[Geysers] balloon vendor at Old Faithful

[JOHN WARNOCK]

Greetings: While in the park last week my friend Cindy wanted to watch Old Faithful from "up close".  So we joined the anxious throngs anticipating the mid-day eruption.  As I stood there I saw a women making balloon animals.  She had an apron on with plenty of waiting-to-be-created empty ribbons of rubber.  I was shocked and then starting looking for the peanut and beer and cotton candy vendors...unfortunately they never appeared.  To make matters worse, in my opinion, the ranger on duty placed a balloon octopus on her hat where it remained until the eruption was complete.  I know I should have said something at the time but being shy I kept my mouth shut. When I returned to Colorado I wrote to the folks at Mammoth and told them what I had seen.  Within 2 days I was informed my letter had been sent to the district  ranger for Old Faithful, Katy.   Within another 2 days Katy sent me a letter and said the women had  not been selling the balloons (I bet she wasn't turning down tips either!) which would have been in violation of park regulations.  She also thanked me for my respect for the uniform, which I interpreted as she told her staff that that behavior was not acceptable.   I was pleased with her response and the efficiency and speed with which it was processed.  Hopefully they will keep a close eye on the "street vendor mentality" which has no place in our National parks. That's all; John Warnock    		 	   		  
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