Tourists

I've been working up at the Grand Canyon for the last eight days, and I'll be there for eight more next week. It's a fascinating place -- geology, archaeology, a variety of climates, and roughly five million visitors.

I don't know how many of them hike the South Kiabab trail, but it sure seems like a lot. We can work for maybe a minute before waiting half a minute for some tourists to walk by. Not exactly the most pleasant or efficient arrangement for working. On the other hand, we are treated to a nearly inexhaustible supply of comedy, enthusiasm, ill-preparedness, and insightful quips from passersby. Here's a list of some of my favorites.

Questions and observations:

1. When's that elevator going to be ready?
2. Are you guys looking for gold?
3. What are you guys doing here?
4. It's like you're in a chain gang!
5. So how long are you down here every day, like two, three hours?
6. You are destroying this place.
7. Do you have a cab coming for me?

Attire and equipment:

1. Flip flops
2. GPS units
3. Fishing poles
4. A single 12-oz bottle of Aquafina
5. Dome tents from Target with sales tags still attached
6. Compasses on strings around necks
7. Camouflage backpacks

Activities:

1. Feeding squirrels
2. Getting bit by squirrels
3. Singing along to iPods. Jimmy Buffet, since you're curious.
4. Running down the trail.
5. Dragging feet up the trail.
6. Taking pictures of grungy trail crews.
7. Crying.