My crew's most recent project was building a jack-link fence around a thermal feature in the Old Faithful area. The interesting part was that none of us knew how to build a jack-link fence, and our training consisted of a park ranger showing us a sample section of fence and telling us to copy it as closely as possible. The final result, which was completed in three days instead of the allotted eight, is a testament to how much we've learned and grown as a team. Like the rest of my crew, I could look at the project and see what needed to be done and what my part should be based on my personal set of skills. For example, I probably wouldn't have been the best person to mark where the notches on the posts should go, but AJ was great at marking while Donna used her chainsaw skills to cut the notches and trim the posts to length and Eric, Brittany, Ryan and I shared the tasks of assembling the uprights, putting the railings in place and nailing the whole thing together. If we had done this project at the beginning of the season, I probably would have stood there with my hands in my pockets until someone gave me a job to do. It's not that I was lazy, I just didn't have the mindset of looking for ways to contribute to the group.
After having the opportunity to work in almost every section of the park, the Old Faithful area seems somewhat bizarre. When I sit next to the Lake admiring the Absaroka Mountains in the distance or stare into the mind-boggling depths of Canyon, I feel like I am in a wild place and it is inspiring. At Old Faithful I feel like I'm at the beach: yes, it's natural, but it's also surrounded by boardwalks and gift shops and hotels. After sitting on a bench and watching a giant column of water shoot out of the ground for five minutes, there's not much to see except a big white barren patch of ground. At first I had trouble understanding why people would make it a priority to visit Old Faithful instead of one of the more beautiful parts of the park. When I went on a day-trip through the park with some "tourist" friends, I realized that the geyser is something that everyone can enjoy. Those who don't appreciate the beauty of nature can still be impressed by its sheer power, and the fact that they know exactly when it will erupt eliminates any tedious waiting. Sometimes I feel like Yellowstone would be better off without any tourists, but the fact that it is accessible to everyone from casual tourists to serious backpackers makes it an important resource. More people visiting the park can hopefully translate to more people understanding and appreciating the environment.
Next week we leave for Glendive, MT to weatherize houses. I didn't join MCC to tape plastic over people's windows, and I already miss working on trails. However, I feel really good about having the opportunity to help people in need who otherwise might not be able to stay warm in the winter.
-David Lahr
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