**Special Note**
I learned after getting back to Mizzou and checking my email that the blog posts of Thur. and Fri did not go through. Sorry for the confusion. Saturday 4/2 is below these two, so you can actually read about the last three days in order starting here...
3/31/11
After a late night of fun and games, we woke up early to plant some trees with Tony in Blairsville, Georgia! We placed 137 trees along butternut creek to improve the landscape there. The work consisted of hole digging, root awakening, fertilizing, and beaver protecting. We found this work much more relaxing than invasive plant removal, and we appreciated not being stabbed by the evil multirosa. It was good to give life to something rather than violently ripping something up by it's roots. A local volunteer provided lunch for our group and we enjoyed turkey sandwiches on picnic benches. After lunch we went back to work, and Tony was extremely impressed by our efficiency. We finished planting 85 trees before lunch and quickly ran out of creek-side ground to plant our trees on. He even said we were one of his hardest working ASB groups ever! We ended the day a little early and headed home. On the ride back, we took a touristy group picture across the state line between Georgia and North Carolina (two places at once!) Since our work was less tiring, Laura decided to go for a 9 mile run for the fourth time this week (marathon training). The rest of us (except for Sarah who still needed a nap) took the opportunity to go on a hiking adventure. We drove through the Appalachian Highway and stopped off the road at scenic overlook. Feeling adventurous, we climbed down the mountain hopping from boulder to boulder. We now have a stronger appreciation for gravity and large falling rocks. After this excursion, we found a safer overlook and found a beautiful trail along a gorgeous creek that turned into a waterfall gushing through huge mossy boulders with fallen trees littering the sides. Hiking finished, we raced home and went to a bonfire with delicious RIP bbq provided by the HWRC. Once fed, we took the opportunity to play chubby bunny…Max won, Cole lost with marshmallow drool dripping down his face. Andy and Max were inducted into the wild potato clan. On the walk back from the bonfire through the rive cane trail we discovered firsthand the legend of the river cane ghosts. Then we headed back to the house listening to our new theme song "Home" for our typical game night. I never knew that ten randos could become a fam in four days.
-Murphy ASB
4/1/11
Friday, April first: Back to clearing weeds and taking names. The cabin awoke from another late night of cabin shanaigans to a beautiful, chill North Carolina morning. The late night kept our breakfast conversations to a minimum and we are not sure if everyone awoke in time for their morning showers. Anyway, we rendezvoused with our fearless leader, Tony and headed south into Georgia. Our team remarked about the stark contrast of the neighboring states lifestyles. North Carolina seems to be more relaxed and spaced-out. When we got to Byron's house we were ready for our last day of invasive removal. The honeysuckle and multi rosa were worse than expected. Luckily the owners dog, Ree, tagged along to help pass the time and chew our water bottles. The morning was a bit chilly and clearing the invasives was tiring and at times monotonous, since it was our last day we made it great despite lack of energy. At noon we met at a rustic mountain home to enjoy a lunch provided by another kind-hearted volunteer. There, we had two more dogs join in on the days activities, but they were second rate compared to Ree. As a side note, the deviled-eggs didn't go over as well as planned, but the rest of lunch was wonderful. Callie also showed up and let the team purchase shirts and caps for volunteering for the week at a double skookum discount. You know, for the memories. After another classic hour-long, Tony break were set to leave the lunch sight and return for our final afternoon of saving the world. The sun played tricks on us, and the hoodies and jackets were off and on. The team caught a groove and finished strong clearing Japanese knotweeds and Autumn Olive. As a side note, Tony was rocking the chainsaw and Max and Sarah was usually found playing with Ree. Overall, we were glad to finish on the beautiful property and enjoyed our experience. It made us appreciate Tony for all of his hard work and gave us a sense of accomplishment. We all feel closer to nature now and will never look at a rose bush the same. It was very hard work, and sometimes depressing because there is so much to do, but very necessary and quickly rewarding. We definitely learned a ton about the environment , watersheds, and can even ID about 5 plants. After work we swung by the cabin with a little extra pep in our step. We got ambitious and headed to the tallest peak in Georgia to hike, Brass Town Bald. We had a small mix up with the provided directions. Apparently we are much less successful at navigating without Ralphie at the helm, but eventually we straightened out and made it to the majestic mount. Speaking of that mischievous GPS, he played an April Fools Day joke on us when he reset himself and came back with a sex change (as a woman's voice). Since Ralphina doesn't quite fly, we changed him back pronto. The view from the top of our mile hike was beautiful and it was a great way to way to signify the trip's accomplishments and bonding. The trip back was less eventful and we spent our evening relaxing around the cabin waiting for a fabulous pasta dinner with cheesy bread out of hotdog buns . We planned our meals perfectly and we are finally getting in the days routine and swing of things. It is starting to hit the team that our time here is finally over and I think we will all miss it dearly and won't forget ASB '11 anytime soon. Tonight will again be full of fun, games, and plenty of laughter. On to Louisville tomorrow gang.
Love,
Murphy ASB
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