Week One

Week one is done!

My week started with a crazy whirlwind of moving out and getting a sublettor. I was lucky enough to get everything squared away before we left. Adam and I made the 2.5 hour drive to this neck of the woods Sunday night, arriving to our destination late at night. We camped at the base of Mt. Everett since the KCC doesn't allow guests. It was a cozy last night together.

Goodbyes are never easy, but I was occupied with getting to know everyone on our 5.5 hour drive up to Joe Dodge Volunteer Center in the White Mountains. Our first day there is a blurry distant memory now. Most of the seasonal staff was there (over 100 people) including caretakers, hut crew, trails, etc. It was a bit overwhelming, especially since a lot of people either already knew each other or had been together for a few days.

Our week of training was mostly administrative and policy related stuff, including but not limited to: AMC policies,  drivers training (so we can drive the company vans), a million different types of forms/reporting systems, child abuse awareness, basic tool work, outdoor leadership, safety, etc.  That doesn't even scratch the surface! Our "work day" was 8am - 4:30pm, but between breakfast and dinner our days were more like 6am-7pm.  We were all exhausted by the end of the day.

It took a few days to get settled in, but as our numbers dwindled (some departments left earlier) it was a bit less chaotic. It was good to get to meet people from different areas and departments. Unfortunately we didn't get out to enjoy the Whites because the weather didn't really agree with us. It was FREEZING and raining the first couple of days, to the point where I saw frost on the picnic tables in the morning. The rain finally cleared for our last full day, so we were able to get good views of Mt. Adams, Madison, and Washington.

Today's Hike up Jug End on the AT

There have been some tough moments. It's been a big adjustment, and I'm working hard to fill my "down time" with the company of my teammates. The administrative side of training is always less exciting, so I think the next two weeks will be more engaging. I'm surrounded by a good but whacky group of people here in the Berkshires  We've got two more weeks here before my co-leader and I go to Noble View, our home for the summer. But for now - two days off!!

This morning (our first day off) we went to the store to supply ourselves with food to eat in our off time, checked out a farmers market, and went on a short hike. It looks like the weather is improving and we'll have a nice stretch to enjoy before we start up with training again!