Selective Blogging: Good times and gnar times

Somewhat unexpectedly and with a fair amount of reluctance, I returned to the North Bend Trail Crew this summer. I had pictured getting a teaching job and playing hard until school started. That picture never materialized.

Despite whatever reservations I had, good times and gnar times in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness reminded me of the joy of manipulating dirt, wood, and rock with steel, muscles, and human collaboration. That human element is certainly the most important piece. This year's crew fused work and play while simultaneously maintaining eminent productivity. Willing to stay in the field, work overtime, and undertake adventure off the clock, this crew generated a fistful of stories. I'll let them tell you those. In the meantime, allow me to photographically introduce this season's NBTC to you.