Zone 39

If you've been reading this blog for a few years, you know that I spend quite a bit of time in Desolation Wildernessd doing volunteer work. And last year, I "adopted" Zone 39 of the Wilderness. I patrol it, answer questions, clean up after people and generally try to be a "presence" in the back country.

And I had 39 all to myself. When the zone were assigned, I was out of town, and by the time I had returned, there was only one lonely zone that nobody wanted: 39. I took it on, and came to really appreciate it--no trails, so everything is cross country. And one of my tasks is to take down cairns, so if you visit, I hope you won't see too many of those.

This year, same scenario--I was away when the zones were handed out. But surprise! When I checked the list, I found one other volunteer's name next to mine in Zone 39. I sent him a note, and asked him to give me a call. I loved having someone to share the load.

He called. He's going in for knee surgery in five days.

Looks like Zone 39 is all mine againg in 2025. Hope to see you out there.