I Want To Live

Chapter Twenty-six

    Ranger Michael Garrett drove his State Park truck around the campsites in Lake Clearwater State Park every afternoon at three. The Park was split into North Shore and South Shore Campgrounds, separated by a tributary creek that eventually joined the Wenatchee River. Due to state budget cuts, there were only three full time rangers to cover the territory. If he didn’t have dedicated campground hosts throughout the camping season, he didn’t know if the State could keep the Park open. 

    Every ranger he knew grumbled about their chosen profession. “Things aren’t what they used to be. We used be out in the field hands-on, overseeing the vast territory in our jurisdictions, educating the public, working outdoors. Now we spend most of our time indoors, doing bureaucratic paperwork, writing grants for more money to do needed repairs. We have to rely on volunteer labor to fix structural damage from weather. If it weren’t for the Washington Trails Association, half our network of trails wouldn’t even be accessible. Just hanging in till I can retire.”  

    The Park had recently opened for the season. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs had parked their Class A motorhome in the host spot. Both retired teachers, they usually spent two months at Lake Clearwater, getting the campground up and running. He was perched on the roof of the restroom now, replacing worn roofing sections. 

    Mike rolled his window down, propped his arm on the sill. “How bad is it, Bruce? Will we be able to get the restroom through another season?”

    “Think we’ll have enough roofing panels to fix this lot,” Bruce said, pushing his glasses up on his nose. “You’ll be in trouble next year though.”

    “Don’t know what I’d do without you, Bruce. I appreciate it.”

    “No problem, Mike. The Missus and I love to help out. We figure it’s giving back to our country.”

    “Where is Elsie, anyway?”

    “At the waterfront shelter, destroying cobwebs and cleaning out the fieldstone fireplace.” He wiped his brow with a bandana. “I might need to do some minor tuck point mortaring there.” 

    “Thanks. Keep me posted.” Mike glanced at the camper registration slips. “Seems like we have a few campers staying for a full two weeks.”

    “It’s a shame, Mike. Many are homeless due to layoffs from company takeovers. They’re living in cabin tents now with their families. Traveling throughout the Northwest, hunting for businesses that will hire them. The State Parks are less expensive than motels. The kids have playgrounds, woods and water to play in. The wives can prepare simple meals in the fire pits. It gives the illusion of a vacation to the kids. The men take off every day pounding the streets, answering want ads. Praying for a break. They’re the new Poor.”

    Mike continued his rounds. Talked to campers still at their sites. Blue tarps covered some inexpensive tents. Most of the women showed the strain of living like vagabonds in their faces. He personally sympathized with their plight. Would let them stay longer than the maximum two weeks if it were up to him. Shaking his head, sadly he had to adhere to State Park rules. His Siberian Husky, Bella, rode in the passenger seat, sticking her muzzle out the window. A black and white rescue, she was his trusty sidekick. 

    Mike’s fortieth birthday was coming up. Where had the years gone? What had he accomplished in his life? His marriage was in jeopardy. He and his wife, Cindy, no longer had anything in common. She wanted to move to Seattle, a temporary separation, to ponder her future with him. His teenage daughter, Rebecca, was bored living in rural areas, wanting more excitement in her life.  His middle school son, Randall, liked video games and hanging out with his friends. Mike was tired of living in government housing himself, often questioning what life was really about. Mike was raised by Sierra Club devotees in California. His youth was spent backpacking in the Sierras and demonstrating with political activists. A deep commitment to preserving the environment and America’s national treasures was a big reason why he joined the National Park Service.