OVERVIEW:
April 18th, 2005. In a mid-size town called Stockton, CA a select group of individuals meets for the first time, each one unsure of just what they’ve gotten themselves into. Wide eyes, nervous smiles, clammy hands. The birth of the Yosemite II BC Trail Crew 2005.
After rendezvousing in Stockton, we had a quick moment to sew patches on our shirts, oil our new boots and take a final inventory of our gear, hoping we hadn’t brought too much. On Tuesday the 19th Peter Lewis, Backcountry Trails Program Director led a brainstorming session about needed characteristics to survive on a BC crew and laid out the programs basic expectations. Everyone completed the necessary hiring paperwork with the great help of Roxie Brown and Clara Griffith, CCC Personnel Clerks. We did a brief stop at the post office to mail home unneeded items, selected a book each from Barns and Noble to add to the library, and we were ready to hit the mountains.
Upon arriving at Hetch-Hetchy, we met some of the NPS sponsors we’d be working with this year. Doug Matheson (Yosemite, 1997), Brandi Bosch (Yosemite, 2001), Eddie Corona (Yosemite, 2001), and our cook Paul Fredland (Inyo, 2002). We stowed away our gear and headed out on the trail to start learning maintenance techniques. On our way back down the trail, we met Steve Lynds (Yosemite, 199?), our Foreman who unfortunately had to be in training during our first week. We all talked late into the night about camp safety, hygiene, wildlife concerns and the many other aspects that go into running a smooth trail camp. A mental ton of information.
We have adjusted rather well to our new home and have started to get into the groove of camp life. The hiking has been strenuous as our bodies adapt to the higher elevation and our boots break in our feet. We are also learning much about each other and the processes it takes to become a team. These last two weeks of April have been just the tip of the iceberg.
CURRICULUM:
Four nights a week we have classes. Thus far the topics covered have included volumes of safety and crew orientation, our oaths of sobriety, backpacking and leave-no-trace land ethics, map reading, how to build a fire and community meeting. We have also been doing PT every morning and writing in our journals.
PERSONNEL CHANGES:
NONE
INJURIES:
On 4/28/05, one crew member slipped on a wet log and had a fire sharpened branch puncture his right calf. The crew carried him 1 mile out to the road where he received medical attention. Our crew mate is now hobbling around on some crutches but we are confident that after a couple of more days of resting his leg, he will be able to join us back out on the trail.
ODDS AND ENDS:
Our first weekend leave we all went to Hite Cove, known for its beautiful wildflowers and nice swimming holes. Most everyone jumped in the water and got a taste of what bathing will be like once we get to the high country.
For our second weekend, six of the crew hiked into Poopenaut Valley for some fishing. Seven other members of the crew headed to Rancheria Falls, and Tilltill Valley. Much fun was had by all.
Yosemite II is:
1. El Hocine Ait Ahmed—CCC, Fortuna 2. Holly Barbush—CCC, Redding
3. Sonia Calderon—CCC, Inland Empire 4. Michael Cole—CCC, San Diego
5. Jose Franco—CCC, Fresno 6. Ian Franklin—CCC, Fortuna
7. Jenna Haywood—WEB, Lansing, MI 8. John Knotts—WEB, Redding, CA
9. Chris Lerman—WEB / CCC, Redding Alumni 10. Bridgette Payne—WEB, Napa, CA
11. Andrew Santana—CCC, LA Vernon & Main 12, James Sylvia—CCC, Tahoe
12. Corey Weatherford—CCC, Treasure Island 14. Ryan Wells—WEB/CCC Alum, Fortuna
15. Steve Yune—CCC, Chico
16. Kiva Vigil—CCC Crew Supervisor (2002, 2003, 2004)
PRODUCTION:
Work has consisted of trail maintenance, cutting back over grown brush and digging out drains and water bars. We have worked on the Cottonwood Trail and the Beehive Trail.
Trail Maintenance:
Cottonwood Trail -- 5 miles
Beehive Trail – 0.5 miles
TOTAL: -- 5.5 miles
WORDS:
"Don’t ever give up" – Ian Franklin
"What makes [BC trails] sacred is that those who show up for it are the ones who belong to it. Casting anyone out, no matter how bizarre their behavior, drains the energy of the circle."
