What Comes Next

3 weeks ago I had the opportunity to travel around Rocky Mountain National Park and see many amazing views and wildlife. In one afternoon I saw 7 moose, 3 of them at the same time. I was absolutely amazed by the enormity of the mountains, being that it was my first time seeing them. I also very much enjoyed seeing snow in June.

2 weeks ago I was on the verge of starting my new job working for the Southwest Conservation Corps in Salida, Colorado. I am now on break after completing my first 11 day hitch. The past 2 weeks have been full of new people, new areas, and some crazy experiences. It took me about a week to get adjusted to the altitude and a few more days to adjust to working at elevation. Our job site for 9 days was around 9,000 ft.

My crew of 7 other members are a diverse group of characters. They come from all over the US and from various backgrounds. We already have a tight bond and I know that will only continue to grow. Our first site was just out Del Norte. We built and maintained over a mile of mountain bike trail in some of the most unique landscape I've ever been to. The area is desert-like with rocks dotting the landscape. The trails wind among the rocks and sand in harmony with the environment. The area is filled with artifacts and abandoned rock dwellings, some with rock paintings still visible.

But the most amazing part of our site was the people who we saw. As bikers came through they would thank us for our work. The appreciation of the community was astounding. We were brought homemade donuts, a baked potato and chili supper, and even had an archaeologist come out and tell us about the area and it's history.

Our next hitch begins Tuesday with a full day of chainsaw training. Then it's out to the field for another 9 days. The next 5 1/2 months are sure to be filled with many more adventures and challenges. I'm looking forward to facing it all with my amazing crew at my side.