About one month ago a very strong wind blew here in Kandersteg, this was the worst wind in 10 years. It came from the south and is locally called « foehn ». The next day about 340 trees were down on the ground or half standing on our campsite. This meant a lot of work for the staff team and the work parties who came to help us during spring. But what could we do?
First, the chainsaws started cutting the branches from all the tree trunks, then the trunks were cut into logs of one metre length. These were piled on the sides of the paths to leave the campsites clear. Luckily for us one week we had the Chainsaw Dutch Work Party who helped us and sped up this work.
The branches then needed to be put into the chipper. All the wood chips could be used to fill in any unsightly holes on the campsite and to create a soft ground around the challenge activities.
We then split the one meter logs and they were stored it in the wood compound areas. This wood can be used during campfires or to warm up the chalet with the woodburner.
Once the staff realised how much work needed to be done on the campsite they all came and helped during their free time. Thanks to our current team consisting of the Grounds Assistant, Sam (UK), the Maintenance Assistance, Michael (DE), with Jorge (ES) and Jesse (CA) as helpers.
Natalia (CH)
STS Spring 2012
