diff --git a/src/aare/daq/workflows.py b/src/aare/daq/workflows.py
index 4a1fa4bc..99dcdfed 100644
--- a/src/aare/daq/workflows.py
+++ b/src/aare/daq/workflows.py
@@ -222,9 +222,13 @@ def common2dh(devs: BeamlineDevices, cfg: BeamlineConfig):
     devs.samcam_auto(AutoEnum.AUTO)
     common_2rse(devs, cfg)
     devs.samcam_auto(AutoEnum.ONCE)
+
+    if devs.tell.is_position("pPark") and devs.tell.get_mounted_sample() is None:
+        logger.info("TELL already in pPark; skipping dry/park preparation for dewar transfer")
+        return
+
     if devs.tell.get_mounted_sample() is not None:
         try:
-            # Best effort try to unmount
             devs.tell.unmount(wait=True)
         except Exception as e:
             print(f"Error for unmounting: {e}")