OVERVIEW:
It all began one Friday evening late in June, with a phone call from Peter Lewis. The message received was a call for help with this year’s backcountry season. One of the crews Supervisor was accepting another job and was to report there early July.
The Kings Canyon crew was the group of young men and women that needed an experienced Supervisor with the love of the outdoors to come in and guide them through the rest of the season.
That person was me, and it’s an honor and a privilege for me to take part in what is one of the best life experiences this great land has to offer. The transition went well and, slowly but surely, we all began what has become a great journey together.
The crew is better than good – twelve unique individuals filled with heart, desire, hard work, respect and a whole lot of laughter. We have three great sponsors who care for everyone. They are compassionate, understanding, and try to make a difference in the crew members’ lives. As we all grow and learn from each other, it is becoming apparent what greatness truly is.
Early July, the crew moved out of the backcountry and back to the front country at Hole-in-the-Wall for a week while the new supervisor’s (me) transition took place. The crew gets 2 backcountry seasons, don’t be jealous.
Our 1st weekend trip, we all got to sleep with the Giants – The Giant Sequoias, that is. A magnificent place for us all to begin to get to know each other. Towering trees everywhere, the sounds of streams cascading down, a forest filled with ancient history – Redwood Canyon was this special place. We also found an ever so relaxing swimming hole with rock waterslides, a waterfall with Mother Nature’s Jacuzzi at the bottom of it and a big pool with rocks to jump off of. Fun. Fun. Fun!
We then moved up into the backcountry to Big Pine – a grueling uphill 10-mile hike gaining 6,500 feet in elevation. A death march. What a way to break me into the backcountry of Kings Canyon.
Our new camp is marvelous; breathtaking views, lush flora and fauna and a spring fed creek for our water and a (small) bathing hole—call it a sponge-bath hole. The project is going to be tough but the sponsors and I have the utmost confidence that we’ll do a fine job.
On to some adventures – the 1st weekend in Big Pine the crew set foot on a trek up over Kennedy Pass to East Kennedy Lake for some R&R, fun in the sun and fishing. You can scratch the fishing part – there was not a fish in sight. Atop Kennedy Pass the views are glorious. The Monarch divide offers incredible jagged ridgelines with enormous peaks that leave you in awe!
What a fantastic place to spend your summer working and living in God’s country.
As we speak, there’s currently a wildfire that started from severe thunder storms earlier this week, approximately 3 miles from camp and that has us in evacuation mode. The air is filled with smoke and the sounds of aircraft echo off the mountains. We all stayed around camp the last weekend in July just in case we have to move. Well, we have gotten the word that we’re moving up over Kennedy Pass to East Kennedy Lake. Gotta go, choppers coming in an hour and gotta get this paperwork stuff in. Until next time.
CURRICULUM:
Evening classes have ranged from new staff introductions, crew expectations, camp fire readings to the T-shirts and crew newspaper. A lot of effort and focus has been put forth on the newspaper, T-shirt and the crew’s mission statement. Prepare yourselves for works of art.
PERSONNEL CHANGES:
The crew said good bye to their supervisor and cook (John and Annette Nikontro) early in the month – the two of them really had a great impact on the crewmembers’ lives. They helped form this group of young adults into something great. Thanks you guys.
A new NPS cook, Jeannie Brown, came aboard along with me to take part in this grand adventure. We look forward to a very safe, successful and momentous season.
INJURIES:
One member of our crew had an existing neck injury from earlier in the season that resulted in a herniated disk. She has been down in San Diego with relatives, seeing chiropractors for a couple weeks now. We all hope she gets well and returns to us soon. No other injuries, to report because the Kings Canyon trail crew is focused and geared towards a safe and productive season.
ODDS AND ENDS:
Pablo Nunez (CCC—Fortuna), went home for his eldest sister’s wedding and returned to us safe and sound. Larry Evans showed up unexpectedly and taught his class on trail design and hydrology, also to give me some words of encouragement. Thanks Larry.
BIRTHDAYS IN JULY:
Robert Trefzger (CCC—Los Padres) 21 years old
Suzanne Hessler (Los Angeles CC—Strike Team) 23 years old
Brian Miller (CCC—Fortuna) 19 years old
Marcello Romero (CCC—Los Angeles / Norwalk) 21 years old
Adam Zamastil (NPS Sponsor/ Kings Canyon, 2003) 27 years old
Jennifer Hunt (WEB—Indiana) 24 years old
Sonseri Brower (CCC—Chico) 23 years old
Celebrations took place all month long for these seven individuals on their special days. A big month for the coming of age!!! Happy Birthday everyone!
PRODUCTION:
