January 08, 2007

If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a difference?

No bush is safe in the path of young Aussie trailblazer Dave Burnett

After bird watching in the morning, we headed to an area of woodland where the trees had been burned by Katyusha rockets during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict. Our job was to cut down all the charred pine trees, which are not native to the area, so that the hillside could be cleared and prepared for forestation. We were all given small hacksaws, fine for the small brush, but hardly adequate for the larger trees. It took me, Loren, and Aryeh about a half hour to cut down one tree with a mere six-inch diamter! Looking back on this service, I realize just how impractical it was to do the job without a chainsaw, but as with most of the Leading Up North initiative, our show of support counted more than any quantifiable result. I think it took our team of 40 about two hours to cut down a dozen small trees. Hardly a dent in the forest, our blood, sweat and tears (I cried when Aryeh continuously demonstrated the "effect of wind on trees") will clear the way for saplings of emotional and spiritual support from the diaspora.

We came, we sawed, we conquered. (L to R) Loren, JR, and Aryeh

Proof that tree nymphs do exist! Photo of Citrin by Esther K.

Anyone else think Saratovsky, a.k.a. Elias #2, is a dead ringer for Jimmy Fallon?

TREES DOWN!

Later this day, we become carnies! ...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure that double entendre about Dave will get past the censors. Anyway, JR when you get back you should organize a Miss Jewish Robot pageant with all the chicks you've featured. I can crown the winner.

Anonymous said...

I already knew tree nymphs existed...

Unknown said...

Nice work...

BTW, I must agree with my anonymous fellow poster... a Miss JR pageant is the thing to do!