13 gears and double clutching every shift.  Well, I actually only used 9 of them since most of my miles were on rough gravel road.  Still, that is a real workout for knees that are used to only driving an automatic!  I spent two days driving dump truck hauling gravel to help repair some huge potholes and truck eating soft spots on backcountry refuge roads.  I tried my hand at dump gate spreading roadbase for the guys on the grader.  12 miles or more, it was a pretty satisfying assignment.

Today we completed the Big Tree/Salt Marsh Observation deck and walkway in addition to the tower boardwalk completed earlier.  Not bad for 1 month at the refuge.  A serious commitment by refuge staff and other volunteers has made it possible.  Last week we worked 6 days and 4 days this week to make it happen.  The refuge acting manager and his significant other stopped by and helped out during a weekend afternoon.  The members of the project team all seem to share the feeling of accomplishment for a job well done.   As we were finishing project cleanup we had the 1^st visitor to enjoy the view from the new deck.  A heart warming experience.

Triangular shaped tracks can claw through about anything.  The Caterpillar “skid steer” is similar to the ubiquitous “Bobcat” with tracks.  It is the most useful equipment moving materials to the soft/swampy area where we are building the observation walkway. The bumpy ride combined with a single stick control and short wheelbase can set up a bizarre rabbiting movement that is disconcerting.  Experience has taught continuing speed and not allowing bumps to jerk your control hand provides a more positive experience.  These guys have and use some cool “toys”.

Park the rig at 1PM.  Get an assignment by 3PM and report to work at 7:30 the next morning.  We are back at it; tearing down boardwalks and structures at Aransas Wildlife Refuge.  Reconstruction is to begin tomorrow.  I am anxious to see something new go up.