Molossia Rangers

Adventurers of the Republic of Molossia

Composed entirely of the children of Molossia's citizens, the Molossia Rangers are dedicated to exploring the world around us, in the name of our mighty nation. At this time, the Molossia Rangers has just three members, Bryce (codename "Tiger"), Nathan (codename "Snake") and Lexi (codename "Ram"). They are stalwart adventurers ready to set out and make discoveries.

LAVA BEDS ADVENTURE

On 8 – 10 June 2013 XXXVI, the Molossia Rangers embarked on their latest adventure, a trip to Lava Beds National Monument. This expedition was done in conjunction with the Molossian Institute of Volcanology, which is dedicated to the study and exploration of volcanoes and related geological activities. The Lava Beds is an enormous area of ancient volcanic activity, located in Northern California. Over a period of the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with many interesting volcanic features including more than 700 lava tube caves, as well as Native American rock art sites, and an historic battlefield.

On the morning of 8 June the Rangers set out for the Lava Beds, traveling five hours north from Molossia to reach the park. The voyage included a brief stop in Alturas, California, the location of the former Molossian colony of Farfalla. While no longer a part of Molossia, the flagpole erected there eight years ago still stands, as does a short bridge built to reach the flagpole. This was a source of pride for His Excellency, The President who waxed poetic over the now defunct colony. Shortly thereafter the Rangers arrived in the remote community of Tionesta, where they set up Outpost Molossia at the Hawk’s Nest campground. The rest of that day was spent camping and preparing for the expedition to the Lava Beds.

The next morning, the team set out for the Lava Beds, arriving at about 10:30 AM MST. They quickly leapt into the main activity of the park, exploring the many lava tube caves. The Rangers first explored Mushpot Cave, a short lighted cave, ideal as an introduction to lava tubes. Then the team explored Golden Dome cave, Garden Bridges and then Catacombs Cave, where they narrowly avoided becoming lost by quick thinking and being observant. The last cave on the loop was Sentinal, after which they traveled further afield to Skull Cave, which has an ice floor and Merrill Cave which formerly had an ice floor. This was followed by an exploration of Fleener Chimneys, a series of spatter cones, and finally a journey to Captain Jack’s Stronghold, the bastion from which the Modoc Indians fought US troops during the 1872-1873 Modoc War.

Further expeditions were cancelled when the Ranger’s van developed engine trouble, which resulted in a tow truck ride to nearby Klamath Falls and a night there. The next day the Rangers set out for home, arriving back in Molossia late in the afternoon. This concluded a successful, although tumultuous, mission for our dauntless Rangers, with always more to come!

Outpost Molossia, Tionesta.	Campfire Times.	Former Farfalla Colony.	Lava Beds Overview.	Ready for Caving.
Mushpot Cave.	Golden Dome Cave.	Garden Bridges Archway.	Crawling in Catacombs Cave.	The Rangers in Catacombs Cave.
Catacombs Cave.	More Crawling.	Inside Sentinal Cave.	Sentinal Cave Walkway.	Skull Cave.
Stairs Down into Skull Cave.	Skull Cave Ice Floor.	Fleener Chimneys.	Fleener Chimneys.	Looking into Fleener Chimneys.
Devil's Homestead Lava Flow.	Hiking Captain Jack's Stronghold.	Stronghold Wall.	Inside the Stronghold.	Medicine Pole.

BODIE ADVENTURE

On 3 June 2012 XXXV, the Molossia Rangers embarked on their latest expedition, this time to the distant ghost town of Bodie, California. Bodie was founded as a gold mining town in 1859 in the Sierra Nevada mountains, near Bridgeport, California, about two hours drive southwest of the Molossian Home Territory. Mining peaked in the 1870's, then leveled out through the turn of the century, eventually tapering off after the First World War. By the 1930's the town was nearly empty and a disastrous fire destroyed many of the remaining buildings. What was left became a California State Park in the 1960's, maintained in a state of arrested decay.

The Rangers arrived in the early afternoon on a warm summer day. After lunch in the park picnic area, the Rangers set out to explore the old town. The century-old buildings are filled with artifacts left behind by the previous residents, in dusty rooms with peeling wallpaper. The Rangers explored from building to building, visiting the old Methodist Church, the school, the jail, the firehouse and many of the abandoned houses. After fours hours the Rangers ended their expedition and began the long voyage home. Thus ended the latest adventure of the Molossia Rangers, with more adventures to come!

The Rangers At The Bodie Monument.	A View Down Green Street.	The Old Hotel.	Inside The Store.	The Methodist Church.
The School.	The Jail.	View Through A Window.	Town Overview.	The Stamp Mill.
The Rangers Contemplating.	Abandoned Truck.	The Rangers At The Firehouse.	Old Bodie House.	The President and First Lady At The Bodie Sign.

MOLOSSIAN ALPS ADVENTURE

After a long hiatus, the Molossia Rangers embarked on a new expedition, this time to the nearby Molossian Alps. The Molossian Alps are a range of mountains, also known as the Flowery Range, not far from the Molossian Home Territory. On Saturday, 12 May 2012 XXXV, the Rangers set out toward the mountains, about 2.5 Imperial Nortons north of Molossia. In a short time they began their ascent of Mt. Prosciutto, our local name for a foothill central to the range. This steep hill was the focal point of the expedition, and the Rangers bravely assaulted it. After a difficult 45 minute climb, the Rangers neared the top and their first landmark goal, the Mystery Mine. This mine is mysterious because in spite of heavy mining activity at some time in the past, there is no evidence of paths or roads actually leading to the mine. How did the miners get there? After the Rangers visited the mine (without going in, of course, for safety reasons), they pressed on and quickly reached the top of Mt. Prosciutto. There they paused for lunch, then set out for their next goal, the Cave. This proved to be a bit further afield then planned and the Rangers were definitely flagging by the time they arrived there. With water and energy running low, the Rangers examined the Cave (also without going in) then turned for home, arriving back in Molossia an hour later, tired but accomplished. Thus ended the latest adventure of the Molossia Rangers, with more adventures to come!

The Rangers Ascending Mt. Prosciutto.	The Mystery Mine.	The Rangers at the Mine.	The Rangers at the Mine.	Atop Mt. Prosciutto.
Looking Down from Mt. Prosciutto.	Dayton Valley.	The Molossian Alps.	The Cave.	The Rangers at the Cave.

GRIMES POINT ADVENTURE

The fourth expedition of our intrepid explorers involved petroglyphs, ancient Native American rock art. The intrepid explorers traveled 88 Imperial Nortons east from Molossia to Grimes Point Archaeological Site. Grimes Point is one of the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in the United States. There are hundreds of boulders in this locality with petroglyphs inscribed in them. Designs include circles, wavy lines, human figures, snakes, and other animal figures. The rock art is believed to be about 6,000 years old. Visitors can view examples of petroglyphs along a short, self-guided interpretive trail. It was on this trail that the Rangers set forth on the cool afternoon of 30 January 2010 XXXIII. The petroglyphs were quickly evident on the dark rocks of the archeological site. The Rangers closely examined as many petroglyphs as possible, advancing many theories as to their meaning. Once the trail foray was complete, the Rangers traveled a short distance from Grimes Point to locate a nearby Geocache. This done, as the winter light waned, the Rangers returned to Molossia. Thus ended the latest adventure of the Molossia Rangers, with more adventures to come!

The Rangers at the Sign.

Inspecting Petroglyphs.

ROCKET ADVENTURE

The third expedition of our intrepid explorers involved model rockets. The Republic of Molossia has a long-standing space program, having sent several rockets aloft in the decade since the program began. 28 November 2009 XXXII marked the first Molossian rocket launch in over a year, and the first ever with the Molossia Rangers. The adventure began with another geocaching expedition, in which three (later four) caches were found. Immediately thereafter the team moved to Misfit Flats where they set up and launched the redoubtable "Mustang" rocket, veteran of many past Molossian rocket missions. Each of the Rangers launched the "Mustang" rocket one time. After the "Mustang" launches were done, the team launched the "Marilyn" rocket. The first launch of "Marilyn" included a payload of four Mexican jumping beans, the first time a living creature has ever been sent aloft by the Molossian Space Program. This launch was a resounding success, with both the rocket and its passengers recovered successfully and without damage. The "Marilyn" was launched a second time with a standard payload; this mission was also a success. With the end of this second launch, the rocket adventure of the Molossia Rangers also ended, with more adventures to come!

The Rangers Lined Up.

Prepping the
"Mustang" Rocket.

Chasing "Mustang"
as it Lands.

Prepping "Marilyn"
for Launch.

GEOCACHING ADVENTURE

The second expedition of our intrepid explorers involved Geocaching. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called Geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. It was to accomplish this that our Rangers set forth, on the cold afternoon of 22 November 2009 XXXII. In less about an hour they found six caches, all within the area of the town of Dayton, Nevada. The Rangers very much enjoyed this mission, combining as it did exploring and treasure hunting. This foray complete, the Rangers returned to Molossia, wrapping up another successful mission, and planning for future Geocaching adventures.

First Cache Found.

Lexi on the Rocks.

What's in Here?

Proud Cachers.

FORT CHURCHILL ADVENTURE

The first expedition of our intrepid explorers was to Fort Churchill, Nevada, about 39 Imperial Nortons southeast of the Molossian home territories. Fort Churchill was originally built in 1860 to protect the local area from Indian attacks. Occupation of the fort lasted just nine years, after which it was abandoned. Left to the elements, the adobe buildings of the Fort quickly deteriorated until finally salvaged in the 1960's and placed in a state of arrested decay. The Fort is now a Nevada state park, and popular destination for school field trips. It was to this storied location that our Rangers set forth, arriving on the cold afternoon of 15 November 2009 XXXII. They were joined by an honorary fourth Ranger, Destiny (codename "Horse"). They immediately moved out to explore the ruins, starting with the remains of the Officer's Quarters, then the Enlisted Barracks, Mess Hall, Guard House, and Hospital. After completing a circuit of the Parade Grounds, around which the majority of the ruins are located, the Rangers then traveled to the nearby Carson River, for a brief examination of that watercourse. They found the water level very low, customary at this time of year in Northern Nevada. This foray complete, the Rangers returned to Molossia, wrapping up a successful mission.

The Rangers Lined Up.

Exploring Officer's
Quarters, Ft. Churchill.

Hmmm, Rattlesnakes?

At the Post Hospital.

On the Road.

At the Carson River.

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