Centennial Numbers

Our fast pace at work is always high, but this year, being the Centennial year for the National Parks, it is unusually high. The local newspaper - The Jackson Hole Daily - reported yesterday on the record crowds so far this year:

"More than 292,000 recreational visitors showed up to Grand Teton National Park last month, a figure that is up 26 percent compared to 2015 and double the rate of May tourism that was recorded just 5 years ago."

The sales numbers at our visitor center reflect the increase in tourism this year. Every single day since we started work on May 26 has been a new record in sales for that day. We aren't sure if we are happy to be part of those records. All I can say is that we are very tired at the end of each day. More tired than on any job we've worked so far in the last 8 years - with the possible exception of Amazon.com. I also think that the larger crowds in the park will make it more difficult to enjoy the amenities within the park. For example, we have been used to hiking on lightly traveled trails. This year, the trails are getting heavy use and that will most likely impact the number of animals spotted along these trails. That does not affect the beautiful scenery, so that will not change.

Our final work day of the week is today, so we will be anxious to see 4:15PM come along. We hope to get out and do some things to enjoy the area, including our first hike of the season. We will witness the increase in visitors firsthand and will let you know the effects from our perspective...