And so it begins, another year in the NCC. On one hand I’m
extremely excited – why else would I have stayed on as a leader – on the other,
I’m terribly nervous. A year in the program has taught me that not every day is
a walk in the park. Already we face challenges.
Orientation lands smack dab in the
middle of monsoon season in the Mojave. Camp Foxtail, nestled away in the
upper reaches of Lee Canyon, is at the
epicenter of southern Nevada’s “Thunderstorm Alley.” The Spring Mountains
present a massive barrier to warm, moist air rolling in from the West. The
rugged range wrings all the moisture from the air, leading to torrential
downpours and flash floods; like the one we were trapped by this week.
After two and a half days of
classroom instruction we're ready to hike out to Rocky Gorge and get some
tools in the ground. We arrive on a gray, drizzly morning; everyone groaning
in protest as we explain the scope of our day’s work. As we practice our
trail-building techniques the rain only grows heavier. Soon a barrage of thunder
and lightning shuts us down. Swinging large metal tools on a treeless ridge is
asking to get struck. So, we must sit and wait for the danger to pass, cold and
miserable in the chilling rain.
Finally, the rain stops. The
leadership gathers around and begins discussing options when suddenly I hear
what can only be the sound of rushing water. We all turn to look at the wash
below us. There it is, a 6 foot wide, 3 foot deep river. Frothing and churning
where only seconds ago was nothing but damp sand and gravel. A mile away – on
the other side of the flood – are our trucks. Now what? The water looks unsafe
to cross, but further up the canyon we can see the rain coming down hard
again. It’s decided, we move now. Otherwise we risk ending up more stranded
than we already are.
“Everyone grab your tools and move
now! Stay together and watch out for more flooding and lightning!”
Thirty minutes later and we’re all
safely in our trucks again. We've only had a couple of hours of practice on the
trail, but mother nature has the upper hand. We end our orientation with less
experience, but more memories, than we had planned on. This is not the first
time, nor will it be the last, that I've been stuck in a sticky situation. This
year comes with greater responsibility; I have the safety and well-being of
four others to look out for. But, I've always loved a challenge, so bring it
on!
-Nick Brasier
