Work on Sidekick Trail Progresses

Maggie, Lynn & Martin

On January 25th work on 'Sidekick' continued. The weather was much nicer compared to the January 11th session. We had twenty (20) volunteers, two more than the prior session. We're off to our best start ever, going back to 2009. Pictured are Maggie Sullivan, Lynn Postler and Martin Dubek -- our rockers.

Here Art Tuftee is loading 'newly donated' buckets aboard Jerry's truck. Buckets play an important role in our work. Thank you for the buckets Kapteins Ace Hardware.

New Buckets

While eating Leslie Estep's amazing homemade soup (thanks Leslie) members of Mount Vernon High School's National Honor Society club discuss the work. This was their second session helping us. Can they maintain this streak? If so they might just win the 2014 'top group' title...

But all joking aside, they're in contention in this year's group competition -- we're all impressed.

Jake

Remember my saying that buckets are important to us? Well so is the power carrier. We fill the bucket and load them aboard the power carrier, taking them as far as possible. We then offload and move them by hand, staging them for use.

Loaded Power Carrier

The ballast (large crushed rock) awaits placement just behind the large shot rock that comprises the rock wall. These buckets are set in place, patiently waiting our upcoming session. If things go as we hope 'Sidekick' should be finished this next session.

Staged Buckets

While taking lunch a family walked by. They allowed us to take their picture. Pretty darn cool!

The Trailhead

We'd love to have you join us for our volunteer work party this Saturday, February 8th.

Mount Vernon High School Students Volunteer at Little Mountain

On an extremely blustery Seahawk Saturday we had seventeen (17) heartyvolunteers. Five (5) were Mount Vernon High School students, all members of the National Honors Society. They were a pleasure to work with, and their coordinator, Jake Logue (below, on the right), said they'd be back.

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The final capping of the Nature Trail is now done. Here Matt Hixson is spreading the crushed rock.

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And here Art Tuftee compacts it...

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Our rocker girls, Lynn Postler and Maggie Sullivan -- building another rock wall...

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Some of their handiwork.

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Pictured from left to right; Maggie Sullivan, Jerry Granahan, Lynn Postler and Cody Santiago.

Thanks for all your help Saturday.

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A Great Trail Building Year for Little Mountain Park

arlington

On the last trail building session of 2013 we had three featured groups. The Arlington Lakewood Composite Mountain Bike Team joined us once again. The Panorama Ridge Neighborhood group had a great showing. And the Starbuck's Coffee employees from the Mount Vernon Haggen joined us.

lunch

crew

In 2013 we logged 2,106 volunteer hours. Thank you everyone for helping in 2013 and we hope to see you out there again in 2014!

Leslie's Creamy Chicken Rice Soup for Trail Builders

Here is one of Leslie's Estep’s delicious soup recipes which she delivers to our trail building sessions for lunch. 1 cup jasmine rice ¼ cup wild rice 4 T butter 2 chicken breasts diced ½ inch ½ tsp dried thyme 2 cloves garlic scant ½ tsp coriander 1 medium onion chopped small ¼ c flour 3 cups chicken bouillon 3 c milk 2-3T lemon juice salt and pepper to taste 3T fresh finely chopped parsley

Cook jasmine rice (an method). Set aside. Boil wild rice in 2 cups water for 25 minutes, drain and set aside. Sute chicken in 1 T butter, add thyme, garlic and coriander and cook until fragrant. Set aside.

In soup pot, melt 3 T butter, add onion and sauté until translucent. Add flour, stir and cook one minute. Add bouillon and gently boil until thickened. Stir in rice, wild rice, chicken mixture and milk. Salt and pepper to taste. Gently reheat and allow to simmer 15 minutes. Add fresh lemon juice and parsley and serve.

The rice continues to absorb water over time, so if you make ahead, be prepared to add more liquid in the form of chicken bouillon and/or milk to maintain soup consistency.