Training and Trail Work 14july2009

Trail:  Rockjock (south end)
Workers: Ken Crump,  Grant,  and Luke
Time Spent: 10.5 hours including class time and travel time (edit that if needed Pat, don't know if you include class time or not)

Work done:

After Grant and Luke had their class training in the morning we moved to the south end of Rockjock
trail, arriving there at about 11:30am.  Guess what?  The temporary signs I had hung about 9 feet
off the ground are already gone.  Saw no sign of them or the rope.  Oh well, I guess someone really
needed two Rockjock signs.

We started at the road and worked through the 200 feet or so  that needed attention there, using loppers
and shears.  These guys didn't really need any instruction.  The work seemed to come naturally to them.
After that area we decided to hike to the cliff edge and work on the way out.  We ended up going as far
as "Balanced Rock" where we took a short break. Then we started slowly back out working as we moved
along.  It was amazing how the plants have grown, trying to cover the trail just since Jim and I were there
a few weeks ago.  Our goal today was to make sure the trail bed was clear and visible and that hikers
could easily pass.  I think we accomplished that.

Just before coming out of the canyon we came to some deadfall that Jim and I had skipped due
to the heat and fatigue.  I decided to have a little pulaski demonstration. We ended up taking
turns and had it cleared up in just a few minutes.  From there we worked our way slowly back
up the hill clipping, shearing and cleaning some waterbars as we went.

It was a good day, and I think we accomplished a lot for an afternoon's work.  Grant and Luke are
easy to work with and seem to enjoy the challenge.  Thanks for the help on Rockjock guys.
I think you can handle anything you encounter without problems.

We saw no other hikers, only a few cars on the road. I did see a rabbit on Paddy's Creek Road, and
we saw  one hawk and a few vultures.  The low growing blueberries are nice and sweet. The bears
are gonna eat good this year.

Debbie and Pat, it was good to see you today and to meet Leigh.

Ken