Clean Up Camp

The project:
Clean up after the campers who came before us.

Time:
A few minutes here and there over the course of two nights' stay.

Why bother?

The campers before us were pigs. Really. They were the prime example of why public access becomes limited. Trash in the fire ring, trash spread around the site, trash bag semi-buried.

Seriously, People!

If you're going to &*$# in the woods, bury it properly. No plastic bag!

Worth it?

Absolutely - but a shame we had to do it.

Putting out the fire: Even ashes need to be cooled - completely soaked - DEAD OUT!

Flag Down Dad

The project:
Flag down Dad after his trailer hitch failed and the load began dragging on the freeway - then stand by and help unload/load tools while he performed the roadside emergency fix.

The story:
We were headed out of town for a family camping trip. I was following Dad/Grandpa who was towing a heavily laden trailer. As we crossed through a construction zone, sparks started flying from under the trailer. I pulled up alongside and saw the sway bar grinding along the pavement, the pulled up to the tow vehicle and signaled for him to pull over.

While he performed welding surgery on the trailer, the girls and I stayed out of the way, then we guarded the Jeeps while he delivered the truck and trailer home before returning to us and carrying on with the weekend's plans

Why bother?
The trailer was basically ripping off the hitch. Had he not stopped, this could have been disastrous. As it was, he had all of his safety elements in place. And he may have stopped on his own - he heard the trailer dragging.

Worth it?
Yes.

Help Load the Heavy Stuff

The project:
Help another shopper move her heavy load from cart to trunk.

Time:
Perhaps 3 minutes.

Why bother?
Not that this much older woman couldn't have done it herself, but these loads of groceries from the bulk store can be tough. We were on our way in to the store. It took only a couple of minutes to offer help, give it, receive a "thanks" and smile in return, then return the cart to the storefront.

Worth it?
Yes!