Glacier 2023:  Just when I thought I was out ….

It is always fun to get a Godfather quote out there.  Something that no one under 30 would get unless they are a cinephile.  Which is truly such an uncomfortable word on its own, even when used IN context.  Anyway, I guess I’m just pandering to the more ‘mature’ followers in the GoatBoy herd. 

Let’s trace the steps.  So maybe in mid-late-November, I was jonesing for a little drama.  Glacier style.  With a raven and stuff.  Maybe I went on the Xanterra employment website.  Maybe they had just posted the Red Bus Driver 2023 positions (which I take a good look at in this post).  And maybe, just maybe, I didn’t update ANYTHING in my profile. 

You know, I just submitted all of my out-of-date stuff from 2020.  One click and done.  Call me Mr. Lazy.  Am I that good?  Is that confident?  Or is it I just don’t care?

Then, on December 7^th, a day that will live in my personal infamy, I got a call from David Eglsaer.  Head of GNPL Transportation.  Who has hired me three times before? Here is how it went.  With just a smidge of GoatBoy poetic license, naturally.

Come on.  How could I not?  I’m driving one of the top ten scariest roads in America.  Trying to give commentary 80% of the time with a speech impediment.  In a million-dollar irreplaceable vintage motor coach. 

And thinking the entire time “Is that loudmouth a-hole Baby Boomer with his knees in the back of my seat trying to show off the Millennial hottie glued to his hip ever going to just shut up and give me a couple of 20s?”

In reality, at the end of the day, just returning to base without an accident or fatality is the unspoken ‘win’ that all Jammers strive for.  Yeah, being a Red Bus driver is the hardest summer job I’ve ever had.  More honestly, THE hardest work I have EVER done in my life.  I had to really put myself out there.  Physically, emotionally, and mentally.  That’s a lot to lay on the table for total strangers every day from the time you wake up until you taste that first beer at sunset.

So how could I say no?  Returning as a veteran.  Knowing what I know.  Understanding there are guidelines to follow and rules to be applied with a heavy dose of liberal subjectivity. 

Yes, I was made for another season.  Maybe get a couple more of those C-note tips (NOT wrapped around a room key).  Maybe be able to top the 1,000 miles of hiking mark in under three full seasons.  Most of all, maybe (JUST maybe), avoid bears for three months.  It feels great to be this old and still have real goals and dreams to fulfill!