So back on another Washington Trail Assoc. (WTA) work party. This by far is already my favorite New trail of the year! And even though we won't be done for several more months it is turning out to be quite the technical trail with a rough terrain and incredible up close views of the local geology. On this day, a splendid day of St. Patrick's Day we wore our green hardhats and returned to chipping away rock, removing layers of duff (organic matter on the surface that acts as a sponge), cutting in switchbacks, and removing trees and that's just before noon! So with an ideal morning of sun and warmth we hadn't felt in months we took a break for a midday lunch. But just as we sat down cold air arrived and with it sleet and hail. This continued through our lunch and into our afternoon work. But the last hour it all changed once more and returned to the sunny and warm weather we were first welcomed to when the day first started out. It was a tough and tiring day but above all it was great fun with like minded people. At the end of our day we hiked out with all our tools and back to Arlen's truck (WTA bossman). There he pulled out his traditional Hot apple cider, remaining donuts, fig newtons, and nutter butters so as to replenish us from an exhausting but rewarding day. I have to mention I'm learning a fair amount of environmental engineering with learning to move large rocks/boulders with rock bars and pic-matics, it is a slow and tedious process but quite amazing.
Upon finishing up in Larrabee I was also bestowed my own WTA hardhat with my name and trail name, this is done once a person has achieved so many hours of volunteer time. So I encourage you if you're a local to get involved if for no other reason than to give back to the trails we hike and be surrounded by enjoyable and hard working folks, or perhaps consider an annual gift to the WTA. It is doing a great deal to help protect our trails, lookouts, and educate our communities and businesses.
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