To: Superintendent October 15, 2012
Southwest Utah Group
National Parks Service
2281 SW Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532
Subject: Letter of Commendation for Ranger Mike Matthes
Dear Superintendent:
On behalf of the group who were on the Fiery Furnace tour at Arches National Park on Saturday, October 6, 2012, (2:00 PM tour) I want to express my appreciation for Ranger Mike Matthes. I have often thought that I should be giving feedback on the wonderful support, advice and guidance, not to mention protection, provided by the Rangers of the National Parks Service, as I have had many wonderful experiences in a variety of parks throughout the years, and Mike’s obvious dedication and passion for his job and the parks has given me that final nudge.
I first met Mike the day before our Fiery Furnace hike, when I stopped by the Arches Visitor Center to pick up the hiking reservation for the group; Mike just happened to be the Ranger on duty. We had a nice chat about the hike and the group he would be leading. Just from my brief conversation, I could tell that we would be in good hands and I let the group know that we would have a top-notch guide for the hike.
On the day of the hike, Mike did a wonderful job in making the hike safe, enjoyable and educational; a tough balancing act, but one that he did admirably. He is obviously very passionate about the parks in which he has worked and it was particularly notable that Arches has a special place in his heart.
While the entire hike through the Fiery Furnace was a high-light for our group, there were a few specific points that I wanted to share:
First, right at the beginning of the hike, we ran across a small rattlesnake. Mike did a great job in ensuring not only the safety of the hikers, but also that of the snake. Just one of many learning experiences during the day.
Mike also had to deal with a private tour guide that followed us into the Fiery Furnace. When the private group guide played dumb about the timing of the NPS guided hikes, Mike patiently explained the schedule, but let the private group pass through. Later in the hike, this group again ran into the back of our group and again the private guide wanted to push through. Due to the logistics of the situation, having them pass through our group would have been disruptive to both hikes and Mike wisely told the private tour guide that he and his group would have to wait. At this exchange, Mike was very professional, but also stern and definitive. I just happened to be at the end of the line of our group and witnessed this exchange with the private guide, and I was very impressed with how Mike handled the situation.
Mike also has extraordinary patience! We had 20 folks in our group of various abilities and Mike did a marvelous job of coaching and coaxing us through the twists, turns and obstacles of the Fiery Furnace. He was also very patient with the photographers in our group, some of who had not experienced this area of Arches and were hanging back to get that one last shot.
The techniques that Mike demonstrated of the correct way to get over and around certain obstacles were very informative and extremely useful. Several of us employed these techniques during hikes later in our trip.
Finally, at Surprise Arch, Mike shared his personal connection to Arches National Park. He made a heartfelt and moving speech of his personal journey, which we all found very touching. I think that this illuminated the connection that many of us feel toward our National Parks.
So, what we all knew would be a great hike was made even better by the leadership, guidance and interaction with Ranger Mike Matthes. He truly embodies the best what it is to be a Ranger in the National Parks Service.
Sincerely,
<OhioHick>
Southwest Utah Group
National Parks Service
2281 SW Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532
Subject: Letter of Commendation for Ranger Mike Matthes
Dear Superintendent:
On behalf of the group who were on the Fiery Furnace tour at Arches National Park on Saturday, October 6, 2012, (2:00 PM tour) I want to express my appreciation for Ranger Mike Matthes. I have often thought that I should be giving feedback on the wonderful support, advice and guidance, not to mention protection, provided by the Rangers of the National Parks Service, as I have had many wonderful experiences in a variety of parks throughout the years, and Mike’s obvious dedication and passion for his job and the parks has given me that final nudge.
I first met Mike the day before our Fiery Furnace hike, when I stopped by the Arches Visitor Center to pick up the hiking reservation for the group; Mike just happened to be the Ranger on duty. We had a nice chat about the hike and the group he would be leading. Just from my brief conversation, I could tell that we would be in good hands and I let the group know that we would have a top-notch guide for the hike.
On the day of the hike, Mike did a wonderful job in making the hike safe, enjoyable and educational; a tough balancing act, but one that he did admirably. He is obviously very passionate about the parks in which he has worked and it was particularly notable that Arches has a special place in his heart.
While the entire hike through the Fiery Furnace was a high-light for our group, there were a few specific points that I wanted to share:
First, right at the beginning of the hike, we ran across a small rattlesnake. Mike did a great job in ensuring not only the safety of the hikers, but also that of the snake. Just one of many learning experiences during the day.
Mike also had to deal with a private tour guide that followed us into the Fiery Furnace. When the private group guide played dumb about the timing of the NPS guided hikes, Mike patiently explained the schedule, but let the private group pass through. Later in the hike, this group again ran into the back of our group and again the private guide wanted to push through. Due to the logistics of the situation, having them pass through our group would have been disruptive to both hikes and Mike wisely told the private tour guide that he and his group would have to wait. At this exchange, Mike was very professional, but also stern and definitive. I just happened to be at the end of the line of our group and witnessed this exchange with the private guide, and I was very impressed with how Mike handled the situation.
Mike also has extraordinary patience! We had 20 folks in our group of various abilities and Mike did a marvelous job of coaching and coaxing us through the twists, turns and obstacles of the Fiery Furnace. He was also very patient with the photographers in our group, some of who had not experienced this area of Arches and were hanging back to get that one last shot.
The techniques that Mike demonstrated of the correct way to get over and around certain obstacles were very informative and extremely useful. Several of us employed these techniques during hikes later in our trip.
Finally, at Surprise Arch, Mike shared his personal connection to Arches National Park. He made a heartfelt and moving speech of his personal journey, which we all found very touching. I think that this illuminated the connection that many of us feel toward our National Parks.
So, what we all knew would be a great hike was made even better by the leadership, guidance and interaction with Ranger Mike Matthes. He truly embodies the best what it is to be a Ranger in the National Parks Service.
Sincerely,
<OhioHick>
Return to the Utah 2012 Trip Report.