General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Bye bye, DU. [View all]2naSalit
(87,547 posts)It's not like it has ever been before. All expectation from years past have flown out the window just like any expectation that the drumpf would never get as far as he has in the election cycle. In 2014 the vsitor count was 3.6million visitors, 2015 4.2million... this year probably gonna hit 5 million. The infrastructure can barely handle what happened last year and even the Superintendent admitted that "We are in crisis mode with the numbers we are seeing." And changing any policy that would be effective will take at least two years to implement due to the need for public comment periods and all the due process involved in changing a public policy.
I've been here for over a decade and been a ranger up till this year... it's a madhouse from day one, the park has been open since 4/15 the campgrounds and lodgings open Friday and most were already booked for this by August last year unless there are cancellations. I refuse to work there ever again until there is a cap on how many people can enter/day. We're anticipating 5 million visitors this year, I'm even bailing out of the area and shopping for new digs away from here... and this has been my life for a long time. Most of the local businesses are selling to three entities, half of them sold in the past 6 months. The entities are Delaware North (a huge corporation); Panama Papers-rich Chinese (all transactions cash in fist-a tell-tale sign); and Mitt Romney and friends/extended family. I know all these sellers so I am not just blowing steam.
I do hope you have a wonderful trip, just anticipate lots of traffic delays throughout the park and things you never ever want to see going on inside a national treasure like this.
And have a safe journey... and I sincerely do hope you beat most of the crowds but they have learned to show up on day one and keep coming until closing in November.