When inconvenience is inspiring …
A routine drive around Lake Crescent turned into an unexpected adventure last Friday when a fallen tree slid down the hillside and blocked the road. Among those caught in the traffic was Gustavus Aronson, of Forks, who was on his way to Port Angeles and Sequim for errands. Aronson brought his camera, thinking he might capture scenic shots of the lake—but instead found himself documenting a different kind of story.
“When I walked up to see what was happening, I saw a group of strangers banding together to clear the tree,” Aronson shared. “There was a park ranger on scene, initially calling for backup and machinery to move the heavy log, but before help could arrive, stranded drivers, loggers, and truckers realized they could help tackle the job.”
The team effort was impressive. With strength and coordination, bystanders managed to push the sections of log off the road, clearing one lane for traffic. Aronson noted that a plow later arrived to clear away remaining debris, though he didn’t stay long enough to see its full cleanup efforts.
The tree’s fall was peculiar but not unusual—there was no wind at the time. “From what I could tell, it fell far up above the road, slid down the bank, and ended up in the water,” Aronson said, “What amazed me was how the tree slid under the guardrail without damaging it.”
Traffic was delayed for about an hour, with drivers waiting patiently while the impromptu cleanup crew worked. “The ranger stayed to direct traffic, and everyone pitched in,” Aronson noted.
Though the delay derailed Aronson’s original plans—and his mother missed an appointment—he was struck by the sense of community. “It was incredible to see everyone come together like that.”
Thankfully the tree was cleared and nobody was injured.
An Olympic Nation Park Ranger arrived to saw the tree into sections. The base appears to have some rot!
An Olympic Nation Park Ranger arrived to saw the tree into sections. The base appears to have some rot!
