Day 12: Trail Clearing at Storm Mountain Center

April 26, 2014

Today began with a breakfast of pancakes and sausage with Scott – the Director here at Storm Mountain and three other gentleman from Pierre, SD – Craig, Don and Kevin.  They came for the weekend to do volunteer work at the camp.  Ashley is cooking for us and it has all been so good. 

The plan for today was to try to clear the trail to the top of the mountain.  In October 2013 there was a severe snow storm in the Black Hills.  Here at the camp they had 36 inches of wet, heavy snow in about 12 hours.  We understand that it took four days for someone to cut their way into the camp to get to the four staff that live here full time and eight days to get power back.  The storm brought down hundreds and hundreds of trees.  As you can see from the pictures, it looks very much like the tornado damage from April, 2011 except its everywhere – not just in a path.   

 

There were 6 of us working on the mountain all day and Scott joined us for part of the day.  Scott brought us more water and snacks!  We had 3 chain saws going most of the day except for our lunch break.  Thanks again, Ashley! The guys used the chain saws to “carve” crosses along the trail for people to see this summer.   

Cross and Flame carved by Steve

 There are crosses all over the camp  - such as the benches at the outdoor worship center, and they often challenge the campers to find them all.  We added six crosses today. 

Unfortunately we only made it about ¾ way up the mountain.  Hopefully someone else will come and help Steve finish the task.  Who knows we might come back this way on the way home and get to hike to the top.  That would be nice. 

Based on the weather forecast it is doubtful we will be able to get back up on the mountain while we are here.  We are under a winter storm watch for Sunday night and Monday for possible 6 inches of snow.  This could get interesting.  If we do get some snow this would be a great place to be because everyone is so very nice and so much fun to get to know.  Also if we get snow it will be the first time in over 21 years that we won't have to be at the emergency operations center.  Yea!!  We will be going to church in the morning and then we will just see what we can get into.