[azbackpackr]

I've started a job here: www.hiddenmeadow.com I'm training to be a "recreation lead" person. I will take guests hiking, teach them fly fishing, do leather crafts and wood working, and occasionally canoeing on a pond there. Also archery and BB guns. Sounds like summer camp, doesn't it? They say I will be working with a lot of kids, as many families go to this place.

Anyway, I am still in the learning phase, have only worked two days there last weekend, and today I start a four-day week there. It's 17 miles from my house, including 7 miles of dirt. Always the possibility of seeing elk, deer, antelope, or other animals on the way there, too!

When we came back from our winter in Yuma in early March I looked around to see what jobs I could do that were mostly outdoors. I don't want to spend my life indoors! First, I got the job driving the school bus, which at least will keep me from being stuck indoors all day. School is out for the summer right now, though. I applied for 5 Forest Service jobs, but didn't get one. Oh, well. I also still have that job sewing backpacks for wildland firefighters, which I'll be doing when I'm not working at Hidden Meadow. It's indoors, but I need the work.

[jeffmacewen]

The Forest Service is notorious for seeking out "Status candidates." Just FYI...

[writelots]

I just got finished with 3 days of field work for my regular job - 3 days spent in the sun getting poked by cacti and mesquites along an urban wash in 100+ heat. Oh, and then there are the grass burrs in my socks.

It's just the right remedy for my temporary need for outdoor work...I go "oh, yeah, THAT's why I like working indoors in the summer!" as I wash off the three inch-thick layer of dirt and sunblock off my skin and pick cactus thorns out of my ankle. That's reserved for FUN time, not WORK!

[azbackpackr]

The Forest Service is notorious for seeking out "Status candidates." Just FYI...

If I do have any status, I assume it's LOW!

I have worked outdoors in summer in Tucson, Writelots! Hot!

Today at Hidden Meadow it was actually warm enough to wear a t-shirt without a long-sleeved shirt over it!

Today while I was there we watched a bull elk whose antlers are still in the fuzzy velvet stage. When we wanted him to look at us we whistled at him. He would look up, and seem to be annoyed with us, "Hey, can't you see I'm busy eating?" He was grazing like a cow, near some cabins and horse corrals. Saw several muley does today, too.

[jeffmacewen]

"Status" = previous federal service.

[azbackpackr]

Oh, ok. I know they were making inquiries at one time because they called one of my references. However, the reference also knew the person who called him. So I just don't know... I never did get an interview. That one was for archaeology tech. I also put in for range aid, biological aid, lookout (I had heard they were going to hire the fill-in who goes to both Big Lake and Green's Peak) and also information receptionist. One thing I didn't do was go back down there and talk to people I know to see who is interviewing for each of those jobs. Last time I went to the district to buy a cutting permit I realized that every person I saw in there, other than the new guy at the desk, was either a friend or an acquaintance.

On the other hand, when I'm at Hidden Meadow I almost have to pinch myself to realize, gee, they are paying me to be here! (Instead of the other way around--guests pay about $600 a night.)