Okay, we know we're "supposed" to be keeping the blog updated with our adventures. Last year I seemed to do so well, and this year - not so well. No pictures today but here is a short scoop: everyday chores include spending 3-4 hours driving the refuge to monitor the water flow & level into the ponds/marsh's, read & log the guage measurements, check the interpretive boards for cleaning and remove any debris impeding water flow - this can be bush's, limbs, trash (tires, refrig, buckets), animals, logs or trees (we named one log the SS Minnow). The last 2 weeks have been hectic with snow melt & rain.... we've had controlled capacity flooding but everyone has been on alert for breach's, luckily only small events.
As we "ride the range" for water, we also monitor the birds & nests for new hatchlings, any threatened or abandoned nests, new birds coming in and of course the status of the deer, moose & elk. I'm always taking photos.... so this prolongs our outing ! It's exciting to watch the process - the nest, the eggs, the protection, new babies and then all the antics ! We've watched moose run, elk swim and coyotes searching for food.
Weather has been weird this year: it's either sunny but terribly windy, overcast & rainy or cold! We've worked everyday since arrival.... thus our adventures have been limited, but we hope to take off and golf tomorrow. While no trips around Idaho, to Mt. Ranier or Montana, we have done some local sightseeing, attended the cowboy poetry & music event, drove to Jackson Hole, WY to check out the area & go to the Bar J Ranch for music & dinner, visited the National Elk Refuge, etc. With price of fuel..... we're very happy to stay at the refuge. Along with our water duties we've done painting, digging ditch & hauling dirt, putting up fence, assisting with educational events, going to town for supplies and even cooking for the regional staff !
We plan to leave Camas NWR around June 10 and head to Utah for our next volunteer opportunity with the USFS. First we stop in Evanston, WY to attend training on the 13-14 at their HQ and then "if" snow permits..... we'll move into the volunteer camp at the Bear River Ranger Station in Utah until end of August. Right now it's still snowed in and no one can get in, not even to clear & clean.
That's it for now.... you asked !
