Only those who really love this profession can go to two jobs in the same day that make you feel compelled to have a firearm on your person, fight briars, privett and cane, get bitten by ticks and nearly get dehydrated... and STILL call it a great survey day when you get back to the office. Of course, it helps to be in the field with two fellows (John, a fellow LS and Matt, my younger son) that you would rather be on a crew with than anyone else in the world.
I heard that, except I have never carried a firearm on any project. For a while, there was a shotgun or rifle on a gunrack or behind the seat and I stopped that after fear of that being the reason for someone to break into my truck.
Ask a skilled fireman and they will tell you there is always a way to get into most vehicles without breaking the glass.
You are very correct.?ÿ This is not a profession for wusses.
I enjoy this work because it relies on facts and truths.?ÿ And one unique aspect is that these truths can only be rediscovered through physical means.?ÿ The amount of truths that a surveyor can collect in pursuit of a solution is equal to the work exerted in that quest.
This makes the physical hardships and discomfort merely footnotes when we succeed.?ÿ To me, that is the gauge with which we measure our professional selves.
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I spent a summer working for Chugach National Forest remote site surveying where carrying firearms was mandated.?ÿ All crewmembers carried holstered handguns (.357 Magnum @ a minimum) and one .375 H&H Magnum bush rifle per survey party.?ÿ There was a half day training session concerning mainly safety where we all shot the .375 at paper plates on a log 10 yards away.?ÿ The Alaskan resident party chief (we were all Cheechakos) missed the paper plate every time.?ÿ The "winners" were awarded the burden of carrying the (FS issued) rifle for the summer.?ÿ Smart guy.
In general carrying such heavy firearms was an unpleasant addition of extra weight when surveying in the woods.?ÿ I've spent years surveying in forests and never felt the need to carry a firearm; now that I'm in an urban situation I still feel the same.?ÿ Sure, take my wallet, equipment, vehicle, etc., I don't care, most thieves don't escalate to deadly force if you cooperate.?ÿ
I enjoy this work because it relies on facts and truths.?ÿ And one unique aspect is that these truths can only be rediscovered through physical means.?ÿ The amount of truths that a surveyor can collect in pursuit of a solution is equal to the work exerted in that quest.
This makes the physical hardships and discomfort merely footnotes when we succeed.?ÿ To me, that is the gauge with which we measure our professional selves.
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Wow, this really expresses the heart of this profession. Well said Paden.
