About Me

 

Hi. Glad you stumbled upon my blog. I’m a national park ranger in Utah, but behind those outward trappings I’m a normal middle-aged midwestern woman who has chased down her dream and won’t let it go. I’m a passionate lover of this part of the West; in my blog I share moments of supreme beauty and exhilaration as well as frustrations and fears. I talk about everything from bad grammar on signs to flash floods to crazy tourist exploits. Basically, I take you along and let you see Canyonlands and Arches National Parks through a ranger’s eyes. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to wear the flat hat, read a few posts. I’m pleased to have you along!

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Curious to read my “About Me” paragraphs from my first years? Here they are.

2009: Name’s Kathryn.  Got me a dream job.  Got me a blog to blog it.  Now I must learn the skills for both.

I have taught high school science (and assorted other subjects) in small-town Minnesota.  At least that was my last job. I’ve also been a nurse, a midwife, a massage therapist, a lactation consultant, and a home school teacher.

I’m embarking upon an adventure that has my friends, family, and acquaintances experiencing Job Envy:  I get to join the ranks of the interpretive rangers at Arches National Park, Utah, for the summer.  Wanted to be a park ranger since I was 11.  In college a friend gave me a copy of Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey.  Life-shaping.  Always knew that Arches N.P. and I would become well acquainted.  Minnesota woman turns desert rat, the headline might read…

You’re welcome to come with me!  Great to have friends along for the ride!

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2010 addendum: My bosses appear to have approved of me last summer and wanted me back. This year will be very exciting: spring in Arches N.P. as a Volunteer In the Parks (VIP), summer in Canyonlands N.P. as a bona fide park ranger. I’d be honored to have you follow along.

The RSS feed button, or anything labeled “subscribe,” will provide you notification each time I post something new. You don’t have to read it all!

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2011: I’ve secured a raptor monitor position at my beloved Arches National Park during the breeding season. Fall and winter have me working as park ranger in Canyonlands NP, a place of great solitude and tranquility.

2012=13: Holding down the fort at Canyonlands NP!