One of the things I never expected when I started volunteering in the National Parks, was how much I would love those rangers.  As retired folks, Tom and I are generally 25 to 30 years older than most of the rangers we work with.  But, it turns out, there are so many advantages to us in working with these younger folks.  They help keep us young, they keep us up to date on current trends, and they push us to keep learning.

I especially love those rangers at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.  From the very beginning, they treated us like family.  Not only do we get to know the rangers, we meet their spouses, their parents, their grandparents, and their brothers and sisters.  Most of the rangers at Cumberland Gap are from the area, which makes them uniquely suited for working there.  Who better to tell the stories of Appalachia than the people who grew up there.  These rangers know the struggles and joy of living in that place.

When Tom and I returned to Cumberland Gap this year, for our third season, we were greeted with open arms – literally.  So many hugs!  Ranger after ranger mentioned how glad they were that we were back.  Although there were new interns and a couple of new seasonal rangers, all the full-time rangers were ones that we worked with last year.  We know these rangers.  They all work incredibly hard and are always willing to fill in for each other.  They also know what Tom and I can do and are willing to give us a free hand to do it.

Tom and I spend a lot of time hanging out with this group of rangers after work.  We helped Rangers Olivia and Chandler dig a ditch for an electric cable to their new house.  We had game nights.  Rangers, interns, and volunteers showed up for campground programs.  And all of us are always open to any excuse for a meal together.  There were farewell lunches for volunteers or staff who were leaving.  We had shared meals with special events.

Toward the end of our time in October there was a volunteer appreciation dinner.  The park provided brats and buns and everyone brought a dish to share.  Ironically, there were more rangers than there were volunteers in attendance.  It was a fun evening of food and conversation.  Ranger Dylan had been charged with preparing  a fire for roasting the brats.  He failed miserably and was good-natured about being teased.  A ranger who can’t get a fire started!  Tom and Volunteer Steve got it going in no time.

I get tired of “working” four days a week sometimes.  But I never get tired of working with the variety of rangers we encounter in national park sites.  And the rangers at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park are the best of the best.  I love those rangers!