Shenandoah National Park, August 18-19, 2018 — It’s the third weekend of the month.  Must be time for the Hoodlums trail crew monthly work trip.  That’s not news.  But the ability to step off the grid and grab some peace and quiet is.  No phone.  No Facebook.  No media!  It doesn’t get much better than that.

Loaded the SUV Thursday afternoon with the regular tools of the trade so I could get an early jump on traffic.  This summer I’ve only have had sufficient time to keep the weeds cut back.  Everything else has gone to seed so to speak.  The waterbars (drains) were last cleaned in April.  Since they’ve filled with sand and debris washed down hill be this summer’s almost daily thunder storms.

Friday I managed to dig out 40 waterbars leaving six that require complete rebuilding. That’ll be a project on the crew list for September.  The heat and humidity were oppressive Friday.  There was more salt in my eyes than you might find in a bag of potato chips.

Stopped for lunch at the bench we created two weeks ago.  Very comfy and relaxing compared to sitting butt down in the dirt.  The spring 10 feet in front of this location is flowing slowly, especially considering we’ve enjoyed more rain than normal.

Retreated to the Indian Run maintenance hut to get my tent up before the afternoon rain.  Succeeded!  Sat out the rain sipping a beer in the hut and conjuring up daydreams in the fire.

Indian Run is not well known and unauthorized camping is not allowed, but occasionally hikers meander down the fire road and find the fire pit.  Lacking wood, last week someone tried to burn the supports we use to level one of our picnic tables.  This one could be returned to service.  Send in the clowns, right?

First thing Saturday morning Hoodlums safety briefing.  We had around 15, which is an excellent number for the vacation month of August.  As usual, we divided into work parties.  My job was cutting logs to rebuild waterbars and check dams on Mt. Marshall.

Tamping a newly rebuilt waterbar with a Rogue hoe.

Lots of business gets done at the post work pot luck.  Saturday’s theme was “No cooking.”

I’m definitely not above a little food porn.  There were lost of tasty and healthy salads and some rich brownies for desert.

End of the day at Indian Run were the Head Hoodlum was showing off her wood splinting skills.  Baseball fans, note the arm extension. That’s a serious swing!

Love the wildlife in the park.  We saw multiple deer and six bears this weekend.

Now back to civilization.  Next month cannot come fast enough.

Sisu