NOTE: The next few posts were written a few days ago when I was without internet. Sorry in advance for those of you who get these posts via email and are about to be bombarded.

3/27/11 – 8:15am

Horrah! I am back at Canyonlands! Words cannot describe how good it feels. This morning as soon as I woke up I ran to the window to soak in my first look. And there she was, exactly as I had remembered, greeting me with another glorious day. It even smells the same. Oh happy day!

By the time I got to the road that leads to the park last night it was pitch dark and raining, so I couldn’t see a thing. It was a very strange feeling to be driving the road like that, as it seemed so familiar and strangely foreign at the same time. I recognized the curves in the road just well enough not to anticipate them and spent the entire time trying to imagine what the view really looked like through the dark. I have to admit I was a little disappointed when I pulled into the housing area. Even though it was late I half-expected to see a group out on a porch or around the campfire as was common in my summer days here. But alas, lights were on but curtains were pulled. All was quiet this Saturday night. Not that I could really blame them – it was after all about 35 degrees and raining.

Now I am sitting in my pajamas in Austin’s living room, reintroducing myself to the glories of government housing (no cable, no internet… I will post this entry sometime later when I can get myself to the library… oh and did I mention a faulty fire alarm that went off in the middle of the night? It’s so good to be back!), waiting for the sun to burn off the chilly air so I can go unpack my car. Even while I write this my eyes are still glued to the window. It’s early still, and pretty quiet, but every car I see come through the entrance station gives me a little rush of joy. Every movement in the grass, every bird in the air, every cloud and it’s changing light – I am just so happy to be back.

I’ve seen some friends from my window too. I am especially curious to see the unfamiliar faces. About half the staff is different from when I left in the fall. So far I have only seen two people meandering about, and both times it took everything I had not to run out and greet them with a big hug. But it’s cold outside and my clothes are in my car. I’ll save our reunion for later when I am freshly showered and neatly pressed. My eyes are especially drawn to the door of my old trailer, right next door to Austin and I’s new (much nicer) humble abode. I am curious to see who is sleeping in my old room and wearing my old uniform. So far, no one has emerged.

A chipmunk just scampered onto the deck. He is tiny. And adorable. AH TO BE BACK!!