Last week we spent my second “in between jobs” week in the Grand Canyon. Since I was starting my job on Monday, I also had to navigate the logistics of getting my device and preparing to begin working.
Reunited in time for a Grand Canyon sunset!
This was the best week so far for our RV road trip adventure. Not only did we spend it in the Grand Canyon, but I was off from work AND my Mom and Aunt came to visit. Neither of them had really traveled since the beginning of the pandemic, so after they got their vaccinations, they decided to fly out to Phoenix and visit us at one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. I hadn’t seen my Aunt in over 14 months and my mom since the beginning of the trip. It was awesome to share this experience with them (neither had ever seen the canyon), but also have someone to keep an eye on the girls, so that Kailah and I could spend some dedicated time together.
Mid-hike back up the Bright Angel trail
The week was highlighted by a 6 mile round trip hike into the canyon and back on the Bright Angel trail. As I’m sure you can imagine, this trek definitely requires some physical fitness. It switchbacks down into the steep bank of the canyon, through rock overhangs, getting warmer as you descend (I read that for every thousand feet of descent, you gain 5 degrees Fahrenheit). The views are spectacular and in the spring, the temps are very reasonable. So despite the climb, it’s easily one of the best hiking experiences I’ve had.
In addition to the Bright Angel hike, we also walked the rim trail (which I would recommend for all fitness levels), drove the south rim and took a day trip down to beautiful Sedona, Arizona. I could write about all of these experiences in detail, but since this is a WFA blog, I’ll try and stay focused.
Enjoying the views!
As for work, it was hard for me to believe I’d be starting that following Monday. In order to be ready, I had my new company send my device (computer and docking station) to my sister in law in Washington. We were meeting them on Sunday, after ~15 hours of driving up to Idaho, at an Air BnB in Boise. These are logistics I never thought I would need to stress about. Fortunately, they received the package and remembered to bring it to me.
I also had never started a new job remotely before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Normally you show up, someone greets you, you get your badge, get settled into your desk, go to orientation etc.. All I could do was turn on my computer and wait for my first meeting. Fortunately, my new boss sent meetings to my Gmail, so I could at least be prepared for my first few days.
Time alone together for a second GC sunset!
One thing I did want to note for anyone looking to work from the Grand Canyon, is that it’s absolutely possible. During the drive in, we didn’t have any service. But when we arrived at the RV park and campground, I had ~50-100 mbps download speed with Verizon. I could have easily held video calls and managed anything else that I needed to.
Well that’s all for this week. My next post will be all about starting a new remote job on the road and the challenges it brings. Fortunately, we’re renting a house with family (and wifi), so as long as I can hide from the kids, I should have a smooth first week.
Cheers!
Kyle
Office and technical gear links:
Moonbeam Noise Dampening Curtains
Connection Gear:
30 GB usage Verizon Jetpack MIFI 8800L
30 GB usage 5G MIFI M2100
30 GB usage utilizing my iPhone as a hotspot on the “Get More Unlimited” plan
Current usage trend: 0 GB / work day (No work this week!!!).