The Arrival

Yesterday, I drove about 6 hours to finally arrive at the Grand Tetons. About every ten minutes driving, I was in awe due to the amazing scenery I was seeing. Unfortunately, it rained the entire time driving until I got to Jackson Hole. I also was forced to drive about 6 miles on a dirt/mud road in the mountains due to construction. If you are wondering why I was in awe, here is the reason (I added the new pictures onto the end of the old ones). I am really perplexed to why more people don't live in Wyoming. When I arrived, I checked in and talked to one of my bosses within 1/2 an hour, and had the rest of the day to myself. However, the human resources department told me that somebody had accidentally cut the wrong line, and we were without internet and all phone (cell and landlines) for who knows how long. I was this close to telling them that I used to work for CT Communications and would have NEVER made that error, but I chose not to. I went to my room, and my roommate had a lot of stuff on my bed, dresser, etc., and I chose not to mess with it. I then chose to ride my bike around when I came to a turnabout overlooking the Tetons. I thought that was amazing. However, at the time, I had no idea I would be seeing better views of the Tetons multiple times a day every day. After the ride, I chose to walk around Jackson Lake Lodge, where I am staying/working. I ventured into a bar, but only for some iced tea and some ESPNews which was on. I practically became best friends with the bartenders. Not only did I get as many free glasses of Iced Tea as I wanted, but they also changed the station to the Cubs! After the Cubs won, I came back to find my roommate in the room. His name is Revon and is from Jamaica. He is incredibly nice, and I think he'll be a great roommate. Unfortunately, he has been having problems with his visa. He will find out tomorrow if he gets to stay or if he has to go back to Jamaica, so please keep him in your prayers. Luckily, we did receive our phone and internet service back this morning, which was also the first day on the job for me. I shadowed a trainee (a person who is training to be a float guide) today for my training. His name is Spencer and was a driver last year and will also drive this year when not guide training. He was an excellent teacher, and I think I already have everything down. That is until I actually try to do the stuff on my own. The Snake River, where our boats go down is currently higher and flowing faster than anytime in recent history. Due to that and rain for half the day, I was not around any guests today. However, I did get to help with the launch and pickup of a boat where a guide was scouting the waters. I got some practice in backing in a trailer, and I am a lot better at it than I thought I would be. While riding, I saw elk, pronghorns, pelicans, and a moose. I was told that I will absolutely see bears and bison, which I am pretty excited about. Since entering the park, I have not yet met one unhappy/rude person, whether it be an employee or guest. The guys I work with are some of the greatest people I've met. Spencer told me the float crews are pretty much like a fraternity. Although I wouldn't mind doing another job here, but I don't think anything here could be better than working with the floats. I am real excited about this summer, but really do hope it doesn't rain as much as it already has. Apparently, last year, it rained 26 days in June. I hope that doesn't repeat.

Take Care,
Adam Conrad