July 13th, Day Seven - Definition of Teamwork
Today was truly a turning point for our crew. We all knew each other quite well
and started to trust each other more. As we all went through the normal notions
of the morning, we arrived at the work site and finished up some projects. Doug
and I finally nailed out our coverts, while the others finished cutting down some
trees and moving rock.
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The huge log that took seven crew members to carry..
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Before lunch, we all met in front of this huge log with one mission: move it
halfway across the 90 rod portage. After looking at each other and looking again
at the log, our hope quickly faded away. No one in our crew had the body type of
Arnold Schwarzenegger and, unfortunately, we did not have a truck or crane in our tool bag.
Regardless we all got together and stood next to the log. We picked it
up at the same time, and through each step, we managed to carry this huge mass of
wood to where it needed to go. With a thump, the log was in place and a huge sense
of accomplishment was flowing through everyone's mind. If one team member did not
pitch in his effort, we would have never been able to move the log. But with 110% devotion of everyone, we moved this log halfway across this portage trail,
going up and down a hill. This experience defined the teamwork in our crew.
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A great view from our campsite.
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With the log moved, we earned a long lunch break. Our final phase of
construction was to gather rocks and smash them in to gravel. We used the big log to place three
feet across another log (see above photo). The plan was to fill the dirt part of
the trail up to the top of the log with gravel. This would fasten the converts down
and stop the trail from flooding. As the hours past by, two heavy sledge
hammers were swinging up and down, turning huge rock into small useful gravel.
As the long day was finally wrapped up by the setting sun, we headed back to our campsite
and relaxed for a couple hours until it was time for dinner.
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A Kodak moment.
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It was definitely a well earned day for relaxation. Tomorrow would be the last
work day, as it meant that tonight was the last night at our work campsite. Before
we went to sleep, our foremen lead the crew in a religious service. We reflected
upon the experience so far and looked forward to the future. I somehow managed to
get into my sleeping bag where I slept soundly from a hard day's worth of work.
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