A Diamond in the Rough

When I googled Buffalo National River in Arkansas not many great things popped up on my screen. I did not know what I was getting myself into before coming here. But now that I’m here I can’t imagine being at another park. This park has exceeded my expectations by miles. It’s a beautiful park filled with the nicest people. Pictures do not do this park justice. There are massive bluffs, tons of waterfalls, beautiful flowers with butterflies everywhere you look, and the river is such a cool color from all the limestone.  Everywhere I’ve been to has blown me away with the history and the agriculture.

This park is massive but the staff isn’t so it has turned into a big family. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve never worked at a place where everyone gets along so well. I love how everyone pretty much knows each other, it helps to have everyone support each other and help keep the park running smoothly. Everyone seems very inviting and I’m excited to start working with other parts of the park so see how everything connects.

I have now been here for two weeks, which I cannot believe; time is flying by quickly! My first weekend I was able to help with a Search and Rescue (SAR). There was a man who hiked down the Hemmed-in Hollow Falls Trail to take pictures of the 209 ft waterfall, but then fell on his hip. He tried to walk but could not, so a team was put together to help get him out. A group of us hiked down about 5 miles with the litter and then we carried him to the river where a few people were waiting to take him out by kayak. There was then an ambulance waiting to take him to a helicopter because the man thought he broke his hip. When he left, the group decided to not hike 5 miles back up the mountain, so we went the more adventurous way back! Had to cross the river 5 times, it was an experience. The whole thing ran so smoothly, and it was interesting to see because I’ve never been involved in a real SAR.

Since I’ve been here I’ve been able to see the importance of even a minor ticket. A ranger ticketed a big group for not having lifejackets. They were upset but later that day a few from the group got lost. It was dark and they couldn’t see anymore so they just stopped paddling since they fell out a few times. Not having a lifejacket may seem minor but you never know what’s gonna happen.

This park so far has been giving me a great experience and showing me so many new things. I’m working on my rope skills now and hopefully going to work on my fire management skills next. I’m really able to see how law enforcement rangers are using their jobs to help protect the visitors from the many dangers of the park. It’s important to have fun at these parks but it needs to be done safely because anything can turn dangerous fast.