So there we were, ten of us: Myself, Sammy, Nathan, Rowan, Nate, Joe, Robbie, Colby, Tom & Sean. We, for lack of a better word, prepared for whatever came before us. The first of our many objectives was to clear a critical stock trail from Jerry Johnson Warm Springs to the Bear Mountain Fire Lookout Tower. We were told the lookout, a man named Steve, could not resupply unless that trail was quickly cleared for stock travel. As the cutting began, two scouts were sent to the Tower to get an idea of the work that laid before us. Myself and others wondered what Steve looked like, what he sounded like, what his hobbies were. The image of Steve in my head was of a former professional baseball player, who sounded like Johnny Cash, and enjoyed throwing rocks like baseballs off the tower. Of course, others had different opinions.
After a great 12-hour day, we settled in at camp and finally began wondering about what had happened to our two scouts. The sun was setting and people were thinking the worst, some people began splitting the remaining part of the team into factions, then taking sides. But before the rebellion could occur the two of them arrived from the mountain-top, and their report was dramatic. Apparently, there were many more trees down on the trail than we expected there to be, in addition to an intense 3000 ft climb with steep tread. Regardless, we were back in the wild, and didn’t back down from the challenge of tomorrow.
Day 2:
Somebody had brought-up the fact that anything can happen in the front-country, and that in the back-country we are oblivious to any and all world news. For example, when Joe Biden dropped out of the Presidential race ,we were all in the wilderness and had no idea about this historic event until we exited the mountains. Personally, I spent the day wondering what could be happening in the world presently. But mostly I spent the day struggling and suffering (my two favorite feelings).
After a non-democratic vote, our leaders decided it would be best to bump camp further up the mountain. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than carrying 50 lbs of gear on your back, a cross-cut over your shoulder, and sunburns on your neck as you pass Warm Springs. Every part of my being wanted to be lounging in that Warm Spring, and nurturing my many blisters in the naturally warm waters of Jerry Johnson. But Steve needed us, so I did what I’ve been doing for this entire season; I put my luxuries and pleasures to the side.
