[pct-l] Pct-l Digest, Vol 26, Issue 39

[AsABat]

Like most hikers my age, I thought I wanted to be a ranger when I grew up.
Talking to some rangers through the Explorer program told me to run another
direction.

I had a friend who was a ranger and now is a state park superintendent. The
first time I met him in his park, I noticed he was wearing body armor. He
said yes, most of his time was spent breaking up fights and busting drunks
on weekends. They even had their own holding cell. Sad. I did some
ridealongs with him and others, some of what I got into was really scary. He
wanted to be a ranger, but rangers unfortunately have to spend more time
being cops now. I see he's moved to a Northern Cal park and need to look him
up.

Treat them well. With what they have to deal with they have to be ready for
anything anytime, and in the backcountry they are on their own.

AsABat
On Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 11:47 AM, <canoeman at qnet.com> wrote:

>
> As an older hiker, I never had problems with rangers until they started
> carrying
> guns, and the swat like outfits they wear now.
> It just seems to me, that carrying guns changes people, and frankly most
> rangers
> seem to be more aggressive, and angry. The mood seems to have changed from
> forest keeper to armed policeman.
> I'm sure they run into their fair share of jerks, but I find myself staying
> clear of, and not talking to or socializing with them at all.
> I see them as policeman now, looking for infractions to be punished.
> They have a job to do, just glad I don't have to do it.
> It seems like it would weigh heavy on your soul, to carry a gun for a
> living.
>
> canoeman
>
> they said ;
> > In 25 years of backpacking in the Sierra I've never had anything but
> > pleasant encounters with rangers.
> _______________________________________________
>