 15th: Sasha is getting great use out of his motorcycle, and has another trip to show you. All in the name of getting some milk!
April 22nd: On the road again, this time to GRAND Canyon National Park! We got there in a day and a half, will have some pictures soon of the places we saw. If you click on the link above, it will take you to the second page of April.
Check out Next Month: May for pictures and Expenses of May