Happy Cinco de Mayo

All Play

At it again, our neighbors decided to “let Sven be Sven” which they interpreted to mean: the lazy SOB should get back to work like the rest of us schmucks. Hence the work I.D. badge that showed up on him last week. (We were still trying to figure out the meaning, when he abruptly changed before we snapped a picture!)



"With the approach of Cinco de Mayo, Sven couldn’t stand it any more. He is a Party Animal at heart... at heart wood, that is..."



A much more festive Sven...


"The mariachi hat and necklaces in the colors of Mexico’s flag are obvious. The gun is because in Mexico, the 5th of May is actually a minor local holiday to celebrate an 1862 military victory. In the U.S., however, the day has morphed into a celebration of Hispanic/Mexican heritage -- and much like St. Patrick’s Day, which is not a big holiday in its country of origin, this has become for some people (and Sven) an excuse to drink. Hence the beer (watch out for the chilis). Finally, the placards on the railing reflect Mexico’s Mayan heritage."



"What holidays are coming up? The world waits and wonders."

Thank you, D & A!

Earth Day at Pine Grove Furnace

The Friends of Pine Grove Furnace SP was helping out the park for Earth Day activities on Saturday so I did my part and showed up to pitch in. Projects included planting trees, removing invasive species, cleaning up the ampitheatre for the upcoming camping season, and rehabbing some of Creek Trail. Of course, I had to pitch in and help with the trail rehab. The main project was building a new causeway at the trail entrance to get across a very wet area. I understand there's more wet spots further down the trail which will have to be addressed as well, but this has been an extremely wet spring--problem areas exist where there have historically not been problem areas.

Park maintenance had placed two logs to serve as the sides of the causeway and we grunts had to fill in the space with ballast rock, topped with landscape fabric, and then a fat layer of mulch. Many dumptruck loads of rock and mulch later, a new causeway was ready for foot traffic. Luckily the rain held off so we didn't have to get wetter than absolutely necessary!

Jason, the Park HMFWIC, said between Friday and Saturday, they logged almost 195 volunteer hours. That's awesome. The State Parks (and public lands in general) are relying more and more on volunteerism to complete projects and maintenance in this time of squeezing budgets and general political jackassery in Harrisburg. If you get the chance, lend a hand and help the state park system, one of the better (if not the best) Commonwealth public resources and legacies, to continue to be world class.

Pics courtesy of Sheena.

Raystown

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Pro

Tractor said she was pro, so I had to give her a pro crank. Shiny new drive train to muck up at Raystown this weekend! Even the derailleur jockeys are new.

Actually, a little peeved at FSA at the moment. Removed the small ring from her K-Force Light carbon crank the other night (first time since the crank was installed) and two of the bolts were cross threaded from the factory. WTH? Bolts screwed, threads screwed. Trying to find the right size tap right now to see if the threads in the crank can be saved.

Hoppy Spring!!

Two Words

Really, it ought to be one word.

FriedCheese.

oh, yeah.

Can you tell I'm not training for a seven day stage race?

nomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnom...