The Oldest US Park Ranger

Meet Fred Sisneros...well sort of. Fred is a treasure, and he probably didn't know it. Fred's family ended up owning the valley which they helped to resettle in 1869. I would imagine their ownership issued through the Mexican Land Grants. Anyway Fred's father left him the protector of this history when he died. Can you even envision yourself the guardian of such a legacy as grand as this. I for one can't. Not even for a minute. Fred, I don't think blinked an eye. His father charged him, and he lived up to that charge.

In 1981 Abo became a part of the National Park System, and Fred became the country's oldest
Park Ranger. In accordance with his wishes, when he passed away in 1988, he was buried near his beloved mission under a Juniper tree. Salute, Fred.

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to trapse across some of the beauties that the Monzanos has to offer. What a delightful day, not to warm, nor cold. As Goldie says, it was just right. While it was a joy to abide for a time among the bright colors, just a few miles down the road the sights weren't as pleasant. This past spring, fire ravenged the woodland leaving nothing but the charred remains. Last Oct. I snapped a beautiful spot on the road that serves as my logo for my cards. That location in that condition no longer exists. But hope springs as the first peekings of new growth was evident as we made our way up the blackened mountainside. When we arrived at the top of the mountain, we were rewarded with this saved retreat. Just 2 miles down from this site another blessed area retained its beauty and grandure, Inlow Camp. So many people across the state prayed for the safety of this campground, and I added in the top of the mountain. My heart soared as I scooted my boots through these gorgeous colors of fall once again still in its pristine condition. Thank You Lord for Your Goodness.