Writer learns something new on a volunteer crew

I got to learn some new skills on a recent weekend, and, better yet, the weather cooperated while I did so.

Volunteers with the Ice Age Trail are working to eliminate a road walk in the Rib Lake area, within the next few years. Work in the area started Wednesday, but I didn’t hop in to help until the weekend.

So, Saturday morning, as we circled up for a quick meeting, before splitting into groups to tackle different sections of the future trail, the major victory for the day, was it was not raining. Apparently, it was the first day there, where the morning didn’t start off wet.

I spent Saturday doing treadwork. I got to learn how to use a few new tools and meet a bunch of new people who enjoy the outdoors as much as I do. It was satisfying to see the trail go from a bumpy line of cleared land, to a smooth surface that, theoretically, should have good enough water drainage that it doesn’t turn into a mud pit.

While the future hikers shouldn’t be mud and dirt up to their eyeballs, I definitely was, after working on the trail, literally. Provided, my face was closer to the ground than most hikers’ faces will be. Sitting down to dig in the dirt will do that.

I was also planning on joining a bunch of the other volunteers and camping at a nearby county park. I have looked forward to camping season since the snow started to melt and thought this would be a great place to kickstart the season.

After a couple weeks, where it seemed like rain and severe weather popped up out of nowhere, I was a little hesitant about camping. Still, I packed my tent and other camping gear, in case the weather would miraculously hold out.

By the time I was done volunteering for the day, camping sounded like a lot of work. I also knew it was supposed to get below 40 degrees and, while I did have lots of layers to sleep in, to where I knew I would be warm enough, sitting around a campfire sounded cold, since we got cold every time we quit working.

Not to mention, the bugs decided it was warm enough for them to make an appearance starting at about noon. I am a bug’s favorite snack. Ugh.

I decided camping wasn’t in the cards, so I headed to my parents’ house for the night. Since I had no cell phone service, it was a semi-surprise for them when I drove in the yard.

I timed it just right though. My dad was making mint juleps and when I drove in, he started making one for me too. By the time I got done showering, it was almost time for the Preakness to start. Not to mention, I got to hold kittens.

Then, Sunday, I did some earlier steps in the trailbuilding process, clearing stumps, medium-size brush and lowhanging overhead branches. Since it was only a half-day of work, it went fast and I had time to get plenty of miscellaneous jobs done at my place in the afternoon.

I didn’t end up as sore as I thought I maybe would be and got to see a lot of progress on the trail. I’ll definitely be back, if I can fit it in my schedule.

Julia Wolf is a reporter with the

Courier Sentinel in Cornell.