MRNPA – Trail Work Party at Carbon River

This past Saturday, May 21st, I was fortunate enough to join in on my first Trail Work Party with the dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers from MRNPA. Rainclouds lingered overhead as I drove into the Carbon River entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park. Exiting the car, I was immediately welcomed by John Titland, Mt. Rainier National Park Associate’s volunteer coordinator. As we shook hands I could not help but admire his heavy duty rain coveralls. Not more than fifteen minutes later I started feeling the damp air cutting through my lightweight (not so heavy duty) rain shell. A rookie when it comes to living in Washington, I quickly realized I still have a lot to learn!

All week I had been anxiously awaiting this day and was ready get some dirt under my fingernails. After a very lively safety talk, then meet and greet we headed up the West Boundary Trail to start moving rocks, building steps, and level out some steep stretches at the beginning of the trail.

Although rain clouds continued to threaten us throughout the day everyone managed to avoid being soaked. Laughter could be heard up and down the trail throughout the day and I did not see a single person without a smile on their face, even when digging out rocks that seemly grew in size once unearthed! The work day (or party, rather) flew by and although there is still much work left to be done, seeing the fruits of our labor over the one-mile stretch was beyond gratifying.

The next Mount Rainier National Park Associates trail work party happens Saturday, June 11th. At this time the project location has yet to be determined, but you can check http://mrnpa.org/workprojects.php for up-to-date information and to join in on the party!