Peck Ranch

Got back from Peck'r Ranch Thursday night. We drove down Monday - 4hr. drive and then just hung out the rest of the night. They split us off into 2 groups and my group chopped down invasive species in the 24,000 acre park: chinese pear, autumn olive and honeysuckle. It was alright - I used a handsaw for awhile and then a back pack sprayer (we have to spray what we cut with herbicide). Wednesday I got some chainsaw training from some good ol' boys who had some difficulty reading the instruction booklet to us. In the afternoon we split off into small groups and we all got to saw down a tree. My face and back cut sucked, but I learnt a lot from it and put the tree where I wanted to - it was pretty awesome the force of a 100 ft. tree crashing through the canopy and body-slamming the earth - exhilerating. I can see why people get really into it (The instructor loved telling us about a logger competition he was in 2 weeks prior to our arrival - all one could do is nod and smile). Thursday we got some fire-training which consisted of sitting through a really crappy power-point presentation and taking an "open book" test. Yes folks, that's apparently all it takes to get your level 1 fire certificate. We get more fire training through the government sometime in the spring. We were given Friday off which was really nice - Paul, Josh and I made a great dinner at his place (Josh is a kid from NY - very political - knows every single senator from every state, etc...): steak and peppers, salad, rice and ice cream and then went to a b-day party. We were supposed to dress up as something which started with "C" - I went as a crouton (stapled lettuce to a cardboard box). Saturday some of us went to the Zoo - which was really enjoyable - it's free!! My friend AZ's dad was in town so we went out for pizza at Black Thorn - really good and had a few while we watched the cards play. AZ's dad is a real good guy we played shuffle board at the bar for many hours and then went back to the Mardel house to hang out. This week is b.s. week again...organizing maps...Next week I'm staying in town again - I have no idea what I will possibly be doing - only Mia and I will be in town the rest of the team is going to different conservation areas.

My blessings, Kevin

Training

This last week was also one of doddling: cleaning chainsaws, making shelves, playing soccer in the office...The highlight was going to the Shaw nature reserve on Thursday. We just walked around the woods the whole day with a worker there named Bob who told us about the woods: the non-native species, how the land formed, fires that came and went...it was a very relaxing day. We also sat beside the Merimac river, a very beautiful turquoise color (and very clean), and threw rocks at drifting branches - well it was just the guys, the girls sat and ridiculed us for having to bond through indirect means never relying purely on conversation as women are more prone to do (whatever). Last night we went to the "One Night Stand" bar for a white-trash party (trust me we fit right in dressed as such). Americorps kinda took over the bar with 30+ of us putting request after request in - it was really fun. This next week I'm going to Peck Ranch for some chainsaw training and then I believe to Columbia, MO for fire-training, though everyone thinks something different as the higher-ups aren't even sure the exact schedule. If no disasters come up I'll be going down to Pass Christian in Miss. Nov. 19th and coming back Dec. 21st - hopefully coming back for Christmas. Beth is coming to visit Oct. 27th which I'm really excited about - we're going to throw a Halloween party here on the 28th - should be a great weekend. Hope you are all doing well. Love, Kevin.

Biding the Time

Hello all. Not a whole lot to report. This last week was an exercise in trying to look like you're doing something useful. We had to stay at the office this week and wait till some groups went out on conservation and others will go to Pass Christian in Miss. I "organized" the gas cans for 2.5 days!!!! (I worked with a guy named Paul from Philly - he really likes to ridicule my accent - I still don't believe I have much of an accent. Paul and I have gotten close - we both love to dance). Well, I actually did some useful organizing and throwing-away of 0ld mixed-gas. This last weekend was quality. Went to a costume party on friday, I went as Moses - inspired by Melissa - and brought blank tablets to be filled in. On saturday we all hung out, played b-ball at the nearby court and then saw The departed. Jack Nicholson was dynamite. The dialogue was unbelievable and cinem. very well done - scorcese knows how to direct a movie. I highly recommend it. This week shall also be filled with appearing useful - or so I am under that impression. I am direly hoping they give me the 27th off so Beth can come visit, I will find out today. Peace and love, Kevin