HesH SesH 6

The biggest session to date. Also the most eventful session so far. The morning started with picking up the boxes and quarterpipe. That was a hell of an ordeal. Crystal Soucie drove 3 boxes and a rail to the park while Sam Carey and I drove the quarterpipe back. This is a solid ramp made of the most dense 2x6's I have ever encountered. It took 4 of us to walk it into his truck. In the process we bent the tailgate from the weight. Afterwards it came straight up almost 9 feet out of the truck bed. When we got there some souls had already began to collect and assemble. Sam Carey drove his truck down to the spot so we could unload it. With the help of a few kids we managed to wiggle the quarterpipe out of the truck and into place without anyone getting hurt. At that point the guy delivering the astro jump showed up so I talked to him and got him started. As I returned there was a man in blue talking to Sam next to his truck that was still parked on the sidewalk in the park. Not good.

I walked back over and asked what the problem was. The officer explained that no vehicles are aloud within the park and this event required a permit from the city. This was appalling since I had spoken to the La Mesa Parks and Recreation department about this shindig. In fact this was the 3 time I had checked in about having one of these events. An event we have had every other month for a year. Politely, but aggressively, I preached my case and spelled out everything that I had done. He budged but not far enough out of my way. I then pointed out the permit that I had for the astro jump already. Still nothing. Finally I gave notice to the band of ancient warriors swinging sticks and thrusting swords at each other only a hundred yards away. "They are joisting eachother right over there. Do they need a permit too? They are actually trying to hurt each other. Where do you draw the line?" With nothing to say he took Sam up to his car and we all waited in suspense. Waiting for the final result. Was today in vane? Do we have to tell 20 kids and growing that they must all go home now? That would be devastating considering all the planning and money already spent. All the money coming out of our pockets.

Sam returned slowly without the cop. He then explained to us that the officer looked through 3 different law books trying to find the exact code that says we cannot be here. He didn't find anything. Not even one about Sam driving in the park. We won! Joyous days!

This was the biggest turnout to record. At one point we had 45 people. The astro jump was a hit as it will be next time. In the spirit of our joisting friends we might have a battle theme this time.

Thanks to John Snay, Crystal Soucie and Black Wax, Mellissa Leyendecker and Theresa Leyendecker (implied thanks to Steve Leyendecker), Lori Swain and everyone else that contributed.

Thank you everyone.
http://zachpetschek.com/080202
Mellissa's Pics

Hanger 94

I have just been hired as the photographer for hanger94.com. From here on all of the new products you see on the website will be taken by yours truly. It's another step forward despite the weight on my shoulders. Now that I will have free time during the week I can go skate/take photos. Happy Monday to all

Goat Canyon Trestle

East of El Cajon, east of Alpine, East of The Golden Acorn Casino, keep going keep going. All the way to the edge of the county. You reach a sign that says "Jacumba Next Exit." Pull off and drive down a dirt road for a half mile. Find a place to park and grab your water. It's a 7 mile hike along the train tracks. Straight up "Stand By Me" steez. Six tunnels, three of which are so long that you cannot see the ground in front of you although you can see the exit. One of those is a half a mile long.

There are goats and hawks, and cactus and dirt and rocks. There is debris from excavations of yester-year. You pass by damaged train cars that collided with a rock or fell off the cliff to deteriorate into time. At the end of the road is the largest wooden trestle in the world. At its highest point it's 180 tall. It curves from one peak to another, one tunnel to another. It was fun and exciting but next time I'm riding a bike instead.
http://zachpetschek.com/071230

Abandoned train. Michelle Oleary climbing in.


A collapsed tunnel.


The trestle, underside.


One of several tunnels that we had to walk slowly, toes pointed upward to avoid damage.


View from a catwalk in the middle of the trestle. Michelle Oleary playing.


Trestle as it might have looked a long time ago since the world was black and white then.


A goose?


A zebra?


How many bars do you have? Arin Buresch.


It's amazing how clear and bright the sun is outside of the city.


Stand by me...


Michelle Oleary teetering at the edge of a cliff


Lucas Buresch and background props to me.

HesH SesH 6

Cops, confusion, astro jumps, donations, sponsorships, contests and the biggest turn out yet. This was the best session to date. I will be posting photos by the end of the week. Thank you everyone.