Project Sand Shed

Well this has all certainly taken a new turn. Zach and I were discussing some of the materials we had put together lately when we started thinking about videos. After talking to Bill Walker who produced a video on the local train line, we thought it might be a good idea to make a video. Then, in a discussion with Gardiner Vinnedge, he pointed out that something was needed on the history of the Middle Fork.

So I met with Gardiner, kicked some ideas around and Zach and I are now looking at the next steps to create a documentary. Looks like a lot of work but a lot of fun as well. For now, we shall code name it "Project Sandshed". Don't tell Spielberg, he'll want in!

History of the MF

With the cold weather and holidays, I have been concentrating on researching the history around the Middle Fork. There is remarkably more than I expected with little documentation that I have found so far. I have recently spoken with two very helpful people, Dick Kirby who was the summer fire patrol technician for the Forest Service in the Middle Fork from 1965 to 1997 and Bill Davis a long time member of Search and Rescue.

They have been providing me information which I am trying to figure out how to capture. I am thinking that I am going to start a MF Map Project where I create a master map with all of this information.

I must say, it felt a bit odd this last weekend to not go to the MF Valley for the first time in ten weeks. I think I am getting hooked.

An old-growth Forest

Last Saturday Ellie and I started at Dingford Creek and hiked the Middle Fork Trail to Goldmyer Hotsprings. The first two miles is all old-growth. This was my first time in this section and it is impressive. If you want to photograph, picnic in, or just see old growth, this is the place to go.

The old growth starts as soon as you cross the footbridge at the trailhead and goes East (West a little, but not much). Big cedars sit along the trail immediately but big Douglas firs come later. One footbridge has a giant just on the other side. The top is blown off, but it's a great picture. I didn't get it right, not enough light and a lot of shake. Guess I'll have to go back.

Changing role of the Blog

I am definitely changing the role of the blog. It started as the main content, but that is now on www.middleforkgiants.com. I think I will use this more to just pass out thoughts.

Ever considered where all the wood from the old growth we logged went? Most was used for buildings and structures which have since been torn down or destroyed. Sure, some are in nice studs in old house but the vast majority were in mills, factories, bridges, and trestles which are now made of concrete or steel. We mowed them down in order to have cheap wood. What did it gain us?

Maybe we should consider this as we discuss mountain-removal mining and other permanent scare type impacts. Is it worth destroying a mountain range in order to have cheap coal and a few jobs?

I had committed to keep middleforkgiants as a fairly factual endeavor but can't seem to control myself this evening. I guess that's the advantage of a blog.