The First of the Lasts

Today I started realizing that I'm going through the first of the lasts - the last times I'll get to do things on my CP. It's bittersweet... I'm ready and excited to move on to my PI, but I'm going to miss Kilimanjaro Safaris. I'm going to miss all the animals, I'm going to miss my fellow drivers, I'm going to miss chasing poachers...

I had to be at work at 7am this morning (so no New Years celebrations for me! I didn't even stay up to see the ball drop!) and since I was in so early, I knew I would be opening up a truck and getting it ready to take out on safari. I didn't realize until I was heading out to the Reserve that this was the last time I would be doing that, since the rest of my shifts this week are later shifts and the trucks will already be out. 

We had EMH this morning, and there was nearly NO ONE in line for about that entire hour. When there is no line, safaris have to be sent empty with no guests in order to keep the trucks from getting backed up at the loading docks. My very first safari of the day was empty - just me and the animals. It was still kind of cool and foggy in the morning, and it was so peaceful. It was a great chance to say a little goodbye to all the animals. 

Today was also the first time I was hardcore yelled at by a guest (and hopefully it will also be the last during my CP). It was for something that I had nothing to do with. A note to future CPers... guests will get angry at you, no matter how hard you try or how nice you are. They will get angry at you for doing your job correctly. They will get angry at you for trying to keep them safe. They will get angry at you for things you did not do/had no control over/were not even remotely involved with. Just brush it off and keep your smile on, and don't let their attitude affect how you deal with your next guest. My next guest was a little girl who had ridden Kilimanjaro Safaris for the very first time that morning and was back now for her second safari, since this was her new favorite ride. :)

Wednesday will be my last day of work. I'll have LOTS of lasts on that day... I'm getting sad just thinking about it...