Tripping Out, Part 3

These are all from Colorado. It rained a bit through the Rockies, but we saw some cool lightening bolts. By the time we reached Mesa Verde however, it was nice and clear and perfect for camping.

Last night A and I went to the one and only watering hole in Saint George, aptly named The One and Only Watering Hole. It's a beer-only joint, so we were hoping for a low-key atmosphere, but not so. The first step to fitting in there would be for me to gain 100 pounds, and for Andrew to lose 100. Next, I would have to get hopelessly drunk on beer alone. Next weekend we will try the bowling alley.

I dropped A off at the Las Vegas airport today (got my first glimpse of the strip/blew $5 on the airport slots). He got the job he wanted in Cedar City, and he has to fly back to the east coast, only to drive his car back across the country. I'm here alone for 7 days! I'll be working all week so I'll keep busy, but I'll be by myself for the 4th.

Tripping Out, Part 2

These are all from Kansas, I think. Note the Eisenhower mural sandwiched between a liquor store and a smoke shop.

Tomorrow at work I'm doing a 5 hour hike with the intern from Australia. We leave at 6AM.

Red Dust

Today was my first day of work and it was very busy. Right off the bat I went to two meetings, rife with beaurocratic acronyms. My main mentor is here to stay until August, and he is the BLM's head expert on bats. A couple of weeks from now we will be working with them in Nevada for a few days. This, of course, includes a complementary rabies vaccination. Fun.

Most of the day I spent out on the Arizona Strip getting acquainted with the land with the new wildlife biologist, who is basically being trained right alongside me. He has a giant scar on his arm from a rattlesnake bite. We went straight up Black Rock Mountain (one of the highest points in the area) and talked to a man that has been working as a fire patrolman for over 40 years. Needless to say, he could point out and name every mountain, canyon, and bluff. He also pointed out Colorado City, where all of the polygamists live, apparently. He told me that I could find a husband there if I wanted.

More to come soon.

Tripping out, Part1

All packed



Jesus camp in Kentucky


St. Louis arch from the car


Just when you least expect it...

Condo Condo

We just arrived at our condo after 4 full days of driving. We stayed over night in Kentucky and Kansas, then we camped in Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado. Today we drove through Zion National Park, which is normally $25 just to drive through, but we somehow got let through for free. It was so amazing to see the landscape change gradually. I know the U.S. is vast, but you don't get a true picture until you drive through it.

I have lots of pictures to share, but I'm pretty tired and I'm going to drink the ONLY beer in the condo. Tomorrow we will venture out to find St. George's only liquor store. And by liquor store, I mean the ONLY store that sells liquor, wine, or beer over 4%.

And, as you can see, we have free wireless internet access!!

Maps

A and I leave on the morning of the 18th. We have six days to drive from Virginia to southern Utah (the condo is available on the 23rd). Our plan is to try to get over to Colorado as soon as we can, then we will take it easy and camp in the Rockies, and see the world's largest ball of string (or some equivalent).

If anything, we won't starve- my mom has outfitted us with every variety of trail mix!

Maymont Park, Richmond VA

I almost stepped on this guy!


Male & female Funnel web spiders


Dragonfly copulation

Got It!

I finally got the BLM internship, and I'm going to St. George, Utah! I officially begin on June 25th. I talked to my mentor today over the phone and he sounds really nice.

A and I are moving into a resort condo for 5 months- it's pretty cheap since it's the off season. It's fully furnished so we don't have to worry about bringing anything big. There is also a pool, hot tubs, a gym, etc. I have to prepare myself for wood paneling and overstuffed furniture though.

It's going to be extremely hot there. The average high temperature in July is 103 Farenheit! However, in November we can go snowboarding in northern Utah, which I've never done. We also have plans to go to Las Vegas to see a Magic Tiger Streisand Show.