Monthly Archives: May 2008

Thousand-Footers Playing Chicken?

Posted on May 27, 2008 by Ranger Bob

Wish I’d been there to see this one: They saw two ships come sailing up — then one pulled a U-turn Minneapolis Star-Tribune, May 25, 2008: DULUTH — Surprised shipwatchers observed anxiously Sunday as a 1,000-foot lake freighter approaching the … Continue reading →

Posted in Trains & Boats & Planes | Comments Off

No Bridges To Jump Off In Minnesota?

Posted on May 23, 2008 by Ranger Bob

When Canyonlands lays off a couple of seasonals early, you’ll know why: Professor missing in Utah had a plan to die Minneapolis Star-Tribune, May 23, 2008: The St. Cloud State University professor who has been missing in a rugged Utah … Continue reading →

Posted in Parks, National & Otherwise | Comments Off

You Think You’re Having A Bad Day?

Posted on May 20, 2008 by Ranger Bob

There must be easier ways of getting a ride in a helicopter: Hiker Falls 200 Feet After Bee Attack KPHO News, May 20, 2008: A hiker who went off a South Mountain trail Monday was attacked by a swarm of … Continue reading →

Posted in Parks, National & Otherwise | Comments Off

Abbie’s Home

Posted on May 20, 2008 by Ranger Bob

…with her brand-new prosthetic ligament, snoring away in the canine recovery room newly installed in a corner of the dining room. Her surgery went well, the good doctor says, and I brought her home about two hours ago, along with … Continue reading →

Posted in Dogs | Comments Off

One More Argument For The Death Penalty

Posted on May 16, 2008 by Ranger Bob

The Reader’s Digest version: guy brutally murders two hikers on the Appalachian Trail, gets jail time. “Pays his debt to society,” then walks free. Gets bored one evening, goes back to Appalachian Trail, shoots a couple more hikers. Lacking confidence … Continue reading →

Posted in Parks, National & Otherwise | Comments Off

I Like A Story With A Happy Ending

Posted on May 16, 2008 by Ranger Bob

On the other hand, from yesterday’s NPS Morning Report: Two Carjackers Die After Fleeing Border Patrol Travis “T-Bo” Twiggs, 36, and Willard Twiggs, 38, the two men who carjacked a vehicle in the park on Monday afternoon, died of self-inflicted … Continue reading →

Posted in Parks, National & Otherwise | Comments Off

Oz Pol: “Never Molested Marsupials!”

Posted on May 14, 2008 by Ranger Bob

Bored with the Hillary (“I’m Not Dead Yet!”) Clinton soap opera? Move to Australia for some interesting political news: Chair-sniffer denies touching quokka (Is that a dream headline, or what?) news.com.au, May 14, 2008: WEST Australian Opposition Leader Troy Buswell … Continue reading →

Posted in Stuff | Comments Off

Nelson Picks Up A Hitch-hiker

Posted on May 10, 2008 by Ranger Bob

Nelson got a chance to show off his shiny new wagon this morning at the local Humane Society’s annual “Pet Expo” fund-raiser. (Click images for closer look.) An impromptu reunion- our grandpuppy Sophie (left) showed up with with her humans. … Continue reading →

Posted in Dogs | Comments Off

Just Call Him Ötzi

Posted on May 8, 2008 by Ranger Bob

Body in the ice? Check. Up in the mountains? Check. International boundary nearby? Check. It’s an Ice Man! Body found in North Cascades National Park was Vancouver, BC, man Seattle Times, May 7, 2008: The body found in North Cascades … Continue reading →

Posted in Parks, National & Otherwise | Comments Off

Hillary, Please Do My Dad A Favor

Posted on May 7, 2008 by Ranger Bob

Dear Mrs. Clinton, My father is a life-long Democrat, a passionate progressive who eats, sleeps, and breathes politics. He was born during the Warren Harding administration, and has lived through more than his share of Republican venality. He suffered through … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | Comments Off

Stupid Crook Tricks

Posted on May 6, 2008 by Ranger Bob

…coming to a national park near you! From today’s NPS Morning Report: Natchez Trace Parkway (AL,MS,TN)Burglary Suspect Caught After Running Out Of Gas In Park On the morning of Wednesday, April 30th, supervisory park ranger Patrick Shell came upon a … Continue reading →

Posted in Parks, National & Otherwise | Comments Off

In The Finn Country

Posted on May 2, 2008 by Ranger Bob

My friend Nan just posted a fascinating account of the traditions related to Finnish May Day celebrations over at her excellent blog, All The Good Names Were Taken. It even included a link to an article explaining something that’s always … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheeseland | Comments Off