Mysteries in Our National Parks: Valley of Death: A Mystery in Death Valley National Park. Gloria Skurzynski

Ashley asked. “If I tell you a story about Skidoo, and about the ghost that lives here, will you give me the can?”

      “No, you can’t have it,” he told her. “It’s like anything else in a national park—you leave things where you find them. I’m putting it back.”

      Leesa, who’d overheard them, said, “You know a story about this place, Ashley? I’d like to hear it.”

      By tradition, Ashley was the family storyteller. Before they visited each national park, she’d check out library books to learn all she could about the place. Once they reached the park, she would talk to park rangers, asking questions. They always seemed glad to share stories about park history or about their own personal experiences, like the ranger in Glacier National Park who’d told about her terrifying encounter with a grizzly bear.