Day 11: Training with Christoph!
We spent all day outside working with Christoph, the Grounds and Maintenance Assistant. After the daily Morning Meeting we changed into our outdoor gear and started in reception. Christoph explained how the fire alarm system works. The system is a large rectangular box located in reception with a key always in it. He showed us how to turn off the sound and other parts of procedure when the alarm goes off. The system is connected to Stockli and also shows which building the alarm is going off in.

Afterwards, we took a tour of the grounds and Christoph showed us the boundaries. I also now know where there is a secret cave is on the grounds (part of staff challenge is to sleep in a bouvac (outdoor shelter)...maybe I'll sleep here haha). There is also a geocache on the premises near Baby Chalet...I am going to go look for that soon! Christoph also showed us how to unlace and then re-tie the red tent that current houses the fire circle though it will be removed soon for the summer. The summer vollies will then have the opportunity to change the shape of the tent (by removing various pieces) and stay there from time to time! On this tour, I also learned that neighboring farmers mow the grass for their cows and dislike when the grass is trampled on, thus there are many paths to stay off the grass since grass is precious here.

Then, it was rubbish and recycling time! We went to the parking lot behind Stockli, set out a tarp and got some gloves on. We poured out the rubbish from the bin and looked through it. We took any recycling out and placed it in the appropriate bins. We found some towels, shoes and decorative toys. Switzerland is very serious about recycling which I think is very progressive and awesome. They have large recycling centers (I may have the chance to go to one!) and are helping cut down the amount of waste produced.

Afterwards, Christoph pointed out on the mountain tops nearby where the avalanche fences are. Adelboden has the most up to date avalanche protection put into place (probably because of all of the ski resorts around for winter tourism). He also told us stories about wintertime and pointed out different types of tools used for de-barking, de-branching and other outdoor chores. He also showed us the tool cellar (which is the bottom floor of the store) and the goat cellar which is right next to the tool cellar. The tool cellar was part of an addition to the original building which was a goat cellar haha. We got an insight into his ideas for the property and projects he needs to finish before lunchtime.

After lunch, we went back outside to help Christoph. I started out with more de-barking. I have mentioned that I de-bark trees and why we de-bark but I haven't explained how we do it! I use a hand-saw that is a blade between two handles. The blade has 2 edges which I didn't notice till Christoph showed us (much like a figure skate haha). I then, sat on a log and pulled the saw towards me on the bark. Under the initial bark layer is a white layer and underneath that is the fresh wood. The sap sometimes sprays me but the bark came off smoothly from the logs I was working on.

I was working with another summer vollie, Sarah, and the cows ran over to us to investigate. They were very "helpful" haha much like Sprinkles. They licked my knee and started to eat the bark. They also walked into the electric fence trying to get to us....very friendly but not helpful when you are trying to be productive! Then, a while later, we saw a cow leap down the hill and down the road. I started yelling for Christoph (from my angle, I only saw one cow and thought one had escaped). We then determined that both of our cows were still present and the run-away cow was not our problem haha.

I then moved to de-branching. To de-branch, you take a tool that looks like a curved dagger. You take a branch (we took them from the pile of branches we had made the other day) and use the dagger tool to cut all of the branches off. Then, the top part (thinner and usually with pine cones), I used a blunt tool that looks like a kitchen knife to cut off that part. It is a good arm work-out haha!

We were taking turns doing different jobs and one-by-one learning how to use the chainsaw. It was my turn! I put on all of the protective gear: puffy green overalls, giant orange boots, and a red helmet with a face shield and red ear protectors (connected to the red helmet). I felt like I was in a vintage scuba diving suit and I lumbered over to Christoph to learn how to use the chainsaw. With the big group, he had explained the safety rules and how to turn on the chainsaw. I put my foot on the chainsaw and pulled the string to turn it on! Then, with the help of Christoph, I cut a pile of branches into firewood. The chainsaw felt less heavy when it was turned on and all it needs are gentle movements to cut. Then, I made a Finnish candle. A Finnish candle is where you take a vertical log and carve down most of the way three times. On the top, it looks like you have cut the log into 6 parts. For fires, you put a fire starter into the middle and the log burns down just like a candle. The cuts on my Finnish candle were a little crooked but it was still fun! I was glad that Christoph was there to help me though!

Then, it was near to dinner time and I was feeling exhausted! The rest of the evening was uneventful; I relaxed and hung out with the summer vollies. :)