Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Congratulations, Ranger Bob

I want to offer a note of congratulations to our illustrious Bob R, aka Some Guy, for his recent appointment by Inyo National Forest as a volunteer ranger.

Regular readers here have likely already noted the pictures of Bob wearing the uniform -- ranger shirt and shorts.

Everyone in the hiking community will benefit from his increased presence and authority hiking on his favorite trails and routes. His 50+ years experience climbing and hiking, and assisting in hundreds of Search and Rescue operations render his experience unsurpassed. The tales he can tell would fill volumes.

I am sure everyone who knows of Bob would consider it a trip highlight to meet him on the trail.

Since he began his new role in the past week, Bob has already participated in a helicopter-aided rescue. See this thread: Rescues and climbs on Mt. Whitney, 24 - 26 August

And for Bob, maybe the biggest paycheck from this: He can hike anywhere he wants in Inyo National Forest withOUT worrying about a trail permit! Way to go Bob!

Here's a good picture:


Enjoying the good times.

Bob, we need a picture in your uniform with Mt. Whitney in the background. And its caption will be... "Some Ranger"

Any comments, Bob?

Does this mean he will now go by the palindrome, 'R.bob.R'?

Way to go, Bob!

Thanks, but please don’t make such a big deal about it. The way it happened: A couple of months ago, on the trail, I was talking with one of the head rangers. He suggested I become a volunteer. He was aware I was up there a lot and knew quite a bit about the area, counseling and advising people, pointing out fragilities, answering questions, etc.—in short, did a lot of ranger things anyway. Said my words would carry more authority.

I still go up only where and when I want to climb something. There is no schedule to follow—hours to keep, things to do. The only difference from before is what I’m wearing. While I would prefer not to stand out, people did seem to take what I said a little more seriously. However, they listened to me before; it must be the grandfatherly image.

Of course, as a volunteer, I can’t give citations. But if I find someone in violation, I think I can make them carry my wag bag down.

There is one thing I hadn’t thought of, but it makes sense. When I was up there earlier this week, people looking to report a problem would approach me. If I hadn’t looked like a real ranger, they would have passed me by. So I think I will be diverted from my own agenda more frequently. But that’s OK. My mountain SAR side is used to helping others up there, and it’s sort of ingrained.

Besides, it is nice to be called “sir” a lot, and the ladies seem to smile at me more.

Congratulations BobR!

You do stand out with that uniform.

Congrats Bob R! (Ladies love a man in uniform) Hope to see you on the trail sometime.

Congratulations - but will we continue to see those post-hike beer photos...?

Congratulations, Bob!
There is some good news and bad news for you. The good news is you look really great in your new uniform. The bad news is any summits in uniform don't count!
Seriously, this is great of you to volunteer your time to fellow Whitney hikers. It is a real plus for the mountain. Hope you enjoy your new job.
See you on the mountain.
Jack and Betsy
P.S. Good article in the Stanford magazine. 128 combined, we're closing in!

Sweet!!
Congrats, Bob!

CaT

Bob rocks well.

Next up: Presidential Medal of Freedom. How do we go about the nomination process?

cool