The last last last hitch (in the field)

Work Totals:
16 sq. meters restored
14 vertical mulch planted
12 seed pits
15 check dams

Our final hitch in the field began with two days of Leave No Trace training in Joshua Tree National Park, including an overnight hike. After having all of the crews stay in our house throughout the season while they had their training and hearing about their experiences, we were very excited to get our turn. We arrived in Joshua Tree with our packs full of gear and our minds full of the new Leave No Trace ethics we had learned and how to teach them. On the hike to camp, Sara taught us how to camp and travel on durable surfaces, and then we set up camp for the night. The next day, on the hike out, everyone else taught their ethics to the group. We returned home to Yucca after lunch in the park. The next day was our travel day to the final All-Corps in Jawbone. Along the way, we stopped at the Desert Tortoise Natural Area and enjoyed a nice short hike in the midday sun, but unfortunately did not see any tortoises. We arrived at Jawbone a little later that evening and set up camp next to the Jawbone and Golden Valley crews. The next day, before Rands and Owens showed up, we all hiked Scodie Peak. When we got back to camp, All-Corps had officially begun as all the crews were present. The next three days consisted of building check dams on incursions to prevent erosion all day, and eating delicious food at night. It was great to have all the crews together and working again, however it was a little bittersweet due to the fact that it was the last time we would have that opportunity. We made the most of it, however, and fun was had by all. The last day we all gathered in the morning, for the last time, and reflected on our experiences throughout the season. There was a decent amount of laughing (and crying) as we each received our packets and T-Shirts, accompanied by a short story by our crew leaders. Then it was off to Lake Isabella, where the daring jumped in, and the sane stayed out. All in all, it was a fitting end to a fantastic season. Now it’s time to clean out our respective houses and head off on whatever adventure awaits us.