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I arrived at Grand Canyon a day ahead of the ASB crew (on my own dime, auditors!). The morning was brutal -- cold, windy, and stinging snow -- but the afternoon mellowed a bit and I decided to take on the bobsled course that is South Kaibab Trail.  Winter has been relentless here and the first several hundred feel of elevation remain covered in ice and snow.

I soon wished I had brought crampons.

I didn't.

I also wished I had packed my trekking poles.

I didn't.

Finally, I fervently hoped I would avoid a butt plant.

I didn't.

But -- ahh, however -- after a while mud replaced ice, the temps climbed above 50 and, on the whole, I'd say it was all worth it.

I hilked a considerable distance past Skeleton and seemingly had the Canyon all to myself.  Renewed snowfall eventually prompted a 180,but, all the same, I killed a sensational afternoon and personally avoided the same fate.  In my book, a very good day.

Photo Credits: Rick Zamore, SCA Program Manager
You can read Rick's short article about Cumberland Island in the February edition of Hands On.

A section of the bridle trail at Bethpage State Park is so muddy, that the suction reportedly pulled shoes off of the horses hooves (it definitely pulled boots off of feet). Since the terrain makes drainage impossible, this turnpike will elevate the trail, allowing water do drain through the tread surface, keeping all mud below the structure, and maintaining a solid surface for horse and vehicle traffic.

More Photos on Flickr

What if you woke up one winter morning to a suddenly alien landscape?...

Thanks, Ted Miller, for photos of SCA DC's retreat at Hard Bargain Farm -- 24 first year students, 5 old faithfuls, and an awesome staff.

More year-end, all-time-great photos. Thanks Garrett and Kevin for your photos! And thanks American Eagle Outfitters for making SCA's Alternative Spring Break program possible.

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Removing graffitti and restoring trails on spring break in the Grand Canyon. Thanks, American Eagle Outfitters, for making this possible.

Help more SCA members preserve our land for generations to come. Donate now.

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Another post in our "best-photos-of-all-time" series. When it rains in Houston, well, it really rains. But this SCA crew didn't seem to mind. They planted lots of trees and had some fun doing it.

Thanks Misty Knight, Houston crewleader, for the great photos.

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Another in our year-end-best-of-09 series. Thanks Dan Crossett for the photos and your contribution to saving coral reefs.

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