Salty Air

Les Perry, Clearing Paths to Peacefulness

Written by Brian Tarcy

SANDWICH – Les Perry stopped for a moment from gathering up dead and diseased wood in the Shawme-Crowell State Forest to explain why people were camping in November on Cape Cod. Of 285 campsites, 34 were occupied on this beautiful brisk Saturday, he said.

“This is the best time of year,” he said. “You don’t have to worry about the mosquitoes or the flies. It’s quiet and peaceful here. That’s what camping is about.”

Perry, park supervisor for the South Region, Cape Cod District, said campers were “everybody from all over the world.” Noting the nice weather, he added, “Because of the weather, they’re getting the last camping of the season in.”

On this day, Perry, of Bourne, was out maintaining the paths in the 602-acre park. He explained his sunny disposition by saying, “I have the joy of the Lord in my heart, and I love to help people.”

About then, Charlie Peterson of Sandwich was walking his dog through the park and he stopped to talk to Perry. Peterson, who often walks in the park, has known Perry for years. “Our kids grew up together,” he said.

“He’s a wonderful guy. He keeps miles and miles of paths open out here for everybody to use,” said Peterson. “He’s always working. He never stops. It makes me feel bad that I’m not here to help.”

Perry smiled. “Oh, stop it,” he said.

Les Perry: “I’m an outdoor guy.”

Les Perry: “I’m an outdoor guy.”

It turns out that longtime friend Peterson is not the only one with such an opinion. In 2006, Perry was named “Ranger of the Year” by a poll of camping enthusiasts done by ReserveAmerica, a campground and recreation reservation service.

There is such enthusiasm for this ranger who has such enthusiasm for his park. “It’s beautiful,” he said. He then pointed to a rock off the path and explained that it is where he often goes with his family to pray.

Perry is part of this land. Not just as any ranger is part of their park. “I’m an 11th generation Cape Codder,” he said. “My relatives came here in the 1600s.”

Ranger Perry stood with a big grin and a RTV 4×4 cart full of wood, about 1/6th of a cord, he said. “We’ll use this in the stove in the winter to keep us warm,” he said.

Perry has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in outdoor leisure and park administration. “I didn’t want to go into an office,” he said. “I’m an outdoor guy.”

About the author

Brian Tarcy

Brian Tarcy is co-founder of Cape Cod Wave. He is a longtime journalist who has written for the Boston Globe, Boston magazine, the Cape Cod Times and several other publications. He is the author of "YOU CAN'T SELL RIGHT FIELD; A Cape Cod Novel." He is also the author or co-author of more than a dozen mostly non-fiction books, including books with celebrity athletes Cam Neely, Tom Glavine and Joe Theisman. His previous book was, "ALMOST: 12 Electric Months Chasing A Silicon Valley Dream" with Hap Klopp,who created the iconic brand, The North Face.
For more information, see Briantarcy.com
Brian is a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan with a long-running NFL predictions/political satire column connecting weekly world events to the fate of his favorite team, now at Whatsgonnahappen.com.

2 Comments

  • […] Les Perry, Clearing Paths to Peacefulness SANDWICH – Les Perry stopped for a moment from gathering up dead and diseased wood in the Shawme-Crowell State Forest to explain why people were camping in November on Cape Cod. Of 285 campsites, 34 were occupied on this beautiful brisk … Read more on Cape Cod Wave […]

    • I’m trying to reach the Les Perry who managed the Mt. Greylock Reservation in Lanesboro and Adams MA back in 1978. I did my Eagle Scout project there – off Jones Nose and Kittridge Ridge – Appalation Trail under his guidance. My name is Samuel Dean [email protected], (413) 695-9952. Im looking for a career change into the great outdoors. Would love to email or talk about opportunities, especially mobile ones between State and National Parks. If this is the correct Les Perry or you can direct me to that Les Perry, please respond. In Peace, Sam

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