Headed to the Backcountry

I will be in the Backcountry from July 28th-Aug 3rd. If I come out early or have to get more materails/supplies I will try to post some info.

BYE!

Thanks Mitch & Jessica!

I just recieved the care package! I'm heading over to my trailer to fire up the stove and start boiling them. Thanks for thinking of me and sending all the goodies. I'll see yall as soon as I get home.

Backcountry Update

Back by popular demand and follower request.......Videos!!!

This past work week was full of excitement. I hiked into a new location, Heart Lake, where I stayed in another ranger patrol cabin. The only way in is an 8 mile hike, but it is a good one with nice views. I should tell you that this location has had a multiple bear "issues" in the last week, so I was extra excited (and careful) while headin in. The ranger cabin is very rustic and historic, located in a large meadow right by the lake, and in the shadow of the 10,305 ft. Mt. Sheridan. It is a very popular backcountry area, you will see why with the pics.

On my first day there, we loaded our materials into a canoe, and paddled to the far end of the lake, checking campsites along the way, to where we would be working for the day. Once at our location, we spent the majority of the day hanging up new bear poles (3). It gets easier or more comfortable each time. Anyway, by the time we paddled all the way back to the cabin the first day was done. That first day was also filled with wildlife siting. We saw numerous bald eagles, three otters, lots of snakes, a deer, and a very large bull moose. It was a great first day out.

On our second day, we got up early (as we did every morning) and patrolled a view campsites before starting our ascent of Mt. Sheridan. It was a 4 mile hike that climbs up 3000ft to the peak. It was very strenuous, but it was worth it.... what a view! We ate lunch up there and called folks bc its one of the few places where the phone works. After eating and enjoyin the view we headed back down. We finished the day with more patrolling of campsites and contacting visitors.

Day three we spent the morning digging a pit toilet (my first), hanging another new bear pole, and clearing around an old one. After lunch we patrolled more sites and contacted more visitors before headin back to the cabin and calling it a night.

My last day consisted of more patrolling, and a trip to the geyser basin.

Patrolling consitst of hiking to all the campsites in this backcountry area and checking their bear pole, fire rings, pit toilets, and overall condition (trash, animal evidence, etc). Everyday we covered 8 miles or more patrolling all the sites. We also try to contact as many visitors as possible, both in their sites and on the trail, to answer questions, inform them of bear and other news, and to bust them for doing stuff they shouldnt be. We also were constantly checking for signs of bear activity, which we found none of until this morning we found fresh bear tracks on the beach in front of the cabin. Each morning we were up by 6am, and asleep by 10pm. The ranger (and I) liked to get an early start for many reasons: its so beautiful in the mornings, we can do a lot of work before its too hot, and its easier to bust folks for campsite violations when you get there while they're sleeping! That's dirty isnt it? Oh well. Another thing I forgot to mention was that every day ended with a swim in the lake, and boy was it cool and refreshing. The swims were partly for refreshment, partly for cleanliness. One particular swim ended with the discovery of a leech attached to my leg. All subsequent swims were shorter than that one.

We also had a very exciting "incident". I'm not sure how specific I can be on details on the blog, but i'll give you the basics. The radio dispatcher occasionally comes over with a "BOLO" (be on look out). One night after we check in(we check in everyday in the BC at 7am and 7pm) a bolo is issued. This particular bolo was for a sex offender who had a warrant for his arrest. The dispatcher went on to say that he was reportedly in YNP on a backcountry trip and his itinerary had his party coming through Heart Lake. Needless to say my adrenaline got going. The ranger I usually work with comes over the radio immediately to report that he spoke with this person and his party member at the South Ranger station and his car was parked there. This got the wheels in motion and the head guy at south (also member of park swat team) begins calling the shots and getting everyone organized. They (swat) have a meeting at south to decide what to do. So me and the ranger at Heart Lake decide that we are going to get up extra early tom. to be ready in case we are needed for something. Well, we get up about 5:30, and are ready to roll, waiting to hear any news, when I hear the head ranger come over the radio and say "we've got one in custody". It was awesome! Less than 12hrs after the bolo they had this wacko. The swat team went out into the backcountry at 12am with night vision and hiked through the night and were waitin on the bastard when he woke up. How cool is that?!

Anyway, I had a great time and now I'm gonna try to relax for my next few days off. I've actually been off for the last 2 days, but my boss said I could stay out in the BC and continue working. I will be headed to town in the next day or so and will try to give yall a holler then.

PS- Rustic geyser is in the geyser basin near the cabin, and it goes off every 20mins or so, so we sat by it and had a snack until it went off. Cool huh?

BYE!

Alive and Well

I just arrived back to the South Ranger Station after a great work week in the backcountry. I came out just in time because it is pouring down rain now. I have actually been "off" for the last 2 days, but I choose to work in the BC and get some more great experience instead of sitting around. I was in a new location that I have never been to and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had a great time, and we got a lot of productive work done as well. The weather was beautiful sunshine the whole time, with some of the hottest days so far. When I woke up this morning to leave it was threatening rain, which had me worried b/c its a 2.5hr hike out, but luckily it only sprinkled a little, which kept the skeeters and the dust down.

Upon arriving at my trailer I had an interesting discovery. I walk in the door, sat down my bag, and threw my keys on the table. Then I noticed there was a hat on the table. I thought, "that's not my hat". Then I saw coffee by the sink and said," I don't drink coffee." Upon further inspection I realized that some people had been living in my house while I was gone. I walked over to the station to inquire, and I was told it was horse guys who were down here working. I was not very happy to say the least. The guys stopped by just after I got back, and it turns out I knew them and that they were leaving today. They apologized for moving my stuff etc., but neither they nor I were aware that they would be staying there. They thanked me and they packed up and left. So it all worked out. But that was not the relaxing welcome home that I was expecting.

Anyway, I'm about to do some chores and work out some, but I will post a good update and lots of pics later this evening.

BYE

Backcountry News

I just got out of the BC, i'm gathering some more gear and i'm headin back in tonight. This time I will be heading to a new place that I have never been, so i'm extra excited. My boss also told me (since I was complaining about too many days off) that I could stay as long as a like, although I due to be off the 23rd. I'll probably stay at least one extra day, maybe two, and hike out the 24th. I will post again as soon as I'm back.

Love Yall!

In the Backcountry

I will be in the backcountry and away from the computer at least through the Tues. If I come out early or things change, I will update yall.

BYE

Preparing for the backcountry

Today is my last day off, and I am preparing for my next trip into the backcountry. My job, at least for a few days, is to take loads of roofing material into the two cabins where it will be put on . This is a very tall task, as I believe there is around 800lbs going in via boat, canoe,and manpower, which is where I come in. The ranger I was to be working with had to leave suddenly due to a death in the family. So I believe I will accomplish the above task, then come out and hike into a new location to assist another ranger. I am excited because I will get to go to a new locations, and also because I will be working on multiple projects. Should be fun. We are in the process of working out the logistics, as well as the best way for me to have all the supplies I need without luggin around a weeks worth of gear. I am only suppose to be on for 4 days, and then have 5 more days off. But I spoke with my boss and told him that I am here to work and I only want days off when I have visitors and to go to the store. He seemed OK with the idea, so hopefully I can tag along with others for more trips and experience.

Today I have just been hangin out. I worked out earlier, did some laundry, messed around on the computer, and tried to get all my gear ready for the upcoming workweek. We are having and early meeting tomorrow morning to get everything figured out, then i'm off. I was told to have everything I need organized and ready, and then I can gather it quickly once decisions are made. Sounds good to me.

I may post again, otherwise I'm out to the woods for a while.

Love Yall!

BYE

Something to write about

Greetings from Yellowstone. I am still off of work, but today I spent the majority of the day on the trail hiking. I did a 15.2 mile hike to this awesome waterfall called Union Falls (i believe its called that because its at the union of two rivers/creeks). Nice Pics huh? Its not the photographer, its the camera. I'm tryin to post my first video, lets see if it works. Anyway, the hike was long obviously, it took around 6 hour, including my lunch break. Once again I spend a day out on the trail and I dont see anyone else. I find it odd that people dont try new trails they just go to the same one as everyone else.

I dont know why it wont let my write up there but oh well. I saw the fox and the mule deer on the way back.

Another interesting wildlife story occurred last night while I was trying to enjoy a nice dinner of ham and mac & cheese. I heard a scurryin sound comin from the other end of the trailer, and after following it to my closet I realized an animal was in my closet under the floor. I beat on the wall and I could hear it scurryin into the bathroom wall then out through the hole in the insulation. I mumble a few expletives in regards to the creature and tried to return back to my meal. About ten minutes later I hear it comin in again, so I repeat the drill: bangin on the walls and floor and cursing. But this time I run outside with the broom and chased the studid squirrel and threw rocks at it. I hit it one time, but it was only a glancing blow, then I chased it down the street. After dinner I "jigger-rigged" the hole shut with some wood scraps. I hate squirrels.

Another good one I forgot to tell yall was the story about how I found out my camera was really waterproof. Even though it said it was, I wasnt just gonna dunk it bc its so nice and if it messed up I wouldnt have any way to take pics. So I had gone til last week without ever using in the water. We had just returned to the cabin after a 5 mile paddle from the other cabin, and we were exhausted. We had a lot of comp time built up bc we were nearly at the end of our shift, so the ranger said we were compin out the afternoon, which was fine by me. I decided to try my luck fishin, but like I told you, everytime I have tried it had been a fiasco, with this time being no different. I ended up sayin "screw it" and I got a book and laid under a tree bc there werent any skeeters out. Well I ended up fallin asleep, and then I woke up and went to start dinner. As I was walking up the steps I reached down and noticed my camera wasnt in the holder. I started freakin out, lookin in the cabin, on the ground where I was nappin, in the canoes, in the outhouse. Nothin. I was sooooo scared. Then I thought, well, it must have fell out when I was fishin, so I put on my shorts and took off my shoes and socks and headed for the lake. As I was looking in the water for about 5 mins, something caught my eye, and it was my camera on the bottom of the lake about 3 feet down! Needless to say I was soooo relieved.

I thought yall might enjoy that one.

I will try to post again later.

BYE

More updates about nothing

Hello to all! I am on my off days and I have lots of time to blog and not much to blog about. Haha. Yesterday I spent the whole day in Jackson walking in all the stores and shops and being a tourists. There are some very neat stores with lots of nice things, and I also saw some restaurants that looked promising. That would be a fun place to visit again when I have more visitors. I have been trying to find something Huckleberry that I could try, folks around here say its better than blueberry. I told them that those are strong words and that I will be the judge of that. I finally caved and bought some huckleberry ice cream, being that it was a hot summer day I thought it was appropriate. It was very good, but the results were inconclusive and I will have to conduct further research. I also went to the store and loaded up on grub. My main goals for my time off are to eat as much as possible to try to prepare for my next backcountry trip. I have 5 days off, then I work for 4, then go back off for 5 more! That is crazy. I am going to ask my boss if I can just keep workin and save those off days for when I have folks coming. I dont need that much time off, especially here by myself. I want to work as much as possible unless I have visitors. I dont think that is a unrealistic request. Knowing my luck I have all these days off now and then when Mal and my bros come I will be workin the entire time.

Upon the completion of this internship, I will be attending a NPS Law Enforcement Academy. So while in Jackson I made some calls and did some research at the library to find out which academy will be the best fit. My perfectly laid out plan had me attending the one in NC, however all the classes are full and there is a long waiting list, so I am now researching other options. Most of the programs last between 9-12 weeks, and I am planning on starting in January. I am going to talk with my bosses and the head guy here and see if they have any advice or know anything/anyone at any of the academies.

I will post again soon, hopefully with some exciting news and some good pics. I plan on going hikin tomorrow to what is suppose to be a large waterfall, so i'll let you know how it goes.

BYE

Update

The update is that there is no exciting news to update! I spent the day doing absolutely nothin and I didnt like it. But I know that my body needed at least one day to chill bc of all the stuff that I have been doing. Thankfully the day of nothin is almost over. I did a little laundry earlier, but that has been it. Tomorrow I will head to Jackson and go to the store and also get my oil changed. I also plan on wondering around like a tourist and visiting some of the shops (but I wont be spending any money!) I also may do some flyfishin, but every time that I try to fish it turns into some kind of disaster. Anyway, just wanted to keep yall updated. I will try to call some of yall tomorrow.

BYE

What a long day!

I just finished up my 9 day work week with a doozy! We hiked nearly 15 miles and cleared 80 somethin trees. And on top of that we climbed over 2000 topping out at 9000 (my trailer is at 7000). Needless to say i'm beat, and i wouldnt have it any other way. I figure if i'm tired at the end of every day then I am workin hard and getting the most out of this wonderful opportunity. The only bad thing about goin so hard is that my pants are fallin off of me. I already had to punch a new hole in all my belts and I'm working on another one. I've only been here just over a month, at this rate I'm gonna blow away any day, and its been extra windy so im scared. Last night was my first night out of the backcountry and the worst thunderstorms came through all night with rain and lightnin and really loud thunder. But now I have 5 days to relax (or at least i might relax for 1 or 2). I will try to give everyone a call during my break as I will be drivin to areas with cell service. I like being way out in the woods, but I do miss talkin to yall. But I'm not ready to come home so yall just need to come see me. Some of the rangers have been talkin about how sometimes jobs open up at the end of the season to help finish out projects and stuff. They usually only last a month or so. They are called general ranger positions (meaning that you a not a commissioned law enforcement officer). I am going to express my extreme interest to the head guys and see what happens. The worst that could happen is I actually get a job that pays instead of being a slave intern, but so far a slave intern has been really fun and informative. I am learning a lot and are getting to experience so many cool things that will pay off in the future.

It is way past suppertime so i'm going to eat. I'll give yall a call soon.

BYE

Thanks Bonnie, Steve, & Molly!

Thank you so much for the care package that you sent. I really appreciate it. I am glad that you have been keeping up with me. I miss seeing yall, but I will come visit asap when I get back. I hate that Mal and I couldnt get in touch with you by phone to spread our exciting news. We tried to call multiple times but yall must have been partyin too hard on the 4th! Anyway, Mal said that yall all got to celebrate together. I hope yall saved some celebratin for when I get home, you know its been a long time comin.

Thanks again for my care package, and I really appreciate all that you do for me. Cant wait to see yall when I get back.

Continued...

OK, I'm back. Like I was sayin, our trip was split up into two parts. The first order of business for part two was to paddle about five miles via canoe to the other cabin. When we started there was a stiff headwind that never let up. We never just paddle across a lake here, we paddle close to shore, and when we reach the narrowest part then we cross. The narrowest part of this lake is called "the narrows", and its none for its treachery. It is the spot of the last death of a ranger at YNP. Real exciting place huh? When we arrive at the narrows and the wind had the waves rockin and rollin. It looked nasty so we sat on the beach to wait it out. Well, we proceeded to sit from 11:30am til 7:30pm. Finally we had had enough (it could have been bordem, adrenaline, or the group of 20 boyscouts waitin with us that inspired us to leave.) We put on our drysuits and headed across. I can honestly say that that was the most dangerous thing I have done since I have been here. Waves were huge and crashing into our canoe and slappin us with freezin cold water. We did make it across the narrows, but just after we got across the waves filled our canoe and slammed us into the shore, forcing us to abandon ship on the beach. Fortunately, we were now on the side that the cabin was on. Bad part was, it was almost 9 and the sun was setting. We grabbed all the gear we could and begin hiking with our headlamps towards the cabin (not on a trail either.) It was sooo cool. I was carrying this huge pack and the cooler of food (I'll pause so you can make your jokes about me wanting to eat.....). We finally reached the cabin saftely. We cleared trails the next few days, and we covered alot of ground (over 13 miles one day, and around 8-10 the others). The trail were new to me and they had geysers and stream crossing and lots of other cool stuff. And I also got to hang a bear pole using all the climbin equipment. Oh, I almost forgot, I also got to respond to my first SAR (search and rescue). We actually finished our day at a reasonable time and eat a fairly early supper. It was around 8:30 and we were just about to get ready for bed bc we were so beat, when we began to here some interesting radio traffic. Their was a group of three women who were attempting a paddle trip and when the realized that they had bitten off more than they could chew, two decided to turn around and head back. The third didnt have the energy or ability to paddle back so the strongest of the three said she would come back and get her. Well, once the stronger of them returned, she realized she wasnt up to go back either. The women was last seen about 7 miles from where we were, making us the closest unit, so we responded. The sun had already set and it was gettin dark, but we grabbed our headlamps and packs and headed down the trail on a blisterin pace. Fortunatly, the lady was discovered safely, but not before we hiked a few miles in the dark in bear country. It was very exciting.

I should explain the pics from the beginning of this post. One is of me up the tree while hangin the bear pole, one is of me clearing trail, one of us hauling the boats up the channel were the current is too tough to paddle, a few of the flooring job including before and afters, and the one with a large green open meadow by a river is right in front of the ranger station and if you look real close there is a dark spot in the middle of the field- that is a grizzly bear! Not the best pic in the world, but its as good as I got.

I have one more day of work tomorrow and then I have a 5 day weekend. We have to clear a realy long and tough trail tom. When two specific rangers say it is a tough day, then I know I am in for a long trip! I ended yesterdays trip with another dip in the lake, which has warmed up but its still freezin.

I think that is all or most of the exciting things that yall have missed. I will post the story of when I proposed to Mal later, I dont feel like typing anymore.

Love Yall- BYE

Latest Yellowstone Update

Greetings to all. A lot has happened since in the last few weeks, not only with Mal coming and my proposal, but also with work. I believe on my last update I was headed in for my first backcountry trip. I was very excited about it and it lived up to the excitement. Our goal for the trip was to install a new hardwood floor(replacing the old plywood one) in one of the ranger cabins. We begin the week by hauling in all our supplies by the canoe-load. Once the supplies were in we began the tedious process of installation. The ranger I was working with is an admitted jack of all trades master of none, and I believe you all know the extint of my hardwood floor knowledge. Anyway, it was very hard work and took a lot of long hours to complete, considering we didnt have the luxury of using power tools due to our remote location. Their was also the added incentive to finish the job bc the cabin we were working at was the one were I planned to bring Mal and ask her to marry me. We ended up getting the majority of the project completed just in time for my weekend off and Mal's visit. I will post Mal's visit on another blog, this is work related. So, it took until this next work period until we finaly got the entire project done. What made the project a little more difficult was that we were living in the one room cabin with a loft as we were also trying to redo the entire floor, so it was a balancing act. The cabin by some campsites, as well a fairly popular trail, so we had lots of visitors while we were trying to work (some good visitors and some not so good). One of the visitors caught a large lake trout and donated it to the ranger and his hard working assistant(I guess we looked famished). Anyway, I cleaned it and it went from swimming in the lake enjoying its day to lunch in about a half hour. I cooked it in the oven with butter and onions and it was delicious! We ended that work period and I arrived at the ranger station at 4pm, just enough time to leave and pick up Mal by 5.

Skipping to my latest trip to the backcountry, we headed back in to lay the final floor boards and then begin the sanding and varnishing. Sanding wasnt the funnest task I've had while I've been here, but I got it done and the floor turned out great. While at the cabin, we had another visitor, this one a little more exciting than the others. It was just after lunch one afternoon, and I was washing dishes at the sink. I was looking down at the dishes, sort of daydreamin, when I notice movement outside. When I looked up their was a cinnamon colored black bear (not all black bears are black) with his face right to the window! It scared me to death. When it saw us move (or heard me scream) it ran off towards the campsites and trail. We had just seen a mom and 2 kids over there, so we grabbed the bear spray and ran after it. The ranger headed for the people and I headed for the bear. Luckily he was just passing through, and I watched him/her graze on the grass in the forest floor for a while until it was time to get back to work. It was soooo cool! It was awesome to see that and I never expected that at the cabin while we were working. The bad news is that now I cant even go outside to the bathroom without grabbin my bearspray. Haha, just kiddin. Anyway, so that last trip was split up, 3 days at one cabin finishing the floor, and the rest at another cabin doing trail-clearin. Hold on, I have to get off the computer.

Out of the Backcountry

I just arrived back to the South Ranger Station from my 8 days in the backcountry and was amazed with the outpouring of support from all my friends and family. Thank you for posting all those nice comments and for being so happy for Mal and I. Not only am I blessed with the best fiance ever, but I(we) are truly blessed to have so much love and support from so many wonderful people.

I am still working (on the clock) right now but I will post a very large update, if not multiple ones, with some pics in a few hours.

I love yall (especially Mal) and I miss everyone!

She Said Yes!

After coming out from a long week end the backcountry I went to pick Mallorie up for her trip here to visit me. While we were camping out on Friday night I asked her to marry me, and luckily for me she said yes. I know most of you are probably thinking that it is about time (haha.) I wanted to call everyone but that is not possible, so until it is this is the best I can do to keep yall informed. I am going back into the backcountry for the next 9 days, and I will update everyone then. As you can tell I am going pretty strong but I will try to do my best to post good pics and comments when I return.

Bye.

PS- Love Ya Mal!