Field Program

While positioned at Big Hole Pass on the lovely Continental Divide Trail, we just barely crept into the state of Idaho and joined with another crew to mend and prepare the trail for the seasons to come. Our first task was to scatter the extensive piles of branches and logs that had been cut and constructed along the trail by another crew the year prior. By demolishing the windrows, we minimize the severity of a potential fire. Next, we made our way along the trail to reconstruct water bars that lead rainwater away from the trail and allow for absorption and avoid erosion. Third, we repaired a fence at the base of camp that had partially collapsed. Throughout our stay we encountered thru hikers who had been going at the trail since this spring and working their way up to Canada, various wildflowers including Aster and Indian Paintbrush, lightning-thunder storms, a pair of pine-martens, stellar jays, deer, and some bear scat.