Sue's Blog (6)

Here I am already a month into the work here at Mt. Rushmore. So far we have had a mixed bag of weather, snow,rain and sunshine. Sometime all in one day. We just about have a full working crew and can settle down for the summer. One or two have washed out already, other's moved into new position. The RV park we stay in, is all but full. The new owner of Xanterra Parks and Resorts have started putting their changes in place. More will be coming as time goes by. Business has been steady. We make o… Continue

Winter is about over, Spring is in the air in the desert. We have had some nice rains this winter and the desert is far greener than I thought it would or could be. The bushes that looked dead are green with life and ready to put on a show of color. I have not done much beyond eating and sleeping this whole winter. I did reads some good books. I have taken some side trips each month but all in all I have rested. Lost a brother this last Nov. but did get to visit with him before I came West. One… Continue

10/20/08 Since I have not been able to secure a winter position that I want, I have decided to head for the desert of West Arizona and sit out the winter. I love the fall season here in Southwest Missouri with the maple trees turning the leaves every color of red and yellow that you can think of. In sight of my window now is a maple that is deep reds and rust and in a few more week will be a wonderful tree to behold. Now I have never lived around or on a desert so this will be a new experience f… Continue

I have completed my first seasonal contract and can't wait to go back. The job at Furnace Creek was withdrawn. They are asking for full time employment and I don't want full time. I don't mean 40 hours for a few months, I mean day in and day out for 12 months a year type fulltime. At this time in my life I just want to work for a few months then go do something else some place else. But this has been a summer to remember. I have worked with some wondeful people. People you want as life friend. T… Continue

Getting braced for the big day at Mt. Rushmore, the 3rd and 4th they expect somewhere between 20-30,000 people. While working in the gift shop that will seem like 3/4th of them will be kids. Just joking they come along with the money. I saw their display last year and it is well worth the effort to go see it. Best way if your not working there is to get a ticket for one of the many buses that will be taking people up. It will cost about $20 and is the only way to go. They take you to the front s… Continue

I have almost two full weeks under my belt working for Xanterra at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial Park. The Xanterra staff could not be more helpful nor supportive. I am working with some really nice people both retired and those from other countries. I found out real quick that I have gotten out of shape in the year I have been retired. So it is taking some time to toughen up to the standing on my feet for 8 hours. But I do enjoy talking with people that come into the gift shop. I am thinking a… Continue