Page 15 - Summer2011 magazine

"UNE...DEUX...TROIS"...CLICK! The two little ladies from Paris,
France, smiled knowingly at my weak attempt to use some of my college French as I take
their picture. When Joseph and Mary Labie asked my wife, Marilyn, and I if we would be
interested in volunteering in the Red Rock Canyon Exhibit area, we had no idea what was in store for us.
Each Friday morning the drive itself to Red Rock Canyon is an adventure. Bikers of all sizes in biking outfits of all colors and
designs line the road on both sides. Sprinkled in with the bikers are scooters and joggers miles away from the city. Marilyn and I
wonder how those kids make it this far. To us, of course, anyone under 75 is still a kid. We drive along taking in the constantly
changing magnificent mountain and valley views, pass Calico Basin and then turn into the Red Rock Canyon entrance and are
welcomed with a smile by the fee station staff.
Those of you who have visited and helped at the exhibit center know the exhibit itself is a true work of art and complements the
beauty of this unique area. Visitors tell us that as often as they come they see and learn new things on each visit. The elements of
our Canyon are presented graphically and in such an interesting and fun way that the exhibit provides a great classroom for our
school children and adults alike. Speaking of school children...they ascend in groups upon us with all kinds of questions.
Mojave Max and the girls are the center of attention in the exhibit area and the most often asked
question is "where are the tortoises?" In the winter months, we explain they are sleeping
(brumating) but come spring they will be out and about again. Of course, when a 3 or 4 year old
asks this question, it's time for our hand puppet, Toby the Tortoise, to explain that they will get up
sometime in the Spring.
An unexpected benefit of volunteer work is that Sue and Roger Kolar, Habitat Coordinators, send
out regular updates and photos about the tortoises. As you would expect, Max and the girls are photographed by their adoring fans
all day long. The Bureau of Land Management provides us with classes that have increased our knowledge of the canyon and
helped us answer many of our guests’ questions. Volunteering is a great learning experience.
The interest in Red Rock Canyon and the smiles on our visitors' faces is immeasurable. From very
early on, Marilyn and I have been impressed with the enthusiasm shown by our visitors. Like most
folks, we would have liked to have traveled more over the years and met more people from other
places. Well, we have been amazed at the people we get to meet at Red Rock Canyon. People from
Europe, like the ladies from Paris, people from Asia, people from Down Under--Australia.
A group of about 20 Japanese young people asked if I would take their picture. When they asked for a second picture, they turned
their backsides toward me as I snapped the shot, laughing as they jumped up and down. I'm going to brush up on my Japanese so
the next group won’t be able to moon me.
What a way to spend a morning—beautiful Red Rock Canyon views, great volunteers to work with and fascinating visitors from
all over the world. It's hard to tell who is having the most fun!