Day 31: Arches National Park

Perfection. That is the only word I can think of to describe the morning.

Ellie had been nervous for actually seeing Ranger Mike. As excited as she was, I don’t think she knew how she was going to react and that made her nervous. Of course, she had nothing to worry about.

We arrived at the park, got our tickets for the Ranger Mike led Fiery Furnace hike, drove the thirtysome miles to the trailhead and were over an hour early. There’s a big hint as to how excited we were! We ended up doing a small hike to Skyline Arch to loosen up for the day and pass some time. It was very peaceful and a fabulous way to start our Arches adventure.

Just before 9, as we were tightening our laces and finishing applying sunscreen, we heard Ranger Mike’s voice, “Hi, Ellie!” They embraced, Ellie’s smile reaching to her ears, and I’m confident I can say Ranger Mike’s was too! As we mingled with the other hikers, he asked Ellie if she would want to be his assistant for the hike. She gleefully nodded.

This is the second time we’ve done this hike, the first being two years ago when we first met Ranger Mike. It was during that hike that Ellie told him she wants to be a ranger. From that moment on, he took her under his wing. Throughout the two years he has assisted her with school projects, challenged her to learn about a new-to-her NPS site monthly, graciously gave her his retired ranger hat, and has been a constant support to her. It was really special for us all to be hiking the Fiery Furnance again with him.

From the get go Ellie was allowed to be second in command. He let her lead the demonstration about how crust works, explain adaptations plants and animals make, and how to navigate the physical obstacles. She was in ranger heaven. The combination of leadership and adventure, two of her most desired pursuits, made her beam. We all know that the path of life twists and turns, but, at this point, I can’t imagine her living any other lifestyle. She is so passionate about it and this trip, especially today, has only heightened her desires. If, or when, she gets to her career destination, she could not be luckier to have Ranger Mike as a mentor.

The hike itself was incredible, just as it was two yesterday ago. It really is one of those magical spots we’ve come love in one of our favorite parks.

The rest of the day is a bit of a blur as I was so focused on how happy I was for Ellie. We did some smaller, more touristy hikes in the 110* heat, spent some time going through the orientation on how to do the Fiery Furnace without a ranger (our plan for tomorrow), and enjoyed some downtown Moab time at The Spoke and the laundromat.

We are all so fortunate day 31 was so awesome. Thanks Ranger Mike for making that happen!