First let me say that was the fastest 2 1/2 days of my life!  I also need to add what a way to travel!   I thoroughly enjoyed my trip from Bellingham Washington to Haines Alaska on the 50 year old Alaska Marine Highway.   Now, mind you, it is not cheap.  If you take your vehicle you will drop a cool $1,000 for the privilege of riding the ferry.   The only consolation is that the driver is "free" :-) It is expensive, but so is gasoline along the Alcan Highway. If you drive, you do the driving…

Day 1- Wednesday 27 March 2013

This winter/spring season, I am working at Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona.  Those of you that have read my blog in previous years know that this is not my first time in the town.  I had worked at a small dude ranch on the other side of town, the Kay El Bar, for a few seasons.  Our work week runs from Wednesday to Tuesday…

This packing guide is meant for those taking a bus or plane as opposed to a personal vehicle, though anybody may find it useful. These items will easily fit into a 30" duffel, especially if you use space saver bags for your clothing. At the end of the article I'll discuss the best way to pack everything in order to minimize breakage/spillage.

The Items

1. Clothing: One week's worth, with a dozen pairs of…

So do you remember growing up there were always things you wanted to be sure you did sometime in your lifetime?  For me traveling to Alaska was always a fantasy of mine.  Not really sure why ..... heck it gets really cold in Alaska and I've been living in Texas for the last 40 years.  My wife and many of my friends frankly think I'm nuts.  Why travel 4000 miles, risking life and limb, so you can (1) cope with sub-freezing temperatures, (2) enjoy a communal bathroom at 2am, (3) haul water…

I am beyond annoyed with our supposed representatives in D.C. They need to get to work- for we, the people. This is the letter I sent to both my Senators and my Congressman this morning. 

Dear Senator,

This whole sequestration matter is ridiculous. I am sure there are thousands of ways to cut the budget without affecting services to our veterans and certainly without delaying the opening of the summer season for our National…

During the chat last night I tried to capture people's interpretations of the things they gain from seasonal work and the things they have to give up to do seasonal work.  Here are some thoughts from the tribe.

GAINS

Things You Get To Do:

• Hiking
• Biking
• Kayaking
• Rafting
• Learn to ski
• Have fun
• Sit outside and watch the animals walk by…

I'm still in the interview process, but have a final phone interview tomorrow with the fine people up at Coldfoot.  I've done some pretty intensive research about the place, working there, and all the likes, but I would love it if someone who has worked a summer up there could fill me in on what it's really like.  I am beyond excited, and keeping my fingers, toes, and eyes (lol) crossed for a job offer tomorrow. Anyone who hasn't…

Here's my first blog post and plead for Congress to not cut funding to our National Parks. Here's a bit about me and why I think it's important.

Click here for more information from the NPCA - National Park Conservation Association - about why I'm concerned.

I lead a split professional life. The bulk of my time is spent…

I am wondering, at what point should I make a final selection about summer work? I have not received any papers in the mail to sign yet--but places keep calling asking about what I want to do for the summer...I don't want to lead anyone on but I also do not feel like getting left out in the rain if one or two places fall through. Any experiences? Advice? Opinions?

Well - I have been off the blog for a LONG time!!

I moved from Ketchikan to Kenai, Alaska. Got a job at the Kenai Convention & Visitors Bureau as the assistant to the executive director. That was so fun, since the Kenai Visitors Center is not just an info spot but also the city museum, a meeting space and a gift shop. I learned so much more about tourism and the tourism industry at the job. I stayed there for 1.5 years then it was time to relocate again to Anchorage! To the "big…

Brooke put together a slideshow from collected photos from staff.

I'm planning on returning this summer.

r.

Well I handed in my 2-week notice at work last night :) Manager was a bit surprised and co-workers are all asking "why???"

Not sure why everyone is so surprised cuz I have been searching for new jobs for months, so all this should not be new news to anyone...least not anyone who has heard me talk at work or seen my postings on facebook for the last few months.

I will be moving back to Kingman,AZ (3 hrs West of GCSR). This morning Anne, made a comment about Alaska turning me…

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We will be…

Our visit into Yosemite National Park was brief.  So too, was my last visit in 2008.  I swear I'll do this park justice someday.

We camped at June Lake and then drove into Lee Vining, CA for some breakfast and a quick peek at Mono Lake which also is in this area.…

Although I have 8 days remaining as "Ranger Rich" I figured now was as good a time as any to make this summer a wrap.  All my big adventures are now behind me - and what a summer it was :-)   Hovenweep, Moab UT, Canyon De Chelly w/ an Annular Eclipse, San Juans/Telluride, Pagosa Springs, Arches National Park,  Aztec Ruins and Chaco Canyon.  Plus a super fun meetup with Q and Oliver.  What a special time in my life!   I lost some heros too ... Neil Armstrong, Andy Williams ... I guess the…

Dear Friends, Family and Colleagues!

In Jan 2005, I made a decision to step out with a wing and prayer and discover some of our national parks before I got to old. That first step led me to a job with Glacier National Park and six months of living pretty much on Going to the Sun Road. After that, I left for a another position at Big Bend National Park where I learned, you really can’t get to anywhere unless you drive 70 miles one way at 45 mph. And, if you drive a two wheel drive vehicle, it is probably a good idea if you do…

Just curious, for everyone at various different locations, what are the best pet-friendly places to work and why? .... I'm debating on saving up so I can work next summer with perhaps a camp trailer so I can bring my dog along!

In honor of Coolworks 24/7 on July 11, I carefully documented everything I did (and anything unusual) on Wednesday, July 11 :-)  So for all you CW fans wondering what a Park Ranger does each day ..... here ya go!  First off I got outa bed and made coffee (of course!)...

Then it was time for breakfast. …