Tuesday, August 30, 2011

8-30-2011 Northern RJ

Date of work: 8/30/2011
Number of workers3: Jim d, Ken C, and Michael H
time spent: 29 hours includes commutes
Work done: We thoroughly clipped the Northern end of RJ from Conley Cove trail to one of the side routes out to Fern point. This also involved removing two newly fallen trees, and the hemlock across the trail in fern canyon (at least partially). Any trees remaining across the trail are below knee height for an average adult.

Heading south out of fern canyon after the steep climb where its starts to level but is still not to the top, Ken found a yellow jacket nest on the uphill side of the trail. He immediately upon noticing them quit clipping on their front porch and was not stung. The nest is along the trail, and we passed it going out and coming back without incident. That is probably the only area of North RJ that could use some more minimal clipping.

On an earlier trip Ken and I had worked from Hackers back to fern, so we're confident the trail is in great shape on the north end at least to Hackers. Its ready for the fall hiking season, and we saw a few maples turning along with the sourwood trees.

Ken and Michael may have done additional work since I had to leave early (1:30), so this may need amending. It was a great day in the woods with two wonderful people, and swinging that Pulaski in Fern canyon did my spirit a world of good. Almost as much good as getting to spend time with Ken and Michael.