Summer Trail Work Update
For our last two work hitches, we will be building some rustic stringer bridges. It’s a lot of work, but it is extremely rewarding to see the finished project on something so complex. One of the bridges we will be building is on Kane Creek Trail, where a bike rider broke his leg trying to cross an old, blown out bridge. The other will be on Summit Creek Trail over a large see in a hillside; although, there is still a chance we might just build a log retaining wall instead.
When we havent been working the crew is often out climbing some spectacular mountains in the area. I have spent much of my off-time enjoying the peace and quiet of living an hour from any type of town. We did go to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for one break; however, I much prefer the solitude of Idaho mountains.
Only one more month before I head south to do trail work on the Florida Trail for the fall and winter!
Project Leader - Florida National Scenic Trail
I just accepted a fall/winter position with the SCA as a project leader for two back-to-back crews on the Florida National Scenic Trail. The first crew will be in the fall and have a variety of projects ranging from reroutes to boardwalk while the second crew in winter will be constructing a suspension bridge for almost the entire three months.
SCA Trail Corps Mt. Rainier Training
I've been in the Mount Rainier area for two days now in preparation for the arrival of my crew and an eleven day training. It has been great but it will take a little time to adjust to the humidity and rain; hopefully Mt. Rainier will peak out of the clouds during the next couple weeks. I am definitely excited and anxious to finally meet my crew on June 3rd!
Update with Photos:


Frank Church: Lower Loon to Meyers Cove
I just went through seven of the most physically challenging days of my life in the most remote place in the lower 48, the Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho. Ben, a forest service employee, and I were dropped off by plane on a short dirt landing strip at the confluence of Lower Loon Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
Our mission was to clear rock slides, cut trees that had fallen over the trail, and make the trail passable by human and horse. We had a rough twenty-five miles of trail to cover in just seven days; it should have been eight days, but our flight was canceled the day earlier due to a snowstorm and whiteouts. If successful, we would find a forest service rig waiting for us at Meyer's Cove, the trailhead to Camas Creek. The first ten miles of work would be on the Middle Fork trail and the last half would be on the Camas Creek trail, this is excluding a steep jaunt up Dry Gulch for a few miles.
The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is one of the most rugged places I have ever been. The trail is often hanging on the edge of a cliff or on a fire-burnt slope that is ready to slide into the river. At some of these points the trail has sections missing that required Ben and I to try to cut a solid tread into the hillside that would still hold the weight of a horse. I definitely had the thought, "don't look down," going through my head as I was putting my weight into the swing of a pulaski.
Beyond the ruggedness, the pure physical challenge of carrying seven days worth of food and gear including the multiple tools is nearly overwhelming. At one point I had all of my normal backpacking gear for an extended trip, but also had a rock bar and pulaski attached to my pack in addition to the crosscut saw in my hands.
But at the end of the day, I would wash some of the black off from the burnt areas and the plain old dirt from everywhere else and look up at my surroundings. I would see a herd of elk moving across the hillside, a group of deer coming out of the cover to feed or an amazing mix of colors as the sun set over the mountains. No matter how exhausted I was or how difficult it was to pump water, it was all worth it to me. Although I may have captured some of these scenes with photographs, I will always remember moments such as these.
Home for the Summer: Wildhorse Guard Station
Horse Creek Trail Maintenance - Frank Church Wilderness

The elk herd was on the ridge in the distance.

Horse Creek
Lower Loon, Frank Church Wilderness
Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
I'm excited to head into the wilderness and I hope I will handle it alright for my first backpacking trip of the year. At the very least, I should have some great photos to share when I get back!
SCA Project Leader Training
I am one of the trail project leaders(trail crews rock), but there are many other crews working in the SCA Native Plant Corps, Wildland Fire Corps and Desert Restoration Corps. Next Tuesday I will be heading off to the Salmon - Challis National Forest to meet with the forest staff and plan for the summer. Hopefully I will have the crew hired by May and ready to begin crew member training in June at Mt. Rainier. I'm excited!
I have also been given some cool toys to play with. Who would have guessed a trail crew leader would be getting a Blackberry with an unlimited data plan and a laptop? It makes sense though since internet access will be difficult at times and it does not make sense to drive somewhere to get internet access.
Anyway, this must be one of the best jobs working outdoors. The pay is great, the people are great, and the experience cannot be beat.
Pictures Featuring My Tent

Washakie Pass in the Wind River Range

Another picture from the Wind River Range in Wyoming

Joshua Tree National Park after a little snow

Caramba Point Overlook near San Jacinto in southern California

My sleeping spot for nearly 8 months in the Yuha Desert in far, far southern California. Mt. Signal in the background is in Mexico.

Here is the rest of our camp in the Yuha Desert.
Thanks to TwoHeelDrive and Backpacker.com for the ideas.








