Bats

Wanting to try out my new bike, I put on my helmet and climbed on. Unfortunately the seat was a little high, so I lost my balance and fell. Thankfully a large prickly pear cactus caught my fall. I spent a good 15 minutes pulling out over a hundred spikes from my leg. They didn't hurt a whole ton, just stung a bit and itched afterwards.

As planned, one of my coworkers and I went for a hike down Bright Angel Trail on Sunday, just down to Mile-and-a-Half House and back. It's not a bad hike at all, and I'm getting more used to the elevation I feel. Problem was even though I wasn't in uniform I couldn't help but check on the other hikers to make sure they had enough food and water, and they weren't being dumb. Since we both work for NPS we often would ask how folks were doing, and stop to chat with them. Surprisingly I felt great after the hike!

Sunday evening we invited over some friends of my cousin and roommate. We called it our Burgers and Fries Girls Night. We hung out and chatted, having a blast just hanging out together. Later I had to walk over to the house I was taking care of, and one of the girls kept me company on my walk. We had a blast talking and laughing, trying not to fall in the dark. I had my headlamp, but we didn't use it that often unless cars were coming by. On our way back there were some bats flying near one of the very few street lights. Apparently the bat wanted to get up close and personal, as he flew right into my face. I didn't scream hardly at all, just a little "Eek!" It was pretty funny. It was honestly a blast though, walking and talking and just hanging out under the gorgeous starry sky!

As for Monday, I spent the day meandering, helping folks out, and setting up for the star party. Star Parties are when we have volunteer astronomers come in and set up telescopes for the public to gaze through in order to see the stars. It's pretty awesome, but can cause a traffic jam for those not paying attention. The set up went well, and the sky cleared up beautifully for viewing. As I wasn't getting off work until late, one of my friends picked me up. We went out for a walk along the rim later. How different the village is after dark! It was an awesome hike, and I didn't even realize how long we had been out.

Today I was working a regular shift, and got to meet some great folks. At one point this little toddler told me his name was Chris. I told him my name, and his older sister said "You're my cousin!" since she had a cousin by the same name. For the next half hour the three children followed me around talking my ear off. It was incredibly cute. Earlier in the day I had to reach into my pack for something, and I told the visitors I was helping that much like Dora the Explorer I had a handy pack, but unfortunately I did not have a trusty sidekick.

I'm not sure I could keep count of the number of people who daily ask me if I wouldn't mind just being their personal park guide, and if I would travel with them. It's pretty kind of them, and I have to laugh. I love this job! I have a blast talking to people and they are typically very friendly. I still throw in a little French now and then, and as of the end of last week I signed up to be a sign language interpreter in case of emergencies. That way if they have someone who needs help who signs they'll call me. I'm pretty excited!!

Well I haven't eaten dinner, and today my lunch was cut short so I couldn't eat then, so I'd better go find some food!