We are ready!

 

The first morning of work started off with a cheerful attitude and a Philmont breakfast before loading the buses.

As transportation staff guide guests onto the buses, the water coolers are loaded into the back of the buses.  Many faces were smiling as they boarded, ready for work.

One of the challenges on the first day is to find the work location on a map, then trek to this completely foreign location.

The first thing that every crew leader did was a tool talk to make sure that every guest knew how to use and store the tools.

One of the challenges of today was to transplant a rare orchid that was in the middle of the trail. 

As the work day continued, the guests built some amazing trail that will last lifetimes.  For program this evening, a mountain man display was in full effect.  The National Park Service, National Guard, and even a blacksmith were here to show off what they do and how it is relevant to the New River Gorge area.  Crew photos were also taken, they have been posted on www.photobucket.com/summitcorps2011 

With the first day over, the crews now feel like they are getting a hold of what they need to do and soon we will see miles of trail being built by Week 3.