This year has been more than I ever thought it could be and then some serving with the Mount Adams Institute and the Forest Service. Between all the hard work, amazing sights, and just as amazing people to work with, what more could a guy ask for? In the beginning, I wasn’t sure what to expect on my first day in the field we jumped straight into work, and we did ride the easier trails those first couple weeks as I got used to riding the bike with all the tools we carry from chainsaws, hand tools, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, fuel, tolls for our bikes and our packs with water, food, and a few hand tools and daily use items it can be a lot to take on all at once. As I gained more confidence, which came surprisingly faster than I expected, we started to ride more challenging trails, and the amazing views started to show themselves, and that’s when I knew I found my fit for sure.
As the season started to roll on the training came as well. First, came my crosscut certification, and with that came a new experience and new knowledge. I was more than excited! I had no idea how hard it was to run one of those saws and the workout that came with it would also make you really appreciate your gas saw. Shortly after that I, and a few others from my district, went to fire school and became certified type II Wildland Firefighters, and that was an experience of a lifetime! The knowledge alone was enough to satisfy me with all the terminology, tools, and techniques of fire suppression, it was truly something to remember. Not to mention all the amazing people I got to spend my time with I will always be thankful I was able to meet those people and all the new friendships that came from that week. When I got back the next week I was off to get my chainsaw certification and that was my favorite training to date, I love running the saw, and since Mount Adams gave me the opportunity to do this kind of work they are a group of people I will always be truly grateful for.
After my service, I’m hoping to take the skills and knowledge I have gained from this experience and look into other agencies that could offer me some other possibilities much like those the Mount Adams and the Forest Service have offered me this summer.