YOSEMITE 1 BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL CREW
APRIL 2008 MONTHLY OVERVIEW
RUSSELL GREER, BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS SUPERVISOR

OVERVIEW:

Yosemite I would like to send out a big “THANK YOU” to all who supported us in the pre-season process that ended with us together here in Yosemite National Park. If it wasn’t for all of you many of us wouldn’t even have had a chance to try on the boots. We are now living in an area of new growth and life. The name of the place is FORESTA. A wildfire blew through here in the 1990’s taking with it most of the forest and many of the houses. Lots of life is returning here and I feel we are doing a darn good job of adding to that life with hard work, dance parties, and some open hearted crazies.
   
Activities and Education:

The first night and the following day we talked all about the “ins and outs” of living in the wilderness. Everyone was very alert, not wanting to miss a beat. In the following evenings we each stood in front of the group for 10 minutes answering whatever questions the group had for that person. The firelight danced on each of us as bits and pieces of our history were revealed.
On our first Saturday we met up with the other CCC crew in Yosemite (Yosemite II) for a hike to a place called Hite’s Cove. We all enjoyed icy water, a variety of wildflowers, and a chance to share the few stories we’ve begun to make together.

Production:

Camp set up
Maintenance 10.75 Miles

The Crew:

 My name is Dave Kriedel from Redding, CA. I came to the Backcountry to challenge myself. If it so happens that I love it, I’m coming back for more.

My name is Doug Winberg, I am from “29 Palms” and I am going to be out here for about 6 months. I am here so I can get into the National Park Service.

Hi, my name is Alicia Vargo. Originally, I’m from Michigan but I’ve been working and living in Auburn, CA for the California Conservation Corps since November 2007. Now, here I am here in the Backcountry. Uh, where’s the tree phone?

My name is Courtney Holste, from Redondo Beach, CA. First one to come from the LA SEA Lab and I’m really excited for the hard work here. My crew rocks and I know it can only get better. “Here’s to more caffeine dance partys!”

Zach Thronton, Chico, CA. My only complaint so far is that I can only do this once.

I’m Daniel Ridgeway from Santa Maria, CA. I came to Backcountry for these unforgettable memories.

Hi, my name is Manuel Suarez or Manny. I’m from Pomona, CA. I came to Backcountry for the experience and to line up a career with the US Forest Service.

Hello, my name is Simone Kyles and I am from Sacramento, CA. I have never been with the CCC but this will be an unbelievable experience for me. I came to the Backcountry to find what I am capable of doing and to grow as a person.

Me llamo Irma Gonzalez, My name is Irma Gonzalez and I am an eager Chicana lost in the wild far away from Kalamazoo, MI.

Phil Peterson here from Wausau, WI, looking for a change of pace and a chance to explore an area described by many great writers.

My name is Kirk Voigt and I came to Backcountry because I love hard work and nature so I get the best of both worlds.

Aloha! I’m Logan Woody and I hail from Austin, Texas. I’m really excited to be here!