10 31 09 Mt
Originally uploaded by oncwillamette
The party of seven planned to meet in Salem at dawn suddenly swelled to eleven by the time we made final assembly at Rosie's in Mill City. What is it about splitting wood in the mountains? Can it be City Man's primeval urge to bash something secure in the knowledge that it won't bash back? Is it the puerile desire to return to a sweeter simpler life free from the cloying complexities of the modern world?
Anyhow, enough of these vaporings...
Not knowing the state of the road to the shelter (and having had an instructive chain experience last Wednesday on the South shelter entry road) we were loaded for bear; all three vehicles were four wheel drive with drivers mentally committed to putting on chains (excepting Julius).
And?
No snow all the way, with the both gates open.
Bursting from the cars with pent up energy the group was instantly hard at it and the satisfying sound of splitting fir rang throughout the welkin shortly followed by some heavy breathing.
All the while a cool and nourishing mist kept us refreshed until we had a brief lunch in the cabin by the stove.
"A perfect day for splitting wood" said One who should know.
By 2:30 pm the woodshed was full and locked after which we made a brief inspection of the new south shelter.
And then back to the flatlands.
Next Saturday 11/7 we plan to restock the Santiam Pass shelters and will need at least two groups to accomplish this.
And there may be some trail work in the following days absent heavy snow.




