For the longest time, I observed the hard, gritty (and somewhat unheralded) work of trail crews on long-distance trails. These crews are made up of volunteers, interns, and youth corps members, and I have always envied their choices to take time out of their lives to do such valuable work.
So, I have made the choice myself to get out on the trail, and get my hands dirty. Yes, I will be one of those trail workers moving rocks, lopping branches, doing cut and fill, and installing waterbars on the Pacific Crest Trail. I will be based up at McArthur-Burney Falls State Park for the month of July, and I will be serving with the Northwest Service Academy. I look forward to the opportunity to get out of the city, and live in a tent for the month. Most of all, I am eager to work side-by-side with other volunteers, who share a passion for the trail, and serving the trail community in a fun and unique way.
I look at this opportunity as the next step in my hiking career. The trail has given me so much, and now it is time that I give something back. Have a great summer!
