So, I'm sitting here doing my laundry in Logan, UT. I got back yesterday from southern Utah. I was working in Capitol Reef National Park and then in Calf Creek. I am going back down towards the Escalante area for the rest of my projects in the spring season with the UCC. It has been a great time so far. Today I raked my yard to rid it of leaves. I moved in all of my stuff. Things are just going great. The weather felt like summer all up until the 18th when it proceeded to snow and be pretty cold. But I survived! Other than that three or four day cold streak, things have been sunny. I will get pictures up at some point, but don't hold your breath.
Capitol Reef was awesome. I haven't seen landscape and rock formations like that before. It was amazing. In between our hitch at Capitol Reef and Calf Creek, I went on a day hike up to the Navajo Knobs. It was really hot and super cool. At Capitol Reef we built a stone wall mostly out of sandstone bordering a campsite to prevent washouts. The soil in the campsite was just being washed into the parking lot when heavy rains came through.
Next we moved on to Calf Creek. But before we started working our crew hung out at the Escalante Outfitters for a wonderfully relaxing Sunday before another work week. We were joined by the Crew Coordinators and two others that were at other projects the week before. Calf Creek is a great trail that ends on way at a sweet waterfall. We built a rock retaining wall to support the trail so it does not wash out and to cover up a culvert that was put in place many years ago. We then built a small four step staircase over another culvert and then proceeded to maintain six waterbars and do some rehabbing. And all of this was done in three and half days. All the while I am studying to take a pesticide/herbicide test in April so I can be qualified when it comes to applying herbicide to the invasive tree species, Russian Olive. So, it was a great work week. And now to go back out again!
Luckily next time I will have some more days off from work. That will be nice. And for those of you who want my house address, just drop me a comment and I will e-mail it to you when I get a chance.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
A Long Road
So, I'm here in Logan, Utah. Things are going well. Just got done with some training. I leave again for hitch tomorrow. Lots to do. More updates in the future.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
On the road once again
I'm now done at RIT and on the road. A soon as I got settled in on the ride I had to turn around a grab one thing I forgot. I was glad that I wasn't too far. But I got back on the road once again and everything went well. I ran into a little rain and a whole lot of wind. I'm glad I didn't run into any tornadoes.
I have somewhere to live! And three more days until I'm in Logan.
Time to relax tonight.
I have somewhere to live! And three more days until I'm in Logan.
Time to relax tonight.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
The Next Chapter: Another Trip
So, It has been a while since I last wrote.
Since last year, I finished up my term of service in the MCC by doing weatherization. With the MCC, I went to low income families and weatherized their home. This includes putting up plastic over their windows to act as a second pane and also to prevent drafts. We installed CO and smoke detectors, door sweeps and jams, applied caulking on windows and door frames. We also educated the resident on ways to lower utility costs. Every penny counts and saving money means saving energy. Saving energy means saving the planet one home at the time. Having this direct interaction with Montanans was very rewarding. I worked on a home with a sweet old Eastern European lady. She was super nice and very grateful for the work we did. Out on the trail we made a difference, but to be in someone's home directly affecting them in front of their eyes is a whole different experience. Some people were more appreciative than others, but that goes with any job. All in all, the weatherization program is an awesome part of the MCC and was grateful to have that experience.
Sadly. my time with the MCC had to end. I will miss my crew and everyone else. The six months spent in Montana were well worth it and I loved it. My only wish is that I wish I could have had more time in Montana.
In the last days, I made a scramble to clean out the apartment and pack everything up. Luckily everything fit in my car! My mom flew to Montana and thus began or great journey back east. First stopping in Bozeman to see my cousins, which was a lot of fun. I enjoyed seeing them and hope to see them more when I'm out west again. Next we traveled to Casper, WY. Before leaving Montana, we stopped at the Little Bighorn Battlefield. It was hard to imagine the battle described on the plaques but I did my best. The sun was fading towards the horizon and I followed the path of the battle. What I felt most was myself trying to break the disconnect that I had with the history of it. Because this is not some story, it's my history as an American. And that's what's missing, the link between the history and myself. And I am glad I can try to reconnect in every way that I can.
We moved on to Casper, WY. My mom had not been there in many years, so it was fun to be there. The next day was a short drive south to Fort Collins, CO to see my other cousin. We stayed there a couple of days. I brought my bike down from Montana and ended up giving it to her friend. My aunt was actually there as well. So, it was fun. Fort Collins is a nice place. We toured the New Belgian Brewery, which was a ton of fun. One could say it was beertastic!
Next we drove through Nebraska and Kansas to get to Topeka. The drive was nice and flat. The driving seems to get easier and easier. After Topeka, KS, we made it to Bowling Green, KY to see my brother. It was cool to see Bowling Green. I had never been to Kentucky before. He showed me around campus, met some of his friends, and he even made us dinner. It was fantastic. But like every other stop, we had to move on. Just outside from where he lives is the National Corvette Museum. That was nice to see all of the corvettes from the early days to now. The collection is impressive.
Next we made it to just outside of Dayton, OH to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to see my sister-in-law's parents. We took a tour of the Presidential hanger and also the experimental hanger. I got to step inside not only Truman's but also Kennedy's Air Force On.e. It was so neat being on those planes. The experimental hanger was equally as interesting with all the experimental aircraft. I say aircraft instead of planes because some of them were really out there concepts. in addition to these two hangers, I went through some of the National Air Force Museum. I only had time to see the Cold War and Space exhibition, which is only a small portion of the museum. That alone was impressive and only wish to go back and see the rest.
Next we made it to Syracuse, NY to stay the night and the next day finally made it home! A trip that in May took three day, took us a week and half on the way back. It was great to take my time this trip. Being home for Thanksgiving was fun with two of my brothers and my parents. I always do my best to enjoy the time I spend at home now because I never know when and how long I will be home again.
I managed to find another place to live and shipped off to Rochester, NY again. I have been here finishing up my undergraduate degree. I had a couple classes left and it's only one quarter! I have been hard at work studying and during my free time I join the RIT Pep Band at the Men's and Women's hockey games. It was great to play my trombone again! During my holiday break I went home to Maine and spent it with my parents. One of my brothers came home and my aunts and uncles were in Maine for New Years. I caught up with some old friends and relatives of course. I went ice climbing for my first time and now wish that the next time I go that I will be in better shape. But for my first time, I think it went well.
So, now my time at RIT is finally coming to an end. Te next chapter I'm trying to prepare for is my move out to Utah! That's right, Utah! I will be working for the Utah Conservation Corps, UCC, in Logan, UT as a Field Crew Leader. I am super excited about this opportunity and really hope I can springboard from this into the United States Forest Service. I have thoroughly enjoyed trail work and want more. My dream is to make a career out of this and I'm chasing my dream. Along the way I have met some awesome people and I love all of the friends I have made. It would be great to know at least someone in each state and visit them all in one giant trip. That would be cool.
But before I get too ahead of myself I need to get out to Utah. The past couple of weeks, I have been gathering my things and getting ready for the next big move. I will be driving out west alone this time, and am both nervous and excited.
So, my next adventure out west starts in about a week and half, February 29th to be precise! Yay!
Since last year, I finished up my term of service in the MCC by doing weatherization. With the MCC, I went to low income families and weatherized their home. This includes putting up plastic over their windows to act as a second pane and also to prevent drafts. We installed CO and smoke detectors, door sweeps and jams, applied caulking on windows and door frames. We also educated the resident on ways to lower utility costs. Every penny counts and saving money means saving energy. Saving energy means saving the planet one home at the time. Having this direct interaction with Montanans was very rewarding. I worked on a home with a sweet old Eastern European lady. She was super nice and very grateful for the work we did. Out on the trail we made a difference, but to be in someone's home directly affecting them in front of their eyes is a whole different experience. Some people were more appreciative than others, but that goes with any job. All in all, the weatherization program is an awesome part of the MCC and was grateful to have that experience.
Sadly. my time with the MCC had to end. I will miss my crew and everyone else. The six months spent in Montana were well worth it and I loved it. My only wish is that I wish I could have had more time in Montana.
In the last days, I made a scramble to clean out the apartment and pack everything up. Luckily everything fit in my car! My mom flew to Montana and thus began or great journey back east. First stopping in Bozeman to see my cousins, which was a lot of fun. I enjoyed seeing them and hope to see them more when I'm out west again. Next we traveled to Casper, WY. Before leaving Montana, we stopped at the Little Bighorn Battlefield. It was hard to imagine the battle described on the plaques but I did my best. The sun was fading towards the horizon and I followed the path of the battle. What I felt most was myself trying to break the disconnect that I had with the history of it. Because this is not some story, it's my history as an American. And that's what's missing, the link between the history and myself. And I am glad I can try to reconnect in every way that I can.
We moved on to Casper, WY. My mom had not been there in many years, so it was fun to be there. The next day was a short drive south to Fort Collins, CO to see my other cousin. We stayed there a couple of days. I brought my bike down from Montana and ended up giving it to her friend. My aunt was actually there as well. So, it was fun. Fort Collins is a nice place. We toured the New Belgian Brewery, which was a ton of fun. One could say it was beertastic!
Next we drove through Nebraska and Kansas to get to Topeka. The drive was nice and flat. The driving seems to get easier and easier. After Topeka, KS, we made it to Bowling Green, KY to see my brother. It was cool to see Bowling Green. I had never been to Kentucky before. He showed me around campus, met some of his friends, and he even made us dinner. It was fantastic. But like every other stop, we had to move on. Just outside from where he lives is the National Corvette Museum. That was nice to see all of the corvettes from the early days to now. The collection is impressive.
Next we made it to just outside of Dayton, OH to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to see my sister-in-law's parents. We took a tour of the Presidential hanger and also the experimental hanger. I got to step inside not only Truman's but also Kennedy's Air Force On.e. It was so neat being on those planes. The experimental hanger was equally as interesting with all the experimental aircraft. I say aircraft instead of planes because some of them were really out there concepts. in addition to these two hangers, I went through some of the National Air Force Museum. I only had time to see the Cold War and Space exhibition, which is only a small portion of the museum. That alone was impressive and only wish to go back and see the rest.
Next we made it to Syracuse, NY to stay the night and the next day finally made it home! A trip that in May took three day, took us a week and half on the way back. It was great to take my time this trip. Being home for Thanksgiving was fun with two of my brothers and my parents. I always do my best to enjoy the time I spend at home now because I never know when and how long I will be home again.
I managed to find another place to live and shipped off to Rochester, NY again. I have been here finishing up my undergraduate degree. I had a couple classes left and it's only one quarter! I have been hard at work studying and during my free time I join the RIT Pep Band at the Men's and Women's hockey games. It was great to play my trombone again! During my holiday break I went home to Maine and spent it with my parents. One of my brothers came home and my aunts and uncles were in Maine for New Years. I caught up with some old friends and relatives of course. I went ice climbing for my first time and now wish that the next time I go that I will be in better shape. But for my first time, I think it went well.
So, now my time at RIT is finally coming to an end. Te next chapter I'm trying to prepare for is my move out to Utah! That's right, Utah! I will be working for the Utah Conservation Corps, UCC, in Logan, UT as a Field Crew Leader. I am super excited about this opportunity and really hope I can springboard from this into the United States Forest Service. I have thoroughly enjoyed trail work and want more. My dream is to make a career out of this and I'm chasing my dream. Along the way I have met some awesome people and I love all of the friends I have made. It would be great to know at least someone in each state and visit them all in one giant trip. That would be cool.
But before I get too ahead of myself I need to get out to Utah. The past couple of weeks, I have been gathering my things and getting ready for the next big move. I will be driving out west alone this time, and am both nervous and excited.
So, my next adventure out west starts in about a week and half, February 29th to be precise! Yay!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
MCC Two Off of Lake Mountain
I took a spontaneous trip to visit another MCC while they were on hitch on my break. It was simply amazing. I went to a familiar place, the north fork of the Blackfoot River. I hiked in Monday and beat them to the cabin somehow. From there I hung out for lunch then went on to hike up to Falls Point. There’s an old lookout tower there that’s pretty much falling apart. It was good view except for the haze from the local forest fires. Hanging out with another crew was nice. It was also nice being out in the woods and not having to work. Work is great, but it’s quite the same when I’m on break. The next day I led stretch circle and an hour later left to go back home. When almost out of the woods I decide to go hike up Lake Mountain and back. It was a steep and tough climb, but well worth it! I ran into many hunters coming in for hunting season which starts on the 15th. The past two days in the woods were wonderful and so peaceful. Go Montana!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Montana!
I have finally begun to feel like I have settled into Montana nicely. I spend more time out in the back country than I do in my apartment. So, the woods are essentially my home. It is awesome. Work for the past two months has been cool. I have been on four nine-day hitches so far and all of them have been great. There’s always room for improvement but this most recent one was amazing. I have been working in the Scapegoat Wilderness in the Lolo National Forest. So, all of our work is sponsored by the US Forest Service. Our sponsor Jake Long is really nice and sometimes comes out into the field to see what we’re up to and scope out new places to work.
So far we have stayed at the North Fork Cabin, up near Dwight Creek, and we have stayed at Carmichael Cabin twice now. We never sleep in the cabins though; we just use them for cooking and what not. The cabins belong to the forest service so sometimes there are some service people coming through but mostly just at North Fork. As for work, I have been crosscutting fallen trees, fixing water bars, brushing back trail, and retreading. It’s all pretty much standard trail maintenance.
Helena has a nice farmer’s market every Saturday and I gone over a couple of times. I get some bread mostly and otherwise look around at the produce to see what’s in season. Apparently huckleberries are the thing up here. So, that should be cool towards the end of the summer.
I took a trip over to Missoula which is about an hour and a half away. I went to their farmer’s market as well. It’s a little bigger than the one here in Helena, but it was nice as well. Missoula has a good vibe going so maybe I’ll make a weekend trip over there sometime.
I have plans to go to Glacier National Park probably in September. I’m getting excited about that. What I really want to do as well is take some free time and hike in the area in which I am working. There are some really cool peaks and I’ve only been to the top of one, Mount Omar (~8500 feet), out of many. So, that is on my wish list too.
Today I went to Canyon Ferry Lake with one of my roommates just to hang out for a while. We brought some lawn chairs and just were hanging. I took a quick dip in the lake. It was really relaxing and a great spot.
I have been working hard and a lot but on my days off there is always plenty of adventures and exploring to do. There are so many more places to go and things to do. I will try and be better about updating up here.
Montana is awesome!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
National Trails Day!
Today we worked in Mount Helena Park. We worked on some trails there regrading and re-vegetating. It is super nice today which is a nice change.
We had a potluck yesterday and I made lemon pound cake. It was good and there was other delicious foods. Afterwards we played some soccer which was fun as well.
I start my first hitch on Monday but have some housekeeping things for tomorrow. Hopefully I will be playing some board games tonight! But it should be a good rest of the weekend!
We had a potluck yesterday and I made lemon pound cake. It was good and there was other delicious foods. Afterwards we played some soccer which was fun as well.
I start my first hitch on Monday but have some housekeeping things for tomorrow. Hopefully I will be playing some board games tonight! But it should be a good rest of the weekend!
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