Training

Warning: for those of you who read my blog for pictures I unfortunately do not have any to share with you today!

Today we had more training, it was all volunteers and trail crew members for state parks in the Mat-Su Valley. . That includes Denali, Nancy Lake and Hatcher Pass. All of the kids are wonderful, they all have their interests and experience to share! We had a briefing on safety in a classroom setting and then headed out in the field for some hands-on training. There were five stations. A rigging stations where we learned how to use a tool that is similar to a wench but is used by hand and you anchor it with a tree and can use it to pull out stumps. Next was a medical stations where we learned how to properly set up a helicopter landing zone for emergency purposes and how to care for someone injured in a remote setting. Next was learning to operate a brush cutter and brush mower, then there was learning how to operate a wheelbarrow that was on tracks (I forget the technical term) and finally was a station where we learned the names and uses of all the tools that are used in trail building. Today was very informative and fun. I was comfortable with most equipments, because I have operated similar pieces before, but it was great to learn about the new stuff and I look forward to getting some experience on them.

After training I made my way back up to Denali. The ride went by surprisingly fast. The view wasn't as clear as it was last week, but still awe-inspiring! I saw a dead moose on the side of the road, there wasn't much left of it. Other than that the ride was pretty standard. I got to go grocery shopping yesterday so I was able to make myself a fresh salad for dinner! I am now just enjoying my view of Byers lake from my window and am about to call it a night.

Before I go, I'd just like to say: can you believe its already been a week?! I can't, and I hope the rest of the summer doesn't go by this fast! I'm having way to much fun here and haven't been this happy everyday in a long time! I truly suggest that everyone make their way to Alaska, even for just one week. It is life changing!

Everyday can't be sunny, but there's still beauty beyond the clouds!