How Not to Get Bit by a Giant Rattlesnake by Rosanne S. McHenry
TalesFrom a Rogue Ranger is full of stories that speak tothe comedy and tragedy of being a park ranger: a job that is nothing like youmight imagine. Set against the stunning backdrop of California's American RiverCanyon, this is an engaging and wildly unusual read about the untamed life of awoman ranger. From a miner riding a mule to a young man lost in the system,these tales show the kaleidoscope of characters a park ranger encounters,giving the reader a fascinating look into a true ranger experience. Readerswill laugh out loud, cry tears of sadness, and feel the greatest joy as theyrevel in this amazing book!
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How Not to Get Bit by a GiantRattlesnake
As a park ranger I often warned park visitors to be careful onthe trail: “Watch out for critters, especially reptiles, as they are out thistime of year. Watch where you put your hands and feet at all times. Bringplenty of water and a first aid kit. Always tell someone where you plan to go.” Visitors nodded in agreement and went outside with watchfuleyes. If I’d only followed my own advice that day … I was a park ranger in Death Valley National Park. It was a veryhot day. Springtime temperatures can easily climb over 110 degrees and sometimesthe only way to escape the heat was to go to a higher elevation. I headed to theupper Monarch Canyon area. Situated 1000 feet above the valley floor, itoffered relief from the oppressive temperatures below. Days of persistent heathad fried my brain, and I foolishly forgot to tell anyone where I was going. Iparked my truck and walked down Monarch Mine trail towards the spring. It feltgreat to be outside in comfortable temperatures. I strode confidently down thecanyon, past the old mining ruins, marveling at the beauty of the place. I wassurrounded by steep canyon walls of tortured metamorphic rock.
I reached the overlook above the springs and perched on a knobof rock, contemplating the stark beauty around me. It was getting late in the afternoonas the sun fell toward the horizon, casting its long rays across the rocky landscape.I’d better start heading back, I thought to myself, as I gathered up my thingsand headed up the trail. Evening shadows darkened the canyon walls and floor,making it harder to see the trail. I was looking down, deep in thought, not reallypaying attention to the path in front of me. Then suddenly, I heard it: a deep buzzing sound echoing off thecanyon walls. It sounded eerily alien and somewhere nearby. I looked up and sawit: a huge, coiled rattlesnake! It was only a few feet away, in a stack ofboulders. It violently shook its rattled tail, warning me to back away. It was enormous,at least three feet tall, weaving its head and tail back and forth.
“Get back or I’ll strike!” it seemed to say.
I obeyed and leaped back several feet, yelping in alarm. Thatsnake could have struck me dead, but it chose to warn me instead.
“Thank you, my brother,” I said softly, as I gave it a wideberth and stumbled up the trail back to my truck. I could have been killed, and no one would have known where tolook for me. I was in a remote area, miles away from the main park road. Itcould have been days before someone found me. I remembered the advice I hadgiven to others: “Watch out for critters, and let people know where you’regoing.” Hmm… good advice to follow, Ranger Rose!
About the Author
Rosanne S. McHenry hasworked as both a U.S. National Park Ranger and a California State Park Ranger.Her ranger experiences include the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, MountRainier National Park, the Auburn State Recreation Area, Folsom Lake, MarshallGold Discovery State Historic Park, and Death Valley National Park, amongothers. In her latest book, Tales From aRogue Ranger, McHenry shares her experiences about the rough and tumblelife of a patrol ranger near Auburn, California. A park ranger’s job is nothinglike you might imagine! Set against the stunning backdrop of California’sAmerican River Canyon, this is an engaging and wildly unusual read about theuntamed life of a woman ranger.
McHenry, who also wrote Trip Tales: From Family Camping to Life as aRanger, currently lives and works in Auburn, California, with her husband.The beautiful American River Canyon is adjacent to their home in the SierraNevada Foothills.
You can follow the authorat:
Website: https://triptalesbook.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066900574228
Instagram: @askrangerrose https://www.instagram.com/AskRangerRose/
