I'm in the Canyon

Hello audience. Sorry for my lack of updates. I think it's been a couple of days. I haven't done much too exciting. I've just been finishing up training and today I made my trek to Canyon Village, which is south and east of Mammoth Hot Springs. I like it here as far as the scenery is concerned. Much more wildlife, furry creatures, tall pine trees, waterfalls and rivers. I can't complain.

First thing's first: This blog entry may be shorter than originally planned due to the fact I just spent roughly an hour trying to get the stupid thing to connect to the network. I'm ready to be done on the computer. But, moving forward...

I made a quick trip to Billings yesterday, camped overnight next to the Yellowstone River, and got attacked my mosquitoes. It was glorious. Actually, it wasn't too shabby. The strange thing was that there was an oil refinery right across the road and neighboring the Yellowstone River. That's a true shame... Anyway, after a short night's rest we decided to head back from Billings via Highway 12. All I can say is it is a phenomenal drive. I highly recommend it to anyone driving in that area. We maxed out at somewhere close to 11,000 feet at the top of whatever mountain we were driving on. Plenty of beautiful lakes and such on the way down. Basically, save up your money, fill up your gas tank, and head towards Red Lodge, MT.

I was in a big hurry to get out of the dorm facilities in Mammoth so I could make it Canyon before the person in charge of giving me my room key left for the day. The drive on Beartooth Highway/Hwy 12 took a little longer than anticipated. I made it to Canyon Village in a little over one hour. Not too bad considering I had to maneuver a "bison jam" and a "bear jam". (I've had multiple questions already asking what a "(insert animal type) jam" is. Basically a bison gets in or near the road and causes all of the silly tourists to come to dead stop and whip out their favorite picture maker to savor the memory of a furry creature that likely isn't seen often in their homelands.)

Upon arriving in Canyon I was directed to the personnel office to gain access to my room, but before I could even make that happen I had already been seen by my assistant manager, Becka. This worked out wonderfully because she then guided me up the stairs to the lodge where I'll be working and I met serveral co-workers. I then got the low-down on when I'll start (Wednesday at 2pm) and then was given a tour of the facilities that Canyon Village has to offer by my manager, Nadia. Thank you ladies.

I came back, moved a few things into this massive sized room I am equipped with and then went to the dining hall. I was the cool kid who ate by himself today. Not a problem though, as I was actually somewhat impressed with the meal selection, which was a hearty portion of chicken penne with alfredo sauce. After that I decided I'd head to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to snap a few photos. It turned out to be somewhat of a learning trip as I began talking with a couple guys who were there taking pictures as well.

I saw quite a bit of wildlife today and snapped a few images of that, and will try to upload the best ones, but I must say that this internet connection is very slow and even more questionable, so if there aren't too many photos, I'll try again later. Enough of the rambling, I shall be on my way now.

I tried to incorporate some of the clouds in this. The picture didn't really do justice for the actual view.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

What's up Mr. Bison? This was on my drive, so I just stuck the camera out the window and snapped.

Just a good shot of the moon on my way back from the Canyon.

Here I Am

Sadly, I have no pictures to post from yesterday. I went out to get a couple of snap shots and forgot my battery sitting on my desk after charging it. Too bad. So, that was a bit disappointing.

I left Bozeman, MT around 7am yesterday morning and arrived in Gardiner with plenty of time to spare so I could check in before all of the people that came in on the bus. This had me a bit hesitant at first because all I saw were old people and more old people. Once I got to the park and went to our orientation meeting there were a few more youngsters, but not many. I still haven't seen too many people my age that came in yesterday. So, maybe that just means they aren't doing the same job as I am.

I'm currently in Mammoth Hot Springs where we will train for the next five days before I head down to Canyon Village. I hear there's quite a bit of traffic down there, so that should be fun.

Last night I jumped in on some pick up basketball. I think I gave myself blisters the size of Texas. We played 3 games, and I must have been the magic touch because we lost all of them. I had a few acrobatic plays and a few that were a bit embarrassing. That's alright though, I didn't see any NBA scouts in the stands.

We went down to the Employee Pub last night and stayed there for an hour or so. I had difficulty obtaining an alcoholic beverage because I'd already lost my employee ID which shows that whether we're 21 or not. I realized I probably left it in the Rec Center but when I went in to find it, it was nowhere to be found. Luckily, my boy Andrew who I'd just met earlier while he was working there was thoughtful enough to give it to the security guard who was then in the process of tracking me down. He eventually found me at the Pub. It all worked out.

The pub had TV, which doesn't seem to be available too many places here. It had foosball, pool, darts, good 'ol arcade games, and quite a bit of food to chose from. So, that seems like it could be a decent hangout once it gets dark and us humans are at the mercy of the bears.

Time to go to breakfast before the a thrilling bout of training sessions. I'll try and put more up later, and maybe a few photos.