Sorry I haven't posted in a long time.  I will catch you up soon.  I just wanted to post a link to my finished Masters paper.




Marking Time: Calendars of the Ancestral Puebloan People at Bandelier National Monument

https://1drv.ms/b/s!AuAfEHbQjxpDin5DJmP-BkKjhe8-

After my first full week

I'm exhausted.  Not really mentally but physically.  I remember feeling this way at the beginning of last summer.  I felt old.  I felt out of shape.  I was wondering what the hell I was doing here.
Last night I left Easter dinner a little earlier than the rest because I had worked all day.  It was my first full week back in the Visitors Center and I also gave a private walk up the hot spring terraces on Friday.  It felt like normal.  It felt great.  Today I feel like I have been hit by a train.  I feel old.  I feel out of shape.  But I know why I'm here.  Oh, and the family loved my terrace walk!  Yay!
My mind is racing...it's telling me to go take the garbage out, wash the dishes, take a shower, read for my summer programs, go take a hike, etc...  And all I can muster is to lay in bed, drink my coffee, and listen to this bird singing outside my window.  I've even been wondering why my wrists hurt.  It's not like I've been typing a lot or anything...and it finally dawned on me.  I have put up and taken down the flag probably every day this week.  I like doing it.  I don't mind at all.  But apparently the hoisting up and down of a flag is serious business.  There is a webcam set up on the area too so I have to make sure I'm very professional and respectful while doing so.  http://yellowstone.net/webcams/mammoth-hot-springs/  The flag usually goes up between 845am and 9am Mountain time.  It gets taken down between 450pm and 515pm Mountain time.  At least until the Visitors Center hours change.  There are other webcams where you can see the Mammoth Hot Springs are but you are less likely to see any ranger activity unless we make a point of getting in front of it.  https://www.yellowstoneassociation.org/webcam  (just click on the area you want to look at)
So, the interesting thing for this week is that it is suppose to snow....all week.  Nothing too crazy, just flurries. Continuous flurries.  I really should have ordered more warm ranger clothes when I finally figured out my password to order more uniform pieces.  It's ok though.  I will manage.  I just wish that I would have brought better lotion with me.  My skin feels like it is about to flake off due to the dry and cold.  Maybe if it doesn't snow too bad I will try getting up to Livingston for a massage.  That would be good and would probably solve more than one of my current issues.
I have also been thinking long and hard about my programs this summer.  Of course my terrace walk and talk are about the same.  The places they are to be given are different this year.  That will be a little adjustment.  Gotta study up more on the fort.  I love history so that shouldn't be a problem.  Keeping my snake program but I think I am going to create an owl program too.  And then  I'm switching up my night program to talk about how the local Native Americans utilized the Yellowstone area before contact and right around the time of contact.  Probably will focus more on the Sheepeaters but the whole Shoshone people fascinate me.  Well, I am off to concur my dishes and garbage.  I will leave you with more photos from the week.

Getting back into the swing of things

I finally cleared my background check and have been on the job for a few days.  It's pretty slow around here in the winter but with a few nice days more and more people have been coming in.  I've been giving myself some leeway to get back into the thick of things.  Besides that, It's been kind of a weird start getting myself situated.  But that will come in time. 
The few things that did come naturally is remembering which key fit the back door.  Thank you long term memory.  Nothing worse than standing outside when it's freezing and a herd of elk are trying to get the drop on you.  Also, the putting up and taking down of the flag.  Very important.  And last but not least, the log book.  Since the log book is one of our most important communication devises, I will share what has been "logged" the last few days. 
Friday, March 27, 2015
There was a fresh elk kill this morning by Buffalo Creek off of Slough Creek Campground.  You can't drive into Slough Creek campground yet because the road is closed but you can see people with scopes up on one of the hills.  The kill was made by Lamar Pack Alpha female  #926.  Her mate was killed a few weeks ago by the Prospect Peak pack.  Since then a few of the younger males from Prospect Peak have been hanging out with her trying to become her new "man."  Scientist are watching what will happen because she still has 10 month old pups from her dead mate and she is also currently pregnant with a litter of pups from her dead mate.  (Wolf Drama!)
 There is also a winter kill of a bison by the picnic area where the Yellowstone and Lamar rivers meet.  (the bison probably fell through the ice and drown)  Today the Junction Butte pack and 2 grizzly bears were hanging out by the carcass
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Today the Junction Butte pack and the Mollie's pack were seen hanging out where the Lamar River and Soda Butte creek meet.  (apparently the Junction Butte pack likes to party and they don't really care who they party with)
There were 4 moose spotted in the park NE of Soda Butte creek by the picnic area.  (at the base of The Thunderer area) 
Hot Spring Update:  The Palette area is really flowing with some major changes to water flow.  The travertine lip got top heavy over the winter and broke off.  The water is currently flowing over it and through it.  Opal Spring is pooling.  Roadside spring has stopped.  Minerva is pooling again and the side of Mound Spring is flowing like crazy. 

So that's pretty much it.  Tomorrow I plan on picking up my radio and calling to get home wireless service.  Then I plan on heading out to Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley to try and see some of this wolf drama that is unfolding.  Hopefully I will get some pictures.  Until then, I hope these hold you over.

Planning a trip to Yellowstone

Over the last few months I have been getting a few texts and emails about visiting Yellowstone National Park...and other parks too.  Which I love for a few reasons.  #1  It gets me in the swing of thinking like a ranger again and #2 forces me to reconnect with knowledge I may have lost over the winter.  So, if you are thinking about planning a trip to Yellowstone, here are some of my suggestions to take into consideration.  When is your trip?  Very important if you want to see something in particular.
April-June  Baby Animals...but with babies running around remember that the mothers are highly agitated.  Keep your distance.  Bison are on the move throughout the park.  They have the right of way on roads.  Do Not tailgate or honk at a Bison.  You will regret it.  Wild flowers.  Possible snow on the ground in higher elevations.  Some trails may not be open.  Rivers are running high due to snow melt.  You will get a big fat ticket if you try to go into Boiling River before it is posted as open.
July-August  Highest tourist visitation.  Think driving in the city...during rush hour...and then there is limited parking spaces.  Don't park on the side of the road.  You will get a ticket.  Our law enforcement rangers are Federal Police Officers and have ever right to give you a ticket.  Animals may not be as visible. Bears are starting to go to higher ground for food. Trails are usually all open at this time.
September-October  You will probably not see a bear.  The elk are starting the rut.  Do not wash your vehicle before you enter the park or a bull elk will ram it.  They see their reflection and think it is a challenging bull elk  Do not stop your vehicle anywhere near a bull elk or he will ram it.  Some bull elk are just jerks and want to hit anything.  The best thing to do during the rut is to park your car somewhere safe and walk to a building and watch through the window.  They look all nice and innocent but really, they will turn on you faster than a possessed clown doll.  Visitation is lower but it is a high retiree time.  The Bison are on the move again.  Possible snow.  The leaves are changing colors. Everything starts shutting down.  Fewer ranger programs.

Ok, so that pretty much covers the highlights.  You can pretty much see the thermal features anytime you want.  They don't go anywhere and they just keep doing what they do. Norris is cool.  Don't miss it.  However, there is a lot of walking involved. Old Faithful goes off every 90 minutes or so day and night and the time does vary.  It's not an exact science.  If it went off at 10:31am, you can estimate it will go off about 90 minutes later.  However, sometimes it goes off 60 minutes later, or 78 minutes later, or 111 minutes later.  You get my drift?  The best way to enjoy the geyser area is to just relax, see all the springs and bubbling mud.  When you get to Old Faithful, go into the visitors center and find the next estimated time.  If you just missed it, go have lunch, or an ice cream, or a cocktail.  You can also check out the cool hotel or hit a gift shop or the museum.

The lake area is very relaxing.  It's like a visual chill pill.

Canyon...who doesn't like a huge waterfall?  Just keep everyone in your party on the trail...especially children.  I could tell you a story from last year but it still breaks my heart.  Oh, and if you see something that looks like an off leash dog coming towards you on the trail...just move aside (about 10 to 20 meters) and let it pass.  Then get back on the trail.  I have heard that the wolf pack in this area uses the trail system down there to get around easier.

Wolves...if you want to see one, plan to get up an hour before dawn and go to Lamar or Hayden Valley.  Also try an hour or so before dusk.  If you see anyone with a scope or one of those cameras with a lens the size of a 6 year old child...stop.  They have found something.  I lovingly call these people the wildlife paparazzi.  You can really find them anywhere cool wildlife can be seen.

Bears can usually be found around Tower Roosevelt.

Coyotes, foxes and bison could be anywhere at any time.  They just pop up when they want to,

Sheep...try the cliff in between Mammoth and Gardiner Mt.  Also, over by Tower Roosevelt.

Moose...try Grand Teton National Park.

Wildlife Safety!  Stay 100 yards (an American football field) away from wolves and bears.  Stay 25 yards (2 nose to nose school buses) away from every other animal.   I advise carrying bear spray.  It is basically police strength pepper spray and it's not just for bears anymore.  I keep it in my car within easy reach in case of emergency.

Hotels and Camping...book early.  Make a realistic plan of attack and stick with it.  Rooms and campsites go super fast.  If you wait too long you may end up staying and hour and a half away from the park and commuting in each day.   www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com  or Reserve_YNP@Xanterra.com  866-439-7375  You can try outlining areas like Gardiner Mt, West Yellowstone Mt, Cody Wy, etc... There are hotels and campsites within those vicinities.  For those of you who are camping...always extinguish your fires.  Something tells me it's going to be a dry one this year.  Also, never have food or anything smelly in your tent.  You may even want to change clothes out of what you cooked in before you hit the hay.  Give a bear no reason to come sniffing around.  Store food items inside your car whenever you are not using them.

The only thing I think that is left to tell you is make sure you read the material they give you at the gate.  It has loads of great info and times and places of ranger programs.  And have fun!  It really is the chance of a lifetime to come to the park.  Be patient.  Relax.  Remember...you're on vacation.

Please feel free to ask me any additional questions you may have or stop in to one of our visitor centers once you are there.

The month before my return to Yellowstone

Yes.  It's been a year.  I know...  I am a completely lame blogger.  But, I plan on changing this.  Here is my plan.  I have come to realize that I have a lot of people that follow me on Facebook.  Especially when I am out in the world working in the National Parks or doing whatever it is that I do.  Well, I don't like posting so much on Facebook but I do like writing letters.  Someone at some point suggested a journal but I lost interested in doing that for myself when I had to start doing it for my job/work/school.  (think scientific observations)  I don't do it so much anymore since I switched to Resource Education aka Interpretation but I still haven't brought myself to log in a journal everyday.  So...my plan is to log in this blog.  Hopefully once a week once I am in the park.  Just to keep my friends and family informed on what my general life is and what is happening where I'm at.

I don't plan on going through each post and being a grammar nerd.  This isn't a book or a thesis.  This is information.  This is entertainment...especially for those who know weird stuff happens to me all the time.  I walk outside and crazy happens.  Not everyday but enough to make my life interesting. This is something you can do while you're waiting for your doctor to call you into the back room or read on the bus during your commute.  It will give you a taste of what my mind, thoughts, and cares are.  And for that I apologize.  And it will probably not be on topic all the time.  My brain seems to jump from topic to topic but I will do my best to stay focused.

As of the middle of February I was rehired on at Yellowstone National Park.  This will be my second summer season there and I am more than excited.  I would love to do a happy dance up and down the street but I'm sure someone would call the cops.  Last year I adored my Yellowstone experience.  Every last person I worked with were the best.  I have never had the privilege to work with such an intelligent, welcoming and patient crew.  I say patient because I had never worked as an interpretive ranger before and I had loads of questions.  Also, I had never been to Yellowstone before.  Yes, that's right.  Never.  And within two weeks of getting there I had to give my first programs.  When I had driven into Mammoth Hot Springs last summer the only things I knew about Yellowstone was Old Faithful and grizzly bears.   I spent my first days learning general information, working the front desk in the visitors center and taking home books to read.  At one point I had a two foot stack of books and reading materials to go through and take notes on.  It was like 15 credits of graduate school crammed into a two to three week period.  I'm not joking. My typical day consisted of crawling out to my coffee maker, watching the sunrise, heading into work, observing at the desk and shadowing programs to get familiar with what was expected of me.  After an eight hour shift I went to my housing to eat, read for a couple of hours and fall asleep to a documentary on Yellowstone  (go to youtube and search for Yellowstone documentaries...I have probably seen all of them)  I had never felt so much stress and satisfaction as everything eventually came together. Unfortunately, most of those fellow comrades aren't coming back this summer.  They have found other positions in other parks or are spreading their wings into other ventures.  I will miss every single one of them.  But there will be a few familiar faces in which I am so thankful.  This summer we will be the ones to have the initial get together parties and be the park's welcome wagon.

Since my start date is a bit earlier this Spring/Summer I have been making lists.  What to get out of storage and what to leave behind.  So far I have already gone through everything I currently have with me.  Somethings are already packed and just sit at the base of my bed waiting to be packed in the car.  I have gotten most things on the list done except for actually vacuuming out my vehicle.  At some point over the next week or two I plan on hitting storage to do the big exchange of items.  Besides that I have started reading some books that I bought before my departure.  My goal is to have my new night program in the works so I can write up an outline and set up a power point.  I think I might keep my snake program in play but eventually work in a new Wonders of Yellowstone program.  I also have been revisiting some of those wonderful documentaries that lulled me to sleep those first few weeks.  The count down for my departure is at hand and I cannot wait.  I really hope there is no delay in my background check like last year.

The slow winter months

Oh, I can't even tell you how refreshing it is to have an expiration date.  And I don't mean and end date like I am dying, but a end of shelf date.  It's been a difficult winter.  No real job prospects to speak of and there was a second there when I thought my prospects for a summer job would be the same.  Cue one of my ":people" and I am off to Yellowstone National Park to be a Park Ranger Interpreter for the summer.  (expiration date May 11)  I haven't been a park ranger before so this is exciting and terrifying all at the same time.  Exciting for the reasons anyone would be excited.  Terrifying because I am so scared I am going to let my "person" down.  I love my "people".  They bail me out every time I need them.  I hope I always return the favor.
It will be hard to pack up from home and head off again but it will also be a relief.  At home I feel on guard all the time.  It's stressful to feel like you have to be a certain way.  It's hard to explain but maybe I can put it more plainly at another time.  Aahhh  In 6 weeks I pack up the car again to start off on another adventure....

Wow, it's been a while

Ya...I'm back. Well, I never said I was a consistent blogger.  
Anyway, on to my thoughts.  You know how you ask people what's new in their life and they say, "Not much"?  And you look at them knowing there is some serious stuff going down but they are not quite ready to talk about it with you.  So you let the subject slide by and continue with comments about the weather and how the family is doing.  Well, the weather here is typical for the state of Washington and the family is doing fine...although we did lose my uncle last month.  (A year and a day after my aunt)  And you are wondering what else is new in my life?  Not much....

Oh, good grief.

I know, it's a sick title for a blog about death and grieving but I come from a long line of sick humored people.  To be in fact, I lost one.  My aunt passed away 2 weeks ago yesterday...on my niece's birthday...who forgot to call my aunt on her birthday.  (I could go on with this but I don't think I will)  Anyway, during this time I was watching how differently people grieve.  There is the strong yet silent depression, running for religion, running for liquor, furious anger, drama queen and then me...clean and organize.  I have to attack everything.  Go through everything and eliminate anything that is not needed.  I don't know why I find cleaning therapeutic.  I guess it is my way of wearing the body down and getting over the shock.  Much in the same way excessive exercise or hitting something would.  I did the same thing when my father died.

When my dad died I had just moved out of the house.  My new roommate was sympathetic but didn't really know what to do with me.  So whenever I came blazing out of my room with the vacuum cleaner, she would put her feet up on the couch while continuing to read her book and I would vacuum away.  The one thing I have learned over the years is to try not to let your grieving drain on to others.  By that I mean, if your going to hysterically flip out, try to do it when you are alone.  When I get into my cleaning frenzy, I must not jump people scenes for making a mess.  Nerves are already raw when people lose a loved one.  They don't need anymore crap laid on their shoulders.  (this is actually a really good lesson to remember, unfortunately I usually forget) 

On a good note, funerals usually bring people together.  For me, it was my cousins which I rarely get to see.  My aunt seemed  to be the only reason we usually got together...for anything.  I guess over the years to come we will have to come up with other reasons to get together.  When I get back home and settled, maybe I will invite my cousins to a bbq.

You know, Christmas...

Well, I survived Christmas.  I feel that every holiday season. You either look forward to it or you survive it.  If you are looking forward to it, the holiday season can be the best time of the year.  You are with family and friends.  There is a tree, love, laughter, memories, etc..  If you are surviving it like I have for the last few years, you are away from family and possibly friends.  You usually have to work and deal with grumpy customers who are all pissed off because their vacation isn't going as planned and it is all your fault.

However, this was not the year for grumpy customers.  No one really got to me.  And then I came home and my roommate's mother had cooked my prepped turkey and offered me spiked eggnog.  I can honestly say for not being around the people I love the most, this day wasn't that bad.  I am one of those horrible people that always expects the worst.  I don't know what my problem is.  I guess It's just part of the Christmas season blues when I can't go home and be with my family.  Not that we do anything special or anything I just like hanging out watching movies with mom or having conversations with my siblings rather than trying to help them get adjusted to using Skype.  Do you know how hard it is to try and tell your 79 year old mother over Skype to uninstall/reinstall her webcam/microphone because the mic wasn't working?  And when you just grab your cell phone to call...you get this horrible feedback sound.  I felt like I was trying to yell over the sound a guitar makes when you hold it too close to an amp.

Anyway, I love my mom.  She's actually quiet good with computers and cell phones.  I wish I was.  I'm still trying to figure out how to add pictures to this blog.  Oh wait, I just figured it out.  Now I wish I had a picture to post.  Ah, there's one.  Happy Holidays everyone!

Snow

     This should be a short blog because I am extremely tired and just got off work.  But on my way home, while I kept my front wheel drive Saturn Vue at a steady 25 mph, I thought about how my view of snow has changed.  When I was little I prayed for snow.  Just like every other child in North America, snow meant a day off from school, snowmen and hanging out with friends.  If I was lucky I could go skiing whether it was cross country or downhill.  I loved the snow and all the freedom it gave. 
     Now, I'm not so sure.  I still love skiing.  And I guess I still love snow when it's my day off.  It makes the world all peaceful and quiet.  However, today I had to work and it's been dumping since 4pm.  (It's now midnight)  Oh, and did I mention that I live 17 miles from work on a street that is a giant, winding hill?  I guess I didn't do a lot of planning when I moved here.  I just thought, "Woohoo!  I'm gonna work in a ski town this winter!"  What I didn't think about was that it was probably a good idea to invest in snow tires.  I do have chains, just in case it gets any worse.  The plows are out, although at times it doesn't seem like they are doing much good.
     I guess in time I will get use to it and at the least I will become a better driver.  (At least in snow)  For now I will keep my speed down and lay off the break.  And it anyone speeds up behind me, they can feel free to go around because at the end of the day, I really do still love the snow.  I just don't want to drive in it.

One of my pet peeves

     You know, I assume (and maybe that is presumptuous of me) that by the age of 30, most people have figured out how to be cordial to each other.  If you weren't raised by flippin' wolves you know that you should acknowledge and appreciate other human beings and what they do to make everyday life a little easier.  I don't care if these are people you work with, your family or your housemates.  If someone goes out of their way to do a little something to save your ass or make your life a little easier...say Thank You for goodness sake! 
     I learned at a young age to say Thank You, a lot.  I didn't grow up with much and when a friend's parents would invite me to dinner or pay for most of my trip to Disneyland after my father passed away, I was appreciative.  Very Appreciative.  Little things, big things...it doesn't matter.  When you look someone in the eye and tell them that you appreciate them and say Thank You, it makes all the difference in the world.  When I do things for other people and they thank me, I would do it again a hundred times over.  I don't mind doing things for people.  It's just the way I roll.  But if I feel that my gestures of goodwill are going unnoticed, I will stop helping that person out.
     Unfortunately, this seems to be something that is happening more and more.  I don't know if it is a generational thing or if people just don't give a crap anymore.  At work I have covered people's shifts and worked a 16 hour day because they got stuck in the snow.  I have cleaned the house over and over again only to be told by a roommate to put my dishes in the dishwasher because they couldn't be bothered to open the door to the dishwasher and put it in themselves (this was after I cooked dinner for the both of us) and I have put people up in my home when they have nowhere else to go.  All without a Thank You.  To be in fact, people that I have let stay with me until they got back on their feet stole from me!
     As I have gotten older, I have let most of this rude behavior go by the way side.  Mostly, because when I have tried to bring it to the other person's attention they have lashed out at me, moved out on me or just plain stopped talking to me.  So, I have become the master of avoidance.  With roommates, I spend as much time in my room or at work as possible and with friends and family, I just don't call back.  I find that it is easier that way.  Work is a bit more difficult.  Although, I usually set up a really good rapport with the managers when I first start working for a company in case there are future problems.  I find that if you ask for some individual time to talk with one of them and handle it in a professional manner, everything turns out fine.  (Although, I have known people that this hasn't worked for)  But since I have only heard one side of things and my responsibility was to console my friend, it's a toss up as to whether or not it was really handled as well as it could have been.
     Anyway, my point being, if people don't feel the need to be polite and courteous to each other maybe they should get off their lazy duffs and do things for themselves or at least learn to say Thank You for the things people do for them everyday.  I don't care if it's holding a door open for you at the post office.  Say Thank You!
     I leave you with this thought.  I had a roommate recently that told me that this world would be a better place if everyone did a little bit more than what they thought they should be responsible for.  For one glorious summer that we shared a place we raced to see who could get to the dishes first, we vacuumed, mopped and made dinner for each other when we thought the other had a long day.  And then we made sure we recognized the other for getting to it first.  Yes, it seemed kind of funny that everyday we were thanking each other for one thing or another.  But I can honestly say, it was the main reason I had the best summer of my life.

    

Mild Crisis

     It amazes me who has your back when you need to call in favors.  Of course, my immediate family always seems to be there when I need help.  Some days I don't know where I would be if I didn't have my mom or brother to fall back on.  But when it's something that can't be handled within the immediate family, I am amazed at who steps forward to put bluntly...save my ass. 
     Today I was called by my old landlord to come and get some things I left at the apartment I had subleased to a friend.  My friend had given one week notice and moved out leaving my things in the closet of the apartment.  I am currently broke and living in Colorado.  My stuff is in New Mexico.  My friend never notified me that he was moving out so this came as quite the shocker.  Unfortunately, I didn't think I had anyone in the area that I knew well enough to go, get my stuff and store it for me until I could scrape up the money to fetch it.  So I did the only thing I could think of...had a freak out and posted on facebook that I need a huge favor from anyone still living in the small town that I went to graduate school in. 
My friend Sara, who actually graduated from my department suggested that I contact Katie.  Katie was a girl that I knew from school but not someone I thought would get my stuff and store it for me.  It's not that Katie and I were enemies.  I figured we were more of acquaintances and this was a big favor to ask of an acquaintance.  I contacted Katie anyway thinking she would probably say no, but instead she agreed to move my stuff out and put it in her storage unit until I could afford to come down and get it.  She also said that I shouldn't have thought twice about asking her.  She completely considered us friends even though we didn't hang out or talk much.  And to top it off, Katie hurt her foot and is walking around in a boot. 
     Right now, Katie is my hero.  I told her when I finally can afford to come down and get my stuff, dinner and drinks are on me.  It probably doesn't sound like a big deal to her.  A few hours of moving stuff on a Saturday is just time she doesn't have to worry about working out at a gym or being bored at home.  But it makes all the difference to me.   It's not a lot of stuff.  A few boxes, some blankets, clothes, and some camping gear all shoved into the bottom of a closet.  But it's my stuff.  And yes, I know I should have gotten to it sooner.  But, as we all know, life gets in the way sometimes and it's nice to know there are people out there that understand that and will bail you out when you call.

You have to start somewhere.

Hello,

Welcome to my first post.  It only took me forever and a day to figure all of this out.  I'm not the most brilliant person in the world but I do have interesting insights into things.  To give you a little back ground on myself I am originally from Washington State.  Then I moved to New Mexico for graduate school and Utah for work.  Now I am working in Colorado for the ski season until my next adventure.  I have worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years and most recently, I have been getting work in the anthropology/archaeology field. 
For anyone who actually finds this page and wants to read it.  Thank you.  Feel free to ask questions or give advice. (Because honestly, I just wanted a place to write)  All I ask is that you are not rude to me or others.