Invisible Scouting

Day 31: Yes, today was a momentous day. Today, I completed the requirements for my Invisible Scout badge. I cannot divulge what tasks were required of me because above and beyond all others (even Eternal Scouts), Invisible Scouts are sworn to deepest secrecy. However, it is safe to say that I did not have to enter the forbidden Dog Park to retrieve the intern who played a role in this history; in fact, the intern returned undaunted and unscathed from the mission on which I had dispatched him, making me wonder if in fact he did attempt to find the secret entrance to the Dog Park's dismal spider-infested sublevels. His recounting of the event was somewhat unclear, as if perhaps his memories had been altered.

No, dear readers, I am not capitalizing on the popularity of "Welcome to Night Vale" by writing a spin-off episode. I am acknowledging Ian, who is truly an intern with the Volunteer Program in the Park (Mount Rainier, not Dog Park) and got me started on Night Vale some months ago when I asked him what he knew about podcasts (then terra incognita to me). He suggested it, and I surprised myself by enjoying it but shied away from the associated merchandising except to purchase the novel of the same name, although the Invisible Scout badge was something I coveted. I had mentioned it in casual conversation to Ian, not expecting that he'd purchase it for me in exchange for completing a small favour for him. It came in an envelope marked, "Open last! I trust you." I did as I was told, savouring the surprise, and finished my work first. When I felt the round shape inside, I was sure I knew what it was. Thank you, Ian! See ya later, although you may not see me. I'm an Invisible Scout!

Portrait Of An Intense Young Man

Day 301: Today, I again had the pleasure of escorting the Regional office's young intern to various venues in the Longmire compound, introducing him to staff as he pursued the ambitious photographic project of documenting the less visible aspects of Park operations with the goal of presenting to young people the wide variety of employment opportunities available in the National Park Service. I sat in while he interviewed radio technicians, interpreters, rangers, electricians and others, and over and over again, I was impressed with his knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes and his ability to engage each divisional representative with intelligent, well-formulated questions.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was charged with photographing the photographer in action, and it occurred to me that this young man deserved recognition on his own merits. To that end, I set about capturing a candid portrait to give to him as a gift, one photographer to another. My best wishes accompany it, and I hope our paths cross again.