trail maintenance

[Dick]

I thought I'd post a brief trip report on our introduction to trail maintenance from our newbie perspective. The crew assembled at the Loj, and it was clear that this was a very tight-knit group of people that had worked together and had known each other for some time. It felt somewhat like walking into a party where everyone knows everyone else except you. Regardless, it was nice to meet some people we knew only from the internet or from print, including Pete Hickey, though we had no time to chat. We were assigned to work with Ed Neveu (sp?) to clean out drainage ditches on the trail trail to Indian Pass/Scott's & Walface Ponds. There were actually two crews doing the same stretch: the three of us, and a slightly larger crew, so we leap-frogged over each other. Bugs were out, swarming but not biting too badly, and in pockets (they eased off by lunchtime). Armed with shovel or hoe, we stopped at almost each ditch and cleaned them free of leaves, sticks, some rocks, and mud, until the water had a nice flow, allowing the area to dry out and not collect on the trail. Playing in the mud - what a great chance to be a kid again! Although we were supposed to go to Wallface (I think), we made it only just beyond Rocky Falls. This was a matter of some concern to the blowdown crew, who wondered why we hadn't arrived. I'm not sure if we were working too slowly, but I don't think so. Some of them just took time to clean. Ed was great company, and it was fun to swap stories. We won't be looking at these ditches in the same way again. We thought we'd be working till dinnertime, but apparently they wanted people back at the lot in mid-afteroon. Back at the car we were treated to cookies and soda. Assuming our schedules will permit, Joanne and I will be signing up for more work days this summer. All in all, a fun day, and a feeling of satisfaction.

[AlpineSummit]

I haven't done that much myself, but trail work really can be fun and they don't beat the snot outta people near as much as they do to themselves.

Thanks for your efforts.

[pete_hickey]

Originally Posted by Dick

I thought I'd post a brief trip report on our introduction to trail maintenance from our newbie perspective. The crew assembled at the Loj, and it was clear that this was a very tight-knit group of people that had worked together and had known each other for some time. It felt somewhat like walking into a party where everyone knows everyone else except you.

Sort of. ALthough we had one earlier trailwork week, this was the ffirst BIG one of the year, and it was the first time a lot of us had seen each other this year. Lots of 'how are you doing?" I would say that 80% knew each other this time.

Originally Posted by Dick

Regardless, it was nice to meet some people we knew only from the internet or from print, including Pete Hickey, though we had no time to chat.

At least I got to say 'Hi!" Confusing time for me, having cycled down the day before, being kept up till who-knows-when by the ADK Pro trail crew that night, and having to say good-bye to my son, while getting my crew together, and finding their tools.. Larger groups are confusing.

Originally Posted by Dick

Bugs were out, swarming but not biting too badly, and in pockets (they eased off by lunchtime). Armed with shovel or hoe, we stopped at almost each ditch and cleaned them free of leaves, sticks, some rocks, and mud, until the water had a nice flow, allowing the area to dry out and not collect on the trail. Playing in the mud - what a great chance to be a kid again! Although we were supposed to go to Wallface (I think), we made it only just beyond Rocky Falls. This was a matter of some concern to the blowdown crew, who wondered why we hadn't arrived..

Nah... THey were just ragging you. Drainage clearing never makes it all the way. I think I mentioned to your group as I passed, how the spring drainage clearing is one of the best things for the trail. By allowing the water to drain, it doesn't build up, creating mud wallows. As long as the ground remains dry, the trail will be in good shape.

Originally Posted by Dick

Ed was great company, and it was fun to swap stories. We won't be looking at these ditches in the same way again. .................... All in all, a fun day, and a feeling of satisfaction.

See, now, the next time you come, you know Ed, and you'll be talking to him, and a newbie will say, "looks like a tight nit group." Hope to see you again some day.

[Dick]

I hope my post didn't sound negative -- we had a good time! Not knowing anyone there was simply a comment of fact. It really was fun to place a face with a name.

If they were just ragging (about our not making it to Wallface Pond), all three of us fell for it! Again, no offense taken, just a comment. I do remember your comment on this site (maybe earlier on this thread) about the importance of drainage clearing.

We'll be signing up for at least one more this summer. I know we can make the Putnam Pond one, and Joanne says she can also do the all-female trip.

Dick

[pete_hickey]

Originally Posted by Dick

I hope my post didn't sound negative

No, not at all.

The Putnam Pond one is probably the second best one of the year. After working for the day, we have a real fun evening at the campground.. good food & drink, and guitar playing/singing.

The best one by far is the women's one. The women always seem to bond well, and form a great group. They seem to change when there aren't buys doing the 'hard stuff' Have you seen the pictures of last year's group?

http://newmud.comm.uottawa.ca/~pete/...tw/bridge.html

They did a good job building that bridge, and they were proud of themselves.

[Dick]

[quote="pete_hickey"]

Originally Posted by Dick

The Putnam Pond one is probably the second best one of the year. After working for the day, we have a real fun evening at the campground.. good food & drink, and guitar playing/singing.

I can deal with that!

Originally Posted by pete_hickey

http://newmud.comm.uottawa.ca/~pete/trailwork/wotw/bridge.html
They did a good job building that bridge, and they were proud of themselves.

I know I've seen these somewhere before. I couldn't help noticing that not everyone in the picture is female!

So how/when do we sign up?

Dick