Last August while doing a multi-day backpack with the kids into the Lost Creek Wilderness we encountered a partially collapsed bridge at a large stream crossing. It was about thirty feet across and the water was really moving. The single rickety log that was left swayed and moved so badly that we decided it was safer to ford the stream than attempt a balancing act with backpacks over the deep swift water. After some searching we found a spot about chest deep on Stephanie and finally made it across. The whole process took a lot of time and posed some danger to our little group and to future hikers. About five months later Sean was getting close enough to Eagle Scout to start thinking about a project. I was very surprised and pleased when he came up with the idea of rebuilding the collapsed bridge deep in the Lost Creek Wilderness. At first I did not believe it would be possible because of the remote location and the manpower that would be required but he moved ahead. 

Nature's Beauty --- Lost Creek Wilderness

After contacting the wilderness ranger we became very encouraged when we found out that he had been trying to get a crew together to rebuild that very bridge for nearly two years. Short on manpower and resources because of major forest fires he was thrilled with the prospect of Sean getting a group together to do the job. So began the planning for a multi-day backpack and all the food, gear, and other equipment that would be needed. 

The trip took place in early June with three adults and seven hearty scouts in on the adventure. The first day required a seven mile backpack just to get within hiking distance of the bridge site. Weighted down by the addition of log carriers, shovels, and axes made the hike a lot tougher but everyone pushed forward bravely. A heavy afternoon hail storm with numerous lightning strikes added to the first days challenge. Day two required a four mile morning hike to reach the bridge building site. 

Legs already tired from the first days backpack felt especially heavy that morning. Once the group arrived we were greeted by the wilderness ranger who had come in on a different trail. After Sean and the ranger discussed final details the work began. Using a huge cross cut saw we dropped an enormous Aspen tree and dragged it to the stream using log carriers. Getting the 600+ pound log across the stream from there was very difficult and thankfully the rickety log from the old bridge helped guide it.

We were lucky the old log held the first time because it snapped under my weight while bringing the second log across and nearly plunged me into the water. We repeated the difficult task of cutting, dragging, and setting a log five times. After some work on the embankments to set the logs in place Sean made the first official crossing. It had been a very tough day but everyone in the group felt a great deal of pride.

Using only hand tools and brute force we had turned a hazardous crossing into a safe and wilderness friendly spot for years to come. The ranger estimated it would stand for at least 15 years. Every hiker and backpacker who passes through that part of the wilderness will have a better experience as a result of Sean's project. I beamed with pride as I watched my soon to be Eagle Scout lead the group on the long hike back to camp. The muscles were sore but the smiles and laughter around the campfire that night easily made up for it. With help from scouts young and old Sean had built a bridge to Eagle and taken a big step toward manhood.

Roast'n Weenies on the Camp Fire

The BIG Saw

HARD WORK!

"Every hiker and backpacker who passes through that part of the 
wilderness will have a better experience as a result of Sean's project."

FIRST Crossing

Sean's Bridge