The CragBaby

I have started to write about my weekly volunteer work on my WasatchGirl blog.  But this past week my volunteer work was climbing related, so seemed more appropriate to post on this site. (Note that I also have further travel posts to come, but this is a quick interruption.)

The 2009 volunteer crew.

This past week I accompanied my friend Pang to Grand Teton Climber’s Ranch to help with work week.  Grand Teton Climber’s Ranch is part of the American Alpine Hut System and is located in Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming creating easy access for peak attempts.  The facilities include 6-8 bunk cabins with indoor restrooms, a main cooking area, a library, showers and even a small rock wall. =)

The cabins stay in good condition due to the annual work week, the first week of June, where people from all over the nation come to stain cabins, fix trails, repair plumbing and electrical work, etc.  As a thank you to the volunteers, the ranch allows the volunteers to stay for the full month free of charge.  Pang and I only had the week off and so went to strictly volunteer, having a seriously perfect week!

Pang (pictured here) and I were part of the staining crew on a couple days. I found myself really enjoying staining, being able to slop paint over a wide area. Pang was a bit more meticulous. =)

One of the simple pleasures from the work were the two robin’s nest filled with eggs, resting on the main lodge.

Upon work week completion, the entire volunteer crew carries the sign (donning beer, of course) to it’s hanging post on the road.

It really was quite amazing all the work this team of approximately 15 jammed out during the week. On the last day we ate pizza, drank beer and listened to fellow volunteers provide tunes. I must admit that I love these type of “climber hangouts”.  It is such a cool experience to stay in a place where everyone has the same passion. This year Pang and I were the only people in our 20 – 30′s with the majority of the volunteers being 50+, providing us with numerous fabulous tales of all the different peaks in the world they had summitted.

If interested in staying at the Grand Teton Climber’s Ranch, you can make reservations online or call  307.733.7271.  The rates are $10 for Alpine Club members and $20 for non-members, these rates being the most affordable and accessible in the park.  Note that there is a no-dog policy.