The first day, Olivia started her junior ranger program and one of her 2 park activities was to visit the sled dogs.
Because the park is a wilderness area, no motorised vehicles can be used except on the road in summer, and then only special ones such as the shuttle buses. In winter, the only means of transport for the rangers is on a sled, pulled by huskies. This is the only sled dog kennel in all of the National Park service. There were about 20ish dogs there and they do 3 demonstrations per day.
We were able to play a bit with some of the dogs. There were 3 categories.
- Ones that could be patted (2 of these).
- Ones that could be patted if they decided to come to the ropes.
- Ones that eat rocks and had to be caged.
- Oh and a 4th category. Puppies.
Olivia got to get friendly with a couple of the stars. This one was called Muenter. He ended up being part of the demonstration.
They did a lap around the area. Maybe a quarter mile on the gravel and then stopped and lay down.
After we returned from the dog kennels, Ranger Dorris inducted Olivia once more in to the junior ranger program and gave her the Denali National Park badge.
Woohoo, another badge.
It was also time for Olivia to receive her official uniform. The life of a park ranger, even a junior one involves a lot of responsibility and you must always set a good example for others.
Well, some of the time.
This is brilliant!!! Olivia, we are so proud of you for getting your Denali Park badge!! Well done :-) You look very official in your new uniform. The huskies are gorgeous. They must have felt soooooo soft. The ones that pulled the sled around on the gravel must have been category 3 because that looks like hard work. They're much bigger than wee Jock aren't they - but then Jock does have 'wee' in front of his name. Otherwise, he'd just be Jock and would be as big as a huskie. The photos are wonderful. Lovely to see so many smiles! Wow - Denali National Park. So glad you guys got there.
ReplyDeleteHi Hunters
ReplyDeleteHave been catching up with your blog as I have been on long service leave for the past two weeks. Wow you look as though you are having a great time. Olivia you sure look like the intrepid traveller.
I leave next Tuesday for my trip so am looking forward to my adventure. Your blog even featured in our newsletter Olivia.
Not sure if the PP2 children have been adding their comments. I know they have been sharing your blog.
You will have lots to tell us about when you come home. We have downloaded your blog and pasted it in a book for all the children to look at.
Will catch up again soon. Love Miss Helen