Day 5: Arches National Park and Ranger Mike

Day five already. Seems like we’ve fit in a whole lot of adventure for only 1/9 of the trip. And today didn’t disappoint.

We woke up early and drove to Arches from Fruita. We were surprised to pull into the uber popular park and find the pay station closed. We headed up to the Visitor’s Center and we’re shocked to find it closed until 9. We loaded up our day packs with snacks, applied sunscreen, and laced up our boots as we waited. We eventually talked to a Ranger who said that they only had two Rangers on staff this morning. Hence the not open pay station or Visitor’s Center.

Trump has placed a hiring freeze on NPS employees. There is no doubt the park lost thousands of dollars this morning as the cars filed through the closed pay station. How ridiculous.

Our plan had been to hike Devil’s Garden, but it is currently closed due to a massive construction project, so we decided to start the day with a hike through Wall Street. The hike was along the soaring rock walls as the rising sun created the most glorious colors of reds. The tall walls provided the cool shade we all craved, even at that early hour of 9. It was an out and back totaling 2 miles and we all ended sweaty, stinky, but excited to be back in one of our favorite parks.

Our next hike was one that we have never done in Arches, Delicate Arch. That one is the iconic arch that is on Utah license plates. We’ve seen it from afar, but have noy done the 3 mile hike. It was tough for me, but I don’t think anyone else. There was so much of that darn uphill and it was by far the most crowded hike we’ve done of the trip. I was frustrated, but, like it always is, the view was totally worth it.

We opted out of the line of about 50 for a close up photo, and went for a selfie with some others in the background. After taking it all in, we found a natural window that overlooked Delicate Arch, the snow capped mountains in the distance, and the incredible landscape illustrating millions of years of geological history. We munched on our pb&j&c as other groups joined our little find. The walk back down was so much easier, and with the exception of the crowds, much more pleasant.

This next part is where I will get weepy. It is what every mother hopes for their children. My heart has been filled to the very top due to the unnecessary kindness of the most inspirational soul.

Last year we were able to book and hike the Fiery Furnace hike in Arches. The ranger who led the hike was Ranger Mike. He opened his experiences and heart to us and Ellie shared her greatest goal of becoming a Ranger. The two connected when he allowed her to try on his Ranger hat to understand the power of the position. She was transformed in the moment. The two became pen pals and exchanged emails and letters throughout the past year. He has been a positive inspiration for her, especially with her concerns due to the current administration’s impact on the park system.

After our hikes we went into the Visitor’s Center and the two were reunited. They shared a sweet embrace and caught up on life. Then he told Ellie how her letter about being scared that the NPS was going away and she was worried she’d never get to be a ranger had impacted him and had broken his heart. He assured her that it was because of her and others like her that the system will always exist. That her generation will make sure the sacred land, waters, and wildlife are always protected. Then he said he has a gift for her. He gifted her with his retired ranger hat. I have never seen her so genuinely happy and loved.

When your child sees her hero, a hero who is so kind and smart, giving and inspirational, your heart melts. You are so thankful their paths have crossed and hope they run along side for a very long time.

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