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Can't Get Enough RMC Hump over 100 pounds up the mountain, while salty well-worn leather packboard straps dig in to my shoulders. Throngs of blood-thirsty insects. Exposure to harsh weather. Shoveling giant mounds of human refuse. Putrid stench that other trail crew members can emit from the mix of many days’ sweat and dirt. Why would I continually submit myself to such physical hardships?
Even as a young lad, I always enjoyed hiking, getting dirty, and moving large heavy things. Trail work allows one to accomplish all of these things on a daily basis. But working for RMC has become so much more than something only to enjoy. It has afforded me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger and more enduring than myself. I am grateful to be a part of such a caring network of selfless volunteers and friends. The work itself is always a learning process and always grueling. I know my body can't take this abuse forever, so I'm glad to be in a position teach others about the work I dearly love. I feel it is a personal duty of any caring steward to make a contribution, however they can. In that, I hope to pass on a good work ethic and quality of skills that will continue the RMC's high work standards. As Laura Waterman has written, "the age of stewardship has dawned". The RMC breeds a sense of comraderie that is difficult to find in other parts of life. And trail crew provides a place to be myself, feel accepted, and be of some use. The closeness and strong bonds I've made with crew members over the years is a feeling not often encountered in every day society. This place we call Randolph has it all: great hiking, sweeping views, majestic water falls, fantastic, energetic, giving people and lots of good times. That's why I can't get enough of the RMC. Editor's note:
Aaron Parcak worked on RMC's trail crew from 1999 through 2005.
He was also on the fall trail crew in 2002 that constructed the
new Four Soldiers and Underhill Paths to the Pond of Safety.
This past summer, he worked as Crag Camp caretaker for the club.
We thank Aaron for his many years of very hard work and leadership
by example.
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These
are only a few of my favorite things that reinforce some of the
more sublime reasons why I have worked for the RMC for eight
consecutive summers. I truly appreciate the lovely view from
the Jones Cottage front yard and ambling through these rugged
white hills. Trail-work has stirred a great passion in my heart.
RMC's trail work has a long and prestigious past, and will continue
to preserve, protect, and provide education about our cherished
natural resources here in the White Mountains.