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| Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite T-Shirt Back Side |
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| Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite T-Shirt Front Side |
Showing posts with label john muir. Show all posts
Showing posts with label john muir. Show all posts
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite T-Shirt Campaign
Here is my Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite T-Shirt Campaign. Shirts available in many colors. It is a fun way to promote the book and have a great souvenir to match.
Friday, March 3, 2017
Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite in Color
Still not done with the art or the cover, but we will finish tonight. Adding the Chapel and a lighter sky so it does not feel like night swimming.
The 16th is coming faster and faster. We are excited. I would have loved a book like this when I went camping as a kid.
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| Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite |
The 16th is coming faster and faster. We are excited. I would have loved a book like this when I went camping as a kid.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
New artwork for the Jr Ranger Adventures
I am excited about our new artwork created for The Jr Ranger Adventures.
Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite has two covers now.
One is still with Lucy petting Elmer the baby bear I will use. My next one is a special edition I am going to use on t-shirts and other promotional goods.
It is awesome as you can see. I am making one change to the drawing that will make Paul Bunyan a little more modest by closing his legs. I still love these two concepts shown below.
I will use the top one to modify and use for my main cover. It will be ready tomorrow.
Keep in touch for the next update.
Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite has two covers now.
One is still with Lucy petting Elmer the baby bear I will use. My next one is a special edition I am going to use on t-shirts and other promotional goods.
It is awesome as you can see. I am making one change to the drawing that will make Paul Bunyan a little more modest by closing his legs. I still love these two concepts shown below.
I will use the top one to modify and use for my main cover. It will be ready tomorrow.
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| Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite by Derek Ryan Jensen |
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| Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite by Derek Ryan Jensen |
Keep in touch for the next update.
The Author Derek
Ryan Jensen and this Blog was prepared or accomplished by approval of Derek
Ryan Jensen in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed in these articles
are the author's own and do not reflect the view of the National Park Service, The
Jr Ranger Program or any other Department in the United States government.
Neither do they reflect any resemblance to work done by any other major
Corporation including Publishers and The Walt Disney Company, DreamWorks, or any
other related Corporation who may have created similar works about folk heroes
and or National Parks.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Monday, August 15, 2016
Why Paul Bunyan in Yosemite? The Adventures of a Jr Ranger
Who has not heard of Paul Bunyan? The truth is MILLIONS!! With a major connection to immigrants here in the U.S. I have come across the majority (Like 99.9%) who have no idea of this major part of U.S. culture. The same goes with John Henry and almost all the other U.S. Folklore.
The story of Paul Bunyan has been told, over and over, in the exact same way. I for one, am a huge fan, ever since I was a child. I was always sad how people treated him, in the end. He just went off alone, to the west. Some say Alaska, others say Washington or Oregon, but as the decades have past, I decided to reintroduce him in the High Sierras of California. Not that he has always been there, but as a place he was assigned by modern government in order to keep him close and safe.
The story of Paul Bunyan has been told, over and over, in the exact same way. I for one, am a huge fan, ever since I was a child. I was always sad how people treated him, in the end. He just went off alone, to the west. Some say Alaska, others say Washington or Oregon, but as the decades have past, I decided to reintroduce him in the High Sierras of California. Not that he has always been there, but as a place he was assigned by modern government in order to keep him close and safe.
"Paul Bunyan & Me in
Yosemite" is my idea of how to continue his story and legacy. I was
already working on the National Park Series as "The Adventures of a Jr.
Ranger" until it dawned on me that if the story is fiction, set on experiences and feelings I had as a child, I needed to include folklore as well. Especially as a way to keep U.S. folklore alive with the major influx of immigrants and new Citizens today. I figured it would also add excitement to an already great adventure.
In this book, Paul Bunyan does not have his ax in hand constantly. He does not even use it the way he did decades ago, paving a way through the forests for the Pioneers. He does still have his blue ox Babe, who has gone missing in the beginning of the story. Found after witnesses film him ramming into the Hetch Hetchy dam. I wonder why?
During the series, John Henry is the adoptive father of Lucy and Lucas Fern, grandchildren of John Henry's wife Talitha Fern. They begin in Yosemite and travel to the different National Parks, including the Grand Canyon, Zions and Capital Reef, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland, Snowdonia National Park in Great Britain, Elk Island in Russia, Thousand Islands in Canada and more. All including local Folklore making friends with our own. One great big team on a special mission uniting the world and much more.
Lucy and Lucy Fern are my own creations, children who have been gifted with the task of uniting the folk heroes and who each has a special connection to Nature unlike any that has ever been seen in the history of the World. Paul Bunyan, John Henry, Johnny Appleseed, and many more folk heroes, will solve the mysteries of the Earth and it's inhabitants, who (the majority) have lost almost all interest.
During the series, John Henry is the adoptive father of Lucy and Lucas Fern, grandchildren of John Henry's wife Talitha Fern. They begin in Yosemite and travel to the different National Parks, including the Grand Canyon, Zions and Capital Reef, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland, Snowdonia National Park in Great Britain, Elk Island in Russia, Thousand Islands in Canada and more. All including local Folklore making friends with our own. One great big team on a special mission uniting the world and much more.
Lucy and Lucy Fern are my own creations, children who have been gifted with the task of uniting the folk heroes and who each has a special connection to Nature unlike any that has ever been seen in the history of the World. Paul Bunyan, John Henry, Johnny Appleseed, and many more folk heroes, will solve the mysteries of the Earth and it's inhabitants, who (the majority) have lost almost all interest.
It has been an awesome experience, writing this story and working with many
different children and friends and family, to bring it to life. I have already met children who love the first two books The tiny Life of Lucas Fern and Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite.
Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite introduces Paul Jr. the son of Paul Bunyan and also son of the Giant Princess Bébinn from Ireland, who lives under the protection of the Celtic government near Wicklow Mountains National Park. Leading towards a plot that bring our family and team to Ireland and other parts of Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and more.
Paul Bunyan and the others will follow the Fern's in their quest to bring
healing and hope to our Amazing Planet, and home.
It is educational, amusing,
reflective and fun. I hope all who read it, enjoy it. And if you encounter errors, please let me know in order for me to correct them.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
The Adventures of Jr Ranger Magazine!! The Adventures of a Jr Ranger
Just when I
thought, I had enough. My kids are excellent at brain storming.
Like usual they could not go to sleep before midnight last night, so I
just talked them to sleep.
Anyways, during
this funny midnight chat, we came up with The Adventures of a Jr. Ranger
Magazine. We would have families sign up and submit different types of stories
as a Jr. Ranger, or about a trip to a National Park, for us to publish.
We would send them a copy of their story published with a picture they submit. And a free copy of the first book.
Friday, August 12, 2016
It's Mt. Whitney all over again! The Adventures of a Jr Ranger
It is interesting,
how we commit ourselves to a project that appears golden, even perfect! Then we
arrive at basecamp and realize the battle has just begun.
Several years ago, I made a sixty plus mile
backpacking trip, from Sequoia National Park to Mt. Whitney Portal.
It was beautiful, and HARD.
The actual trail would take eight days, if we
did not cross Pants Pass (Somewhere near Mt. Kaweah), with over fifteen kids
under eighteen years old, including myself.
I was sixteen.
We had a terrible time, fighting drought conditions,
and heat, but it was still a memory I will never forget. Almost getting killed twice, by a fallen
tree, and a huge rock slide on the north side of Pants Pass, as we needed rope
to get down safely with the smaller kids. (A long exciting story)
Our group felt invincible after climbing Pants Pass
successfully, until we hit the last few miles to the summit of Mt.
Whitney.
It took everything we had to
get our names in the register on the summit, eat a late lunch, and make it down
to camp before it was too dark. Some of the adults and kids, did not make it to the top.
Today I feel like I just made it past Pants Pass
again, with this first Adventure of a Jr Ranger book #1. But self-publishing is a lot of hard work,
like having to make it to the summit of Mt Whitney this next week.
When I step back and look at the forty books I planned
out, it feels endless.
One thing you learn, backpacking up these steep, steep
trails, is to keep one foot in front of the other, and try to enjoy the journey
the best you can.
I hope I have enough
success with Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite, to find someone to help. If I could afford an assistant, I would sail
past my goal of twelve books a year.
Right now I am Mr. Mom, working a full time job from
home, while completing this book. As
much as I love to have the company of my Four children on Summer break, I found
it is much easier when they are in school.
As soon as I secure this families, peace of mind,
financially. I will be able to enjoy the
summers with the kids, even more.
What would Walt Disney do? The Adventures of a Jr Ranger
Over the years, I do not remember a visit to a
National Park, without taking home a inexpensive souvenir.
As a tradition with my own children, we have allowed them to choose something to help them remember their National Park experience.
As a tradition with my own children, we have allowed them to choose something to help them remember their National Park experience.
We
usually start off with the book section, looking to expand our small 500+ book
library (mostly children's books), and usually the same exact books are available, as the year before, and in almost
every National Park we have visited, from Yosemite, Death Valley, Kings Canyon,
Sequoia, The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Zions, Bryce, you name
it.
Books
about bears or deer, for children under five. A National Geographic
magazine for Kids that covers all National Parks in General, and has never appealed
to my own children.
We have
two boys, ages 16 and 15. Two girls, ages 12 and 10. They all love to
read, but they usually end up with a t-shirt or a collection of rocks (also
identical at all National Park gift stores)
I know
the National Park has a private company handle all of the sales of merchandise,
but it did not make sense that they would not have anything original, except a
private line of very expensive ($200+) blankets and clothing.
It was
probably during my 2014 visit to Yosemite, that I started thinking of a way to
make souvenirs more attractive for kids, and put more money in the hands of the
National Parks.
I came up with this Jr. Ranger series starring Lucy and Lucas Fern, and friendly animals who share names with some of the local National Park folklore, like shouting Elmer in Yosemite.
I came up with this Jr. Ranger series starring Lucy and Lucas Fern, and friendly animals who share names with some of the local National Park folklore, like shouting Elmer in Yosemite.
Recently
I was completing the first draft of The Grizzly Tree in Yosemite, when I
realized that I had one of those what would Jesus do moments, except it was a,
'What would Walt Disney do?' Obviously I do not see him as Jesus, but I do see
him as a genius.
Immediately
I had an idea pop into my head, as I could hear my children watching the Disney
Legends DVD right in the other room. The famous Disney ballad of Paul
Bunyan.
Then it hit me. My story was fiction, but I needed to make the fiction, much more obvious, avoiding confusion, with even the smallest of children. At least the ones old enough to read and understand.
I went full throttle Paul Bunyan fiction in the title, changing it to Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite, immediately making it clear, that the story was fiction.
Then the flood of memories began, from times I went camping as a child, and I would actually picture Paul Bunyan hiding in the trees.
Since I had this wonderful idea, I have put in over a three hundred hours of research, covering up to 40 different folk heroes, from USA, IRELAND, ENDLAND, all through Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and back.
Then it hit me. My story was fiction, but I needed to make the fiction, much more obvious, avoiding confusion, with even the smallest of children. At least the ones old enough to read and understand.
I went full throttle Paul Bunyan fiction in the title, changing it to Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite, immediately making it clear, that the story was fiction.
Then the flood of memories began, from times I went camping as a child, and I would actually picture Paul Bunyan hiding in the trees.
Since I had this wonderful idea, I have put in over a three hundred hours of research, covering up to 40 different folk heroes, from USA, IRELAND, ENDLAND, all through Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and back.
I have
re-written 80% of the story, over close to four hundred hours, including parts
of the second, and third books.
I came
to the conclusion that I could never match something Disney could do, and if
the job were to be done the way I envisioned, it would need to be looked over by Disney (Obviously Impossible), yet it would create a much more
exciting outcome for children who may feel bored when visiting a National Park,
and do not have the creativity to imagine the things I did as a child.
As I
complete this first book, I have come as close as possible to matching the work
(at least in words) that Disney MIGHT do.
Then again, I may be way off, since they probably have 100 people who could do this better than I.
I am excited to be part of this project. I have made it educational, while feeling a little suspense and a lot of excitement for boys and girls. Motivating them to become a Jr. Rangers, love the National Parks, connect with the Native American Culture of the Park, and to be thankful to the service Rangers, Workers and volunteers that help keep these parks accessible to the public.
Then again, I may be way off, since they probably have 100 people who could do this better than I.
I am excited to be part of this project. I have made it educational, while feeling a little suspense and a lot of excitement for boys and girls. Motivating them to become a Jr. Rangers, love the National Parks, connect with the Native American Culture of the Park, and to be thankful to the service Rangers, Workers and volunteers that help keep these parks accessible to the public.
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About the Author
About the Author
Born in 1976
I am Derek Ryan Jensen, born Derek James Bush, in Redwood City, California. At the age of four, I was placed in the foster care of a family member who changed my name to Derek Ryan Bolingbroke. I spent most of my childhood years in Granada Hills, California, moving to live with another family member before my fifteenth birthday. My name was changed back to Derek James Bush.
(Family drama, full of lots of interesting twists and turns - not included in this Bio)
When I turned eighteen, to prepare to serve a Church mission, the Church asked that I return my name to what was on the Church records, so I returned to Derek Ryan Bolingbroke.
Are you dizzy yet?
I ended up living in the Dominican Republic for seven years (between mission and work) as Derek Ryan Bolingbroke, married and had two children there.
In 2006, I was working two jobs, and found many barriers my name changing had caused, including being approved for a home loan. I spoke to a lawyer and realized my legal name was still Derek James Bush, and I have never met my Father. I still don't know who he is, or if I have any brothers and sisters on his side.
In total, my wife and I have two boys and four girls.
Anyways, in order to have my credit report fixed, I needed to officially change my name in a court. My grandfather asked me to take his name. I felt honored to be part of an actual family chain. So here I am Derek Ryan Jensen.
A cool note. Just on my Grandfathers side, I am a direct descendant of the Kings of England. I will post the genealogy in a future post. Kind of cool, but I am guessing there are many, many more people just as related.
I have worked since I was fifteen, assistant in construction, then many other jobs to survive until now. I started small company in order to supplement income, while living in Santa Clarita from 2006-2015.
In 2015 we moved to Payson, Utah in order to keep our heads above water financially, and to work on publishing a few books I began many years before.
The Adventures of a Jr Ranger, is a combination of two ideas I began a few years ago, but never had the time until now.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Jr. Ranger Book Series Planning Phase 9 The Adventures of a Jr Ranger
July 14, 2016
Finally, we made our second trip to Yosemite, this time to spend
an entire week (7 nights) camping in Lower Pines, right next to the river.
It was amazing, with the greatest view of Half Dome.
Going to sleep
every night, listening to the sound of the wind rushing through the trees, was
like a dream. The best $20 a night, I ever spent.
We had brand new
tents from Costco, and an amazing air mattress to keep us as comfortable as
possible. Actually I am a backpacker, and love to sleep as close to
nature (sometimes) as I can. I have had great nights on a $10 pad from
Walmart, and also horrible nights.
Tip: Remember when
camping in tents, to find the flattest place possible to set up your tents and
beds, or you will slide down the hill, all night long.
As a native from
California, I usually drive from Santa Clarita, through Bakersfield, then
Fresno. Then we travel through Oakhurst, and Sugar Pine (the railroad and train
ride, is awesome there). Only this year, we live in Payson, and it took
us 10 hours to drive there. To be truthful, I enjoyed the drive, and the
roads were very nice, and cared for.
My first day was
amazing, as I took notes and thought of places for Paul Bunyan to hide and live
as a Giant. Everything fit so perfectly.
The next few days,
we looked at the Jr Ranger program (My children have all been Jr Rangers since
they were tiny.) It was not much different than when they participated, the few
times before.
Here is one of my
favorite pictures, taken on top of Glacier Point.
The seven nights went by too quickly. I was able to finally omplete all of the missing gaps, in the story. $140 (total) for the campsite, and $245 (total) for the gas.
I wrote this book, hoping to motivate kids to love Nature and our National Parks, also to become Jr. Rangers, taking pride in the world around them. Picking up trash that someone else dropped. Not because they were told, only because they want to help keep this world a cleaner place.
I can't tell you how many times I have been picking up trash with my children and see others begin to follow our example. That is another reason that the Jr Ranger is as cool as ever. My boys are almost Eagle Scouts, and I love the fact that they take pride in setting the example.
Amazing views are everywhere. In the top picture, you can see the glacier where Paul Bunyan lives (In the book)
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Jr. Ranger Book Series Planning Phase 8 The Adventures of a Jr Ranger
June 27, 2016
By now the story was beginning to take hold, I finished writing and ended up on a train in the Great Smoky Mountains with ideas flowing faster than I could remember. I took notes like crazy and ended up gaining a full understanding of the importance of the lives of John Henry, Casey Jones, Johnny Appleseed, and others from Ireland, England all the way to India.
This National Park Jr. Ranger Series has been one of the more exciting things that I have done. I have been visiting National Parks ever since I was a child, and I would have loved it, if this kind of book was available. I was also a big fan of folk heroes and it would be great if our children knew more about them. That is where these books can be a grand slam!
www,lucasfern.com
https://twitter.com/soylucasfern
By now the story was beginning to take hold, I finished writing and ended up on a train in the Great Smoky Mountains with ideas flowing faster than I could remember. I took notes like crazy and ended up gaining a full understanding of the importance of the lives of John Henry, Casey Jones, Johnny Appleseed, and others from Ireland, England all the way to India.
This National Park Jr. Ranger Series has been one of the more exciting things that I have done. I have been visiting National Parks ever since I was a child, and I would have loved it, if this kind of book was available. I was also a big fan of folk heroes and it would be great if our children knew more about them. That is where these books can be a grand slam!
www,lucasfern.com
https://twitter.com/soylucasfern
Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite FINISHED!!!
I am excited to say that I have sent the manuscript and final draft of the cover for Paul Bunyan & Me in Yosemite The Adventures of a Jr. Ranger (Book #1) to over fifteen different literary agents, looking for possible representation. I have had a few conversations with different leaders of the National Parks and Conservation Groups, who are very interested in the success of this series.
A few pages at the end of the book, have crossword puzzles, and trivia, made for Jr. travelers, seeking amusement during the long drive that usually comes with almost all National Park visits, and may possibly be the main reason for my starting this series. The stores did not have a great selection of
helpful souvenirs, to help with road trips.
I am working to review and complete book two in the series, where Lucas and Lucy both arrive with their family, at The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and have a very interesting adventure with Johnny Appleseed. I am waiting for approval of the title and we may be ready in a little less than a month on this one.
All of the chapters of book three are finished also, as they are sent to Yellowstone, due to publish in October. We are traveling through seasons, so the Great Smoky Mountains will be during fall and Yellowstone is during winter. Both parks have amazing programs during those times, that not many people are aware of.
So far by the end of book two, we will have visited two National Parks with the help of four different folk heroes, including the President of the United States. Two of the folk heroes are a secret (in a way). Not hard to discover, but exciting when they arrive in the story.
Our group does travel by train, eventually. Also folk heroes from other countries will be appearing, as they seek the help of the Ferns and their small army of folk hero friends, to establish the Jr. Ranger Program and resolve problems with in their own National Parks.
Here is the final draft of the cover of the book. I will post the entire book, in a few days, as soon as I have a few answers from the copyright office.
A few pages at the end of the book, have crossword puzzles, and trivia, made for Jr. travelers, seeking amusement during the long drive that usually comes with almost all National Park visits, and may possibly be the main reason for my starting this series. The stores did not have a great selection of
helpful souvenirs, to help with road trips.
I am working to review and complete book two in the series, where Lucas and Lucy both arrive with their family, at The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and have a very interesting adventure with Johnny Appleseed. I am waiting for approval of the title and we may be ready in a little less than a month on this one.
All of the chapters of book three are finished also, as they are sent to Yellowstone, due to publish in October. We are traveling through seasons, so the Great Smoky Mountains will be during fall and Yellowstone is during winter. Both parks have amazing programs during those times, that not many people are aware of.
So far by the end of book two, we will have visited two National Parks with the help of four different folk heroes, including the President of the United States. Two of the folk heroes are a secret (in a way). Not hard to discover, but exciting when they arrive in the story.
Our group does travel by train, eventually. Also folk heroes from other countries will be appearing, as they seek the help of the Ferns and their small army of folk hero friends, to establish the Jr. Ranger Program and resolve problems with in their own National Parks.
Here is the final draft of the cover of the book. I will post the entire book, in a few days, as soon as I have a few answers from the copyright office.
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Elmer and friends!! The Adventures of a Jr Ranger
Okay!! I posted the entire book, less the crossword puzzles and a
few drawings and pictures that are in the book, during the chapters.
You can find it
under my blog called The tiny Life of Lucas Fern, organized in chapters.
It was fun to
finally publish one of the hundreds of stories I have told my kids, over the
years. I have also been adding a fun portion of a tradition in Yosemite
that many visitors (usually campers) have, as the sun is setting in Yosemite
Valley.
Just as people are
returning to their campsites and finishing up with dinner, or roasting marsh
mellows over the campfire, people begin to shout for Elmer. It is
alarming for a child the first time they hear it, then it becomes exciting.
Just the thought that you can scream at the top of your lungs, the name
of a person, nobody has ever met.
At least according
to the three different stories I have heard over the years.
This first story,
an old family member told me during a family reunion. It was the story of
an old man named Elmer, who had a cart full of fresh fruit, fish, and vegetables.
This was told even back before WWII when this person was just a teenager.
People would shout
his name, in order to get his attention.
A different story
was that of a young boy, who was lost, during the sixties or so. His
parents began calling his name, and the campers all began calling for him as
well. It did not take long for him to finally return home.
The third is the
story I made up for my own children, since the truth is almost impossible to
find. I tell them the story of Elmer the bear cub, who was separated from
his mother. The bear cub ran across a few children playing in the river,
building a small dam out of rocks, creating a little pool of water to swim in.
They named the
bear cub Elmer, and spent all afternoon playing games, and feeding the cute
cub. When the night came, Elmer's mother was still missing.
That night the
children all gathered together and slept out under the stars, with Elmer the
bear cub, hoping his mother would return to find him.
In the morning
Elmer was gone! From that day forward, these children returned to Yosemite
every year, looking for Elmer, calling his name as the sun went down.
As you can see,
Yosemite can be a magical place, especially for those who can resist the desire
to watch television, listen to music, use their electronic devices, and
whatever else you can do when you are back in the city, or at home.
Try and find a
spot, all alone, preferably along the river, where nobody can disturb you.
Set out a blanket, to relax and listen to the music and the message
Mother Nature has in store for you. It may take a while to purge the big
city out of your mind and system, but for those of you who can hear it. Her
message is magical.
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Copyright © 2016 Derek Ryan Jensen. All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher
Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved.
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Yosemite Camping Part #1 The Adventures of a Jr Ranger
July 14, 2016
Our vacation to Yosemite National Park, finally happened on this date. We did not go home until July 21. It was amazing. The weather was perfect, 80's during the day and in the 50's at night.
My family loves to sleep in tents, so we took two new tents from Costco and some nice air mattresses, several chairs, and everything else that made the trip perfect.
Well, almost. I forgot my shoes. I packed the van in sandals, and everything else. I had not worn my regular shoes in a few days, so they were out of sight and out of mind. Our hike to the top of Half Dome was obviously cancelled.
I was able to get by without any major issues at all.
My boys and I have a tradition when we camp, that keeps us closer to nature. We bring a biodegradable soap and shampoo, and only bathe in the river. The water is freezing the first day, but if you can fight through the chill, you will be able to enjoy an entire week of morning and evening trips to the river. It feels great while you are outside all day long.
Here is a picture we took while were there.
Our vacation to Yosemite National Park, finally happened on this date. We did not go home until July 21. It was amazing. The weather was perfect, 80's during the day and in the 50's at night.
My family loves to sleep in tents, so we took two new tents from Costco and some nice air mattresses, several chairs, and everything else that made the trip perfect.
Well, almost. I forgot my shoes. I packed the van in sandals, and everything else. I had not worn my regular shoes in a few days, so they were out of sight and out of mind. Our hike to the top of Half Dome was obviously cancelled.
I was able to get by without any major issues at all.
My boys and I have a tradition when we camp, that keeps us closer to nature. We bring a biodegradable soap and shampoo, and only bathe in the river. The water is freezing the first day, but if you can fight through the chill, you will be able to enjoy an entire week of morning and evening trips to the river. It feels great while you are outside all day long.
Here is a picture we took while were there.
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| Merced River Yosemite Valley |
This is a picture taken from the bridge that is between the pines
campgrounds. We usually stay in Lower Pines when we go. The camp
host is a great guy and does a great job keeping people in line. If the
people do not put food away properly, it is guaranteed that a bear will make a
visit to the campground, and you will be hearing some very noisy campers,
trying to scare it away.
One year we saw a
bear right outside our camp, eating an entire bag of pancake mix. The sad
thing is, is that they become fearless of humans, then aggressive.
Eventually the Rangers are forced to put them down in order to protect
the public.
Another thing that
I have added to the Jr Ranger Series, is the trash issue in Yosemite.
There are many issues, but I have decided to mention two.
The first is the
missing clip issue, on the large green dumpsters the campers and visitors, use
to dump their trash. If they don’t put the clip back at night, a bear
could climb in and be trapped and killed in the morning, when the garbage truck
comes to take the trash.
The second is the
Landfill issue in Yosemite. The Landfills in, and near Yosemite Valley
are filling up faster and faster, causing the trash companies to travel farther
and farther to get rid of the trash. I dedicated a fun portion of this
first book, into finding solutions, especially this solution.
If you ever have a
chance to camp, or visit Yosemite, bring a bike, and float down the river.
You will never forget these moments, ever, for the rest of your life.
I have written
this first book, as if you are actually camping with me and my family in
Yosemite. I plan on posting the entire book, here on my blog, as soon as
I feel comfortable with the results, possibly tomorrow or Monday.
Cross your
fingers.
https://twitter.com/SoyLucasFern
Copyright © 2016 Derek Ryan Jensen. All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher
Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved.
Jr. Ranger Book Series Planning Phase 7
June 10, 2016
The Grizzly Tree in Yosemite, was going to be the name of the first book in the Jr. Ranger Series, at one point.
The Grizzly Tree in Yosemite, was going to be the name of the first book in the Jr. Ranger Series, at one point.
This was one of my semi-boring ideas, based before the folk hero idea. The story begins with the family arriving in Yosemite, at the Mariposa grove (Closed until Summer 2017), and John Fern (the adoptive Father of Lucas Fern) is anxious to test Lucas and his newly acquired control over the L.U.C.A. gene (Last Universal Common Ancestor).
Originally the story was about Lucas having this unexplainable gift to bring plants back to life, or make them more fruitful, with an additional gift to communicate with them.
His twin sister Lucy has a similar gift, but with animals. Just a few weeks ago, an article was published about the L.U.C.A
I was excited, since the initials were very close to both Lucas and Lucy, and gave me an amazing scientific way to introduce their gifts.
As I was explaining, the book begins as the family arrives in the Mariposa Grove, home of some of the largest trees on earth. I chose to use the Grizzly Giant, as the tree that would have an impact on Lucas to begin the series.
Lucas is able to connect, communicate, and understand this amazing Gigantic tree, that is over two thousand years old.
Here is a picture of it, and it does not do it any justice. In person, this is one of the greatest trees to ever stand. Borrowed from wikipedia.
Anyways, that is why I was going to call the first book. The Grizzly Tree in Yosemite. It literally changes the course of Lucas's life, as he is given an additional gift of growing taller, almost as tall as the great Paul Bunyan.
Copyright © 2016 Derek Ryan Jensen. All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher
Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved.
Jr. Ranger Book Series Planning Phase 6
May 25, 2016
With the two legal battles, still consuming my days (non-book
related and non-criminal), I was struggling to manage anything productive.
I did manage to work Paul Bunyan into the first Jr. Ranger story in
Yosemite. His hiding place is near an old favorite backpacking place of
mine.
I had a great time remembering, all of those experiences, a few
miles beyond the Little Yosemite Valley, sliding down a natural waterslide
created by the Merced river, draining from the freezing glaciers above.
Spending many nights, keeping watch over our backpacks and food, so the
bears would not get to them.
A few miles back, made the perfect place for Paul Bunyan to
reside, undiscovered. I can’t wait for you to read this book. It is
99% finished today, and I will post it sometime tomorrow or Monday, depending
on how fast I can finish this breakdown of the writing and creative process.
Today I was watching my little ten-year-old girl, one of a few
Little Miss Payson 2016 girls, who were in the Santaquin Harvest days’ parade.
It was cute. My fifteen-year-old son was also playing the trumpet
for the Payson High School Band. That was great too.
I have used all four of my children in the art, and in the
personalities, of Lucas and Lucy Fern, so it will be fun to add some of these
adventures to future books.
Well, as I said, I was able to place Paul Bunyan in the Yosemite
Jr. Ranger book. I also was able to add his shadow, in sort of a fun
"Hidden Mickey" way, on the cover, as well as finally fix the title
of the book. I sent in for the Copyright May 25 as dated above, when
these changes took place. Also the smaller head for Lucas, with blue eyes. Now Lucy and Lucas have a mixture of all four of my kids, , and they blue eyes are from me.
See Paul Bunyan?
Copyright © 2016 Derek Ryan Jensen. All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher
Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved.
The Yosemite Jr. Ranger Song The Adventures of a Jr Ranger
August 6, 2016
This is actually a song I wrote, two days ago. I needed a song for Lucy to have written during her
stay in Yosemite. Written as I listened to the song from Disney's animated Paul Bunyan, I had her write this song for the Jr. Ranger's called The Yosemite Jr. Ranger Song, and if you sing it to the Disney tune, it works much better. I have a cousin who can write something different to match, if ever needed.
The Yosemite Jr. Ranger Song
This is actually a song I wrote, two days ago. I needed a song for Lucy to have written during her
stay in Yosemite. Written as I listened to the song from Disney's animated Paul Bunyan, I had her write this song for the Jr. Ranger's called The Yosemite Jr. Ranger Song, and if you sing it to the Disney tune, it works much better. I have a cousin who can write something different to match, if ever needed.
The Yosemite Jr. Ranger Song
Yosemite’s the place where the trees grow tall, full of Glaciers and
Waterfalls too!
Where the Jr. Rangers roam, cleaning mother
nature’s home,
because bears think that s’mores are
yummy too!
There’s a fen on the hill, and a river that’s
chill, for the people to
swim if they dare.
Cause the water is cold, only fun for the
bold, and we Jr. Rangers try
not to stare.
Chorus:
Hey
all - - - hey all - - - We’re Rangers - - - Jr. Rangers!
We have
fun, high and low,
as
we learn how things grow,
finding
birds up above,
and
small creatures to love.
Hey all
- - - hey all - - - We’re Rangers - - - Jr. Rangers!
Copyright © 2016 Derek Ryan Jensen. All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher
Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved.
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