Day Three, North Twin Lake & Sparks Lake

July 11, 2017

What a day!! Our first stop today was at North Twin Lake, working with the trail crew. We climbed a trail which started with an incline of eight when compared to a treadmill. Yeah…I about died. As we trekked on, I regained my momentum and had the opportunity to use a Pulaski for the first time in my life. I have heard of them and have seen them, but have never had the chance to use one. As I was chopping at a limb, Cristy was giving me directions on my form, and I asked her “oh like chopping wood?” Michael replied, “it is chopping wood”. Oh well yeah, when you put it that way, but I was thinking of wood in terms of firewood. We all had a good laugh. I also got the opportunity to saw a downed tree, to help get it out of the pathway. Another first for me to cross off my bucket list.

We then traveled across to Sparks Lake where we worked with Tom Walker, a fish biologist, we had the opportunity to help in the stream restoration. We found logs and moved them in a dried up known creek bed to assist with the redirection of leading the water towards the meadow. We then searched for more logs and bushes to set along next to the willows to prevent deer from eating them before they can mature. Our final work orders were to place big logs across the creek to assist the fish and other water species making their journey through the creek. The stream restoration reminded me of when I used to play by the streams as a young child. Which is why I then asked Tom what a fish biologist does, and he explained everything we had just done is what a fish biologist does. I thought fish biologists worked with fish. He laughed and said he is a fish biologist that works in the land management area of fish biology.

I think I may change my major? I will think about it.

Day one-Departure

July 9, 2017

First day of People of the Big River. I am excited and nervous at the same time. Excited to be learning something new and experiencing new things. I’m nervous because I have not gone camping in 14 years. Yeah, it’s been awhile. Am I going to remember anything about camping?

I arrived about 7:30 am.  If my husband had it his way, I would have been there at 5 am. But that is due to other family obligations, such as my son playing in a 3 on 3 tournament in the Tri-Cities. When I arrived at campus, I met Alexis first, because she was the first to arrive, and afterwards people slowly started rolling in. Once all were there, we were given our sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, water sacks, and laundry bags. We made our lunch and proceeded to eat it. I hope I don’t get hungry on the way to our destination, considering I ate my lunch before we hit the road. I was exhausted after waiting to depart for our road trip to the Deschutes National Forest. Which means, I slept on the ride to. Although we did make a few stops, and I was able to buy myself and two of my classmates a Starbucks drink. That was a tremendous boost to my energy. To bide my time, I continued reading my book and checking out the scenery to the campsite.

At the campsite, we then scouted out areas to set up camp. I roomed with Diana Picasso. Together we decided to set up with the other Heritage University students. Best to stay close rather than alone.

In summary, the first day was long and exhausting. But well worth it when we finally arrived at camp. First day down, hope tomorrow is even better.

Day two, National Forest Service-Lava Lakes

July 10, 2017

Today was an invigorating and informational day. I was impressed to hear the different beginnings each forest worker had when they were in the prelude to what is now their chosen careers. Each path they originally decided to take, in turn led them onto the path they are now on. Listening to how they implement the outside work of the forest with what they majored in while in college, and how they now have the dream job of working outdoors and getting paid for it.

The three people I feel caught my attention the most were Katie, Cassidy, and George. Katie mentioned how she works with grant writing and fundraising. Two of the topics most useful for myself and AIBL club members. I was disappointed I was not able to receive her contact information. Cassidy was very interesting in that she is a diverse person with a many experiences. She is a Public Affairs Specialist or the Forest Service, and this was intriguing to me because I can use my business background and work with the forest service, if that is the road I would like to take. It is an option, and I am excited to know that I can utilize it when I choose to. Lastly, George. I loved listening to him, he gained my attention right away discussing the subduction zones and the highlight of how history can confirm the oral history of our Native peoples before the Europeans arrived to this country.  

After we ate dinner, we each shared the highlight of our day. It was an experience to remember, as Jessica mentioned, no other group has comingled amongst each other to share what they are taking away from this lasting and memorable experience.