![[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)
We embarked once again into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness to pave the way up to Rim Rock Lake. This hitch was spent defining a trail through a field of rocks on the bank of the East Rosebud Creek. This led to maintenance involving grading and leveling the tread along narrow and steep sections of the trail.
Our week began in the rock field, where we made a path through a previously flooded section of trail. We prioritized staying on the high ground in case of more flooding and essentially blazed a path to the spot where the old trail resumed on the other side of the rocks. We used a rock bar to move large rocks and also shoveled fill into buckets to create an even tread. After we had a solid tread, we defined the trail with a wall of rocks to ensure hikers stayed on the path.
We also encountered weather fluctuations this hitch as well. From hot days with no cover, to thunderstorms, and a surprising 3 inches of snow on the first day of summer. We also ventured further up the trail to fix a washed-out section along the face of the mountain. Eventually the weather turned for the worse, and we found lower ground to wait out the storm before we went back up to finish later in the day.
We resumed work on sections of the trail where normal trail features were barely visible. We used picks, McLeods, and shovels to clearly define the backslope, hinge, tread, and critical edge along a wooded and stream-crossed section of trail. We woke up on the 22nd, excited that summer was officially here, when we realized the Beartooths had dumped 3 inches of snow on us overnight. Our project partner, Shane, decided to wait out the storm until noon, so we took in the beautiful sights and hung around a roaring fire to stay warm before heading back out to get our hands dirty.
This hitch was tough in a multitude of ways, but was a really enjoyable experience. Seeing small projects completed is very satisfying and fulfilling. The spot we are lucky to be working at is gorgeous. While the snow could have dampened our spirits and our clothes, we instead embraced the natural beauty of the moment and made the best of it. We are all happy to be here to experience these hardships and the wonders of Montana.
