As with most Jr. Ranger programs, we had to attend a ranger-led
activity. We chose a talk about California Condors that would take place on the canyon rim.
The boys worked on their activity pages while we waited for the talk to
begin. Sometimes ranger talks are dull (sorry guys but it's true), but this one was really good
for 2 reasons. 1. We learned a lot of interesting information about
California Condors and 2. halfway through the talk 4 Condors showed up,
as if on cue, and flew overhead. We got a live show. They are huge, amazing birds (9 foot
wingspan).
After the Condor talk we ate dinner and finished our Jr. Ranger
booklets, then we went on a short hike. Later we made our way back to
the visitor's center to get our patches. Guess what? It was closed!
I was frustrated. The boys were mad. The kids had worked hard and we
couldn't come back to get their patches (quick rant here...it really
hacks me off to see parents filling out Jr. Ranger booklets for their
kids...isn't the whole point for the child to learn? They can't learn
anything if a parent does it for them!) We decided to check with the
bookstore, which was still open, and fortunately they did give out the
Jr. Ranger passes when the visitor's center was closed, so we got sworn
in, got our patches and left.
Over all, the thing the boys remember the most about the Grand Canyon
is not the spectacular view, the amazing geology, the steep hike or
funny stories they heard about Mom throwing up the last time she tried
to hike out...no, they remember the California Condor. Guess those
big, ugly birds made quite an impression. Pictures in the gallery.
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We're excited to be able to partner