Excuse Me, Sir… Your Socks Are On Fire: The Life and Times of a Wilderness Park Ranger in the Adirondack Mountains

by Larry Weill

Book by Larry Weill

Genres: Humor, New York, Nature

232 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2006

About the author

The author is an avid outdoorsman who has hiked and climbed throughout the Adirondacks and the Northeast since his days as a Wilderness Park Ranger. He has also worked as a financial planner, a technical writer, a trainer for Xerox corporation, and a career Naval officer. Weill lives in Rochester, New York, with his wife and two daughters. They vacation and hike in the Adirondacks annually.

Reviews

[Cheri Hoyt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, where do I even begin? "Excuse Me, Sir… Your Socks Are On Fire" is the delightful surprise I didn't know my reading list needed. As someone who rarely delves into memoirs, especially from an occupational perspective, I found myself completely engrossed from the very first chapter. The tales from the heart of the Adirondack Mountains are a heartwarming blend of humor, nostalgia, and pure human connection.

The author's recounting of their time as a wilderness park ranger brought the wild, untamed beauty of the Adirondacks right into my living room. From hilarious encounters with unprepared campers to moments of intense reflection amidst nature's serene backdrop, every story felt like a deep, cleansing breath of mountain air.

What particularly resonated with me was the authenticity of the narrative. It wasn’t just about the comedic mishaps or the inherent dangers of being a park ranger; it was about the profound transformation and personal growth that stems from such a unique profession. The author has this magical way of intertwining the amusing with the profound, making me laugh out loud one moment and introspect the next.

And can we talk about the title? Initially, it was the quirky title that drew me in, and trust me, the book does it justice. You're in for some genuinely uproarious stories!

To anyone looking for a fresh, captivating read that offers both belly laughs and deep ponderings about our relationship with nature, do yourself a favor and pick up "Excuse Me, Sir… Your Socks Are On Fire." You won't regret it. I’m already looking forward to re-reading it on my next camping trip!

[Lisa Malmquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author spent three years as a park ranger in the Adirondack Mountains in Upper state New York.
These are stories of adventures and funny things that happened Sith some of the people he met and had to help out as a ranger.
Some fun stories of people mostly new to camping and poignant memories of true woodsmen nd residents of the area.
Funny and informative. Made me want to go and see some of these beautiful scenic areas for myself!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mild overall, but amusing and enjoyable. Weill did very good work organizing his stories into chapters. I say this because the book was published by a house so teeny and niche (North Country Books, Utica, NY) that I doubt Weill received much editorial support. This is not to say that the book is slapdash -- it's professional, just folksy.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining tales of the Adirondack Park. I particularly enjoyed seeing the names of locations that I am familiar with in his stories. I look forward to reading more of his books.

[Caroline Sherwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy the outdoors you'll enjoy this - Just great stories of life as a Park Ranger - Loved Weill's insights how one day the 'Bond with Nature just happens' - Easy, great read

[Maranda Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the stories. Very short and sweet. Easy to read and fun. Makes me want to go out backpacking and camping.

[Lisa T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun easy read! I look forward to reading the rest of his books!

[Brad VanAuken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Larry Weill was a park ranger in the Adirondack Park from 1979 through 1981. If you have ever hiked and camped in the Adirondack backcountry, you will find this book amusing. He recounts stories of all the backpackers, hunters, Boy Scout troops and others that he ran into while he was on the trail, including a well known hermit and a variety of wildlife. He also talks about his time at a fire tower. This is a quick and easy read and is quite humorous throughout. And it may just remind you of some of the people and situations you ran into while on the trail. He also wrote another book of a similar ilk - "Pardon Me, Sir ... There's a Moose in Your Tent."

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author worked as an Adirondack park "ranger" during the 70s. Each chapter is another amusing anecdote about the people and situations he encountered. There are 2 sequels that I am anxious to read.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book about a young Adirondack park ranger has a slow start, but has some great stories about the people he met on the trails and campgrounds. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys camping and hiking in the woods. I look forward to reading his other books.

[Jacky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous, light read on the people and places in the Adirondacks. Knowing the area well, and having met the author, I found the book quite enjoyable.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! If you are a hiker or camper you will love this book!

[Billkayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny "Diary" of an Adirondack ranger who worked three years in an area of the ADK that we frequent!!

[Laurie Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Adirondacks and the stories told in this book.

[Philip S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was humerous throughout, but brought tears to my eyes at the end. An outstanding read.