On the left, STEP Ranger for 3 years, just finished undergrad, about to turn 30. Fully expecting the NPS to be the career path going forward. Finishing one of the last days under the flat hat at the Lincoln Home. I was ready to start the seasonal shuffle from park to park until I found my permanent interp ranger offer.
I didn't know that a little over a year later, I would finish a term with NPS maintenance and be away from that world for over a decade.
On the right, I finally returned to the job that I thought would be my career. During the years between photos, I finished my MA, served 8 years in the ILNG, spent 3 years at the WV SHPO, and worked 3 seasons on the river as a commercial guide. Now I'm 44, a river ranger, committed to seasonal employment and living in Gus the Bus.
What has this journey taught me?
I've learned to try not to plan things too completely or hold onto the people/jobs/things that aren't meant to be in your life anymore. I'm back with the NPS, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to be with an agency that holds such a special place in my heart. If you ask what's going to happen at the end of the season....Well, I don't know, but for now I'm making the most of my time here.
I didn't know that a little over a year later, I would finish a term with NPS maintenance and be away from that world for over a decade.
On the right, I finally returned to the job that I thought would be my career. During the years between photos, I finished my MA, served 8 years in the ILNG, spent 3 years at the WV SHPO, and worked 3 seasons on the river as a commercial guide. Now I'm 44, a river ranger, committed to seasonal employment and living in Gus the Bus.
What has this journey taught me?
I've learned to try not to plan things too completely or hold onto the people/jobs/things that aren't meant to be in your life anymore. I'm back with the NPS, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to be with an agency that holds such a special place in my heart. If you ask what's going to happen at the end of the season....Well, I don't know, but for now I'm making the most of my time here.
Yampa River before she's too low to run.
Gates of Lodore on the Green River
