April 22, 2017
Interpretive Training with the Seasonal Rangers . . .
Well, it has been a fairly uneventful week here in Sitka insofar as pictures but a very busy week for learning. There is an intensive two-week interpretation training course for the seasonal rangers and I was offered an opportunity to be a part of it. To be frank, I had no idea there was so much behind the scenes work as an interpreter.
Note to self: When visiting our national park sites, be sure to join a ranger talk or take a ranger tour. Remember that hours and hours of behind the scenes work has gone into preparing this experience. And, by all means, if enjoyed be sure to tell them.
By Wednesday this week, I was officially brain dead. Full of new information about Alaskan Native Culture and Russian American History no more room existed in my brain to process anything. And then we began learning about the HOW of creating a 15 minute story that would engage, excite and inform our visitors. By the end of next week, if I desire (as a Volunteer I always have a choice), I will have a talk developed about Russian American History that I will provide to our guests which will leave them with a greater understanding about Russian American History. And that’s just one topic. The real rangers have 4 talks to develop. They really are impressive young rangers. Stay tuned for my results (guaranteed not to be as impressive!)
As you all know, today is Earth Day. We celebrated in Sitka with a Parade of Species (Sitka loves parades!). When we were told Wednesday at 4:00 that we needed to prepare a costume for the parade I was in shock. Remember, I had no brain power left and those of you who know mean know that I am not creative at all unless it involves time and assistance. Thankfully Ranger Em offered the loan of a slug mask and a sheet to serve as a shell. Here’s our group.
Skunk cabbage continues its growth. Thought you might enjoy seeing more of the leaves that are growing around the yellow centers. It’s very aromatic too.
This week was full of surprises from friends and family. Yummy and creative treats are always welcomed and I thank you one and all.
Another highlight this week was running into this little gadget. We had a videographer stop by with their iPad on a “robot”. Looks a lot like a iPad on a segway. You just never know what you might see at the Visitor Center in Sitka National Historical Park.
Tomorrow (Sunday) Ranger Em is taking us on a hike. She says it won’t be a problem for me and I want to trust her. (keyword there is “want”) She did say to be sure to bring bear spray with me. Watch for the results next week.
Hope everyone has had a great week. Thanks for joining me on this journey.
Mara