Trail Work 6/18/05

[kwc]

Today was another ADK Volunteer Trail Work Day ... this time along the trail to Marcy Dam. I was a part of a group of eight (including our group leader Zach and Jessica, the steward at the dam) ... we built a "turnpike" on the trail, just before the stairs that go down and then up to the dam area. It took us over 5 hours to dig trenches, move logs into place, carry stone, carry fill, and complete the task. This covered a 12 foot muddy area that had been getting wider and wider.

There are plenty of other spots on this trail that could use some work but Zach told us this was the priority of the day ... some of the trail today was very wet/muddy, other parts smooth and 'dry'. It was drizzling when we started out from the Trails Cabin but then it stopped before we reached our work area. Lunch at the dam was relaxing and the sun tried to appear several times. I had a great time despite getting all soaked and muddy ... the company was excellent.

After the work today I have a much greater appreciation for the work that the Professional Trail Crew does, as well as the time and effort contributed by other ADK volunteers and the 46ers trail crews. Thanks ...

[Pete_Hickey]

Ahhh, you met Trooper (Zach). He's a fun guy.

Turnpiking is interesting stuff. If you go back to the site in 3-4 years, all of the mud will be dried up. People will wonder why the turnpiking was done, since it is a dry area. That's how effective it is.

It can be long work too, depending on how far away your sources of material are. If sand/gravel have to be hauled a quarter mile it can be one heck of a job. The pro crew will sometimes mine for gravel. In some places, you can dig a hole 2-3 feeet, and hit some. Digging a big hole may be work, but it is a lot easier than hauling it.