![[Image Description: Two MCC members taking a brief break; one is sitting on a rock, the other is standing nearby. They are both in their uniforms, looking out at the expansive, mountain view surrounding them.]](https://cdn.firespring.com/images/c3f85e97-43a9-4810-8081-e8e6338173d0.jpeg)
It had been over a decade since MCC had worked in the Tetons and the Black Cache crew was sent to work in Paintbrush Canyon with the NPS.
The brushing on the trail did not go unnoticed by the innumerable hikers every day of the hitch. Most, if not all, expressed their gratitude, and workers in the park were also admiring the facelift the trail received. At the end of the hitch, the partners mentioned that the clearance saved them weeks and the trail would not need to be maintained for several years.
We were rewarded with a hiking day to go to the top of the Paintbrush Divide and clear drains on the way down. It was over seven miles of hiking and ~2,323' elevation gain.
It was also my first time encountering snow crossings. To say the least, I gained a new skill and went out of my comfort zone. The truth would be that I was horrified and almost had to back out.
I couldn't decide if I was safer using someone else's tracks or creating my own tracks on the untouched snow. I slipped more than five times and feared falling thrice that. The last snow crossing was the scariest by far because there was about 6" of snow tread, and to the left was a long drop.
I will let you guess how my descent went by my accomplishment of boot skiing in mid-July, and our partner digging out a staircase on the narrow crossing.
It was a privilege to work in one of the world's most beautiful parks, but it was more of a privilege to go out of my comfort zone and acquire a new skill.
Thank you GTNPS for giving us an opportunity to contribute to your trails and guiding me out of my comfort zone.
