Howdy Folks,
It has been many miles put on my Subaru since last I wrote. The trip to Glacier National Park with "Old Ranger Bob" (not to be confused with "Ranger Bob," the younger) went well for us. The weather was not all that good, rained some, but not really bad either. Besides the scenery itself in that park, one of our high points was to see our good acquaintance, "Old Ranger Doug" present his evening program at Lake McDonald Lodge. He is about 81 years old and still sharp as a tack. He has been a ranger there for over 45 years. He always greets us with, "there's those Teton boys!" His program is about the history of the Glacier Park area and is a good example of what a ranger program should be. He packed the room and everyone there seemed to genuinely enjoy the program.
It was a bit of a meloncholy trip for us since it will probably be our last together since I have decided to "hang it up" on this "ranger gig." After 10 years, which have been wonderful for the most part, it just isn't fun anymore. I love the people I work with and have made some of my closest friends here, the two Bobs, Cindy (MooseLee), and Laine Thom. It saddens me in that respect. That is, knowing that in some cases, I will not see them much, or ever again. Luckily Bob and Cindy are moving to AZ. But enough of that . . . it is on to other things in life, most notably my youngest offsprings wedding in early October after I depart theses great mountains.
Another highlight of our trip to Glacier was seeing 6 bears, 4 Grizzlies, two Black. This is by far the most ever in that park for me after 7 trips. It has been a big "bear season" for me in all these parks, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and now Glacier. Since I consider the bear my "totem," I hope it bodes well for my future.
I have 14 duty days left here as a ranger and although it will be sad to leave, I am ready.
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