Thursday, November 8, 2012

A Purple Bucket and Ranger Eric

Yesterday we were at this sandy beach, playing in the sand and water with no sand toys.  Which was totally fine.  And then, ... we spied this bright purple something under a small pile of rocks. We pulled the rocks away and there was a small purple plastic bucket, and a hoe, AND a shovel.  Sand toys! It's true!  Like someone hid it there just for Kai and Jack to find. A hidden treasure on the beach. It was the best discover ever.

Today, Keith and I were taking Bailey and Chester for a swim on another beach ....a beach about a 1/2 mile walk from our campsite.  A ranger drove up.  Stopped.  Honestly our first thought was "rut-roh are we swimming in the no-dog section or what?"... ...  (Why is it that we think....rut-roh when we see an officer???)  Come to find out Ranger Eric just loved Golden Retrievers and wanted to stop and say HI and take time to visit a bit. He told us about his Golden Retriever named "Sport"  ~~~  Sport was a surprise Christmas present from his parents. Eric's Dad told him they were going to a sporting goods store to pick out a new bicycle. But instead, the sports-store turned into a drive to pick up a little furry golden pup. Sport, named after the sport's-store, was the BEST Christmas present ever and his dream come true. Sport lived til the golden age of 15,  and went to doggie heaven while Eric was serving in the military. :-(   

While the pups swam, Ranger Eric stayed...and we talked story for a long while about everything from families & dogs,  to parks & journeys & military & Psalm 23 & coyotes.  It was one of the highlights of our day.  Thank you Eric for your service to our country.  AND for taking time in your day to bless us.

Later in the evening, Ranger Eric took a bit more time... time to find our campsite, & to give our granddaughter an official Lake Mead National Park Junior Ranger Badge.  Just because he wanted to.  He had no idea what a huge moment it was for Kai when she became a Junior Ranger at the Grand Canyon. To think, NOW she has TWO National Park Badges... How cool is that?

Two days in a row....two treasures discovered on the shore.

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