GRAND JUNCTION ROUND 2





Nice hotel, shame about the non smoking rooms 


 The ever changing face of the 2010 national US Census never ceases to amaze! The Group Quarters
Crew Leader task that I did back in January was so successful that we managed to work ourselves out
of a job. The operation was completed some 4 weeks ahead of schedule and now we have nothing to
do until the training of Enumerators starts in late March. The Bureau has decided they only need 4 Crew
Leaders of the original 15 to do this task so we are demoted to Enumerators ourselves. Needless to
say this did not please me but you have to go with the flow.

 Wednesday this week and I'm asked to be a Crew Leader for another phase called ETL.  Yet more
training so another week long trip to Grand Junction to get up to speed for this one. Same hotel as last
time so at least I know where I'm going even if I'm not 100% sure of what ETL is all about?


 

ETL = Transit Locations

 The week is done! Back to Crew Leader status again for the ETL phase which will see me dashing
across 4 counties in the pursuit of RV parks and campgrounds. I have just over a week to visit about 60
parks and campsites within a 150 mile radius and see if they will be open and if anyone is using them
as their primary place of residence. Then train my team of up to 16 Enumerators and send them out to
complete the task with all the forms and questionnaires. That will keep me busy until April Fool's Day
and then maybe move into one of the other phases myself.

 The course was completed in the hotel which I have to say was very pleasant even though it was a non
smoking establishment so my nicotine levels were at an all time low, but I survived. Having now been
through 3 of these week long training sessions it was a little easier to follow along having seen the way
it is run. However 63 is not a good classroom age but at least this time most of the info was relevant so
sit back and soak it up like a sponge. 


 

Trying to stay awake in the classroom


 I'm rather looking forward to all the driving to some of these obscure places once I have planned all the
daily routes to maximize my efforts.


 
"Team Census" rally cross in the Colorado mountains


 With the course complete at around 1430 over to the main Census office and pick up all our
paperwork, books, supplies and so forth and then with a full car time to take on the 200 mile trip home
with a forecast of 5-10" of yet more snow! Fortunately not a flake and a very pleasant drive home
through the mountains without incident or problems. On arrival in Dolores good news to see there
has been a major thaw and I should be able to get in my workshop in the very near future.



 
Some very heavy forms

 A day off today to play Pool and enjoy a few GT's as I'm out of working hours but come Sunday right
back into the planning phase. Pool came and went with yet  ANOTHER 4th place! I drew No6 and
somehow got a bye in the first round but then drew Joe, our semi professional, in round 2. Well I got
to break, not that it helped, and Joe quickly set about clearing the table and at this stage it looked as
though I was not going to get a shot but then he missed one and let me in and I potted a quick 5, but
left myself a difficult "all or nothing" double along the bottom rail with the 8 in a prime position. The
double didn't come off and Joe polished off the last two for his win.

 Now time to get out the big map and see where all my assignments are and draw up some sort of
daily routing and see if any night stops are required.






Never know who you will meet in the high country !

 Well overnight yet more fun! When I took those nice dogs out it was actually raining but
at some stage it changed to snow and I have yet another 3" to deal with on today's southern
loop of the state.


TONY DOWN