![[Image Description: Two MCC members taking a brief break; one is sitting on a rock, the other is standing nearby. They are both in their uniforms, looking out at the expansive, mountain view surrounding them.]](https://cdn.firespring.com/images/c3f85e97-43a9-4810-8081-e8e6338173d0.jpeg)
The Black Cache crew had a last-minute change for their hitch, rerouting us from the Shoshone National Forest to the Custer Gallatin National Forest. We were an unexpected guest at the Hebgen Lake Ranger District in the middle of June to help the trail crew.
We fell in behind MCC's forestry crew at Hebgen Lake to support the trail crew with downed trees and brushing at various trails in the Custer Gallatin National Forest and Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Although it was a surprise to all parties, the crew got some experience by becoming adaptable with the trail crew at the Hebgen Lake Ranger Station. They were not expecting our help and it was a pleasant experience overall.
The trail crew took us to a different trail every day with different tasks at hand: crosscutting downed trees in the wilderness, chainsaw bucking in the national forest, and brushing on the side. Some of the trails we worked on were Sentinel Creek, Minni Lake, Lightning Creek, Kirkwood Creek, Bacon Rind, and Mount Hebgen.
The benefit of being adaptable is having the privilege of different views and scenery while working, as well as applying your skills to different scenarios and situations. Knowing your workday will be different every day is motivating and prevents mental fatigue while on hitch.
Be adaptable.
