World RANGER Day… 2013

The 31^st day of July is our annual observation of WORLD RANGER DAY. I am grateful for the men & women that protect our special places, often putting their lives at risk to see that “the next generation” has some of the same opportunities that we have. For their gift of honor, duty & sacrifice, I give them THANKS!

Ranger Haroun - Petra

It is already WORLD RANGER DAY in some places. Having twice been a Ranger from Arizona, I’ll celebrate the day with this tune (after I skip the ad):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPArO-OI_3U&list=ALBTKoXRg38BDdoOknLFbmEgNJNdafIlRA

The fire season in North America got off to a slow start, and then went gang-busters: I’ve had four fire assignments thus far, with chance for more = my busiest in years. The wildland fire community is small & close knit. We continue to mourn the loss of the Granite Mountain IHC (Interagency Hotshot Crew), and other friends that have died recently.  So, thanks also to those that have helped us along the way in our many & varied pursuits.

           

The New Mexico SiteWatch steward program continues to diversify and grow: many volunteers ranging there as well. In the “small world” category, Mike Bremer the forest archaeologist for the Santa Fe National Forest (and their stellar site steward program) was on the same flights from Albuquerque to Spokane as Meme, her sister Pat, and myself when we flew up for a northern Idaho visit last Friday.

            I can’t but think about ALL our Ranger friends: from here to Australia, South Africa, Scotland, Canada, Poland, Argentina, et al …

            Hope y’all have a great WORLD RANGER DAY!

Advanced SAR Training group at Petra (June 2012)