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Hey Ranger 2: More True Tales of Humor & Misadventure from the Great Outdoors
In this sequel to the wildly successful Hey Ranger: True Tales of Humor and Misadventure from America's National Parks , former ranger Jim Burnett casts his net globally in search of the most outrageous and humorous stories of man in his eternal quest to experience the natural world. Burnett tells of campers being belted by mysterious objects falling from the sky, like potatoes and ice cream; wildlife photos that went awry, including a ground squirrel that outwits a photographer; dumb crooks in parks, such as the drunk driver who mistakenly knocked on a judge's door to report an accident; and drivers who went over the hill and into the woods instead of to Grandma's house.
Burnett also assembles contenders for the strangest questions ever asked of a park ranger, lessons on how not to pick a campsite, life lessons you can learn from a canoe trip, as well as some classic bear stories. As always, Burnett's stories are meant to inform as well as entertain, and serve as cautionary tales on how not to become "a victim of your vacation." Told in Burnett's classic, conversational style, Hey Ranger 2 will not disappoint.
Burnett also assembles contenders for the strangest questions ever asked of a park ranger, lessons on how not to pick a campsite, life lessons you can learn from a canoe trip, as well as some classic bear stories. As always, Burnett's stories are meant to inform as well as entertain, and serve as cautionary tales on how not to become "a victim of your vacation." Told in Burnett's classic, conversational style, Hey Ranger 2 will not disappoint.
- GenresNonfictionTravelHumor
270 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2007
13 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 22, 2017
Jim Burnett's second Hey Ranger! book collects more stories of life and misadventure in America's national parks, including close encounters with wildlife, examples of how not to pitch a tent, creative ways to clean up gasoline spills, and that strange fuschia glow at the scene of a truck accident that could have been fire, toxic chemicals, or, well, something completely off the wall.
Although it has plenty of hilarity and affords many insights into the lives of park rangers, I think I liked the first volume a bit better than this one. But that doesn't mean it's not worth the reading. Definitely pick up a copy when you can.
Although it has plenty of hilarity and affords many insights into the lives of park rangers, I think I liked the first volume a bit better than this one. But that doesn't mean it's not worth the reading. Definitely pick up a copy when you can.
April 25, 2018
Cute read. Some of the repetition felt like it was a bunch of stories pulled together but I guess that's what it really is. The humor was cute. Yes, definitely a cute book.
August 25, 2025
Somewhat entertaining, but out dated.
February 23, 2017
Burnett's more interesting stories are in the first book.
September 8, 2016
Quotable:
In the Great Outdoors the way less traveled may not always be the best choice, so whether you’re on a river, a trail, or a road, when you come to a junction, think at least twice before you make any assumptions about whether to proceed on one route or the other. Above all, if you spot any signs warning of dire conditions ahead, don’t engage in any wishful thinking about what you want it to read, unless you’re prepared to “abandon all dope.”
In canoeing as in the rest of life, there is need for balance between “give and take” and “get it done.”
The opportunity to view the wildlife – skunks excepted – and the scenery are among the pulses of living in many parks, and people who need their daily fix of electronic entertainment probably wouldn’t be very happy in some rural or downright remote areas.
In the Great Outdoors the way less traveled may not always be the best choice, so whether you’re on a river, a trail, or a road, when you come to a junction, think at least twice before you make any assumptions about whether to proceed on one route or the other. Above all, if you spot any signs warning of dire conditions ahead, don’t engage in any wishful thinking about what you want it to read, unless you’re prepared to “abandon all dope.”
In canoeing as in the rest of life, there is need for balance between “give and take” and “get it done.”
The opportunity to view the wildlife – skunks excepted – and the scenery are among the pulses of living in many parks, and people who need their daily fix of electronic entertainment probably wouldn’t be very happy in some rural or downright remote areas.
April 1, 2016
I read the first one and enjoyed the stories if not always the narrative of the first book.
However this book is extremely convoluted in the narrative and the stories are pieced together from what people have sent in based on the publishing of the first book.
But its hard to find the actual stories. The first book I would have evaluated at 65% story content and 35% blather but this one is like 80% blather to 20% content.
I read the first few chapters but then gave up. Some people may enjoy that style but I am not one.
However this book is extremely convoluted in the narrative and the stories are pieced together from what people have sent in based on the publishing of the first book.
But its hard to find the actual stories. The first book I would have evaluated at 65% story content and 35% blather but this one is like 80% blather to 20% content.
I read the first few chapters but then gave up. Some people may enjoy that style but I am not one.
April 17, 2024
2023 one pass on
I didn’t realize I was buying a sequel. Perhaps the first book was more interesting. I barely got through this one. Think he was dredging up the best stories he could find from others because he put all his good ones in his first book. At least that’s the impression I got. He interjected a bunch of dad humor to try to make them better. But mostly dull. Thought about not completing the book, but trudged through to the end.
I didn’t realize I was buying a sequel. Perhaps the first book was more interesting. I barely got through this one. Think he was dredging up the best stories he could find from others because he put all his good ones in his first book. At least that’s the impression I got. He interjected a bunch of dad humor to try to make them better. But mostly dull. Thought about not completing the book, but trudged through to the end.
November 22, 2007
Along with his accounts of misadventures, he has exerpts from other rangers and campers that are quite interesting and informative. You will certainly know what not to do.
August 26, 2016
A great follow-up to Hey Ranger #1! More great stories from the National Park Service
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews