Today I planned to travel outside of the park. Got up early for breakfast and then church services. Our sunday's services were on the second floor of the old faithful inn overlooking old faithful. While we were singing "God of the universe", old faithful went off. It was great to see God's workmanship while we were worshipping Him. After services I headed to Big Springs and the Johnny Sack cabin. I was hoping I could get there before tourists showed up as I wanted to see if the moose would show up. I got there around 10am and walked around the spring to the cabin. It was sure peaceful but after a few minutes a lot of tourists showed up and I figured the moose would stay away. But I got to mess with the springs and to walk through the cabin again. I also had a nice conversation with the couple overseeing the cabin.
After leaving the springs I decided to head to Virginia City for lunch along the Madison River. The day was great for a drive and the highway that runs along the Madison River and between two mountain ranges made the drive very beautiful. There were many many fisherman trying their luck in the Madison. I stopped and watched a few and watched the river roll.
After an hour I reached the town of Ennis. I went through the town and headed to Virginia City, but decided to stop on my return to do some antiquing. I decided to eat my lunch on an overlook heading to Virginia City. It was a great spot that overlooked the town of Ennis and the Madison River and the mountains in the background. I listened to the Cubs on the radio as I ate and enjoyed the view. After lunch I headed down the road and over the mountain. I reached Virginia City after about ten minutes. The place was packed but I managed to find a parking space on the street. I walked up and down the streets looking at old history and some shops. There was a place that sold home made knives. They were pretty cool but pricey. After walking I decided I needed some ice cream. They had a shop that made ice cream from scratch and it was very good.
I headed down the road to Nevada City and looked around a little. That is the place that had the hotel with the two story out house. A unique site for sure. The whole area came into existence because of gold mining and you can still see a lot of evidence of that mining throughout the area. The tailings make up several hills and you can see a lot of old mining equipment just lying around.
I headed back to Ennis and got some cheap gas, at least cheaper than Yellowstone. I also stopped at a car wash and attempted to get the bugs off the front of my car.
I then headed back to the park but decided to go through the 1959 earthquake area called Quake Lake. I uploaded several pictures of what happened that night in 1959 and how the area changed forever. Basically the area had a River running through it with many areas for tourists to camp. Then at night a major earthquake hit and a pretty good chunk of a mountain came down on top of tourists and damned up the river forming a lake that drowned many tourists also. They have set up a lot of signs explaining what went on that night and the results. A lot of memorials and reminders to those traveling through. It is a pretty erie area for sure.
It was a pretty uneventful drive back to the dorm. Got back in time for dinner. I go on night shifts tomorrow so at least I get to sleep in. Well that is about it. Take care and keep praying for each other.
This is a blog set up by me, Bret Hobbs, so that those who are interested can read about my adventure of working in Yellowstone. As well as other things I have written. Maybe one day when I am dead and gone my kids and grand-kids will be able to read this blog because I don't see Google going away soon.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 21
First day off and got up semi early for breakfast. I decided to hike to lone Star geyser. It is a local hike that begins behind the Old Faithful Lodge. Having breakfast with Jack gave me the opportunity to ensure my bearings of where I was headed were correct. He set me straight on some directions and shortly after breakfast I had my day pack ready for the hike.
I left the dorm and headed across the parking lot to the beginning of the trail. As I said it was behind the Old Faithful Lodge. I found the start of the trail but there was a troll guarding the bridge over the Firehole river. As I approached the bridge I noticed a guy sleeping on the bridge in a sleeping bag. His shoes and other items were strewn out on the bridge. I stepped up on the wooden bridge and pretty much stomped to get the guys attention. He groggily looked up and around and said "I guess it is time to get up." I said whatever bud and walked on. By the look in his eyes I think he was coming off a bender. My guess he is a Xanterra employee. I soon found the usual sign warning of bears and an explanation of what trails are around. Yep trails veered off from here. One to Mallard Lake and the other to Lone Star geyser. I will hike to Mallard Lake one day, but for today it is Lone Star.
The hike began with a lot of uphill trekking. It put my legs and lungs to the test for sure. After about two miles of uphill I reached Kepler Cascades. I posted pictures of the Cascades on Facebook. These Cascades are created by the Firehole river going over several drops in elevation. Very pretty.
Leaving the Cascades I picked up the trail to Lone Star geyser again. Basically the trail runs right next to the Firehole river and heads north. The walk was pretty straight and level, which my legs and knees were grateful for. The hike next to the river was very pleasant and since it was through the woods it was very cool also. I was hoping to see some wildlife, as I was the only one on the trail. But alas the only wildlife I saw was ground squirrels and birds. It sure was peaceful and it gave me time to talk to God about several people in need of healing and those that have lost love ones. I took several pictures of the river and uploaded them to Facebook.
After about 2 miles I heard a roaring up ahead. I figured it was lone Star geyser going off and I increased my gait. I rounded a bend and came out of the woods to seeing the geyser erupting. It was beautiful and it was creating several rainbows as the sun was behind me. I got my phone out and took several videos and pictures. I uploaded them to Facebook too. The Geyser kept on erupting and I got closer and closer to it. Unlike Old Faithful with it's barriers this Geyser had none. You could approach this Geyser from many angles and just need to avoid the soft thermal areas. This is one of the reasons I like hiking. You can get up close and personal with Geysers and rivers and falls. I watched the Geyser for about 15 minutes and then it started to go into it's steam phase. I read the plaque at the Geyser that indicated it finishes it's eruption with a steam phase. The Geyser erupts every three hours and it resembles old faithful in that it is a cone Geyser. It's eruption indicates to me that in several years it will probably close up on itself. As the minerals it spews may one day close it off completely. The Geyser erupts every three hours. I planned to eat on the trail if the Geyser took long to erupt, but since it erupted around 9am I just looked around the area some and then planned to head back down the trail to the dorm. I walked around the lone Star area for awhile and found that the trail continues on toward Shoshone Lake.
I hiked back and ran into several hikers heading to the geyser. They were not very happy to hear that the Geyser just went off. I guess I was just lucky. The hike back to Kepler Cascades was uneventful. My knees were really telling me that the hike was a little long. I stopped several times on the way back to give my legs a break. Sitting by the river was a very nice place to relax.
One I reached Kepler Cascades I had cell coverage so I called Norma Elliott and wished her a happy birthday. Her and Don were heading out to a nice birthday lunch. I decided to skip the trail through the woods back to the dorm and choose to just walk the highway until it crossed the Howard Eaton trail. From there I could just cut across the Old Faithful area and be back into my dorm.
After two more miles of walking I reached the dorm and decided to eat my PB&j in the EDR. I think I hiked somewhere between 7 and 8 miles today. Just a few miles more than I wanted. Well I think for the rest of the day I will rest my legs and take a good nap.
It is after dinner now. During the afternoon it hailed and rained pretty good here. Glad I got my hike in early. Got some laundry done and did some reading, then took a nap. My roommate Brandon injured his leg somehow and had to go to the hospital in Idaho. His leg calf swelled up and they wanted to rule out a blood clot. Thankfully it was not a clot. They gave him a compression sock for his leg and I would imagine some medication. He has been sleeping all day and I have said a prayer for him. I hope you will also.
I may go read in front of the store or turn in early as my legs are still beat. Tomorrow I hope to go to church in West Yellowstone and then head to big springs and the Johnny Sack cabin to see if I can see any moose. You all take care and thanks for reading. Been praying for you Debbie and for you Sam and for you Brian and for you James.
I left the dorm and headed across the parking lot to the beginning of the trail. As I said it was behind the Old Faithful Lodge. I found the start of the trail but there was a troll guarding the bridge over the Firehole river. As I approached the bridge I noticed a guy sleeping on the bridge in a sleeping bag. His shoes and other items were strewn out on the bridge. I stepped up on the wooden bridge and pretty much stomped to get the guys attention. He groggily looked up and around and said "I guess it is time to get up." I said whatever bud and walked on. By the look in his eyes I think he was coming off a bender. My guess he is a Xanterra employee. I soon found the usual sign warning of bears and an explanation of what trails are around. Yep trails veered off from here. One to Mallard Lake and the other to Lone Star geyser. I will hike to Mallard Lake one day, but for today it is Lone Star.
The hike began with a lot of uphill trekking. It put my legs and lungs to the test for sure. After about two miles of uphill I reached Kepler Cascades. I posted pictures of the Cascades on Facebook. These Cascades are created by the Firehole river going over several drops in elevation. Very pretty.
Leaving the Cascades I picked up the trail to Lone Star geyser again. Basically the trail runs right next to the Firehole river and heads north. The walk was pretty straight and level, which my legs and knees were grateful for. The hike next to the river was very pleasant and since it was through the woods it was very cool also. I was hoping to see some wildlife, as I was the only one on the trail. But alas the only wildlife I saw was ground squirrels and birds. It sure was peaceful and it gave me time to talk to God about several people in need of healing and those that have lost love ones. I took several pictures of the river and uploaded them to Facebook.
After about 2 miles I heard a roaring up ahead. I figured it was lone Star geyser going off and I increased my gait. I rounded a bend and came out of the woods to seeing the geyser erupting. It was beautiful and it was creating several rainbows as the sun was behind me. I got my phone out and took several videos and pictures. I uploaded them to Facebook too. The Geyser kept on erupting and I got closer and closer to it. Unlike Old Faithful with it's barriers this Geyser had none. You could approach this Geyser from many angles and just need to avoid the soft thermal areas. This is one of the reasons I like hiking. You can get up close and personal with Geysers and rivers and falls. I watched the Geyser for about 15 minutes and then it started to go into it's steam phase. I read the plaque at the Geyser that indicated it finishes it's eruption with a steam phase. The Geyser erupts every three hours and it resembles old faithful in that it is a cone Geyser. It's eruption indicates to me that in several years it will probably close up on itself. As the minerals it spews may one day close it off completely. The Geyser erupts every three hours. I planned to eat on the trail if the Geyser took long to erupt, but since it erupted around 9am I just looked around the area some and then planned to head back down the trail to the dorm. I walked around the lone Star area for awhile and found that the trail continues on toward Shoshone Lake.
I hiked back and ran into several hikers heading to the geyser. They were not very happy to hear that the Geyser just went off. I guess I was just lucky. The hike back to Kepler Cascades was uneventful. My knees were really telling me that the hike was a little long. I stopped several times on the way back to give my legs a break. Sitting by the river was a very nice place to relax.
One I reached Kepler Cascades I had cell coverage so I called Norma Elliott and wished her a happy birthday. Her and Don were heading out to a nice birthday lunch. I decided to skip the trail through the woods back to the dorm and choose to just walk the highway until it crossed the Howard Eaton trail. From there I could just cut across the Old Faithful area and be back into my dorm.
After two more miles of walking I reached the dorm and decided to eat my PB&j in the EDR. I think I hiked somewhere between 7 and 8 miles today. Just a few miles more than I wanted. Well I think for the rest of the day I will rest my legs and take a good nap.
It is after dinner now. During the afternoon it hailed and rained pretty good here. Glad I got my hike in early. Got some laundry done and did some reading, then took a nap. My roommate Brandon injured his leg somehow and had to go to the hospital in Idaho. His leg calf swelled up and they wanted to rule out a blood clot. Thankfully it was not a clot. They gave him a compression sock for his leg and I would imagine some medication. He has been sleeping all day and I have said a prayer for him. I hope you will also.
I may go read in front of the store or turn in early as my legs are still beat. Tomorrow I hope to go to church in West Yellowstone and then head to big springs and the Johnny Sack cabin to see if I can see any moose. You all take care and thanks for reading. Been praying for you Debbie and for you Sam and for you Brian and for you James.
Friday, July 28, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 20
Made it through my Friday and looking forward to two days off. There was not much that happened today. It was a very slow day but at least I got to stock most of the morning to kill time.
I was pulled aside today for special training that may be required next week. It seems they are going to try to push a computer update to our cash registers next Wednesday. The training was to explain to me what I was to do if the update killed the cash registers. Yes folks I got instructed on how to use the old credit card knuckle buster machine. I also was instructed to write down every UPC code of every item I sold. I hope the update works because this will make every transaction take about ten minutes and the lines will get rather long quickly.
On a bragging note, I was shown a report of how I was doing with my money in the register. My range went from being over a dollar to being over 14 cents. The shift supervisor said I was doing a good job. Mostly the overage is due to people just telling me to keep the change or the pennies. I just leave everything in the register.
Well that is all and I am looking forward to the days off tomorrow. I will probably hike around the geyser area and see places I have not yet seen. Take care you all.
I was pulled aside today for special training that may be required next week. It seems they are going to try to push a computer update to our cash registers next Wednesday. The training was to explain to me what I was to do if the update killed the cash registers. Yes folks I got instructed on how to use the old credit card knuckle buster machine. I also was instructed to write down every UPC code of every item I sold. I hope the update works because this will make every transaction take about ten minutes and the lines will get rather long quickly.
On a bragging note, I was shown a report of how I was doing with my money in the register. My range went from being over a dollar to being over 14 cents. The shift supervisor said I was doing a good job. Mostly the overage is due to people just telling me to keep the change or the pennies. I just leave everything in the register.
Well that is all and I am looking forward to the days off tomorrow. I will probably hike around the geyser area and see places I have not yet seen. Take care you all.
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 19
This is one day I hope to not repeat. Last night we had several power outages. The room was pretty stuffy without the fans running. Got up early for breakfast not knowing what chaos awaited all the cashiers after our hearty meal. I went into the store like normal and got my til. When I went to my station I noticed the other three cashiers were still at their stations. Usually they would be off to other parts of the store stocking shelves. I asked them what was going on and they said they could not get their terminals to respond. I went to my terminal and woke it up and logged in just fine. It seemed that I had the only working cash register station in the grocery section. There was only one register working in the apparel section also and none working in the fountain section. Carrie came over and was on the phone immediately to the IT group. In the mean time she said I was to stay on my register and cover the grocery section until they could get IT into the store. So I had to stand at my register from 7am until 11:30. Needless to say I was bored stiff and my legs were killing me. I can stand walking for miles or constantly moving around but my knees do not like standing in one position for that long. As the morning rolled on business picked up and my station went from bored to chaos. Finally around 10am the IT folks showed up with the news that corporate was responsible for the downed terminals. They tried to push an update to the terminal software and that is what took them all down, except mine and another. This was happening all over the park at Delaware North stores and in the United States, at their other locations. Someone needs to whip a computer programmer. :) The IT person had to go to each terminal to fix the problem but could only get the terminals to handle cash transactions. Heidi ran through a few transactions and the terminal continued to act flakey. So basically I had to handle all credit card transactions and the other Grocery registers could only do cash transactions.
Finally shift change came at 11:30 and we were glad to turn over the problem to the next shift. Lunch was great, as usual and I was able to do some laundry and take a short nap.
After our three hour break we went back on the floor and found out that the IT group fixed all the terminals and everything was back to normal. Thank you Lord. It was fairly slow after the break and I appreciated that.
Not too many customer stories because I was too busy to do much interacting. I did have a nice talk to a few tourist families who picked my brain on what to do in the park and what to see. I still can't believe so many tourist do not want to see other Geysers besides Old Faithful. It was refreshing to talk to tourists who wanted to at least try to see some other Geysers in the area.
I had three guys come to my register who were hiking the continental divide trail. They were at 2000 mile marker and had 1000 miles left to go. They bought a bunch of high energy snacks. They also repeated something I have heard from hikers before. They said there were a lot of nice people who helped them with water and food. They said it refreshes your feelings toward humanity. Nice seeing people being nice to others.
That is about all for this long long day. By the way I stunk at bingo and never won one game last night. Goodnight all and be well and stay well. Thanks for reading.
Finally shift change came at 11:30 and we were glad to turn over the problem to the next shift. Lunch was great, as usual and I was able to do some laundry and take a short nap.
After our three hour break we went back on the floor and found out that the IT group fixed all the terminals and everything was back to normal. Thank you Lord. It was fairly slow after the break and I appreciated that.
Not too many customer stories because I was too busy to do much interacting. I did have a nice talk to a few tourist families who picked my brain on what to do in the park and what to see. I still can't believe so many tourist do not want to see other Geysers besides Old Faithful. It was refreshing to talk to tourists who wanted to at least try to see some other Geysers in the area.
I had three guys come to my register who were hiking the continental divide trail. They were at 2000 mile marker and had 1000 miles left to go. They bought a bunch of high energy snacks. They also repeated something I have heard from hikers before. They said there were a lot of nice people who helped them with water and food. They said it refreshes your feelings toward humanity. Nice seeing people being nice to others.
That is about all for this long long day. By the way I stunk at bingo and never won one game last night. Goodnight all and be well and stay well. Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 18
Got up for another early shift. Last night we had some thunder and lightening come through and it was very loud, but at least it was cool to sleep through. Breakfast was great and went to the till room and got my cash and headed to my grocery register. I worked next to Heidi today. Early in the shift I went to help stock in the grocery area. They had plenty of help so after about an hour and a half I went to my register and basically was bored to death for three hours. There was not very much business and the floor was stocked pretty well. So I just waited on the few customers that came in.
I was grateful for my 11:30 break and lunch. After lunch it stormed again with lightening and thunder and that disturbed my nap. :) But the storm quickly passed and by the time I went back to work the sun was out again.
Some very interesting things happened when I went back to work. We had a lost child incident. The parents were very distraught but the child was found in the grocery section wandering around. After some great hugs from the parents, they were on their way.
For my story I had a lady come to my register with a lot of groceries. I asked her if she wanted a souvenir bag to put the items in and she indicated yes. I rang up the bag and proceeded to ring up the items. Placing them in the bag as I went. When I finished I told her the total was $49.86. She then said she had a hundred dollar bill on the counter when I started. I told her I did not see any bill as I was ringing up the items. She said she may have put it back and then she proceeded to pull her bra forward and reached in and pulled out the said one hundred dollar bill. She apologized and asked me to keep her bank a secret. I told her she did not have any issues there, unless she reads my blog. She hands me the rather sweaty bill and I did not even counterfiet check it. I gave her change back and stashed the bill in my drawer and then purelled the daylights out of my hands. Shudder..
I got to talk to a couple from Little Nashville Indiana. They even knew about the Pine Room where Cathy's nephew Kade plays every Friday night.
I met a few people from England and I am very proud of myself for being able to guess the specific area some of these people come from. For one couple I guessed Stratford Upon Avon and the guy laughed and congratulated me. I was one for three in my guesses today. It is very interesting to hear the different accents from the British visitors.
Well that is about it. Tonight is bingo night and I will be trying to win some Yellowstone swag tonight. Take care you all and stay nice. I think I will go wash my hands again. :)
I was grateful for my 11:30 break and lunch. After lunch it stormed again with lightening and thunder and that disturbed my nap. :) But the storm quickly passed and by the time I went back to work the sun was out again.
Some very interesting things happened when I went back to work. We had a lost child incident. The parents were very distraught but the child was found in the grocery section wandering around. After some great hugs from the parents, they were on their way.
For my story I had a lady come to my register with a lot of groceries. I asked her if she wanted a souvenir bag to put the items in and she indicated yes. I rang up the bag and proceeded to ring up the items. Placing them in the bag as I went. When I finished I told her the total was $49.86. She then said she had a hundred dollar bill on the counter when I started. I told her I did not see any bill as I was ringing up the items. She said she may have put it back and then she proceeded to pull her bra forward and reached in and pulled out the said one hundred dollar bill. She apologized and asked me to keep her bank a secret. I told her she did not have any issues there, unless she reads my blog. She hands me the rather sweaty bill and I did not even counterfiet check it. I gave her change back and stashed the bill in my drawer and then purelled the daylights out of my hands. Shudder..
I got to talk to a couple from Little Nashville Indiana. They even knew about the Pine Room where Cathy's nephew Kade plays every Friday night.
I met a few people from England and I am very proud of myself for being able to guess the specific area some of these people come from. For one couple I guessed Stratford Upon Avon and the guy laughed and congratulated me. I was one for three in my guesses today. It is very interesting to hear the different accents from the British visitors.
Well that is about it. Tonight is bingo night and I will be trying to win some Yellowstone swag tonight. Take care you all and stay nice. I think I will go wash my hands again. :)
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 17
Got up early again and had a great breakfast of blueberry pancakes and sausage. Have I ever told you how great cooks James and Kathy are? After breakfast I headed into a rather dark store. Seemed no one turned on the lights. When I got to the cashier till room the door was locked. It seemed Robert, the floor supervisor, over slept. Luckily Julian showed up to let's us in to get our money squared away. Robert eventually showed up, but that is the first time I have ever seen Robert late.
Not much going on in the morning. It was Hawaiian shirt day today and so far the only cashier to wear a Hawaiian shirt was Nobel. I checked my til in at a cash register in the grocery section and went to work stocking the refrigerator. A short time later a new kid showed up by the name of Rudi. Dianne then started training him in the grocery section. That is where he will be working until October 30th. He seemed like a nice kid and was really wanting to learn the ins and outs of grocery stocking. A short time later Robert asked me to move from grocery to apparel, because Nobel took sick. It must have been the Hawaiian shirt. :)
I worked in grocery stocking for a few hours and then the store started to get busy. Folks from 10:30 until I got off at 5:30 the place was packed and busy as all get out. I was grateful for the 3 hour break. My legs are killing me having to stand behind the register for three hours straight. Around 3:30 it started to rain and that drove even more people into the store. Needless to say we sold a lot of ponchos today. The temperatures stayedd pretty cool and we sold a lot of coats too.
Not too many good customer stories, but I did get to meet several people from Indiana though. The highlight of my day was when my friend Doris came to my register. She worked with me last year and is working at Colter Bay in the Tetons now. At first I did not recognize her and thought she was just another customer. Then it clicked and I came from around my station and gave her a big hug. She looked great and we talked for as long as the crowds would let me leave my station. Jud, my fellow cashier, was getting upset that customers were waiting too long. It was sure great to see Doris, even for a short time. I told her I would try to get down south to see her and she went off to say hello to others that she knew. You make a lot of friends working here for sure. I also got to meet some of George's relatives who were up visiting. I am sure George will take them on a hike and show them the beauty of the park.
That is about it for today. Stay well all and thanks for reading.
Not much going on in the morning. It was Hawaiian shirt day today and so far the only cashier to wear a Hawaiian shirt was Nobel. I checked my til in at a cash register in the grocery section and went to work stocking the refrigerator. A short time later a new kid showed up by the name of Rudi. Dianne then started training him in the grocery section. That is where he will be working until October 30th. He seemed like a nice kid and was really wanting to learn the ins and outs of grocery stocking. A short time later Robert asked me to move from grocery to apparel, because Nobel took sick. It must have been the Hawaiian shirt. :)
I worked in grocery stocking for a few hours and then the store started to get busy. Folks from 10:30 until I got off at 5:30 the place was packed and busy as all get out. I was grateful for the 3 hour break. My legs are killing me having to stand behind the register for three hours straight. Around 3:30 it started to rain and that drove even more people into the store. Needless to say we sold a lot of ponchos today. The temperatures stayedd pretty cool and we sold a lot of coats too.
Not too many good customer stories, but I did get to meet several people from Indiana though. The highlight of my day was when my friend Doris came to my register. She worked with me last year and is working at Colter Bay in the Tetons now. At first I did not recognize her and thought she was just another customer. Then it clicked and I came from around my station and gave her a big hug. She looked great and we talked for as long as the crowds would let me leave my station. Jud, my fellow cashier, was getting upset that customers were waiting too long. It was sure great to see Doris, even for a short time. I told her I would try to get down south to see her and she went off to say hello to others that she knew. You make a lot of friends working here for sure. I also got to meet some of George's relatives who were up visiting. I am sure George will take them on a hike and show them the beauty of the park.
That is about it for today. Stay well all and thanks for reading.
Monday, July 24, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 16
Day shift work today. Up at 6am, breakfast and then hit the floor cashiering. No business at all this morning to deserve 8 cashiers. So I spent the morning working in the grocery area stocking. I got to work with Dianna and Ron. Since it was Monday the inventory was running down. Most of the deliveries happen in the next few days. Although the ice cream guy was here delivering 25 five gallon buckets of various ice cream flavors. He comes 4 times a week with about the same load. Ice cream is popular for sure. The ice man was also there filling up the ice storage machine. 10 lb bags selling for 3.49 a piece. He makes several trips a week also. I have learned the art of fronting and ensuring the older stuff goes in front and newer in back.
Around 10:45 I went to my cash register as business was picking up slightly. I managed to break a bottle of whiskey also. You see all hard liquor have a magnetic theft prevention ring attached to the top of the bottle. To release this theft device you basically hit the ring against a device bolted to our register areas. The device releases the magnetic ring. I hit the device twice and nothing happened. On the third time the neck broke on the bottle and about a cup of whiskey went all over my counter. Needless to say I was shut down for awhile to get the mess cleaned up. Unfortunately the place stunk for awhile. Believe it or not the cashiers break a few bottles during the season doing this same procedure.
Not too many customer stories today. But for dinner Kathy and James turned the cooking over to one of the Taiwanese workers, who wanted to create a Taiwanese meal. Her name is Eva and she made ginger chicken, shrimp fried rice and chicken soup with vegetables. The Taiwanese workers ate it up like crazy. I liked it too. We had fortune cookies for dessert too.
Rain came around 5pm and cooled the place off some. I would imagine sleeping will be nice tonight. That is all for now. Take care and be nice to one another.
Around 10:45 I went to my cash register as business was picking up slightly. I managed to break a bottle of whiskey also. You see all hard liquor have a magnetic theft prevention ring attached to the top of the bottle. To release this theft device you basically hit the ring against a device bolted to our register areas. The device releases the magnetic ring. I hit the device twice and nothing happened. On the third time the neck broke on the bottle and about a cup of whiskey went all over my counter. Needless to say I was shut down for awhile to get the mess cleaned up. Unfortunately the place stunk for awhile. Believe it or not the cashiers break a few bottles during the season doing this same procedure.
Not too many customer stories today. But for dinner Kathy and James turned the cooking over to one of the Taiwanese workers, who wanted to create a Taiwanese meal. Her name is Eva and she made ginger chicken, shrimp fried rice and chicken soup with vegetables. The Taiwanese workers ate it up like crazy. I liked it too. We had fortune cookies for dessert too.
Rain came around 5pm and cooled the place off some. I would imagine sleeping will be nice tonight. That is all for now. Take care and be nice to one another.
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 14
No hiking today just some traveling. I got up early to get some breakfast and then headed to church at the Old Faithful Inn. The church services were very good and right before the services began Old Faithful erupted. The church services on Sunday morning are held on the second floor observation deck on the inn. The message theme was the change in Paul when he met Jesus. The young man did a pretty good job.
After
After
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 15
No hiking today just some traveling. I got up early to get some breakfast and then headed to church at the Old Faithful Inn. The church services were very good and right before the services began Old Faithful erupted. The church services on Sunday morning are held on the second floor observation deck in the inn. The message theme was the change in Paul when he met Jesus. The young man did a pretty good job.
After services I headed out to Bozeman to head to their Walmart. Bob needed medicine and Jack needed some mailers to send presents home to relatives. The drive was very pretty today. The day was clear and the Gallitin range and river were beautiful to drive around and through. Interestingly you leave the park and then after several miles going north you enter the park again, but do not have to pay any toll. So there are sections of Yellowstone that are free to enter and if you hike and camp you can just hike in and through to the pay area.
The drive to Bozeman was pretty uneventful and I got to the Wal-Mart around 11am. Bob called ahead and I had no issues picking up his medicine. Now the store did not have very many mailing envelopes, so I bought Jack all they had.
Leaving Walmart I decided to go back through Yellowstone via Livingston and Gardner. That way I could see the backside of the Beartooth mountains and travel through the east side of the park getting back to the dorm. I was hoping to see some animals. Unfortunately the only animals I saw were elk and one of them was dead on the highway just outside of Livingston. Who ever hit that elk shoved it right into the guard rail. It was a mess and I am sure the vehicle that hit it did not fair well. The other elks were laying around Mammoth and it's grass parks. I took pictures of them and will upload to Facebook shortly. The trip back to the dorm was uneventful but beautiful. So far we have had no fires yet, but it is getting drier each day. I suspect we will have a few lightening strikes in the next few weeks. Let's just pray they don't get huge and spread like last year's.
That is about all. I start back on days tomorrow. Thanks for reading and take care.
After services I headed out to Bozeman to head to their Walmart. Bob needed medicine and Jack needed some mailers to send presents home to relatives. The drive was very pretty today. The day was clear and the Gallitin range and river were beautiful to drive around and through. Interestingly you leave the park and then after several miles going north you enter the park again, but do not have to pay any toll. So there are sections of Yellowstone that are free to enter and if you hike and camp you can just hike in and through to the pay area.
The drive to Bozeman was pretty uneventful and I got to the Wal-Mart around 11am. Bob called ahead and I had no issues picking up his medicine. Now the store did not have very many mailing envelopes, so I bought Jack all they had.
Leaving Walmart I decided to go back through Yellowstone via Livingston and Gardner. That way I could see the backside of the Beartooth mountains and travel through the east side of the park getting back to the dorm. I was hoping to see some animals. Unfortunately the only animals I saw were elk and one of them was dead on the highway just outside of Livingston. Who ever hit that elk shoved it right into the guard rail. It was a mess and I am sure the vehicle that hit it did not fair well. The other elks were laying around Mammoth and it's grass parks. I took pictures of them and will upload to Facebook shortly. The trip back to the dorm was uneventful but beautiful. So far we have had no fires yet, but it is getting drier each day. I suspect we will have a few lightening strikes in the next few weeks. Let's just pray they don't get huge and spread like last year's.
That is about all. I start back on days tomorrow. Thanks for reading and take care.
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 13
Today I got up about six to get some breakfast and get and early start to the Grand Tetons. I wanted to get in a short hike before it got too warm and before the tourists started to wake up.
After breakfast I gathered up my hiking gear and my sack lunch and headed south. I decided my first stop would be the overlook around Duck Lake, as I have seen bear and elk from that place before. This time there was nothing to be seen so I got in the car and headed to Colter Bay, where I would take a short hike. I wanted to keep it short just to see how my lungs were doing and not to put too much stress on myself. On the way I stopped off at a few places to take pictures. I uploaded some to Facebook.
I reached Colter Bay around 8:30 and was able to get a parking place close to the trailhead, as the tourist weren't up yet. I just used my fanny pack to hold my water, as I planned to only go on the trail for one hour and then walk back out. Before I started on the trail I went to the boat dock and watched a guy put his boat into Colter Bay. The temperature was 55 degrees and great for hiking. After a few pictures by the boat dock I headed on the trail. It was nice to get back into the woods and the peace and quiet it brings. The trail skirted the bay and the lake. So the views as I walked were fantastic. I could look over the water and see the mountains in the background. A few kayakers were venturing out of Colter Bay and into Jackson Lake. The water sure looked great. After a mile or so of walking close to the lake and some through the woods, I came to where the water entered into a sort of inlet and then ended. Just about to the end of the inlet I looked about 20 yards across and there staring at me was a nice 12 point buck. We just stood there staring at each other for several minutes. He did not seem to mind my presence and I was just taking pictures of him. Eventually we quit staring at each other and went our separate ways. The trail was very quiet and then I heard the sound of a trumpeter swan. He or she flew right over the woods I was in. That was quite a big bird. A little time later I met a man coming in the opposite direction. I asked him about the wild life and he told me where I could see the swans and what lake they were in. I told him maybe some other time as I was just about to the limit of my hike in. We bid each other a goodbye and headed in the opposite direction. About a half mile down the trail I look up to see another 10 or 12 point buck just walk out of the woods and go 20 feet in front of me on my trail. Not wanting to startle him, I waited a few seconds and then followed his butt down the trail for another 40 yards. He must have sensed he was being followed because he went left off the trail and headed up a small hill. I have been taking pictures of him since he joined me and he stood at the top of the hill and let me snap a few more before moving over the hill. I thought, well that was neat. I looked at my watch and noticed I hiked for a little over an hour. So it was time to turn back. I proceeded back down the trail I came in until I got to a small fork in the trail. I looked at the trail marker and noted that they both would end back in Colter Bay, so I took the one I did not come up on. I found this to be a mistake in that in about a half mile I caught up with six tourists on horse back. Yep things I have learned. One is you will never see any animals around following a bunch of goober tourist on horse back. Second is you get a lot more exercise walking on the trail after horses, in that you are always dodging horse poop. After about a half mile I caught up with them. Not because I was fleet footed like an Apache, but because one of those goobers fell off his horse. The horse wrangler/leader was just trying to turn his horse around on the trail when I came up and walked passed the last three horses in the group. As I approached the wrangler he asked me if I was hurt. I told him you got the wrong guy, as I am just a hiker trying to get around your group. He passed me and went to see who fell off. While I walked passed the rest of the rather skittish group of tourists on horse back. You would not believe how I resisted the urge to slap one of those horses in the rump and let out a rebel yell. But I resisted and smiled as the lead horse began to follow me because the wrangler was pretty much leading the group. I guess the lead horse figured I knew where I was going. I turned around and instructed the girl to say whoa and pull back on the reins a little. She smiled back and looked about to puke but the horse finally stayed. I continued on the trail and in no time was back at Colter Bay and the car. Believe it or not the parking lot was pretty full by that time. The tourists have awakened.
I left Colter Bay and headed to the Lake Jenny store, where I would be able to see Sandy and Bill. I worked with those two last year and they were a great Christian couple. I got to Jenny Lake and you would not believe the parking issues. Tourists were parked a mile from the store on the highway and walking into the Jenny Lake area. I made three trips around the Jenny lake area looking for a parking space. After about 15 minutes I spotted someone leaving and scooted over to their spot as fast as I could. Once parked I headed to the store that Sandy and Bill worked in. They have a camper they parked at Colter Bay and use their truck to commute to work. I just caught them coming into work and after hugs and handshakes we set down to talk. They both looked great and were very happy working there and seeing the Tetons from the inside. We talked for several minutes and it was sure great to catch up. Before I left them to begin their shift they told me to stop by the visitor's center down the road and say hello to Steve and Loraina and Mike and Kathy. I worked with them last year also.
I headed out of Jenny Lake and stopped by the visitor center. Sure enough all four were working and I got to say hi to them all. It was sure great seeing them and catching up for a little while.
After leaving the visitor's center I headed through a very packed Jackson Hole and made my way up to Jackson pass and parked to eat my PB&J. The view of Jackson and the mountains from several thousand feet up was spectacular. After lunch I headed back to the dorm via Idaho and West Yellowstone. I got back to the dorm in time for dinner. That is about all for today. Thanks for reading. Stay well and do good.
After breakfast I gathered up my hiking gear and my sack lunch and headed south. I decided my first stop would be the overlook around Duck Lake, as I have seen bear and elk from that place before. This time there was nothing to be seen so I got in the car and headed to Colter Bay, where I would take a short hike. I wanted to keep it short just to see how my lungs were doing and not to put too much stress on myself. On the way I stopped off at a few places to take pictures. I uploaded some to Facebook.
I reached Colter Bay around 8:30 and was able to get a parking place close to the trailhead, as the tourist weren't up yet. I just used my fanny pack to hold my water, as I planned to only go on the trail for one hour and then walk back out. Before I started on the trail I went to the boat dock and watched a guy put his boat into Colter Bay. The temperature was 55 degrees and great for hiking. After a few pictures by the boat dock I headed on the trail. It was nice to get back into the woods and the peace and quiet it brings. The trail skirted the bay and the lake. So the views as I walked were fantastic. I could look over the water and see the mountains in the background. A few kayakers were venturing out of Colter Bay and into Jackson Lake. The water sure looked great. After a mile or so of walking close to the lake and some through the woods, I came to where the water entered into a sort of inlet and then ended. Just about to the end of the inlet I looked about 20 yards across and there staring at me was a nice 12 point buck. We just stood there staring at each other for several minutes. He did not seem to mind my presence and I was just taking pictures of him. Eventually we quit staring at each other and went our separate ways. The trail was very quiet and then I heard the sound of a trumpeter swan. He or she flew right over the woods I was in. That was quite a big bird. A little time later I met a man coming in the opposite direction. I asked him about the wild life and he told me where I could see the swans and what lake they were in. I told him maybe some other time as I was just about to the limit of my hike in. We bid each other a goodbye and headed in the opposite direction. About a half mile down the trail I look up to see another 10 or 12 point buck just walk out of the woods and go 20 feet in front of me on my trail. Not wanting to startle him, I waited a few seconds and then followed his butt down the trail for another 40 yards. He must have sensed he was being followed because he went left off the trail and headed up a small hill. I have been taking pictures of him since he joined me and he stood at the top of the hill and let me snap a few more before moving over the hill. I thought, well that was neat. I looked at my watch and noticed I hiked for a little over an hour. So it was time to turn back. I proceeded back down the trail I came in until I got to a small fork in the trail. I looked at the trail marker and noted that they both would end back in Colter Bay, so I took the one I did not come up on. I found this to be a mistake in that in about a half mile I caught up with six tourists on horse back. Yep things I have learned. One is you will never see any animals around following a bunch of goober tourist on horse back. Second is you get a lot more exercise walking on the trail after horses, in that you are always dodging horse poop. After about a half mile I caught up with them. Not because I was fleet footed like an Apache, but because one of those goobers fell off his horse. The horse wrangler/leader was just trying to turn his horse around on the trail when I came up and walked passed the last three horses in the group. As I approached the wrangler he asked me if I was hurt. I told him you got the wrong guy, as I am just a hiker trying to get around your group. He passed me and went to see who fell off. While I walked passed the rest of the rather skittish group of tourists on horse back. You would not believe how I resisted the urge to slap one of those horses in the rump and let out a rebel yell. But I resisted and smiled as the lead horse began to follow me because the wrangler was pretty much leading the group. I guess the lead horse figured I knew where I was going. I turned around and instructed the girl to say whoa and pull back on the reins a little. She smiled back and looked about to puke but the horse finally stayed. I continued on the trail and in no time was back at Colter Bay and the car. Believe it or not the parking lot was pretty full by that time. The tourists have awakened.
I left Colter Bay and headed to the Lake Jenny store, where I would be able to see Sandy and Bill. I worked with those two last year and they were a great Christian couple. I got to Jenny Lake and you would not believe the parking issues. Tourists were parked a mile from the store on the highway and walking into the Jenny Lake area. I made three trips around the Jenny lake area looking for a parking space. After about 15 minutes I spotted someone leaving and scooted over to their spot as fast as I could. Once parked I headed to the store that Sandy and Bill worked in. They have a camper they parked at Colter Bay and use their truck to commute to work. I just caught them coming into work and after hugs and handshakes we set down to talk. They both looked great and were very happy working there and seeing the Tetons from the inside. We talked for several minutes and it was sure great to catch up. Before I left them to begin their shift they told me to stop by the visitor's center down the road and say hello to Steve and Loraina and Mike and Kathy. I worked with them last year also.
I headed out of Jenny Lake and stopped by the visitor center. Sure enough all four were working and I got to say hi to them all. It was sure great seeing them and catching up for a little while.
After leaving the visitor's center I headed through a very packed Jackson Hole and made my way up to Jackson pass and parked to eat my PB&J. The view of Jackson and the mountains from several thousand feet up was spectacular. After lunch I headed back to the dorm via Idaho and West Yellowstone. I got back to the dorm in time for dinner. That is about all for today. Thanks for reading. Stay well and do good.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 12
Got up early to get some clothes done, colors this time. Spent time watching television and then reading in front of the general store before lunch. Lunch was fantastic. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and chocolate cake for dessert. Not a bad way to start a work day.
The place was fairly busy but not overly so. The best customer question of the year so far was "How do I reserve a seat to see Old Faithful erupt?". Heidi and I just looked at her and said "You don't need any reservations, just go out there and view the eruption." She just looked at us and thought we were crazy. After she left Heidi and I thought maybe she wanted a good seat away from the commoners.
Another customer, who was very rude, asked where she could get a Dr. Pepper. She then chastised us very seriously for not having Dr. Pepper. She then repeated the question but more forcefully. "Where can I get a Dr. Pepper?" I told her I did not know and she looked at other cashiers who were working with other customers and repeated the question more loudly. When they just looked at her and went back to servicing their customers the lady claimed they were ignoring her. I rang up her bill and gave her the change and wished her well on her search for a Dr. Pepper. She looked at me and just humphed and walked away. I just shook my head. The other cashier by me just laughed and said "You meet them all at the register for sure."
I was glad to get a break from some of the customers. After a dinner of cereal I went back to work. Business was very slow and it was not long before I went to stock the refrigerators. Megan was in charge tonight and around 8:30 she told me I could leave for the night whenever I felt the refrigerators were stocked. I worked until nine and then went to the counting room and put my money up. After clocking out I went back into the store and shopped for some gifts for the grandkids. Today the workers get 50 percent off of any merchandise, except alcohol. Since the grandkids don't drink, I got them some shirts and a little outfit for baby Vivian.
I forgot to mention I worked with a man named Demetri and he was from the Ukraine. He said he liked the peace and quiet of Yellowstone over the Ukraine.
Today was payday and I get the next two days off. I will be heading to the Grand Tetons tomorrow to see some old friends and get in a short hike. I will post some pictures when I can to Facebook. Thanks for reading and thanks for the prayers. Cough much better today and getting better.
The place was fairly busy but not overly so. The best customer question of the year so far was "How do I reserve a seat to see Old Faithful erupt?". Heidi and I just looked at her and said "You don't need any reservations, just go out there and view the eruption." She just looked at us and thought we were crazy. After she left Heidi and I thought maybe she wanted a good seat away from the commoners.
Another customer, who was very rude, asked where she could get a Dr. Pepper. She then chastised us very seriously for not having Dr. Pepper. She then repeated the question but more forcefully. "Where can I get a Dr. Pepper?" I told her I did not know and she looked at other cashiers who were working with other customers and repeated the question more loudly. When they just looked at her and went back to servicing their customers the lady claimed they were ignoring her. I rang up her bill and gave her the change and wished her well on her search for a Dr. Pepper. She looked at me and just humphed and walked away. I just shook my head. The other cashier by me just laughed and said "You meet them all at the register for sure."
I was glad to get a break from some of the customers. After a dinner of cereal I went back to work. Business was very slow and it was not long before I went to stock the refrigerators. Megan was in charge tonight and around 8:30 she told me I could leave for the night whenever I felt the refrigerators were stocked. I worked until nine and then went to the counting room and put my money up. After clocking out I went back into the store and shopped for some gifts for the grandkids. Today the workers get 50 percent off of any merchandise, except alcohol. Since the grandkids don't drink, I got them some shirts and a little outfit for baby Vivian.
I forgot to mention I worked with a man named Demetri and he was from the Ukraine. He said he liked the peace and quiet of Yellowstone over the Ukraine.
Today was payday and I get the next two days off. I will be heading to the Grand Tetons tomorrow to see some old friends and get in a short hike. I will post some pictures when I can to Facebook. Thanks for reading and thanks for the prayers. Cough much better today and getting better.
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 11
Got up semi early and decided to get clothes and sheets washed. Feeling fairly good but cough is still there. Took some medicine to help cough and an allergy pill.
The laundry room was empty and it did not take me too long to get the clothes done. The common room was empty so I was able to watch some TV while washing the clothes.
After laundry if was time to get the uniform on and head for lunch. Kathy and James fixed some great ham and sweet potatoes. A great lunch to start the day. I went out on the floor to work a cash register in the grocery section and got to work next to Faizi for the first time. He seems like a nice enough kid but a bit of a slacker. Reminded me a lot of Race from last year. During the shift Sandra told him to his face that he needs to stay and work and quit walking off and leaving his station. I told him I agreed with her. It did not seem to mean much to him, just as it did not mean much to Race in the past.
Not too many tourist stories to note but got to wait on many different countries for sure. Also unfortunately I had to sell liquor to a few people I think should stop their drinking. When I have to get their money and practically count it out for them, that is an indication to stop. Also I get to remember the park workers that I sell hard liquor to on practically a daily basis. Too much drinking going on for sure. Well off my soap box.
It rained today but the first part of my shift was fairly busy. Once the 2:30 break came I was grateful to be able to sit and rest.
After break and dinner I went back onto the floor. It was fairly busy until 6:30, then things slowed down a lot. Around 8pm I went to work in the refrigerators and stocked in the grocery for awhile. My stamina held up and I was able to make it to the 9:30 store closing ok.
I am writing this in bed in the dorm. My roommate has gone out for a late night snack of cheese fries. Brandon is a hard worker and gets to work some weird hours, but he does not complain.
That is about it for today. Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming. I hope my coughing quits totally some day. Stay well.
The laundry room was empty and it did not take me too long to get the clothes done. The common room was empty so I was able to watch some TV while washing the clothes.
After laundry if was time to get the uniform on and head for lunch. Kathy and James fixed some great ham and sweet potatoes. A great lunch to start the day. I went out on the floor to work a cash register in the grocery section and got to work next to Faizi for the first time. He seems like a nice enough kid but a bit of a slacker. Reminded me a lot of Race from last year. During the shift Sandra told him to his face that he needs to stay and work and quit walking off and leaving his station. I told him I agreed with her. It did not seem to mean much to him, just as it did not mean much to Race in the past.
Not too many tourist stories to note but got to wait on many different countries for sure. Also unfortunately I had to sell liquor to a few people I think should stop their drinking. When I have to get their money and practically count it out for them, that is an indication to stop. Also I get to remember the park workers that I sell hard liquor to on practically a daily basis. Too much drinking going on for sure. Well off my soap box.
It rained today but the first part of my shift was fairly busy. Once the 2:30 break came I was grateful to be able to sit and rest.
After break and dinner I went back onto the floor. It was fairly busy until 6:30, then things slowed down a lot. Around 8pm I went to work in the refrigerators and stocked in the grocery for awhile. My stamina held up and I was able to make it to the 9:30 store closing ok.
I am writing this in bed in the dorm. My roommate has gone out for a late night snack of cheese fries. Brandon is a hard worker and gets to work some weird hours, but he does not complain.
That is about it for today. Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming. I hope my coughing quits totally some day. Stay well.
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 10
Nothing going on today other than resting and taking medicine. So very tired of the dorm walls. Ready to get back to work just to get out of dorm and bed. Feeling slightly better but more worried about my stamina than anything else. Tomorrow is back to work day on late shift.
Still unseasonably warm here and so very glad I have my fan. Take care all.
Still unseasonably warm here and so very glad I have my fan. Take care all.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 9
Went to the medical clinic first thing this morning. The doctor checked things over and indicated I had a case of bronchitis. He said I probably brought it with me and it had been exacerbated by the high altitudes. He gave me a list of medicines to take and two days off work. He said the shortness of breath and the feeling of being rundown in the evening are caused by this. He told me if I don't start to feel any better in three days to come back.
So I have been taking my medicine and sleeping/reading most of the day. I don't like being confined to the dorm but it is what it is. Keep praying for my health please and thanks to all who prayed. That is all for now. Time for another nap.
So I have been taking my medicine and sleeping/reading most of the day. I don't like being confined to the dorm but it is what it is. Keep praying for my health please and thanks to all who prayed. That is all for now. Time for another nap.
Monday, July 17, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 8
Today started late shift and going into work at 11:30 work till 2:30 then back at 5:30 till 9:30. Woke up this morning feeling run down but after a shower I felt a little better. Took some pills for a headache. I then went to the front of the store to read sitting in a chair in the sun for about an hour. Headed back to the dorm to get changed into uniform and headed to lunch. After lunch I hit the floor and worked the cash register next to Bob in the grocery area. Man it was packed and busy from 11:30 until the 2:30 break. About half way into the shift my cough started again and around 5pm I started to feel very run down. I worked until 8pm and Robert let me go early when I told him I was not feeling too perky. Tomorrow I will head to the clinic and get this figured out. My chest is not feeling well and I can't shake this rundown feeling of no energy. I also seemed to have lost my appetite. I eat when it is time but nothing really tastes good.
Not much happened today with the Tourists other than it seems to be "Set your car alarm off day". All day long beep beep beep beep. Temperatures have cooled down a little and sleeping is better. That is where I am headed now. To bed and praying for this to either pass or find out what is causing it. I appreciate the prayers and please pray for a friend of mine named Larry Gates, who is recovering from cancer surgery. I know Larry would appreciate it. Take care and stay well.
Not much happened today with the Tourists other than it seems to be "Set your car alarm off day". All day long beep beep beep beep. Temperatures have cooled down a little and sleeping is better. That is where I am headed now. To bed and praying for this to either pass or find out what is causing it. I appreciate the prayers and please pray for a friend of mine named Larry Gates, who is recovering from cancer surgery. I know Larry would appreciate it. Take care and stay well.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 7
Well one week is in the books and only 12 more to go. :) Since this is Sunday and I worked a day shift, I am writing this in front of the Old Faithful Lodge. I will be attending church services in the rec center shortly. In a few minutes Old Faithful will be going off and I will try to get a video of it to upload to Facebook.
The day was pretty uneventful as I clocked in at 7 and pretty much worked the grocery with Dianne and Jack. The morning was not busy at all and I did not have to report to my cash register until 11am.
One highlight was I got to work side by side with Winnie, a Taiwanese girl. She was a very good worker and told me she was following her sister's footsteps, as he sister worked at Yellowstone the past two years. Her and I worked great together because in the afternoon we got a lot of tourist questions asked of us. She handled all the Chinese tourists and I handled all the English speaking tourists. Believe me it was a relief to know with 100 certainty that a Chinese tourist understood our directions. Winnie was also relieved to know I did not mind fielding the questions that she could not quite understand. She introduced me to a few other Taiwanese workers, but until I work with them for a shift I doubt if I will remember their names.
One of the things I have simpathy for is those workers who don't have any vehicle. So after a few weeks I will transport two or three around the park. Just so they see more than just the Old Faithful area. Winnie said her and others are really wanting to see snowfall. They don't leave until mid September, so I assured her the chances are good for them to see snow.
Well that is about it. Not much in the way of customer stories today. So I will leave you with a story of a tourist who thought it would be nice to get their kid's picture on the back of a bison. I don't know how it came out or who stopped them, but come on folks they are wild animals. Take care you all and I switch to night shift tomorrow. Going in at 11.30am. I get to sleep in. Yeah.
The day was pretty uneventful as I clocked in at 7 and pretty much worked the grocery with Dianne and Jack. The morning was not busy at all and I did not have to report to my cash register until 11am.
One highlight was I got to work side by side with Winnie, a Taiwanese girl. She was a very good worker and told me she was following her sister's footsteps, as he sister worked at Yellowstone the past two years. Her and I worked great together because in the afternoon we got a lot of tourist questions asked of us. She handled all the Chinese tourists and I handled all the English speaking tourists. Believe me it was a relief to know with 100 certainty that a Chinese tourist understood our directions. Winnie was also relieved to know I did not mind fielding the questions that she could not quite understand. She introduced me to a few other Taiwanese workers, but until I work with them for a shift I doubt if I will remember their names.
One of the things I have simpathy for is those workers who don't have any vehicle. So after a few weeks I will transport two or three around the park. Just so they see more than just the Old Faithful area. Winnie said her and others are really wanting to see snowfall. They don't leave until mid September, so I assured her the chances are good for them to see snow.
Well that is about it. Not much in the way of customer stories today. So I will leave you with a story of a tourist who thought it would be nice to get their kid's picture on the back of a bison. I don't know how it came out or who stopped them, but come on folks they are wild animals. Take care you all and I switch to night shift tomorrow. Going in at 11.30am. I get to sleep in. Yeah.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 6
It was my first and only day off this week so I decided to get up early and head over the Beartooth to Red Lodge Montana. I at breakfast around 6:30 and headed out around 7am. The weather was cool but not cold. It has been unusually warm here lately and that does not make non air-conditioned dorms pleasant for sleeping. Fan is running high all night long.
Around 15 miles out I had to stop while a family of bison passed me going the opposite direction. I uploaded this video to Facebook. After a few more miles I increased my elevation from 7500 get to around 8500 feet as I headed over the mountains near Mount Washburn. The day was clear and pleasant for driving. I stopped several times just to take in the scenic beauty before I descended into lower elevations and into Lamar valley. The bison herd have migrated north and I saw three distinct herds grazing in the valley next to the Lamar river. Probably 1500 total. They stayed mostly on their side of the Lamar river, but occasionally I would have to watch for one crossing the road.
Several miles past the Lamar valley I exited the Park via the north east entrance. From there it was not long before I entered the town of Cooke City. A nice historic town that is open in the winter but mostly to snowmobilers. Leaving Cooke City I started climbing gradually as I approached the Beartooth mountains. The lakes and water falls were very beautiful and I stopped to take many pictures. I also stepped off the beaten path and into some snow to show those at home.
It did not take me too long to notice more motorcycles coming at me from the opposite direction and soon a thought entered my mind about why. I remember being in Red Lodge and one of the shop keepers told me that they have a motorcycle fest similar to the one in Sturgis South Dakota. As I climbed higher and higher I saw many more motorcycles and I figured I picked the wrong day to visit Red Lodge. The roaring of the engines as they passed made it hard to narrate any video and there was so many that finding a parking space in a scenic pullout was next to impossible. I did manage to get my car off the road and to a good scenic spot for lunch. But the peace and quiet of resting and relaxing was broken constantly by the hogs as they passed by.
After lunch I descended the Beartooth mountains and headed into a very crowded Red Lodge. There were so many bikers parked on the street and side streets that I foregoed stopping to see the town. I made a U turn and headed for Cody. I needed to get some medicine for my friend Bob and I needed more cough medicine, as the cough was fairly bad today.
It was 60 degrees where I ate my lunch and 97 in Cody Wyoming. The town looked the same as I left it last September and the McDonald's WiFi and ice tea were still good. As I was leaving Cody it started to rain on me around the Buffalo Bill Cody dam and the temperature dropped about 12 degrees.
It was about 40 miles to the east entrance of Yellowstone and I kept my eyes peeled for grizzly, as this area near the Shoshone river is a great place to sit them. Having not spotted a bear I reached the entrance and proceeded to head back to the Old Faithful Geyser area. Going over Sylvan Pass the skies let loose with a downpour and hail. This lasted for about a mile and a half and was pretty intense. I stopped a few times to view the scene around Lake Yellowstone. Only saw an elk from the distance on my way back to the dorm.
Making it safely back to the dorm I found a note from my roommate that he would be camping and fishing tonight. He gave me the location in case anything happens to him. We are required to do that if we stay over night anywhere. Heading to bed early as I have a day shift tomorrow followed by a week of night shifts. By the schedule I may be getting Saturday and Sundays off. Take care you all and keep praying for my health. If things don't clear up by Wednesday I will be heading to the clinic. Thanks for all those that said they prayed for me.
Around 15 miles out I had to stop while a family of bison passed me going the opposite direction. I uploaded this video to Facebook. After a few more miles I increased my elevation from 7500 get to around 8500 feet as I headed over the mountains near Mount Washburn. The day was clear and pleasant for driving. I stopped several times just to take in the scenic beauty before I descended into lower elevations and into Lamar valley. The bison herd have migrated north and I saw three distinct herds grazing in the valley next to the Lamar river. Probably 1500 total. They stayed mostly on their side of the Lamar river, but occasionally I would have to watch for one crossing the road.
Several miles past the Lamar valley I exited the Park via the north east entrance. From there it was not long before I entered the town of Cooke City. A nice historic town that is open in the winter but mostly to snowmobilers. Leaving Cooke City I started climbing gradually as I approached the Beartooth mountains. The lakes and water falls were very beautiful and I stopped to take many pictures. I also stepped off the beaten path and into some snow to show those at home.
It did not take me too long to notice more motorcycles coming at me from the opposite direction and soon a thought entered my mind about why. I remember being in Red Lodge and one of the shop keepers told me that they have a motorcycle fest similar to the one in Sturgis South Dakota. As I climbed higher and higher I saw many more motorcycles and I figured I picked the wrong day to visit Red Lodge. The roaring of the engines as they passed made it hard to narrate any video and there was so many that finding a parking space in a scenic pullout was next to impossible. I did manage to get my car off the road and to a good scenic spot for lunch. But the peace and quiet of resting and relaxing was broken constantly by the hogs as they passed by.
After lunch I descended the Beartooth mountains and headed into a very crowded Red Lodge. There were so many bikers parked on the street and side streets that I foregoed stopping to see the town. I made a U turn and headed for Cody. I needed to get some medicine for my friend Bob and I needed more cough medicine, as the cough was fairly bad today.
It was 60 degrees where I ate my lunch and 97 in Cody Wyoming. The town looked the same as I left it last September and the McDonald's WiFi and ice tea were still good. As I was leaving Cody it started to rain on me around the Buffalo Bill Cody dam and the temperature dropped about 12 degrees.
It was about 40 miles to the east entrance of Yellowstone and I kept my eyes peeled for grizzly, as this area near the Shoshone river is a great place to sit them. Having not spotted a bear I reached the entrance and proceeded to head back to the Old Faithful Geyser area. Going over Sylvan Pass the skies let loose with a downpour and hail. This lasted for about a mile and a half and was pretty intense. I stopped a few times to view the scene around Lake Yellowstone. Only saw an elk from the distance on my way back to the dorm.
Making it safely back to the dorm I found a note from my roommate that he would be camping and fishing tonight. He gave me the location in case anything happens to him. We are required to do that if we stay over night anywhere. Heading to bed early as I have a day shift tomorrow followed by a week of night shifts. By the schedule I may be getting Saturday and Sundays off. Take care you all and keep praying for my health. If things don't clear up by Wednesday I will be heading to the clinic. Thanks for all those that said they prayed for me.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 5
It was a fairly uneventful day today. The only thing different was I was assigned to run the cash register in the area called the island. This is a new area that was set up when they renovated the fountain area to include the ice cream area. I like the space when it is empty but when it becomes packed with tourists wanting food and ice cream and there is very little ventilation. It becomes, to say it political correct, very very rank with sweaty customer BO. It was a very warm day today and you could tell it. Most of the customers were sweaty from having to stand out in the sun to wait for Old Faithful to erupt. I wished for a cool breeze to happen today to take the stank away, but it never happened.
The good part was working with a new person. His name was Artem and he hails from St Petersburg Russia. I had some great conversations with him and he relied on me several times to answer tourist questions, as he had a bit of trouble understanding them sometimes. He is working with another Russian girl named Alenia. They both are nice kids and seem to enjoy working in the park.
Tomorrow is my first day off and I don't plan on hiking due to not feeling one hundred percent. So I will make it a day of traveling up on top of the Bear Tooth and eat lunch at 14,000 feet. Then head to Red Lodge and then to Cody. Thanks for reading and I will report any great sightings I may have in tomorrow's blog. I will post pictures on Facebook also. Keep praying for my health and I appreciate all the prayers.
The good part was working with a new person. His name was Artem and he hails from St Petersburg Russia. I had some great conversations with him and he relied on me several times to answer tourist questions, as he had a bit of trouble understanding them sometimes. He is working with another Russian girl named Alenia. They both are nice kids and seem to enjoy working in the park.
Tomorrow is my first day off and I don't plan on hiking due to not feeling one hundred percent. So I will make it a day of traveling up on top of the Bear Tooth and eat lunch at 14,000 feet. Then head to Red Lodge and then to Cody. Thanks for reading and I will report any great sightings I may have in tomorrow's blog. I will post pictures on Facebook also. Keep praying for my health and I appreciate all the prayers.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 4
Got up this morning still feeling rather punky. Took allergy medicine and went to breakfast. Pretty much coughed all day. If this does not clear up soon I will be making a trip to the clinic to get lungs and heart looked at.
Carrie called a meeting of the cashiers and gave us some instructions on those things that need to be done at the start of the shift and at the end. Not too many thing I did not know before, but good for all to hear and have no excuses. After straightening up some apparel stuff, I headed into the refrigerators to help Ron out. Seems like Ron was the only one working in the grocery today, as his two helpers both had days off. I worked there for a couple of hours and then around 10 I took up my position at the cash register. I worked next to Sherri and Felicia. I am beginning to learn at least one new name a day. I have yet to work with or have to learn the names of the several Taiwanese workers we have at the store this year. Except for May You that Patrick introduced me to.
Only a few interesting things happened today. One was a Chinese man who came to my registers and asked where the cafeteria parking was. I told him the only cafeteria that I know was in the Old Faithful Lodge. He said he parked his car by the place where they ate and when the went to see the Geysers they got turned around and could not find where they parked. I gave him directions to the lodge and where it's parking lot is. He thanked me and I wished him luck.
Another interesting thing happened dealing with a person knocking over some coffee cups onto the floor. The fellow was one of the people we get every once in awhile to set up a table in front of our massive fireplace and sell their wares. This fellow was a photographer and a book seller. His pictures were great, but rather pricey to me. I checked out many people who purchased his photographs and books of photographs. So he was doing pretty good and I am sure the store's take on his sales was good too. That is until he packed up for the day and was carrying a stack of his stuff to his car. He grabbed his stack of stuff and then proceeded to take out a massive amount of coffee mugs when he hit the supporting post of a display table. I was waitng on a tourist when I heard the initial crash. It was loud as he took out six or seven mugs but he was between a rock and a hard place because he took out the support leg and the table was leaning on him. So as he stood there more coffee mugs just kept sliding off the display table. The crashes lasted a long time. Several workers came to his rescue and his face was just sheer terror. Robert the supervisor had to take photos of the mess and all broken things had to be reported. So much for any profit from that guy selling items in the store.
Another interesting thing happened last night as the store has a softball team. They had a game scheduled at six in the field close to where our worker campers park. They could not start the game for 35 minutes because a bison was in the field. Sometimes on the pitchers mound and other times in the outfield. The bison never seemed to care about holding up the game at all.
Well that is about it for today. I have taken some cough medicine and I hope I can get a good night's sleep tonight. Keep praying for my health and thanks for reading.
Carrie called a meeting of the cashiers and gave us some instructions on those things that need to be done at the start of the shift and at the end. Not too many thing I did not know before, but good for all to hear and have no excuses. After straightening up some apparel stuff, I headed into the refrigerators to help Ron out. Seems like Ron was the only one working in the grocery today, as his two helpers both had days off. I worked there for a couple of hours and then around 10 I took up my position at the cash register. I worked next to Sherri and Felicia. I am beginning to learn at least one new name a day. I have yet to work with or have to learn the names of the several Taiwanese workers we have at the store this year. Except for May You that Patrick introduced me to.
Only a few interesting things happened today. One was a Chinese man who came to my registers and asked where the cafeteria parking was. I told him the only cafeteria that I know was in the Old Faithful Lodge. He said he parked his car by the place where they ate and when the went to see the Geysers they got turned around and could not find where they parked. I gave him directions to the lodge and where it's parking lot is. He thanked me and I wished him luck.
Another interesting thing happened dealing with a person knocking over some coffee cups onto the floor. The fellow was one of the people we get every once in awhile to set up a table in front of our massive fireplace and sell their wares. This fellow was a photographer and a book seller. His pictures were great, but rather pricey to me. I checked out many people who purchased his photographs and books of photographs. So he was doing pretty good and I am sure the store's take on his sales was good too. That is until he packed up for the day and was carrying a stack of his stuff to his car. He grabbed his stack of stuff and then proceeded to take out a massive amount of coffee mugs when he hit the supporting post of a display table. I was waitng on a tourist when I heard the initial crash. It was loud as he took out six or seven mugs but he was between a rock and a hard place because he took out the support leg and the table was leaning on him. So as he stood there more coffee mugs just kept sliding off the display table. The crashes lasted a long time. Several workers came to his rescue and his face was just sheer terror. Robert the supervisor had to take photos of the mess and all broken things had to be reported. So much for any profit from that guy selling items in the store.
Another interesting thing happened last night as the store has a softball team. They had a game scheduled at six in the field close to where our worker campers park. They could not start the game for 35 minutes because a bison was in the field. Sometimes on the pitchers mound and other times in the outfield. The bison never seemed to care about holding up the game at all.
Well that is about it for today. I have taken some cough medicine and I hope I can get a good night's sleep tonight. Keep praying for my health and thanks for reading.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 3
First full day of work and boy can I feel it in my legs. It is going to take a couple of weeks to get my sea legs under me. I clocked in at 7am, after a breakfast of fruit and eggs. I immediately went to work in the walk-in refrigerator. I stocked for two and a half hours in there and it basically was the same items as last year, except for one or two. Ron appreciated the help and I got to work with another woman named Diane. She was busy stocking the other walk-in refrigerator. She said it was good to have help and that she heard how nice a guy I was. Seems George told many workers this. So I definitely have to live up to the character George described. It was good to hear that I made a good impression on some workers last year.
After stocking I went back to my cashier station. I was in apparel today and a little after ten it got very busy. Carrie has indicated that we are having a much busier year this year than last year. She indicated that the general stores in the park have made over three million in sales already this year. I think this year several records will be set.
I got to talk to a couple from Israel and Australia today, as well as a family from Indianapolis. Not too many interesting things happened during the shift, but I can tell you that that penny squishing machine is still bringing in the bucks. The grinding never stops and the requests for shiney pennies is on going.
Well that is about it. I am taking these tired legs to bed early. Keep praying for my health as I am still coughing and not feeling 100 percent yet. Maybe a short seven Mile hike is what I need. Take care all and thanks for reading.
After stocking I went back to my cashier station. I was in apparel today and a little after ten it got very busy. Carrie has indicated that we are having a much busier year this year than last year. She indicated that the general stores in the park have made over three million in sales already this year. I think this year several records will be set.
I got to talk to a couple from Israel and Australia today, as well as a family from Indianapolis. Not too many interesting things happened during the shift, but I can tell you that that penny squishing machine is still bringing in the bucks. The grinding never stops and the requests for shiney pennies is on going.
Well that is about it. I am taking these tired legs to bed early. Keep praying for my health as I am still coughing and not feeling 100 percent yet. Maybe a short seven Mile hike is what I need. Take care all and thanks for reading.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 2
Well after some orientation training from Carrie, I stepped back into the role of cashier. I was given my 300 dollars and a key to a lock box. Which I signed to protect at all costs. I then headed to the floor to work. After about ten minutes of getting the cobwebs out I was cashiering like I never left the job. I can tell you that some of the computer people must have heard our suggestions, because the point of sale terminal had new features that made my life easier. I worked next to Sandi, who kept a wary eye on me until she realized that I did know what I was doing. Not too many interesting events happened during my shift. I will be working day shifts for this week. Carrie said by next week I will be set on my schedule and I should consistently have Fridays and Saturdays off. Last year I had Tuesdays and Wednesdays off.
Since there was not much happening today I will fill you in on the happenings at the store before I got here. My friend Bob had two stints put in last month. He told me he was hiking and felt like someone was standing on his chest. Went to Bozeman where he got the procedure done. He is doing well and I am glad he got a shot across the bow and not died of a heart attack.
I was informed that the store had to trap fourteen pine martens after the store opened. Those guys just had the run of the place. The employees would find them just about anywhere. While working they would see them running around in the rafters or going up and down the stairs. They tipped over a bottle of wine and broke it all over the floor. They finally trapped the last one. All the trapped ones were relocated somewhere in the park.
One of the guys I worked with and went to church with last year named John. Is just returning back to work after being off with the chicken pox. He is looking better and will be back to work, he said, in a day or two.
Well that is about it. Please say a prayer for my health. I have not been feeling well lately. I hope it is just traveling or altitude, but if it does not clear up soon I may have to make a trip to the clinic. Take care all.
Since there was not much happening today I will fill you in on the happenings at the store before I got here. My friend Bob had two stints put in last month. He told me he was hiking and felt like someone was standing on his chest. Went to Bozeman where he got the procedure done. He is doing well and I am glad he got a shot across the bow and not died of a heart attack.
I was informed that the store had to trap fourteen pine martens after the store opened. Those guys just had the run of the place. The employees would find them just about anywhere. While working they would see them running around in the rafters or going up and down the stairs. They tipped over a bottle of wine and broke it all over the floor. They finally trapped the last one. All the trapped ones were relocated somewhere in the park.
One of the guys I worked with and went to church with last year named John. Is just returning back to work after being off with the chicken pox. He is looking better and will be back to work, he said, in a day or two.
Well that is about it. Please say a prayer for my health. I have not been feeling well lately. I hope it is just traveling or altitude, but if it does not clear up soon I may have to make a trip to the clinic. Take care all.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day 1
Today started my first day as a Delaware North employee. I got up early and took a nice long bath. Because I knew taking a bath would be a thing of the past for the next three months or so. After the long soak I gathered my stuff and checked out of the hotel. I then headed to McDonald's for breakfast and to kill time before I had to check into Delaware North at 10. I forgot to tell you how nice a town Bozeman is. It has plenty of shops, places to eat and places to stay. Being about 90 miles from Yellowstone, it would make a good place to stay while visiting Yellowstone. In case anyone is interested.
I made it to my appointment a little early and proceeded to get checked in as a worker for the summer. I was the first to check in and as I was a returning worker there was little in the way of training I had to go through. There was plenty of paperwork to sign though. After about 40 minutes I was all done and was released to head down to the Old Faithful general store and report to Carrie. The trip down took me into the Gallitin national forest and the highway followed the Gallitin River most of the way. Heading into those mountains made me feel great. About halfway to West Yellowstone I was driving fairly close to the river and I spotted movent off to my right. Sure enough a medium sized grizzly was walking next to the road. I wanted to stop to take some pictures but I had to get to the store. So I just slowed down to look at the bear for awhile. Once I sped up to head down the road, I looked in my rearview mirror and sure enough cars were pulling over starting a nice little road block. I smiled as I think the bear was welcoming me back into the area. I hope I see many more before I leave in October.
I arrived at the general store around 1:30 and found a parking place behind the store where I usually parked before. I got out and walked into the store to meet with Carrie, but before I could enter the store I ran into Ron. Ron runs the grocery side of the store and I did a lot of work for him toward the end of stint last year. We shook hands and I told him it was good to see him. He said he had a spot open up for a person to fill the refrigerators. I told him I will have to report to Carrie but I am sure I will be able to help him out at some point in my contract. Carrie was in her office and after a hug and exchanging pleasantries she explained to me what I needed to do. The rest of the day was for me to get unpacked and moved into the dorm. Also I was to get my car sticker so I could get on and off Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons without paying. She said I was to report to her tomorrow at 9 for some indoctrination with other new workers who were coming in. She then gave me my dorm key and told me I would be rooming with a guy named Brandon. Brandon was a contract painter for the summer. She took me to the dorm and checked out the room to ensure it was ok for two. Brandon was there and I got to introduce myself to him. He seems like a pleasant person. Although he said he originally came from Missouri and was a Cardinal fan. So I may have some interesting Cub Cardinal discussions with him. :) After Carrie left I the unloaded my car and brought my stuff into the room. It did not take to long to get things unpacked and put up. I also got the bed made and my fan started.
I went around and talked to many guys I worked with last year. My room is next to Jack's and George's. I ran into Julian in the cash room. I ran into Bob in the dorm common room. I went into the store and talked to Patrick, who was working cashier. He ribbed me about coming back to work here again. I told him I got addicted to the smell of sulphur and had to come back. I got to see Robert again as he made his rounds in the store. I hear Anna is working in the Old Faithful lower general store. As well as two others from last year's crew.
I asked George about the dorm situation and he said it was pretty full. Last year we had quite a few RVers and fewer dorm people. But this year it is the opposite. So that is why I got a roommate this year. Toward the end of the contract people start to leave around September I may be able to get a room to myself.
I am writing this laying in my bed. Soon it will be dinner time. I already ran into Kathy and James. It was good to see them running the EDR again this year. They are such a great couple. After dinner I hope to get a book and go to the Old Faithful Inn to read for awhile. I may also take a walk around the geyser basin too. That is all for now. Take care and keep praying for me and Cathy.
I made it to my appointment a little early and proceeded to get checked in as a worker for the summer. I was the first to check in and as I was a returning worker there was little in the way of training I had to go through. There was plenty of paperwork to sign though. After about 40 minutes I was all done and was released to head down to the Old Faithful general store and report to Carrie. The trip down took me into the Gallitin national forest and the highway followed the Gallitin River most of the way. Heading into those mountains made me feel great. About halfway to West Yellowstone I was driving fairly close to the river and I spotted movent off to my right. Sure enough a medium sized grizzly was walking next to the road. I wanted to stop to take some pictures but I had to get to the store. So I just slowed down to look at the bear for awhile. Once I sped up to head down the road, I looked in my rearview mirror and sure enough cars were pulling over starting a nice little road block. I smiled as I think the bear was welcoming me back into the area. I hope I see many more before I leave in October.
I arrived at the general store around 1:30 and found a parking place behind the store where I usually parked before. I got out and walked into the store to meet with Carrie, but before I could enter the store I ran into Ron. Ron runs the grocery side of the store and I did a lot of work for him toward the end of stint last year. We shook hands and I told him it was good to see him. He said he had a spot open up for a person to fill the refrigerators. I told him I will have to report to Carrie but I am sure I will be able to help him out at some point in my contract. Carrie was in her office and after a hug and exchanging pleasantries she explained to me what I needed to do. The rest of the day was for me to get unpacked and moved into the dorm. Also I was to get my car sticker so I could get on and off Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons without paying. She said I was to report to her tomorrow at 9 for some indoctrination with other new workers who were coming in. She then gave me my dorm key and told me I would be rooming with a guy named Brandon. Brandon was a contract painter for the summer. She took me to the dorm and checked out the room to ensure it was ok for two. Brandon was there and I got to introduce myself to him. He seems like a pleasant person. Although he said he originally came from Missouri and was a Cardinal fan. So I may have some interesting Cub Cardinal discussions with him. :) After Carrie left I the unloaded my car and brought my stuff into the room. It did not take to long to get things unpacked and put up. I also got the bed made and my fan started.
I went around and talked to many guys I worked with last year. My room is next to Jack's and George's. I ran into Julian in the cash room. I ran into Bob in the dorm common room. I went into the store and talked to Patrick, who was working cashier. He ribbed me about coming back to work here again. I told him I got addicted to the smell of sulphur and had to come back. I got to see Robert again as he made his rounds in the store. I hear Anna is working in the Old Faithful lower general store. As well as two others from last year's crew.
I asked George about the dorm situation and he said it was pretty full. Last year we had quite a few RVers and fewer dorm people. But this year it is the opposite. So that is why I got a roommate this year. Toward the end of the contract people start to leave around September I may be able to get a room to myself.
I am writing this laying in my bed. Soon it will be dinner time. I already ran into Kathy and James. It was good to see them running the EDR again this year. They are such a great couple. After dinner I hope to get a book and go to the Old Faithful Inn to read for awhile. I may also take a walk around the geyser basin too. That is all for now. Take care and keep praying for me and Cathy.
Friday, July 7, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Getting There
Day 3 and made it to Bozeman Montana. Not too much happened during the drive. The temperatures were around 95 most of the trip. Until I got close to Bozeman and then the rains brought the temps down to 80. The high winds and dry very warm air make cleaning your car windows tough. One gas station had no cleaning solution because it dried out. At others you had to clean the window very fast or else it would dry before you could squeegee it off. I still will take the no humidity though. I checked the elevation via the car's GPS and I am around 3,900 feet above sea level right now. I can feel it in my ears. Checked into the hotel and then put the office address where I check in tomorrow in the GPS. So I don't get lost tomorrow.
Day 2 on the road and 480 miles closer to destination. Got up early to get breakfast and try to get out of Iowa as soon as possible. I slept great last night as I was beat from the long miles the previous day. It did not take me too long to exit Iowa and enter South Dakota. Traffic was fairly heavy into Sioux Falls, but once on I90 the traffic thinned out to my favorite level. A car ever half mile or so. I made pretty good time and wanted to get to Mitchell South Dakota by mid morning. I wanted to see if they changed the outside of the Corn Palace. Taking the exit into Mitchell I quickly observed that they were doing major major road construction. There were detours everywhere. I know that they have to do the work but I am sure several businesses were a little peeved at the detours. Because many businesses could not even be approached. It took a while to get to the corn palace and I was lucky enough to find a parking place on the street. The outside designs had not changed from last year but since I needed a break I went into the Corn Palace and looked around a bit. After getting my legs limbered back up I headed back to my car and fought the construction all the way back to I90. Mitchell is a very nice town and if you ever visit I would recommend parking by the Corn Palace and walking around a bit.
My next destination was Wall Drug in Wall South Dakota. I know it is a tourist trap but I wanted a Buffalo burger and pie for lunch. South Dakota has one of the best rest stops there is. It is located near Chamberlain over looking the Missouri River. I always stop there to stretch my legs and just admire the view. I was very surprised this time as there was a very large metal sculpture of Sakagewea, pardon my spelling. The Indian that helped Lewis and Clark. It is truly a beautiful sculpture.
Leaving the rest stop, I crossed over the Missouri River and I was officially in the West. The land changes dramatically and the distances you can see that don't contain a soul are immense. The Wall Drug signs were now popping up every half mile along with other billboards advertising tourist destinations. I passed the 1880s town that I stopped at last year. I really like just walking through the restored western town. It was hard not to go and see it again. I arrived at Wall Drug around 12:45 and as usual during this time of year it was packed to the gills. Once you get on the street that Wall Drug is on you will find it split down the middle by a meridian. It is one way on one side and one way on the other. With each one way having parking in front of the stores and Wall Drug itself. I thought well what are the odds I will find a parking place in front of Wall Drug this time of year or day. I headed up the one way street going slowly to see if anyone was leaving. I had one or two cars behind me also. Well guess what shows up in front of me? A car going the wrong way. The lady at the wheel starts to give me this very dirty look and I could just guess the middle finger was coming up. That is until she realized all the parked cars are not facing her way and some people around me were taking her picture with their cell phones. So her face and attitude changed very quickly and she started carefully backing up the one way street. The good news for me was that while she was backing slowly up a spot opened up right in front of Wall Drug. I parked and entered the very very packed tourist trap. I think the phrase "Excuse me" was the most popular thing heard in Wall Drug today. I managed to squeeze my way into the cafeteria and got in line to order my food. I wanted a Buffalo burger and coconut cream pie for dessert. After several minutes my number was called and I managed to find an open table. I can tell you this folks. If you want to see Wall Drug see it in September. If your claustrophobic I would not recommend July and August. The burger was fantastic and the pie was also very good. I looked around a little while and then headed to my car.
My next stop was Rapid City South Dakota and to find a place to stay for the night. I found a super 8 with an ok rate. I got in early enough to go see Spider-Man. Jacob said it was good and I will give it an 8.
Day 1 on the road completed and 657 miles closer to the west. When I head west I learned from my father to get as far as you can the first day, as it is mostly boring miles. When Dad and I went west on two BMW motorcycles, he had us drive from Linton to Little Sioux Iowa. The route I took today took me by that place. It is basically a camp ground for tents and campers and not much else. It is approximately 630 miles from Linton to Little Sioux Iowa. I was just starting out riding a BMW for any distance and Dad basically tried to kill me the first day. I was so beat after that ride that I just crawled into the tent and went to bed around 7:30 PM. Now Dad had been riding long distances for quite some time and I swear he had a steel butt, but I had one made out of candy. At least that was what Dad said after I told him I was going to bed at 7:30 PM. That was one great trip and eventually I developed a rear-end that could take many miles on a motorcycle.
Not much happened on the road today. I followed two NASCAR semi's for most of I-80. I think there is a race this weekend in Iowa. I also had one of those strange things that I hate. I hate seeing the same car several times. I passed it, they passed me, I passed it and they passed me. Even after two interstate changes they were still with me. I began to feel like I was being stalked. This car showed up for two hours. I felt like I was in the movie "Duel", but with a car. I finally lost them at road construction and gratefully never saw them again.
For those that like the "License Plate" game, I spotted 27 plates already. Also in the "I spy with my little eye" game, I was 100 percent. Come on smile that was funny.
It was hard leaving Cathy again this morning but we talked and texted many time on the road. So when I get lonely, or she does, we just pick up the phone and talk. Thanks for all the prayers for me and Cathy.
Day 2 on the road and 480 miles closer to destination. Got up early to get breakfast and try to get out of Iowa as soon as possible. I slept great last night as I was beat from the long miles the previous day. It did not take me too long to exit Iowa and enter South Dakota. Traffic was fairly heavy into Sioux Falls, but once on I90 the traffic thinned out to my favorite level. A car ever half mile or so. I made pretty good time and wanted to get to Mitchell South Dakota by mid morning. I wanted to see if they changed the outside of the Corn Palace. Taking the exit into Mitchell I quickly observed that they were doing major major road construction. There were detours everywhere. I know that they have to do the work but I am sure several businesses were a little peeved at the detours. Because many businesses could not even be approached. It took a while to get to the corn palace and I was lucky enough to find a parking place on the street. The outside designs had not changed from last year but since I needed a break I went into the Corn Palace and looked around a bit. After getting my legs limbered back up I headed back to my car and fought the construction all the way back to I90. Mitchell is a very nice town and if you ever visit I would recommend parking by the Corn Palace and walking around a bit.
My next destination was Wall Drug in Wall South Dakota. I know it is a tourist trap but I wanted a Buffalo burger and pie for lunch. South Dakota has one of the best rest stops there is. It is located near Chamberlain over looking the Missouri River. I always stop there to stretch my legs and just admire the view. I was very surprised this time as there was a very large metal sculpture of Sakagewea, pardon my spelling. The Indian that helped Lewis and Clark. It is truly a beautiful sculpture.
Leaving the rest stop, I crossed over the Missouri River and I was officially in the West. The land changes dramatically and the distances you can see that don't contain a soul are immense. The Wall Drug signs were now popping up every half mile along with other billboards advertising tourist destinations. I passed the 1880s town that I stopped at last year. I really like just walking through the restored western town. It was hard not to go and see it again. I arrived at Wall Drug around 12:45 and as usual during this time of year it was packed to the gills. Once you get on the street that Wall Drug is on you will find it split down the middle by a meridian. It is one way on one side and one way on the other. With each one way having parking in front of the stores and Wall Drug itself. I thought well what are the odds I will find a parking place in front of Wall Drug this time of year or day. I headed up the one way street going slowly to see if anyone was leaving. I had one or two cars behind me also. Well guess what shows up in front of me? A car going the wrong way. The lady at the wheel starts to give me this very dirty look and I could just guess the middle finger was coming up. That is until she realized all the parked cars are not facing her way and some people around me were taking her picture with their cell phones. So her face and attitude changed very quickly and she started carefully backing up the one way street. The good news for me was that while she was backing slowly up a spot opened up right in front of Wall Drug. I parked and entered the very very packed tourist trap. I think the phrase "Excuse me" was the most popular thing heard in Wall Drug today. I managed to squeeze my way into the cafeteria and got in line to order my food. I wanted a Buffalo burger and coconut cream pie for dessert. After several minutes my number was called and I managed to find an open table. I can tell you this folks. If you want to see Wall Drug see it in September. If your claustrophobic I would not recommend July and August. The burger was fantastic and the pie was also very good. I looked around a little while and then headed to my car.
My next stop was Rapid City South Dakota and to find a place to stay for the night. I found a super 8 with an ok rate. I got in early enough to go see Spider-Man. Jacob said it was good and I will give it an 8.
Day 1 on the road completed and 657 miles closer to the west. When I head west I learned from my father to get as far as you can the first day, as it is mostly boring miles. When Dad and I went west on two BMW motorcycles, he had us drive from Linton to Little Sioux Iowa. The route I took today took me by that place. It is basically a camp ground for tents and campers and not much else. It is approximately 630 miles from Linton to Little Sioux Iowa. I was just starting out riding a BMW for any distance and Dad basically tried to kill me the first day. I was so beat after that ride that I just crawled into the tent and went to bed around 7:30 PM. Now Dad had been riding long distances for quite some time and I swear he had a steel butt, but I had one made out of candy. At least that was what Dad said after I told him I was going to bed at 7:30 PM. That was one great trip and eventually I developed a rear-end that could take many miles on a motorcycle.
Not much happened on the road today. I followed two NASCAR semi's for most of I-80. I think there is a race this weekend in Iowa. I also had one of those strange things that I hate. I hate seeing the same car several times. I passed it, they passed me, I passed it and they passed me. Even after two interstate changes they were still with me. I began to feel like I was being stalked. This car showed up for two hours. I felt like I was in the movie "Duel", but with a car. I finally lost them at road construction and gratefully never saw them again.
For those that like the "License Plate" game, I spotted 27 plates already. Also in the "I spy with my little eye" game, I was 100 percent. Come on smile that was funny.
It was hard leaving Cathy again this morning but we talked and texted many time on the road. So when I get lonely, or she does, we just pick up the phone and talk. Thanks for all the prayers for me and Cathy.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Day before leaving
I remembered to check when the Hyundai needed it's next oil change. I had 1000 miles left but thought it would be good to get out changed before I left. The Hyundai dealer was able to get me in the day before I leave. So here I am waiting for my 1:45 appointment.
I left Linton early so that I could find some Navy blue shirts to wear at work. I also need to get to a bookstore to fill up on reading material. I got to Greenwood and went into JC Penney, as it was the first place I got to. I went up the escalator and just to the right was a sale display with navy blue short sleeve collared shirts. Regular 30 dollars and on sale now for 9.99. I could not believe my good fortune as they had three in the size I needed. After a short trip to the fitting room to verify they fit, I purchased the three and went next door to the Barnes and Noble.
I only need three or four books to take with me and quickly found some Clive Cusler and Tom Clancy that I had not read. I purchased those and packed them in the car. The Hyundai has a great storage area in the back under the carpet. I put several bottles of water in it, the books, the first aid kit, the ice scraper, the winter hat and gloves, my hiking stick and a few other items. The area holds quite a bit for sure. I plan on taking a few Louis L'Amour's with me as what would be the west without the guy that got me thinking about the west when I was young.
Several people have asked me why I am going to Yellowstone again. Well I have been thinking a lot about that. First I think it is wonder lust and how the mountains and rivers have gotten into my blood. After working in my brother's tax business earlier this year, I just felt called to get back out there. I tried many times to get a short contract so that Cathy could join me, but it just did not work out. I don't know if Cathy is disappointed or not. You will have to ask her that question, but as for me I will miss her very much. The second reason I decided to go is from something my neighbor Virginia Lee said to me. She asked me about my going to Yellowstone and I told her I was trying to get a contract for Cathy and I to go. She said, "Bret you need to do this while you can. One day you will be using one of these." Pointing at her walker. "Then you will look back on the times of your life when you still had your health and you will regret not doing it." I think that affected me a lot. She is right as there are times since I retired where I sat in the house and thought about my own mortality. I don't know how long God will give me on earth or how long I will feel like doing something like this. So I am going to at least make the attempt and take away the possible regret later in my life.
I always know God is with me where ever I go. The Holy Spirit will guide me to talk to others and help me to be a positive influence. God kicked my butt last year and taught me a valuable lesson. If you want to learn about that lesson just listen to the message I preached on January 1st. You can find it at the PeopleToGod.com web site. I plan on keeping that lesson in my mind for sure. I don't know what God has planned for me this summer, but I will be praying and reading his word daily for guidance. I hope Jack and I can get another Bible study going in the dorm.
I left Linton early so that I could find some Navy blue shirts to wear at work. I also need to get to a bookstore to fill up on reading material. I got to Greenwood and went into JC Penney, as it was the first place I got to. I went up the escalator and just to the right was a sale display with navy blue short sleeve collared shirts. Regular 30 dollars and on sale now for 9.99. I could not believe my good fortune as they had three in the size I needed. After a short trip to the fitting room to verify they fit, I purchased the three and went next door to the Barnes and Noble.
I only need three or four books to take with me and quickly found some Clive Cusler and Tom Clancy that I had not read. I purchased those and packed them in the car. The Hyundai has a great storage area in the back under the carpet. I put several bottles of water in it, the books, the first aid kit, the ice scraper, the winter hat and gloves, my hiking stick and a few other items. The area holds quite a bit for sure. I plan on taking a few Louis L'Amour's with me as what would be the west without the guy that got me thinking about the west when I was young.
Several people have asked me why I am going to Yellowstone again. Well I have been thinking a lot about that. First I think it is wonder lust and how the mountains and rivers have gotten into my blood. After working in my brother's tax business earlier this year, I just felt called to get back out there. I tried many times to get a short contract so that Cathy could join me, but it just did not work out. I don't know if Cathy is disappointed or not. You will have to ask her that question, but as for me I will miss her very much. The second reason I decided to go is from something my neighbor Virginia Lee said to me. She asked me about my going to Yellowstone and I told her I was trying to get a contract for Cathy and I to go. She said, "Bret you need to do this while you can. One day you will be using one of these." Pointing at her walker. "Then you will look back on the times of your life when you still had your health and you will regret not doing it." I think that affected me a lot. She is right as there are times since I retired where I sat in the house and thought about my own mortality. I don't know how long God will give me on earth or how long I will feel like doing something like this. So I am going to at least make the attempt and take away the possible regret later in my life.
I always know God is with me where ever I go. The Holy Spirit will guide me to talk to others and help me to be a positive influence. God kicked my butt last year and taught me a valuable lesson. If you want to learn about that lesson just listen to the message I preached on January 1st. You can find it at the PeopleToGod.com web site. I plan on keeping that lesson in my mind for sure. I don't know what God has planned for me this summer, but I will be praying and reading his word daily for guidance. I hope Jack and I can get another Bible study going in the dorm.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Yellowstone Adventure 2017 - Packing and preparation begins
Today I got up early to begin work around the house in preparation to leave on Friday. First order of business was to get the cars switched, as I will be driving Cathy's car and she will have the privilege of driving my blue transit connect van. She just loves that part of me being gone. :) After the vehicles were cleaned and items switched into each other's vehicle. Then it was time to load a few items into the car I will be driving. I bought a lot of bottled water for the trip as I needed quite a bit for hikes and just to have in the dorm. I loaded up the winter emergency stuff, the first aid kit, hiking backpack and walking stick, folding chair and several bucket hats. After the vehicles were done I decided to mow the lawn and do the weed eating, as I did not want Cathy to have to worry about that for a couple weeks. With the little rain we have been getting the lawn may go two weeks between mows. The next job was to get the house siding cleaned. Using my son's power washer made quick work of that. While I was working my neighbor Nick Moore came over to pray for me and my trip. Nick is a man I admire and always cherish his prayers.
With this chores done I went into the house and worked on putting items in the two totes. I have kept a list of items I needed since last year and I am using that as a check list for this year's trip. Tomorrow I head to Greenwood to get the oil changed and to search for some Navy blue shirts, as it seems Delaware North now requires employees to furnish their own work shirts. So much for my raise. :)
With this chores done I went into the house and worked on putting items in the two totes. I have kept a list of items I needed since last year and I am using that as a check list for this year's trip. Tomorrow I head to Greenwood to get the oil changed and to search for some Navy blue shirts, as it seems Delaware North now requires employees to furnish their own work shirts. So much for my raise. :)
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