In a funk?
How about a book?

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Life dragging you down?

If so, maybe it’s time for a good book.

The Centennial Campfire Trilogy: (1) The Legend of Campfire Charlie, (2) Last Stand at Boulder Ridge, and (3) Final Campfire.

More specifically, I recommend the Legend of Campfire Charlie. Why? For one, it’s what we call an immersive read. It allows you to escape deep into space and time. And not just any space — but the sanctuary of one of the nation’s over 400 national parks. Even better yet: It allows you to walk in the shoes (or shall we say boots) of a park service ranger. And maybe best of all: It’s part of a trilogy, so the end isn’t so much the end as it is a welcome mat to the continuing adventures of Ranger Rusty. Most of all I recommend the book because I wrote it myself, or rather “co-wrote.”

Remember the Rule of the Ninja: Never fear, never doubt, and never over think.

— Ranger Rudi

Triceratops Talk
Bob and Dom talk Before Phone (BP) era

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Welcome to Before Phones (BP),

“Where the Dinosaurs Roam.”

It was a Time of Great Phonelessness

In this episode, Bob the T-Rex interviews Dom the Triceratops.  Backstory:  I allow each guest to pick a dinosaur at the beginning of the interview, and I was almost positive Dom would pick Barney.  Then again, in retrospect the Triceratops makes sense since it’s the dinosaur version of a rhino which is his favorite animal, or one of them.  This wide ranging interview includes new insights into the Before Phone (BP) era and other tidbids.

Try not to overthink a song. Go with what pops in your head, run with it, and don’t stop until you cross the finish line.

— Bobby Angel

Scenic Muscovy Lake
Art of balancing protection and access

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Here at Campfire Park …

We like to let people enjoy nature.

Cowboy answers fan mail

But sometimes people can love nature too much. Too many people in one spot can start to leave impacts. Such was the case at Scenic Lake when an unexpected visitor arrived: A Muscovy Duck. Just as quickly the visitors cleared out. (Let’s just say it isn’t the most majestic of creatures). Departure of the duck eventually led to a return of the visitors and the tell-tale impacts of over use they left behind. The solution? The Lake was aptly renamed Scenic Muscovy Lake. It was that inspired naming convention that led to just the right balance of preservation and visitation.

I don’t know much, but I’m inclined to spill whatever I do out at the campfire

— Old Miner

Waterman Speech
Coming to a train station near you

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What does it take …

To protect our water resources?

Water needs vision like never before

In word, vision. But vision alone is not enough. It requires activism and a willingness (and energy) to deliver the message to the people in their communities and in a way that communicates to their hearts and their minds. Lastly, it takes a sustained effort and getting everyone involved.

More about this speech: I wrote it in a fit of inspiration meant to be delivered in front of the campfire. It borrows heavily from other speeches, but also tries to cultivate its own organic voice and tenor. Importantly, I memorized the speech before actually putting it to paper. It was only in performing it, and listening to myself say it, that I refined the language and intonations, the later of which continue to evolve. There is a prequel to this speech. Maybe I have to starting thinking of a second part, too. BTW: I do have a powerpoint I often lead into after the speak, called “The Water Plan.” Vision is vital but persistence (and executing the plan) is the ultimate cure.

The campfire is always crackling and visitors are always welcome at Campfire Park

— Cowboy at the Campfire

Return of the Lone Pencil
Cap'n Killivine Rides Again!

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It’s not easy being a pencil …

In a smart phone dominated world.

Cap’n K discusses the lost art of writing

Such is the plight of Cap’n Killivine in his quest to be the hero of the day. Or is he just trying to get by? Really, when it comes to letter, writing — it’s a little of both. You write a letter as much for yourself as the person you send it to. That being said, of all the letters I’ve ever written, I’ve never made a copy. I just send them and forget about them other then what conversation or follow up dialog they may generate. I remember as a kid my grandfather using a sheet of carbon to make a copy of everything he wrote. And by carbon copy, it was a sheet of just that — carbon paper — that he dutifully put underneath the sheet of paper he was writing on.

Listen folks, if I’m hearing Cap’n Killivine correctly, we don’t have to revert back to those days. Texting still has its place. But good old-fashioned letter writing (to anyone, or no one in particular) will never be replaced.

It’s a new dawn with Candidate Burt Silver, but only because he stayed up all night to see it

— Burt Silver

A Stegosaurus Speaks
Exploring the Before Phone (BP) Era

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Welcome to Before Phones (BP) …

Where the Dinosaurs Roam.

Available on Apple Podcasts and Podbean

In this episode, Bob (the T-Rex) sits down around the campfire for a trenchant interview with Rudi, who more closely identifies (and resembles) a stegosaurus.  Side note: Did you know that the T-Rex is closer in time to humans than the Stegosaurus epoch.  Yes, the Era of the Dinosaurs was that long, and practically forgotten.  That’s where the Before Phones (BP) interviews step in and try to describe what the Geologic Age of Great Phonelessness was all about.  

Well howdy folks, and I’m completely freaked out. And you know why. The fringe middle. The silent majority. Why are they so quiet?

— Buck Buckner

Campfire Tip
Solid advice from the campfire

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The saying is as popular …

As it is threadbare.

Good air quality should be a priority

In Cowboy’s opinion, it’s also misunderstood. Sure, you don’t want to spit into the wind so it won’t blow back in your face, and you hear that said all the time. But what about the wind? Doesn’t it deserve to be expectorant free? In this campfire short (sometimes called a chat), the Cowboy at the Campfire puts a good word in for the wind and why it deserves the very best.

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