The Work Away Experience

For the past two weeks, I have called the Cowboy Bunkhouse home. This is where I work, sleep, eat and have an opportunity to meet people from all over the world and within the United States. To be honest the first few days I wasn't sure I would last three weeks. I am happy to say I am enjoying the experience and will certainly try it again.

Upon my arrival I was swept into a quick introduction to "meal time," where all the Work Awayers (WA) and the owners sit down and have dinner together every night at 6:30. So not my thing. However it has been a nice way to get to know one another and try new foods. Since each evening a different WA prepares the meals. Most of the WA are between 19 - 23 except for a couple who are the same age as me.

Some of my fellow WA. Beth the only other girl is my shift partner.

I am fortunate to have a room to myself and the shared bathrooms and showers are clean. I should know, since part of my work is to clean them. Other parts of my job are to check in guests, set up breakfast, cook dinner and assist with projects. Rolling out of bed 5 minutes before have to be at work as been a nice change of pace.

The best part of the experience has been having a group of people to hike and explore with. I enjoy hiking on my own, but am able to hike more difficult terrain when with a group. I am cautious when hiking alone. Plus the millenials push me to hike trails I would not pick for myself. I have hiked  8 mile and 10 mile trails in Bryce Canyon. The later had a 3000 ft elevation change.

Two of my hiking buddies. Getting ready to go up the Riggs Trail.

Kanab itself is a small town of 5000 people. There is a great library, park, an excellent ice-cream shop, and some fine restaurants. It has been a pleasure to not deal with any traffic! I can walk and bike to everything essential. There are even tennis courts and hiking trails within 3 blocks. Three of the major National Parks as well as countless trails within the National Forest system range from 1 - 2 hours away. The weather is absolutely fabulous in the mornings and evenings, however the middle of the day is sweltering. The parks are at a higher elevation, so the temps are not as bad. Plus its a dry heat.  No shade though, so it doesn't really matter.

Fourth of July music in the park.

The hostel garden. We use the vegetables to cook evening meals.

My parking spot outside the hostel.

The pharmacy lunch counter and ice-cream shop.

Work Away is an opportunity to explore, live and experience an area for a short time period. Most places you work for 20 - 25 hours a week in exchange for room and board. I chose a hostel in order to meet fellow travelers and to be in a town. I found what I came for. 

A typical schedule.