STANISLAUS BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL CREW
JULY 2007 MONTHLY OVERVIEW
MEGGAN GEHRING, BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS SUPERVISOR

Overview
July kicked off our official initiation into the Backcountry. As we wrapped up June along with our wall tent, jungle can, and expectations, we couldn’t help feeling the rush of fear and excitement one gets from facing the unknown. This camp move would be significantly different from the others. As we were to move our lives on foot and mule back over fourteen miles of steep up-hill terrain to the northeastern rim of Emigrant Lake.
            Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by the Emigrant Lake welcoming committee: thousands of swarming mosquitoes. They certainly were an addition to the many stresses of erecting a new camp as well as an unavailable additional flavor to every meal, every beverage, and every gulp of high elevation air we took in.
            The mosquitoes, however, were unsuccessful with their many efforts of distracting us from the undeniable and overwhelming beauty of our new home! Right away, 4th of July weekend came and the crew was consumed by their trail maps, planning trips to far away destinations. With handfuls of lakes and sky full of peaks explored, no one returned disappointed.
            And so, July came and went in a flash. With the quick and sudden ending of July, comes the imperative realization that our time here is limited in days. With the introduction of rock work, with every conquered peak, and with every passing day, we are learning. Learning mostly the importance of living contently in the present moment. July has been an amazing awakening to our backcountry experience.

Curriculum
            After days filled with arduous labor along the Crabtree Trail, the crew continues to be actively engage in evening activities.
            Our foreman John Goodwin, kicked off the month with a class on dry stone masonry. The crew was taught how to construct various trail structures with a strong emphasis on safety.
            Crew member Sara Sarvis taught an art course on blind contour drawing. Through creativity, diligence, and debate, our committee nights have resulted in the completion of our crew T-shirt design, as well as many interesting additions to our crew newspaper.

Odds and Ends
            At the tail end of our stay at Kennedy Meadows, old friend and former Backcountry Corpsmember/Supervisor, Tony Vasquez paid a visit. Accompanying him were a few Greenwood corpsmembers, possibly future Backcountry corpsmembers. Thanks for the magazines, snacks, and company. Oz Jardine’s friend from Fish and Game, Eric, stopped by for a meal. Thanks for answering our trillion questions about your discoveries through frog surveys.