I said: I would love to go to Rattlesnake Arches.  It is on my bucket list.  I’ve been trying to find someone to go out there with me

She said:  I learned a long time ago, if you wait for someone to go with you, there are places you will never go.

I said: There is a field of sego lilies on top Black Ridge.

He said: The largest variety of flowers may be seen on Lower Liberty Cap Trail.

I said: Nah.  You’re kidding.  Out in that long barren stretch at the beginning of the trail?

I said: I finally got a helmet and am learning to ride a bicycle again.

He said:  That’s the spirit.  Soon we will have you running, too.

I said: I don’t aspire to run. I am quite content to hike at my own pace.  I don’t particularly like being sweaty and thirsty.

Funny thing, a couple weeks ago I caught myself running through some low places, some less scenic areas of trail for no apparent reason but boredom, exhilaration or getting there more quickly. It is happening with frequency.

Three different rangers.  Three instances in which the ranger was right and I was pleasantly surprised.