Well day three was kinda lame. We headed up to the moto course where the quests get to ride the motorcycles, but they werent set up enough for us to do it. So, we sat there most of the day doing nothing while the guides had emergency training which was good for them. A helicopter came in and everything. Then we actually went and did the zip line which was sweet, I was able to go through each part (theres two sections that cross Falls Creek) upside down, it was fun. Following that the tenders and food and beverage people went to the camp to set up and we took a little swim in the creek too-totally freezing but worth it. Then it was dinner and music around the campfire. Tomorrow we will finish training and then I am off until the 5th. I cant wait to sleep in a bed. Please pray that my immune system is able to hold up through the summer, my allergies are eating away at it, and I hurt my shoulder somehow.

I had to start early today, about 4:45. Since I am the tender I had to do my tender job-light lanterns, start fire, clean shitters, and keep the fire going. I was told that since they are mostly east-coasters they are awake at 5am, so I should have my stuff done by then. By 8 we were headed to our next location, the river where the campers would do kayaking and rafting down a 9 mile stretch which takes about 4-5 hours including a break for lunch. The mosquito's were horrible, I have 22 bites on my right leg alone. Following that adventure we made it back to camp 2 were we, like the campers, were greeted with Hummers which took us on an off road course. We were all able to drive them for 15 min on parts of the course. That was probably one of the most exciting things I have done in my life. You would go straight down a hill with riding the break, or having your foot on the break, this vehicle totally drives itself, its amazing. Anyways, then we ate lots of food and I headed to bed. It was a long day, and being sick hasn't been helping.

Today was the first day of training. It started at the Bozeman base where we got a pep talk and what was supposed to maybe be inspirational, but yeah it mostly put me to sleep. Following that they took us through what the guests would experience one their frist day. It was and is really cool to see what happens and imagine what is going through their heads since they have no idea what is going on. This whole thing, camping trip seems to be rather exelerating for them. Honestly I am quite jealous. We didnt get to my camp until about 10 in which we finally had dinner around 10:30. It was huge, snacks, appitizers, main course and dessert. We then discussed what would normally happen at night, star talk, and then broke into our groups (pods) and headed to bed.

I've been battling a cold and allergies for the last week. Its really starting to get to me. As long as I can get through training then I'll be okay for a few days.

We finished setting up all the tents which was good. So for the most part I am ready for training to start tomorrow.

Today was rather uneventful but a lot was accomplished. Training starts on Saturday, which is exciting because then we will finally understand what all takes place at this camp.

I went to camp 3 to help Dave set up the tents. That is perhaps one of my favorite camps, by the creek, Falls Creek, stunning. The water is clear and green and perfect for fishing and repelling course. Sometimes I wish I was at that camp, more to do for set up and fishing and repelling. However, I have inset problems and marmots and mice...gross.

Tonight is rather windy, however there was a beautiful sunset, the first I have stayed up for.

Today was rather great. I had company at my camp almost all day. Human interaction, yes please! We got the washrooms set up, they look sweet.

and then we organized the kitchen area....had the head base and location (camp) cook come talk about whatever kitchen stuff they thought was important. Then again, I was left to myself with the knowledge that there was bear shit on the road coming into camp. Oh goodness. But I'm alive for now.

Last night, the thunderstorms, was insane. It went from being pretty calm to out right scary. There were to distinct sets of storms. The first brought rain and and hit the hills to the east and west of camp. The second set hit the meadow, the lightening hit the meadow, right outside my tent. This light up my white canvas tent and the 'boom!' afterwards freaked me out. I thought I was going to be baked. No matter how hard I tried to sleep, how loud I turned up the music, I just couldn't. I was scared shitless. It was during this time that my body decided that it had to pee like 20 times, well 3, and so I exited my tent once it was safe enough. It was somewhat beautiful to see it in the distance, but the rain and hail brought me back inside.





Today some guys bought some goods to me. Rugs, tent stakes, non-alcoholic better (I guess they dont trust me with the real stuff). They require their staff to be 21 and then leave me with n-a beer which would take 8 to give you a little buzz but you would probably have a headache before that even came.


I weededed and cleaned deodorant bars for the guest. They better appreciate it every time they place that bar on their arm pit. Besides that I cooked my first meal, Cheddar-broccoli rice which tasted alright but took up time nonetheless. They day went by fast which is nice, I cannot wait for the quests to start arriving, cause right now this is sort of getting to me. Loneliness eats at my soul. So please pray for me, now until July 7.

So back out at camp, alone with my thoughts. It really frightens me, having time to think about things that really bother and upset me. Though accelerating, makes me uncomfortable, but I know that in the end, once I understand myself and who God is to me, I will, in a sense be set free.

Today in Sunday school, we discussed rewards, that God promises to reward us for what we do on earth. This frustrates me because I dont want to be a part of a Christianity that is based on rewards, but thats what makes it attractive. That is whats behind our actions. If Xianity didnt offer the notion of heaven and eternal life and hell, and even in Hinduism, recarnation, religions have nothing to offer. It reminds me of little kids, doing chores for money or some treat, and even students who study for an A but dont look consider what is being taught. It makes me wonder how many love and care for others because they want and care and how many do it because they want to receive recognition. When working at the nursing home, and even the hospital, I found myself angry at the way nurses and aides treated the patients. They did their job for the money but the respect they had for this generation of people, and even those who were still young but couldnt take care of themselves makes me ache. It was in that time, working there that I really began to understand unselfish love. A love that cared, that listened, that laughed, that sat in silence, that cried. They taught me what it meant to love without rewards. I dont want to become a person who loves for a good name, I want to love out of respect and understanding and because thats what God through Christ did for me.

Christ in his time on earth and suffering demonstrated to us how to love. He showed love by suffering with man, giving and receiving. The love he showed for man seemed lass selfish and demanding than that showed by his time.

Maybe because of experience and history, I want to believe in a God, to an extent, like that of Bonhoeffer's. I want be believe in a God whose love is revealed through suffering. I wan to believe that the Church is only the Church when it is for the people: it suffers with those who are suffering and relies on the people to survive. I want to believe in a Xian who loves because God loves, not for external or heavenly rewards. I want a Xian to be united with God as Christ through suffering, hardships but most importantly love for mankind. I want a humble, suffering Xianity.

Okay, now for camp update. Some sweet things happened at camp today. When I got back and opened my tent door there was a hummingbird, Black-Chinned (Archilochus Alexandri) to be exact (I looked it up) flying inside my tent trying to get out. The poor thing spent a long time trying to find freedom and finally made it. It sort of taught me a lesson, just watching the bird struggle, but Ill write about that some other day.

Then, as I am reading at the fire pit ( I started my first fire of the trip) a deer walked over, slowly creeping up to me. It was almost an arms lenght away before it scurried off.

But to end the night, I was provided with some entertainment by thunderstorms.

night one

so tonight i am stuck at home throwing up, but heres to my first night at camp.

i drove into camp, anxiously and exited for the days that laid ahead. wondering what this really meant for me, was i really okay with being in solitude.

as i sat there on the cot thinking about weither or not i would be able to sleep, would all i be thinking about was the possibility of bears coming into camp. but as i went to bed, earlier, a lot earlier, than normal, i found myself dwelling on the sounds around me-wind, birds (esp. owls), wind, grass, insects-and then it had to come to an end. i had to sleep. although the cot poked into my sides and i forgot some of my blankets at home and got a little cold, i haven't woken up so well rested in my life.

today i found myself reading. doing inventory of items. a little hiking and exploring. setting up the washrooms. reading. cooking.

it is so peaceful out there. knowing that there is no schedule, no obligations (except getting the little work i have to do done). there are clusters of blue, yellow and white everywhere. forget-me-nots (my favorite flower), shooitng -stars (atleast thats the Alaska term), lupines, wild yellow daises, and the names of the other one i havent learned yet.

Into the Wild

On Thursday, June 19, 2008 I will officially spend the first night in camp. I'm am now heading into the Crazies.


Some random information about the Crazy Mountians

The Crazy Mountains, often called the Crazies, are a mountain range in the northern Rocky Mountains in the U.S. state of Montana. Spanning a distance of 40 miles (64 km), the Crazy Mountains are located between the Musselshell and Yellowstone rivers. The highest peak is Crazy Peak at 11,209 feet (3,417 m). Rising over 6,000 feet (1,830 m) above the Great plains to the east, the Crazies dominate their surroundings and are plainly visible just north of Interstate 90.The Crazy Mountains form an isolated island range east of the Continental Divide. Others include the Castle Mountains, Little Belt Mountains, Big Snowy Mountains, Little Snowy Mountains, Sweet Grass Hills, Bull Mountains and, in the southeastern corner of the state near Ekalaka, the Long Pines and Short Pines.

Due to the eastern location, these mountains are drier and less densely forested than other mountain ranges in Montana and consequently, there are also only about 15 lakes found in the mountain range. The Crazy Mountains sit in both Gallatin National Forest and Lewis and Clark National Forest. The Crazies support a healthy herd of mountain goats and the occasional elusive wolverine.

Geological features of the Crazy Mountains include:Shields River South Fork Musselshell River Big Timber Creek Sweet Grass Creek Crazy Peak

The Crazies are almost completely surrounded by private lands making access into the mountains somewhat difficult, especially in the southern section where the highest peaks are located. The name Crazy Mountains is said to be a shortened form of the name "Crazy Woman Mountains" given them, in compliment to their original Crow name, after a woman who went insane and lived in them after her family was killed in the westward settlement movement.

Sad Update...

Due to the horrible weather-snow and rain-that has covered and ruined the roads to the camps, I will not be able to move into camp for another week. I am quite sad and disappointed, but am praying that God will bring some great weather to this lowly state, dry the roads and get me out in the wilderness soon.

Well I begin working tomorrow morning at 8:am in which we will begin by discussing the week's goals and then begin setting up the campsites. Pray that no more snow comes to the valley, because from what I am told right now there is snow at the area in which the zip-line will be set up and is finally melting around the area where my camp will be.

I will officially be moving into the mountains on Saturday night...which I am stoked about, I just hope that the weather decides it is time for summer. I'll keep you posted.