When I arrived at the desk for work
at about seven this morning, there were only ninety departures scheduled for
the day. I don't remember ever seeing the number of check-outs being that low. I
didn’t feel fully awake when I got to the desk, but it didn’t really matter
since the lobby was so empty. Cristina, Rebecca and I knew it was going to be a
long, slow morning, especially considering the fact that quite a few people
don't even come to the desk to check out, but just leave the keys in their
room. The only thing that occasionally makes check-outs a little more difficult
is if there's a problem with the bill, but even that doesn't happen very often.
By the time I went to lunch the
number of departures remaining had dropped from ninety down to about twenty.
The rest of the shift was mainly just the three of us browsing the internet on
our computers and occasionally checking people in that came in early. It was a
very easy shift.
Cristina and I left at three, came
back to our room, and relaxed until about 5:30, when we headed to dinner. We
met and sat with Nate, Tanner and Brian in the EDR. They’d all had the day off,
and had spent most of it going for a long hike over in Paintbrush Canyon. They
looked a little worn out, but also happy.
Tomorrow I go into work at three,
which I’m happy about. If I had to choose between being at the desk at seven in
the morning or eleven o’clock at night, I’d prefer the latter. Both shifts have
their typical busy times and slow times, and overall I’d say that the later
shift is busier. I still like it better though. When I looked at the schedule I
saw that we have about 190 expected arrivals for tomorrow, which is more than
we’ve had in a while, but not overwhelming. Hopefully we have at least a couple
of tours coming in. Sunday looks really easy for the later shift, with only
exactly one hundred check-ins to take care of. Cristina and Nate, who work the
earlier shift that day, will be really busy though; there’s about 230
check-outs scheduled. Even though check-outs are easier, I think that their
shift that day will be harder than mine.
It definitely feels like the season
is very close to its end. I can tell that some employees have already left; the
EDR doesn’t feel as full at meals anymore. There are also a few signs up in
employee areas asking if anyone wants to stay a few extra days to help the
lodge close up for the winter. The end is definitely near…
I work with Jen, Felix and Sofi for the next
two days. Then on Monday I work with David, Maggie and Jen, before beginning my
next and last weekend here in this park. I have nine more full days here until
I head back home. Yes, I’m pretty much counting down at this point. I still
love this place, but I’m ready to be back in San Antonio.
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