Hey there, fellow adventure seekers! Welcome to my first-ever blog entry. I’m Sally, and today, I’m diving into the captivating world of backcountry scouting, bears, and breathtaking landscapes. Join me as I recount the summer of 2022, a season that led me to the heart of the Gila Wilderness as a backcountry ranger.
Getting a Volunteer Position as a Backcountry Scout
The pandemic left me yearning for a deeper connection with the great outdoors. I found the perfect opportunity on volunteer.gov with a chance to volunteer as a backcountry scout in the rugged Gila Wilderness, just outside the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Intrigued by the challenge and armed with recent wilderness survival classes, I eagerly reached out.
I have worked a desk job in academics nearly all of my life and had no idea what my chances were to get the position. But it felt like everything I needed right then. I was very nervous for the interview and was expecting it would take some time to hear back. However, I received the news sooner than expected – I was chosen for the position during the summer months. My tasks included planning backpacking routes, checking trail and water conditions, documenting wildlife and human activity, and, of course, packing out any trash I encountered.
Navigating the wilds, I discovered that bears were more frequent companions than fellow hikers, especially considering the shift from a devastating fire season to monsoon season. Encounters with other humans were rare, often limited to those near trailheads.
To make the most of this unique opportunity, I rearranged my work schedule, opting for Thursday to Sunday shifts, allowing me to balance my day job remotely while spending extended weekends in the wilderness. With unreliable internet in the area, I devised a plan to camp on BLM land near Silver City and work from the local library during my downtime. A plan that became even easier that summer when they installed Starlink at the volunteer housing.
Setting Out for my Summer Adventure
Setting out on the 29th of May, I embarked on an epic road trip. My trusty Buick Encore, converted into a cozy sleeping space, provided a peaceful night’s rest at a fishing spot I found on iOverlander.
The next day brought me to BLM land outside Great Sand Dunes National Park, where I immersed myself in the beauty of the park and honed my car camping skills.
The views in the park were absolutely beautiful. However, I discovered that hiking in sand with high winds is not very much fun. With each step, I sunk deep into the soft sand as I was pelted in every direction with no cover. Still, the views were worth it.
The BLM outside of the park was also beautiful. The cell service was good enough that I could work and even have meetings.
Colorado’s stunning landscapes set the stage for the beginning of my summer adventure. Attempting to bag my first 14er (Blanca Peak), that quest ended prematurely in ice and I settled for a picturesque hike to Crater Lake. My time in Colorado was the perfect prelude to the wild journey that awaited me in the Gila Wilderness.
Stay tuned for more tales from the trail as I delve deeper into my backcountry ranger experience, encountering bears, navigating remote landscapes, and finding the perfect balance between work and wilderness. Until then, keep the spirit of adventure alive!
Top essential items for my summer on the road1
Jackery – having a portable battery in the car and a hotspot on my phone allowed me to work anywhere with service
Food Dehydrator – I made my own food to keep backpacking costs down
Thule Cargo Box – this trusty box kept my paddle board and backpacking gear near me all summer
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Sounds like a great adventure!