Dave oversees the YCC crew as they build a new fence The final 2 weeks of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) at Pocahontas were productive and rewarding. Although Cathy was sidelined for much of it, Dave helped guide their efforts and built a relationship with many of the kids. Shortly after they graduated, Bonnie and Troy and the kids arrived for a few days of camping as their summer draws to a close.
The fence nears completion YCC
Although the rain did its best to slow them down, this year’s YCC crew completed some big projects in their last 2 weeks. They cut a new section of trail and helped “armor” it, i.e., laying down 50-75lb stones where the trail crossed creek beds. They tore down 140ft section of fence and replaced it with a new split rail version. And in between, they removed invasive species, cleaned dining halls, and rose to any challenge given. On their field trip to nearby High Bridge and Twin Lakes State Parks, they enjoyed themselves biking and swimming in some well-deserved downtime. Graduation was a celebration of all they had accomplished. This year’s crew had bonded much more into a team than we had seen before.
Although the rain did its best to slow them down, this year’s YCC crew completed some big projects in their last 2 weeks. They cut a new section of trail and helped “armor” it, i.e., laying down 50-75lb stones where the trail crossed creek beds. They tore down 140ft section of fence and replaced it with a new split rail version. And in between, they removed invasive species, cleaned dining halls, and rose to any challenge given. On their field trip to nearby High Bridge and Twin Lakes State Parks, they enjoyed themselves biking and swimming in some well-deserved downtime. Graduation was a celebration of all they had accomplished. This year’s crew had bonded much more into a team than we had seen before.
Dave practices on the Canycom rock mover Dave also got the chance to operate a new “toy”. The Canycom machine moved the heavy stone down to their final location before the crew had to carry them to put them in place. He certainly had the easier part of the job.
A CCC project manager works on a cabin during the 30's And then what?
As we freed up from the YCC, we started turning our attention to closing the funding gap for the CCC Cabin Week in October – November. We wrote and delivered letters to local businesses, e-mailed groups and businesses, and began to understand other venues like Gofundme and Kickstarter.
As we freed up from the YCC, we started turning our attention to closing the funding gap for the CCC Cabin Week in October – November. We wrote and delivered letters to local businesses, e-mailed groups and businesses, and began to understand other venues like Gofundme and Kickstarter.
Cathy sewing glasses cases Cathy took on a sewing task, making 30 glasses cases for the new safety glasses set aside for volunteers at the park. We shoveled more gravel to remediate some low spots at a campsite, and attended our first Park After Dark planning meeting in preparation for this fun event in October. There’s always something to dig into.
Taylor tries to look like Grandpa Downtime?
We took some time for a goodbye dinner with Jayden before he headed north to his mom’s. And that weekend, Droz joined us for a couple of nights while his dad delivered Jayden. In return for a bed, we got the benefit of Droz’s culinary skills while he made his first pound cake. Not too bad for his first one. We look forward to the next one.
We took some time for a goodbye dinner with Jayden before he headed north to his mom’s. And that weekend, Droz joined us for a couple of nights while his dad delivered Jayden. In return for a bed, we got the benefit of Droz’s culinary skills while he made his first pound cake. Not too bad for his first one. We look forward to the next one.
Troy toasting a marshmallow Bonnie and Troy arrived with their camper that weekend as well. We spent several days working in the morning and swimming in the afternoon or vice versa. Although the thunderstorms made it a challenge, we managed to get in at least one campfire complete with s’mores and a new treat of strawberries covered with marshmallow fluff cooked over the fire. The dutch oven dinner of chicken and roasted vegetables was yummy too.
It’s been a fun summer, but we only have a couple more weeks before school starts and we will need to pull out for the month of September.
It’s been a fun summer, but we only have a couple more weeks before school starts and we will need to pull out for the month of September.
Taylor and Troy show off their new backpacks
