Understanding perseverance through patrolling on the rough road

When I stepped into the bushes wearing my Jiefang brand green shoes, I realized that patrolling was not just about walking in the forest. Sharp tree branches cut my palms, moss made the stone steps wet and slippery, and the bruises on my knees are the "medals" given to me by the mountains.

The patrol road started from the Monkey Rocks(猴子石), passed through Xingfudong, Tianshengqiao, Huiyanwu, and ended at Majiagou. Along the way, the mountains and forests were like silent examiners. The steep slopes challenged our physical strength, and the slippery stones tested our balance. Climbing every step of rock made me realize the difficulty of patrol work. Entering into the depths of the mountains and forests, the ground became more slippery. I had to scramble on all fours—digging my fingers into crevices, my soles battling the thick, slimy moss. I could only press close to the rock face and inch forward slowly The heavy rain washed away the original footpath. We had to find a new way out. After several hard tries, a new exit was found. The heavy rain can wash away the footpath, but can not wash away the will of the park rangers.

Today’s patrol made me understand that the so-called regular patrol was not a poetic stroll, but a desperate battle with the harsh environment. Steep slopes, piercing streams, thorny paths, and 8-hour treks, all of them challenged my physical limits. The rangers patrol year after year, chewing up the hardships and swallowing them, just to protect the vitality of the mountains and forests.

Backs of the rangers make me understand that true perseverance is the persistence of knowing the danger ahead, yet charging forward undeterred.It is to turn every inch of ruggedness into a journey of responsibility and passion. Looking back at the green mountains, those greens washed by rain hide the most silent and stubborn perseverance of the rangers. (By Xie Peiyi)

For Chinese version of this article, please click: http://www.snjnationalpark.com/hbxd/xhjs/202506/t4767887.shtml