Another Season...

Today was the last day of food service at Sheep Mountain Lodge for this season. Well, technically we are offering breakfast during a short period in the morning, just open to cabin guests. Many of the summer employees have left already. College students that needed to get back to school left about three weeks ago. We peaked at 11 employees...we're at 5 now.

Last Wednesday I went on my last hike. I went with a co-worker Wendy, the owner Anjanette, a neighbor Jan and her golden retriever Misty. We drove over to Lion's Head and climbed the trail to the top. We brought along a lunch and ate when we stopped on the peak. On our trip down we stopped along the way and picked wild cranberries and blueberries.

The weather is still nicer than I expected. it is a bit chilly in the morning, but warms up to the low 50s. Not much precipitation...a shower here and there. The colors are fantastic. They started changing very slowly about a month ago, now they might be just a little past peak. Another interesting color change that is just beginning to occur is the many snowshoe hares in the area are starting to pick up their white winter coats. Interesting because right now it's just their ears and legs with a little around their nose and belly.

I made a little more money than I expected. Encountered some wildlife I previously did not. Met some interesting people. Quite a variety in my work with some challenges once in awhile. The crew got along well with each other too. One word for the season...smoooooth.

Tomorrow we will finish deep cleaning the main lodge and cabins. And we'll have a little party after. Tuesday we'll finish up with outside work and Hillside House, where the employees stay in the summer. A couple of co-workers will leave as soon as we finish.

I'm leaving Wednesday morning. I'll grab a ride with Alaska Direct Bus Lines and explore the entire West Glenn Highway including the Tok Cut-off. It will pick me up around 8:30 in the morning and take me into Tok, before returning all the way to Anchorage. Then it's a flight to Hawaii, then onto Las Vegas, then I'll be back at the Kay El Bar on the 22nd.