Adventure 006, Ranger 02, Yosemite Wilderness Ranger

Yosemite Ranger Cliff A

Capture California, the Game-2013

Adventure: 006, Ranger 02, Yosemite Wilderness Ranger

Team: YOLT

Date:  June 27, 2013

Location: Cathedral Lake Trail Jct, Yosemite

Description:
On the third day of our John Muir Trail trek, we came across Cliff, one of Yosemite's Wilderness Rangers, close to the Lower Cathedral Lake junction. Being on horseback—always a great impression. But even more impressive was the friendliness of Cliff. We talked some about the conditions ahead and the need to carry a bear canister—he did look over our pack to make sure we had one.



Then later on as we were getting close to Tuolumne Meadows, we met him coming back from patrol. He suggested a couple places to eat in Lee Vining before we left. We were left with the impression of a person who was really enjoying his work and was wanting others to enjoy their own adventures.



Later on this was confirmed when we overheard one of his fellow rangers talking about him. That has been my experience with the backcountry rangers. That 99 out of 100 of them, when we have talked with them, are having great days and enjoy being where they are.



By the way, on our trek, we saw two other NPS backcountry ranges: Leslie J in Kings Canyon and Greg P in Sequoia, both enjoying their work.