So way back in the early spring, I faxed in an application to GNP for a permit to hike the CDT section through the Park SOBO in July. I gave them dates, but said that really, anytime this summer, and any route, would do.
Time passed. I didn't hear from them. I went hiking for the whole month of April, which is when the permit lottery begins. Occasionally I'd be in cell range and check my email, but didn't see anything from the Park.
I got home to Montana and still didn't hear anything. One day I even scrolled through the hundreds of emails in the spam folder to see it if was in there. Nothing, although enough time had passed that emails dating from the middle of April had already been deleted automatically.
Last Friday I was in Apgar for work and had a few spare minutes so I dropped by the Backcountry Permit office. I asked about my application. The ranger dug it out. He glanced and it and said, "You got exactly what you asked for."
Huh? Knock me over with a feather! Woohoo! I'm going hiking for a week in July!