Life of the Trail Crew: A summer in the Idaho Wilderness

Labor of Love

This past summer I had the pleasure of working on a trail crew in the back country, and wilderness of Idaho. A labor of love, trail maintenance is necessary for access to these amazing public lands to be possible. The photo set below is a snippet of this life in the woods. Days spent in a meditative state, chopping, sawing, and digging the day away. As the heat beats down upon our necks, dust clouds up around us and salt hardens on our shirts, none of us would rather be anywhere else, but deep in the woods.

This is truly a labor of love.

The Crew I worked with was incredible, as with thru hiking, the people who surround you make the experience special. From all around the country, myself and five others roamed through the trees and high peaks, speaking freely and laughing through sunset. It is this lifestyle of movement and physical work that draws many, and myself to long distance hiking.

I will walk many miles on these trails, and when I am done walking, I will repair the miles I have walked.

Give back!

I follow this Mantra of mine, “I will walk many miles on these trails, and when I am done walking, I will repair the miles I have walked” to give back to the trails that I love to use. If you are a user of public lands, pick up a Pulaski, take a day, a weekend or summer and give back to the trails that give you happiness. Find a volunteer program near your and repair the trails that you have walked, so others can enjoy them in the future! Enjoy the Photos!

 


 

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Comments 6

  • Marcia Powers : Apr 3rd

    Thank you, Sam and crew!
    Ken and I thru hiked NOBO on the ICT in 2009, wishing that trails were more “visible” with fewer blowdowns obscuring the trail. I solo hiked another half in 2010 and the best experience was meeting up with a trail crew at Moose creek landing strip when I was starved for conversation.

    Reply
  • Nicole : Apr 3rd

    Yes, thank you Sam & Crew for your work.

    The awesome photos are an added bonus!

    Reply
  • Carroll Ericson : Apr 4th

    These are awesome pictures. I look forward to your continued adventures!

    Reply
  • Paul Getchell : Apr 5th

    “Give back” is such a good, universal message. Great photos too. Thanks Sam.

    Reply
  • Benjamin : Nov 29th

    This was a great post! I worked in The Frank the Summer before you and it was one of the most valued experiences I have had in my life. where you stationed at Chamberlain?

    Reply
    • Sam Getchell : Nov 30th

      I was stationed at Krassel Work Center, but did a hitch out of Chamberlain, one of my favorite of the summer!

      Reply

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