Olympic Refuge

Last weekend (23-25 March) we were blessed to have members of the Q family, the D’s, the R’s and Nathan & Amy B with us for a work day weekend. The crew consisted of four men and their wives and 10 children of various ages - 18 folks in all, occupying Duckabush House. (It can be done comfortably, if everyone in the party gets along with the others).

Amy, Desiree & Daniel catching a ride back to the burning pile.

Even though it rained off and on all day Saturday, this crew managed to get our trails cleared and cleaned (groomed) (the girls handled that task), the upper parking area cleared of trees and brush (men & boys on that project) - and still had time for a hike to Murhut Falls.

“And who is this feeding the fires?”

Three teenage boys, James D., Daniel Q. & Gabriel R. took turns driving the tractor and hauling load after load of cut-up logs to the firewood pile for future splitting - (guess who’ll do that).

Daniel & Gabriel hauling logs.

Meanwhile the menfolk (Nathan, Mike, Dennis and Doug) were busy with four chainsaws, dropping trees, cutting slash and cutting up downed trees (from previous windstorms). By Saturday evening, so much progress had been made that it looked like a swarm of locusts had swept through.

Here are some pictures of the gang in action:

Mike, Nathan & Denis burning slash.

Doug cutting up firewood.

Meals were provided by Grace, Bonnie and Cheryl. The women and girls also helped Robbie in various ways. Robbie & I were invited to dinner both Friday & Saturday nights and shared in their group devotions as well. Of course Grandpa Edgren read the traditional stories to the group, which have become a part of these group experiences at Duckabush House.

Our special thanks to these dear friends for all their hard work. It is folks like these who are making The Refuge dream come true.

Until next time, Jim (& Robbie) Edgren
Your hosts at The Refuge