The day became routine because I was still sweeping; this time the parking lot.  The Chief Ranger had to look at applicants for her Assistant Ranger position.  I don’t think I had mentioned how competitive it is to work for the National Park Service.  It’s very difficult to move up in the rankings and it is unlikely you’ll get to work for the National Park you desire.  Park Rangers have to be very flexible, not only on their duties, but also where they are stationed.  They move around from park to park every couple years.  It’s nice because you can experience a new environment, but the salary is not as stable as most would like. 

Before I left for the week, I took a Park Ranger exam.  I had to know all the types of plants and species that were in the park.  I had to know the history of Devil’s Tower rock formation and also what types of people considered it sacred.  Lastly, I had to understand the rules and regulations for rock climbing on the tower.  I did well on my exam; I earned a National Park Service badge. 

I wanted to check out the living conditions of the permanent Park Rangers.  They live in a one story apartment building that is secluded from tourists.  Honestly, you have to live a pretty solitaire life to be a Park Ranger.  If you love nature and don’t mind living in it for extensive periods of time, then this may be a great career for you.  Keep in mind; that most National Parks don’t have major cities near them.  I found that out real quickly because I had to drive 12 miles just to reach a town of 400.  I am glad that I had my first lunch in the town of Hulett.  The owner of the Ponderosa Bar &Café hosted me for the week.  Dean, the owner fed me great meals and let me stay in one of his trailers. 

Thursday, October 23, 2008

I was mostly a Janitorial Park Ranger today.  I had to sweep 2 miles of walkway around the Devil’s Tower.  It took me approximately 7 hours nonstop to complete the path.  Along the way, I had the chance to answer questions that tourists asked me.  The most popular question was, “why does the bark of the tree look chewed up?”  The porcupine actually digs in the bark to get the sugar content of the tree called morphium.  Park Ranger must be an expert of the park in order to not only provide information to tourists, but to better preserve the park. 

While walking around the boundary yesterday, we had to play investigator because we noticed that there was fresh cow crap on our side of the fence.  That’s one thing we try to prevent is to have the Rancher’s cattle graze our National Park.  We discovered the cow’s crap every 100meters, but we never were able to find it.  It must have jumped back over the fence because we approached a river that was too deep for a cow.  Ranger Joe and I had to cross the river regardless.  I didn’t want to get me shoes wet, so I took them off and walked bare foot.  I didn’t want to hold them in my hand, so I asked Ranger Joe to catch my shoes.  I threw it far as I could on to the bank, but it was far as it could vertically.  My shoe dropped right in the water and Ranger Joe dove in the water to prevent it from flowing down stream.  Two days later, my shoe is still wet. 

After work, most of the locals hang out at the local bar.  The largest employer of Hulett is the Sawmill and most of the employees relax at the bar and have drinks.  I really experienced the small town lifestyle this week.  You work all day and look forward to hanging out with your friends and eat at the bar and watch television in the evening.  Everyone knows everyone and if they don’t know you, then they will soon enough.  I have probably met most of the town and I’ve only been in Hulett 4 nights. 

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I woke up around 7AM to get ready for work.  I didn’t think to eat breakfast because I wasn’t sure what the Park Rangers were going to have me do.  I ended up going on a 6 hour hike around the perimeter of Devil’s Tower National Park.  Ranger Joe and I scaled the boundary fence to check if everything looked normal.  Sometimes Range Joe spots deer caught in the fence that dangle to their death.  I actually saw a skeleton of a deer hanging by one leg.  We also were checking if there were any unlawful break-ins and if the fence was torn up by any of the animals.  There are several species at Devil’s Tower; the most popular are white-tail deer, prairie dogs, and porcupine.  I didn’t get a chance to spot a porcupine, but I did notice that they chew on the bark of the trees. 

Before and after our hike along the perimeter, Ranger Joe and I patrolled the campground to count the number of campers and to see if anyone needs assistance.  The most common crime that is committed in the park is speeding.  Speeding is dangerous for the animals and tourists that cross the street.  I learned that a Park Ranger is not only a law enforcer, but they have a strong background in animal science, geology, and resource management.  Many of the Park Rangers study Parks and Recreation in school and start volunteering at National Parks to climb the competitive ladder.  Usually, Rangers will volunteer their first couple years just to secure a seasonal position at a National Park.  Eventually, they will earn their full year position, but that takes longer than one would think.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Driving through Wyoming is just as dangerous as driving in Los Angeles traffic.  There are no cars on the road, but watch out for the wildlife.  You would definitely see full size road kill every 30-60 miles in Wyoming.  I guess you could be easily distracted with the phenomenal views.  You could be easily distracted once the Devil’s Tower appears in your sight.  It is the most unique monument I have ever seen.  It looks like an upside down tornado.  My jaw dropped once I compared it with the surrounding landscape. 

I showed up to work at 8AM to meet with one of the Park Rangers.  I met with them, but was left alone to explore the national park on my own.  The Rangers had to get certification for carrying firearms at Mt. Rushmore.  It gave me the chance to not only see the national park, but also the local town of Hulett.  There was only one place to eat in this town of 400 people.  It was at a bar of course.  I had several conversations with the locals and they told me they love where they live.  The owner of the bar asked if I had a place to stay and I told him, “not yet.”  He offered me a place; a trailer.  I had never set foot inside a trailer until today.  I was a little scared because I always pictured them to be filthy and decayed.  I’m glad that I found him; otherwise it would’ve been a tough night in the cold.  The Park Rangers have many guidelines to follow, that’s why they couldn’t set me up with a place.  Thank you to Ponderosa Café owner, Dean.