OVERVIEW:
During the month of June, the Stanislaus crew continued to work out of the Strawberry Camp. Our primary activity was driving to and from the trailhead to perform trail maintenance. (We can’t wait to get to the backcountry) – snow levels continue to keep us in the lower elevations, but we did move to our last front-country camp on June 28. We did trail maintenance around Pinecrest Reservoir and up to Cleo’s Bath and Catfish Lake. We also maintained trails in the Carson – Iceberg Wilderness on the Clark Fork, Boulder Creek, Disaster Creek, Seven Pines, and County Line Trails.
Our weekends continued to be adventurous as we battled ice and snow to visit remote peaks and lakes in the Carson – Iceberg and Emigrant Wilderness. We look forward to exploring the rest of the Emigrant around our new home in the backcountry - finally we can ditch the vehicles, especially the van with the broken sliding door.
The big event of the month was the summer solstice and the party we shared with the Yosemite I crew. Activities included BBQ, whiffle ball, comedy skits, and live music. They stayed the night and we enjoyed a pancake breakfast, another whiffle ball game, and a swim in the river before we sent them shamefully on their way. Altogether, June was a blur and we’re ready for whatever July might bring us.
CURRICULUM:
In June we really got rolling with some great classes. Kevin "The Stan" Stanley (CCC—NEG/San Diego) taught us how to meditate. Periodically throughout the month the crew split into two groups, one working on the Mission Statement, and the other learning plant identification. On the 14th, we all enjoyed a day-long District meeting for the Summit Ranger District. During the meeting we learned about the problematic nature of invasive/non-native plants, the hidden dangers of problem trees, and the historic culture of the Miwok people.
On the 21st, Bob Wetzl (Stanislaus National Forest Wilderness Ranger) came to discuss human impact and various other threats (moo) facing wilderness areas. At the end of the week, we had an exciting visit by Peter Lewis and his son, Gabe, just in time for Earth Wisdom, presented by Mike Elliot and Janet Yoder. We learned over the weekend how to build a water still, a debris shelter, how to start a fire with a bow drill, how to use coal burning to make bowls, cups, and utensils.
The next week, we had visits from Lisa Delteart and Margaret Willits. Lisa talked to us about local Miwok culture and history as well as artifacts and their historical significance. Margaret came and taught us about non-native and invasive plants that may be infringing on this beautiful Emigrant Wilderness. Overall June was a very enriching month.
PERSONNEL CHANGES:
Cameron Kester (LACC/ Strike Team) left us on June 5th.
INJURIES:
June was an injury-free month for the Stanislaus crew except for the van, which suffered a broken sliding door.
ODDS AND ENDS:
