It’s been an amazing experience.
The best part of my time here has been making friends with park rangers. There are common threads that bind rangers together. Their awareness and appreciation for the wilderness is a given. But with that comes a spirit of loving the living. That includes human beings. I have never come across a group so kind and accepting of me as I have these past 12 days. They have taught me so much about what really matters in life.
Jay. Kindred spirits from the moment we met.
World traveller, Frannie (second from left) after winning a beer by throwing a quarter into the mouth of a wolf at The Spike.
Philosopher Allison at her station at Savage Creek.
Jen taught us how to play Mexican dominoes. She makes great cole slaw too.I should have photographed Brandy...
It is with some trepidation that I make this post. I certainly do not want to offend anyone. On the other hand I am struck, as Kent has alluded to, by what a beautiful group of people he has met during his adventure. When I look at the pictures of the Rangers I can't get over how they seem to glow, their energy jumping right out of my computer screen. I'm sure this is in part because of Kent's skill as a photographer but also because they love what they are doing and it is bubbling right out of them. The shots of the Interps on the tour bus and the train are especially animated. As I look at them I can't help but wonder how many lower 48 jerks they have to put up with (Geezer's like me, for example)during the day. As I often do when struck by a thought I have indulged my poetic license in an attempt at humor. here goes my ode to a Ranger
ReplyDeleteThere’s caribou, and grizzly bear, and scores of arctic hare,
Indeed the prettiest wildlife, you’ll find most anywhere.
But beauty took my breath away, in a tour bus full of strangers.
When I first saw, and fell in love, with a Denali National Park Ranger.
Her uniform was crisp and clean, her Ranger hat so cool.
She spoke with passion and eloquence, certainly no fool.
To the landscape, I was obvious, my eyes were all for her.
Hiking boots are sexy hot, on the feet of that Interp Ranger.
The blood was rushing to my head, her words weren’t very clear.
But I knew I must do something quick, with the tour end drawing near.
As we disembarked, I lingered last, my pride I was willing to wager,
That perhaps this lonely, wretched man, could date the Interp Ranger.
Concern on her face, as I tried to speak, her hand upon my shoulder.
My stomach churned, no words came out, though her action made me bolder.
Then she turned in fear and finally panic, sprinkled with a bit of anger,
Because when I spoke, it was box lunch puke, in the face of the Denali Park Ranger.
That's great Wade, thanks for taking the chance!
ReplyDeleteAs allways great photos.
BD
Goodbye everyone. It has been great sharing this adventure with you. I'm off to Alaska tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteJeanne, Jessie, Debra, Kent, and all the bloggers and blogees...till next we meet again...
Wade you are a total romantic.
Wade, I have a feeling your poem will be copied, printed and hung where the female Rangers gather!
ReplyDeleteBarb, have a blast on your trip. Will you be having a blog as well? It's been great fun, see you at the screening....
I think Sara needs to keep Wade away from Denali . . . he may never come back!
ReplyDeleteAwesome poem Wade!
ReplyDeleteHey Kent!
ReplyDeleteJay sent me your blog address and I finally have time to check it out. Who ever Wade is: I love his poem. He can be absolutely certain that his Ode to a ranger will be on our office wall in Toklat. Great photos, and I'm glad you were able to share a bit of our summer here with us in Denali. You're welcome back any time.
Cheers!
Jennifer from Toklat
Interpretation Ranger