Edward Abbey

Edward Abbey takes a six-month job with the US Park Service as the only seasonal ranger at Arches National Monument in Southeastern Utah near the town of Moab. He lives in a small trailer house, but during the hot season, he spends most of his time in the ramada that he builds behind the trailer house. His job involves helping the tourists who come through, making sure the three campgrounds are clean and supplied with firewood and toilet paper, and protecting the wildlife. He has the authority to issue tickets to people breaking the rules.

The desert fascinates Abbey. He learns the names of all the arches, the plant life and the animals. Spring brings a profusion of wildflowers and many storms, mostly wind. Very little rain falls, but when it does, it comes down hard. He enjoys hiking to the various arches and occasionally, on his...