Date of work: Primarily 11/23, some light clipping on 11/24 eventually putting the shears away for the climb out.
Number of workers: 1 Jim de Friess
Time spent:8 hours (includes commute)
Work done: Just a walk through with light trail Maint on CC and LGT south of CC.
I had heard there were some trees across CC, and clipped until I found them. They appear to be the hard (old dry deads) so I tried to make it a little easier to negotiate. About 3/4s of the way down CC a red oak had fallen to block the upper and lower parts of a switchback The bypass hikers had put in was steep, so I spent about 30 mins clearing as best I could to open the switchback back up. There is a step over still at the edge of a ledge so I did not do anything to block the bypass, I had visions of ice. I only clipped slightly on CC and LGT, however the further south I went the more I clipped, especially areas I felt the trail would be confusing. I was hoping to get it clipped to where I had stopped clipping coming North of PI and did in fact complete that. The trail was completely blocked about 100 yards from where I had made it up from the south with the hiker bypass equally bad, but 6-8 cuts later 12' of trail was open and 60' of bypass unnecessary.
Met two hikers today on the way out that had lost the trail. They turned around when they met me after we discussed how far it was to the river crossing (we were 1-1.5 miles north of PI). I explained it to them, and later it occurred to me the maps show LGT crossing near Blue hole, while when someone mentions river crossing I think MST.
On the way out the two I mentioned told two more hikers heading south to talk to the "ranger". They too wanted to go to the river crossing. I estimated it at 6 miles for the MST one and rather involved. They were thinking just walk across the private land. I said they shouldn't do that and getting to that point wasn't easy near the private property anyway.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Pinch In and LGT (north of PI)
Date of work: 10-12-2012
Number of workers: 1 Jim de
Time spent: 10 hours (includes commute)
Hiked down PI to LGT clipping lightly, my summer clipping still had the trail in great shape.
Once at LGT I headed north clipping until I was just south of the feature known as the sphinx, Then I turned around, took a break and hiked back out PI
Sorry to report, but the trash at the PI trail head is still there...
Number of workers: 1 Jim de
Time spent: 10 hours (includes commute)
Hiked down PI to LGT clipping lightly, my summer clipping still had the trail in great shape.
Once at LGT I headed north clipping until I was just south of the feature known as the sphinx, Then I turned around, took a break and hiked back out PI
Sorry to report, but the trash at the PI trail head is still there...
Monday, September 3, 2012
Sept 3, 2012 Southern RJ
Date of work- 9/3/2012
number of workers: 2 Ken C and Jim d
Time spent : 9 for Ken 8 for Jim (includes commute)
Work done: Clipped and built water features on about the southern most mile of RJ trail. We didn't get into the deepest part of Mossy canyon, but we got to the north edge of that section. It was humid,warm, and foggy, some occasional light rain. Even a break of sun. Great day in the gorge with great company.
At Pinch in we saw a blue barrel and tree stand someone had hauled out apparently from the campsite at the river south of PI. Whoever did that we are grateful too. Last pic.
Pics
https://picasaweb.google.com/110028009052849072738/September32012
number of workers: 2 Ken C and Jim d
Time spent : 9 for Ken 8 for Jim (includes commute)
Work done: Clipped and built water features on about the southern most mile of RJ trail. We didn't get into the deepest part of Mossy canyon, but we got to the north edge of that section. It was humid,warm, and foggy, some occasional light rain. Even a break of sun. Great day in the gorge with great company.
At Pinch in we saw a blue barrel and tree stand someone had hauled out apparently from the campsite at the river south of PI. Whoever did that we are grateful too. Last pic.
Pics
https://picasaweb.google.com/110028009052849072738/September32012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Babel tower and LGT south 7-20-2012
Date of work 8-20-2012
number of workers: 1 Jim de Friess
time spent: 12 hours includes commute
Work done: clipped Babel (what remained) after clipping LGT south of Babel all the way past the switchbacks.
Details: hiked in clipping minimally only those things fully across the trail - OK and some others. The plan was to hike to at least blasted rock (where LGT was chiseled across the rock south of Babel), and then work back to the vehicle. It was overcast most of the day and I felt good so I continued south. Ken made a log chopping video on LGT -last time we worked together on it. The log is just north of the switchbacks, and we had come in from Spence to get there, so I knew anything south on LGT from where I stopped could be gotten from Spence. That was a major goal.
I clipped minimally in except around what we call hobo camp, getting through initially was more involved, and I knew it would be. I tried to make it passable on the way in.
At the turn around point I started back clipping more thoroughly. Back by camp hobo to the popular camp by the stream I clipped a little wider. From the popular camp back to Babel tower trailI clipped a little thinner since this part is getting more traffic than the trail to the south. In the ditch part of Babel tower I clipped very minimally just enough to keep open. It appeared someone has checked out the ridge, and hopefully official permission will be given to move the trail at least uphill some. At the last ridge overlook where the trail was built (I'm guessing by CCC) with a rock bed, I went back to clipping wider until I hit my exhaustion wall. I was about 200' below where I had stopped clipping on Babel descending on previous trips, and I didn't care if I clipped again today. I did though and that section is slightly narrower. Then I hiked out.
People:
Saw a group of boys in the popular camp on the way in, they were mostly in hammocks, and instead of pitched rainflys, they just laid polyethelene over the ridge line. Must of been two groups because they were in different parts of that camp.
On the way back clipping met a lone male backpacker just south of Hobo camp. He said 20 years ago getting lost on gorge trails was part of the adventure and that overall the trail now are easy to follow and he really appreciated it. He also asked if I was a gorge rat. Lets see 2+ miles from nearest TH clipping trail- mmmmm plus the patch on my hat. Took the canvas one.
Then I went back through popular camp and seeing all the boys had left, and seeing two younger boys with gear for about 4 playing at the fire pit trying to burn their fingers. I figured parents were at the river, I did not speak to them I usually don't speak to campers.
Further north a group of teenage women and two leaders passed me heading north. All backpacking all sweating and seeming to enjoy it. They thanked me that they had got to hike on clipped trail. The hobo area wasn't quite a brier patch but to follow the trail you had to look at the tread, and not the clearing in front of you (there wasn't any). I told them ahead was thinner. I would later see this same group near the TH at Babel. They were on the east side two nights ago, in the gorge last night and staying on the west side tonight (3 night trip). They thanked me again the second time I passed them.
On the way up Babel three male backpackers were coming down, one had a knee brace on each leg and was going extremely slowly- descending. I wasn't ascending very fast because I was clipping, and they weren't descending very fast because of him. I heard them 5 minutes before we met.
I took a video of the creek running in the popular camp, and some of the river without me talking where I took my break for lunch. I did get in the river, its gone back to cool- takes some getting used to, but I got used to it. A few pictures as well.
It was a great day, and I surprised my self at how much i got done. I had two quarts of water and a 20oz gatorade. A little more hydration I think would have been better.
number of workers: 1 Jim de Friess
time spent: 12 hours includes commute
Work done: clipped Babel (what remained) after clipping LGT south of Babel all the way past the switchbacks.
Details: hiked in clipping minimally only those things fully across the trail - OK and some others. The plan was to hike to at least blasted rock (where LGT was chiseled across the rock south of Babel), and then work back to the vehicle. It was overcast most of the day and I felt good so I continued south. Ken made a log chopping video on LGT -last time we worked together on it. The log is just north of the switchbacks, and we had come in from Spence to get there, so I knew anything south on LGT from where I stopped could be gotten from Spence. That was a major goal.
I clipped minimally in except around what we call hobo camp, getting through initially was more involved, and I knew it would be. I tried to make it passable on the way in.
At the turn around point I started back clipping more thoroughly. Back by camp hobo to the popular camp by the stream I clipped a little wider. From the popular camp back to Babel tower trailI clipped a little thinner since this part is getting more traffic than the trail to the south. In the ditch part of Babel tower I clipped very minimally just enough to keep open. It appeared someone has checked out the ridge, and hopefully official permission will be given to move the trail at least uphill some. At the last ridge overlook where the trail was built (I'm guessing by CCC) with a rock bed, I went back to clipping wider until I hit my exhaustion wall. I was about 200' below where I had stopped clipping on Babel descending on previous trips, and I didn't care if I clipped again today. I did though and that section is slightly narrower. Then I hiked out.
People:
Saw a group of boys in the popular camp on the way in, they were mostly in hammocks, and instead of pitched rainflys, they just laid polyethelene over the ridge line. Must of been two groups because they were in different parts of that camp.
On the way back clipping met a lone male backpacker just south of Hobo camp. He said 20 years ago getting lost on gorge trails was part of the adventure and that overall the trail now are easy to follow and he really appreciated it. He also asked if I was a gorge rat. Lets see 2+ miles from nearest TH clipping trail- mmmmm plus the patch on my hat. Took the canvas one.
Then I went back through popular camp and seeing all the boys had left, and seeing two younger boys with gear for about 4 playing at the fire pit trying to burn their fingers. I figured parents were at the river, I did not speak to them I usually don't speak to campers.
Further north a group of teenage women and two leaders passed me heading north. All backpacking all sweating and seeming to enjoy it. They thanked me that they had got to hike on clipped trail. The hobo area wasn't quite a brier patch but to follow the trail you had to look at the tread, and not the clearing in front of you (there wasn't any). I told them ahead was thinner. I would later see this same group near the TH at Babel. They were on the east side two nights ago, in the gorge last night and staying on the west side tonight (3 night trip). They thanked me again the second time I passed them.
On the way up Babel three male backpackers were coming down, one had a knee brace on each leg and was going extremely slowly- descending. I wasn't ascending very fast because I was clipping, and they weren't descending very fast because of him. I heard them 5 minutes before we met.
I took a video of the creek running in the popular camp, and some of the river without me talking where I took my break for lunch. I did get in the river, its gone back to cool- takes some getting used to, but I got used to it. A few pictures as well.
It was a great day, and I surprised my self at how much i got done. I had two quarts of water and a 20oz gatorade. A little more hydration I think would have been better.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
upper Babel Tower trail
Date: July 2 2012
Time spent: 6 hours- includes commute
number of workers: 1 Jim defriess
Work done: clipped Upper Babel Tower trail, cut one log, across the trail making it easier to cross. Clippings were left to mulch the trail. 6 hikers expressed thanks.
photos at: https://picasaweb.google.com/110028009052849072738/July22012BabelTower
Great day in the woods.
Time spent: 6 hours- includes commute
number of workers: 1 Jim defriess
Work done: clipped Upper Babel Tower trail, cut one log, across the trail making it easier to cross. Clippings were left to mulch the trail. 6 hikers expressed thanks.
photos at: https://picasaweb.google.com/110028009052849072738/July22012BabelTower
Great day in the woods.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
LGT- (Cabin to Babel) June 26, 2012
date of work: June 26, 2012
Number of wokers: 1 Jim de Friess
time spent :10 hours (includes commute)
work done: Parked at Babel Tower Trail head- walked up 105 to the Cabin Trail head. Descended Cabin trail- clipping very minimally. At LGT turned South and clipped (over several hours) all the way to about 100 yards north of where the trail crosses a creek. At that point I was at a place with a tree trunk across the trail and was pretty well exhausted. The tree trunk was resting on a boulder and I was able to slide it off and get it to the ground. I then chopped a tree down, and cut one off that the trunk had pinned making it far easier to get by for hikers. At that point I clipped I clipped a little less wide than I had been until I got to the spur trail leading to the river. North of the river turn I clipped a little wider hoping future hikers wanting to follow LGT would realize the trail goes uphill there.
I took the spur trail to the river for a relaxing swim. The water was pleasantly cool and not shockingly cold and was able to get right in. I drank some water and ate a snack and rested.
After the refreshing break I climbed back up to the LGT and clipped south toward Babel Tower. Trying for 2' wide and making sure anyone going through the boulders (in the trail) could easily see foot placement. I reached Babel tower, and took another break drinking half a quart of water. Then started up Babel Tower trail, clipping those things that were most prominent, but clipping with the idea of "keep moving" or stay at almost hike speed. Some things got missed. The lower 2/3rds of Babel Tower could use more clipping for sure. The upper 1/3 (where Muttly and I worked -a year ago?) was still in good shape except for a few places where quick growing blackberries had intruded. I only clipped some of them as the sun was nearing its setting point and I was pretty well spent. Babel clearly is getting traffic, so even though its narrow at the bottom its obvious. The LGT is getting less traffic, so I felt my time was well spent clipping wider along it and saving Babel for another time.
LGT since Father's day has had some clipping done between the North end and Babel tower. Minor clipping on LGT happened in March, so its a little easier to follow, but there are still narrow spots.
On the way out (dusk) saw rabbits in the road, having to almost stop before three of them would scatter. Saw a full grown Black bear in the road south of the turn to Dobson's knob - the low spot before Unnamed route- I was heading south. It was a beautiful bear and probably would tip the scales around 300 pounds- just guessing. It ran off when I closed within a 100 yards in my truck. There was a camera on my dashboard- but the surprise kept me from thinking about it. Saw a box turtle crossing the road too.
On the way in (11 am) a deer crossed just after the pavement turns dirt, and a turkey about 150 yards further up. The road had recently been scraped and I actually had to back down and carry more speed up the hill to the first sharp left hand turn. In the process of that a rock or something got between a rotating and non-rotating part of a wheel and made a terrible racket- for about a mile - finally vibrating out or wearing down. weird.
Three hikers had just come out Babel as I parked and were resting. They were hiking to their car at Cabin. They had parked at Cabin and hiked through- didn't ask where they stayed but it was at least one night. I told them where I was planning to clip- which sounded like the same route. They were done I was starting. They asked about finding out trail conditions. I told them about LGN (linvillegorge.net) with its forum and trail work blog. Maybe they'll register.
I think the bear was the highlight, made a couple videos and will load them and pics to the usual spots at some point. It was a great day in the woods.
Number of wokers: 1 Jim de Friess
time spent :10 hours (includes commute)
work done: Parked at Babel Tower Trail head- walked up 105 to the Cabin Trail head. Descended Cabin trail- clipping very minimally. At LGT turned South and clipped (over several hours) all the way to about 100 yards north of where the trail crosses a creek. At that point I was at a place with a tree trunk across the trail and was pretty well exhausted. The tree trunk was resting on a boulder and I was able to slide it off and get it to the ground. I then chopped a tree down, and cut one off that the trunk had pinned making it far easier to get by for hikers. At that point I clipped I clipped a little less wide than I had been until I got to the spur trail leading to the river. North of the river turn I clipped a little wider hoping future hikers wanting to follow LGT would realize the trail goes uphill there.
I took the spur trail to the river for a relaxing swim. The water was pleasantly cool and not shockingly cold and was able to get right in. I drank some water and ate a snack and rested.
After the refreshing break I climbed back up to the LGT and clipped south toward Babel Tower. Trying for 2' wide and making sure anyone going through the boulders (in the trail) could easily see foot placement. I reached Babel tower, and took another break drinking half a quart of water. Then started up Babel Tower trail, clipping those things that were most prominent, but clipping with the idea of "keep moving" or stay at almost hike speed. Some things got missed. The lower 2/3rds of Babel Tower could use more clipping for sure. The upper 1/3 (where Muttly and I worked -a year ago?) was still in good shape except for a few places where quick growing blackberries had intruded. I only clipped some of them as the sun was nearing its setting point and I was pretty well spent. Babel clearly is getting traffic, so even though its narrow at the bottom its obvious. The LGT is getting less traffic, so I felt my time was well spent clipping wider along it and saving Babel for another time.
LGT since Father's day has had some clipping done between the North end and Babel tower. Minor clipping on LGT happened in March, so its a little easier to follow, but there are still narrow spots.
On the way out (dusk) saw rabbits in the road, having to almost stop before three of them would scatter. Saw a full grown Black bear in the road south of the turn to Dobson's knob - the low spot before Unnamed route- I was heading south. It was a beautiful bear and probably would tip the scales around 300 pounds- just guessing. It ran off when I closed within a 100 yards in my truck. There was a camera on my dashboard- but the surprise kept me from thinking about it. Saw a box turtle crossing the road too.
On the way in (11 am) a deer crossed just after the pavement turns dirt, and a turkey about 150 yards further up. The road had recently been scraped and I actually had to back down and carry more speed up the hill to the first sharp left hand turn. In the process of that a rock or something got between a rotating and non-rotating part of a wheel and made a terrible racket- for about a mile - finally vibrating out or wearing down. weird.
Three hikers had just come out Babel as I parked and were resting. They were hiking to their car at Cabin. They had parked at Cabin and hiked through- didn't ask where they stayed but it was at least one night. I told them where I was planning to clip- which sounded like the same route. They were done I was starting. They asked about finding out trail conditions. I told them about LGN (linvillegorge.net) with its forum and trail work blog. Maybe they'll register.
I think the bear was the highlight, made a couple videos and will load them and pics to the usual spots at some point. It was a great day in the woods.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Cabin- LGT- Bynum Bluff 6-19-2012
Date of work: 6-19-2012
Number of workers: 3 (Jimd, Hikerman, and Ken)
Time spent: 26.5 hours combined (includes commutes)
Work accomplished: Hiked down Cabin trail clipping as needed, turned North on LGT clipped as needed, cleared one area with multiple trees across the trail, clipped to Bynum Bluff, ascended Bynum out.
The trail was a little narrow, but its better now.
Video at:
http://youtu.be/SKFimMS_nEY
Pictures at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/110028009052849072738/CabinLGTBynumBluffJune192012
A great day in the woods.
Number of workers: 3 (Jimd, Hikerman, and Ken)
Time spent: 26.5 hours combined (includes commutes)
Work accomplished: Hiked down Cabin trail clipping as needed, turned North on LGT clipped as needed, cleared one area with multiple trees across the trail, clipped to Bynum Bluff, ascended Bynum out.
The trail was a little narrow, but its better now.
Video at:
http://youtu.be/SKFimMS_nEY
Pictures at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/110028009052849072738/CabinLGTBynumBluffJune192012
A great day in the woods.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
6/12/12 Lower Conley
Date of work: 6/12/2012
Number of Workers: 1 (Jim de Friess)
time spent:8 hours - includes commute
Work done: Clipped lightly with shears to the bottom of Conley Cove trail, removed two logs blocking the trail. At the bottom I sling bladed to a good width coming up until I got tired, and then clipped with shears the upper part some more as I headed out. The trail isn't shorts hike-able yet but it has been started,
I think poison Ivy is a non-native plant to the gorge, Its getting more and more prevalent on the lower part.
Video at
http://youtu.be/4EYkokmQ4D0
I hope in a little while, it said 33 minutes left and there is a t-storm in the area. If my power blinks I'll lose internet.
Great day in the woods,
Off to make supper now
Number of Workers: 1 (Jim de Friess)
time spent:8 hours - includes commute
Work done: Clipped lightly with shears to the bottom of Conley Cove trail, removed two logs blocking the trail. At the bottom I sling bladed to a good width coming up until I got tired, and then clipped with shears the upper part some more as I headed out. The trail isn't shorts hike-able yet but it has been started,
I think poison Ivy is a non-native plant to the gorge, Its getting more and more prevalent on the lower part.
Video at
http://youtu.be/4EYkokmQ4D0
I hope in a little while, it said 33 minutes left and there is a t-storm in the area. If my power blinks I'll lose internet.
Great day in the woods,
Off to make supper now
Saturday, June 9, 2012
6/9/2012 Upper Pinch In
Date of work: 6/9/2012
Number of workers: 1 (Jim de Friess)
Time spent: 7 hours (includes commute)
Work accomplished: Went to where I stopped last Wednesday and clipped to the top of the hill/trail. Pinch In has had a summer haircut. My clippers had a stop to prevent the handles and knuckles from crunching when clipping. It broke off about half way up, but I was able to continue by adjusting the way I held them. I made a few small waterbars, and carried the pulaski all day but only used it once. My insect repellent wore off and the flies got a bite knee and elbow but not bad. A sling blade would have been more effective for the last 100 feet.
Two people and dog started down the trail ahead of me with fishing poles and packs. The wife then left with the car. A couple later came by on the way down, and passed me again on the way out. They only went to falcon rock. Another lone backpacker went down as the previously mentioned couple was going up. Finally passed a couple heading down with a dog. Three vehicles were in the parking lot when I left VA, TN and NC plates.
It was a great day in the woods.
Number of workers: 1 (Jim de Friess)
Time spent: 7 hours (includes commute)
Work accomplished: Went to where I stopped last Wednesday and clipped to the top of the hill/trail. Pinch In has had a summer haircut. My clippers had a stop to prevent the handles and knuckles from crunching when clipping. It broke off about half way up, but I was able to continue by adjusting the way I held them. I made a few small waterbars, and carried the pulaski all day but only used it once. My insect repellent wore off and the flies got a bite knee and elbow but not bad. A sling blade would have been more effective for the last 100 feet.
Two people and dog started down the trail ahead of me with fishing poles and packs. The wife then left with the car. A couple later came by on the way down, and passed me again on the way out. They only went to falcon rock. Another lone backpacker went down as the previously mentioned couple was going up. Finally passed a couple heading down with a dog. Three vehicles were in the parking lot when I left VA, TN and NC plates.
It was a great day in the woods.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Mid Pinch In 6/6/12
Date of work: June 6, 2012
Number of workers: 1 Jim de Friess
Time spent: 8 hours - includes commute
Work done: Went to where I left off Monday, and continued up the hill, clipping Pinch In to 4' wide. I did make one or two water features. I had hoped to finish but it wasn't to be. I did get well into the woods at higher elevation, so I can finish on a sunny day without melting. It was a perfect work day, recent rains weighted the stuff over into the trail making it easier to clip. It was overcast and foggy and cool all day. I saw two hikers and three dogs going down the trail, all had packs on even the dogs. My feet got wet but I expected them too, it only misted on me occasionally. On the way up there was a flock of four adult turkeys and about 8-10 little ones on the paved part of 105. I had to stop to keep from hitting the little ones, eventually I got by the little ones without injury.
Great day in the woods
Number of workers: 1 Jim de Friess
Time spent: 8 hours - includes commute
Work done: Went to where I left off Monday, and continued up the hill, clipping Pinch In to 4' wide. I did make one or two water features. I had hoped to finish but it wasn't to be. I did get well into the woods at higher elevation, so I can finish on a sunny day without melting. It was a perfect work day, recent rains weighted the stuff over into the trail making it easier to clip. It was overcast and foggy and cool all day. I saw two hikers and three dogs going down the trail, all had packs on even the dogs. My feet got wet but I expected them too, it only misted on me occasionally. On the way up there was a flock of four adult turkeys and about 8-10 little ones on the paved part of 105. I had to stop to keep from hitting the little ones, eventually I got by the little ones without injury.
Great day in the woods
Monday, June 4, 2012
lower Pinch In 6/4/2012
Date of work: 6/4/2012
Number of workers: 1 Jim de Friess
time spent: 9.5 hours includes commute
Work done: Hiked to the bottom of Pinch In, cut two tree trunks across the trail on the lower part, and then clipped the trail heading up the hill. I clipped to 4' wide in most places and was pleased that there were actually a couple places on the lower part where there is tree canopy over the trail. The lower parts also had some ripe blueberries of which I partook.
I lost track of time and was out there longer than I thought. I had hoped to get all the way back up the trail clipping, but then decided Falcon rock was the goal. I ran out of clipping gas about 200' below falcon rock. The rest of my energy was for walking out. Found one tick on me.
May try to finish the trail Wednesday. It was a good day in the woods. No pictures- but it did happen....
Number of workers: 1 Jim de Friess
time spent: 9.5 hours includes commute
Work done: Hiked to the bottom of Pinch In, cut two tree trunks across the trail on the lower part, and then clipped the trail heading up the hill. I clipped to 4' wide in most places and was pleased that there were actually a couple places on the lower part where there is tree canopy over the trail. The lower parts also had some ripe blueberries of which I partook.
I lost track of time and was out there longer than I thought. I had hoped to get all the way back up the trail clipping, but then decided Falcon rock was the goal. I ran out of clipping gas about 200' below falcon rock. The rest of my energy was for walking out. Found one tick on me.
May try to finish the trail Wednesday. It was a good day in the woods. No pictures- but it did happen....
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Pine Gap -May 29, 2012
Date of work: May 29, 2012
number of workers: 1 Jim de Friess
Time spent: 6 hours includes commute
Work accomplished: I initially was going to look at camping near the river off Pine Gap. When I got there the trees weren't really suitable for hammocks, and there wasn't much wood from over camping. So I went to the log where confusion used to happen and clipped to the south. The trail south of the log is obvious, and the side routes to the river are definitely thinner. I clipped very thoroughly for about 200 yards ascending the hill to the south. At that point I decided to head back to the truck. There was a tree across the trail, and a spring running down the trail. I gave the spring a route directly across the trail, hopefully it will last a while. I lightly clipped as I headed North. The branches across the trail that had to be ducked under but too big in diameter to cut with my clippers I tried to reduce the bush to one branch to duck for. I chopped the tree across the trail, it could be straddled, now its a step over. Made it back to the truck as heavier rain picked up. Took Kistler South through the fog.
I think I may do more day trips and clipping instead of looking to camp. It was a great day in the woods
number of workers: 1 Jim de Friess
Time spent: 6 hours includes commute
Work accomplished: I initially was going to look at camping near the river off Pine Gap. When I got there the trees weren't really suitable for hammocks, and there wasn't much wood from over camping. So I went to the log where confusion used to happen and clipped to the south. The trail south of the log is obvious, and the side routes to the river are definitely thinner. I clipped very thoroughly for about 200 yards ascending the hill to the south. At that point I decided to head back to the truck. There was a tree across the trail, and a spring running down the trail. I gave the spring a route directly across the trail, hopefully it will last a while. I lightly clipped as I headed North. The branches across the trail that had to be ducked under but too big in diameter to cut with my clippers I tried to reduce the bush to one branch to duck for. I chopped the tree across the trail, it could be straddled, now its a step over. Made it back to the truck as heavier rain picked up. Took Kistler South through the fog.
I think I may do more day trips and clipping instead of looking to camp. It was a great day in the woods
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Trash day -May 22, 2012
Date of work: May 22, 2012
Number of workers: about 20
time spent: about 6 hours each
Work accomplished: see below
I think trash day was a great success. I'd say 20 people worked an average of 6 hours, with the bulk of the volunteers removing trash from below Wiseman's. I was not part of that team, but I heard that three old barrels were removed, a shopping cart, and several bags of bottles and cans- I heard three pick-up loads??, but can't confirm. Wiseman's is closer to the showcase it should be, with the trash out and the FS de-brushing the overlook areas.
Another team checked the campsites along Kistler, fishing non-burnable trash out of firepits.
I heard one team was walking Kistler and picking up trash. Can't confirm and don't know how far they got.
The team I was on went down Conley Cove, we clipped a little both ways. At the bottom of CC we split up with one part going south and another north. We gathered trash and discovered a recently abandoned campsite north of Conley Cove. Some critters had scattered the potatoes the night before, it had the appearance of very recently being abandoned. Not so much gear but just scattered mess where the critters inspected the food. We also checked the campsites above the trail gathering trash there as well. The north team (me)- went all the way to the cave that had a cooler in it, but the cooler was gone. I then backtracked and cleaned up and extremely messy site on the ridge between two creeks. This campsite had been abandoned for a while, the plastic was deteriorating. Two trips of stuff were carried the place we burned from that site alone. I might camp there one day -now.
Stuff was carried to the more recently abandoned campsite from all over the lower Conley area where we burned what we could. Two backpackers said they would finish the site cleanup and let the fire burn itself out overnight for us. They were planning to partake of some of the food that was left as well. 10-15 lbs of canned food easily.
Three of us (the Conley team) split up and carried the non-burnables up Conley Cove, double bagged it for Forest service pick up at the trail head. Don't know the weight of it.
It was tiring and at times I'm sure all teams longed for extra help. No serious injuries, positive fellowship, and the gorge is cleaner.
I heard there will be at least one video....
Number of workers: about 20
time spent: about 6 hours each
Work accomplished: see below
I think trash day was a great success. I'd say 20 people worked an average of 6 hours, with the bulk of the volunteers removing trash from below Wiseman's. I was not part of that team, but I heard that three old barrels were removed, a shopping cart, and several bags of bottles and cans- I heard three pick-up loads??, but can't confirm. Wiseman's is closer to the showcase it should be, with the trash out and the FS de-brushing the overlook areas.
Another team checked the campsites along Kistler, fishing non-burnable trash out of firepits.
I heard one team was walking Kistler and picking up trash. Can't confirm and don't know how far they got.
The team I was on went down Conley Cove, we clipped a little both ways. At the bottom of CC we split up with one part going south and another north. We gathered trash and discovered a recently abandoned campsite north of Conley Cove. Some critters had scattered the potatoes the night before, it had the appearance of very recently being abandoned. Not so much gear but just scattered mess where the critters inspected the food. We also checked the campsites above the trail gathering trash there as well. The north team (me)- went all the way to the cave that had a cooler in it, but the cooler was gone. I then backtracked and cleaned up and extremely messy site on the ridge between two creeks. This campsite had been abandoned for a while, the plastic was deteriorating. Two trips of stuff were carried the place we burned from that site alone. I might camp there one day -now.
Stuff was carried to the more recently abandoned campsite from all over the lower Conley area where we burned what we could. Two backpackers said they would finish the site cleanup and let the fire burn itself out overnight for us. They were planning to partake of some of the food that was left as well. 10-15 lbs of canned food easily.
Three of us (the Conley team) split up and carried the non-burnables up Conley Cove, double bagged it for Forest service pick up at the trail head. Don't know the weight of it.
It was tiring and at times I'm sure all teams longed for extra help. No serious injuries, positive fellowship, and the gorge is cleaner.
I heard there will be at least one video....
Friday, March 30, 2012
LGT North of Conley 3-30-2012
Date of work: 3/30/2012
Number of workers: 1 - Jim de Friess
Time spent: 6.5 hours- includes commute
Work done: Pulaski work on the Linville gorge trail between Conley Cove and Spence Ridge. There are multiple blockages along a small section. Some were removed others were routed around. Its much easier to get through that area now.
Pictures at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/110028009052849072738/March302012LGT
Video at:
http://youtu.be/NHUQEV0Zi7U
three hikers passed me while I was working. Met three more on the way out on lower Conley Cove, then two more about 2/3rds of the way up. Found a group of three in Cowboy hotel (cave on left after foot bridge), one had turned his ankle, and they decided to stay overnight there. Met their fourth when I was almost to RJ turn. Told him coming out to Old Conley might be shorter if his ankle wasn't better.
Number of workers: 1 - Jim de Friess
Time spent: 6.5 hours- includes commute
Work done: Pulaski work on the Linville gorge trail between Conley Cove and Spence Ridge. There are multiple blockages along a small section. Some were removed others were routed around. Its much easier to get through that area now.
Pictures at:
https://picasaweb.google.com/110028009052849072738/March302012LGT
Video at:
http://youtu.be/NHUQEV0Zi7U
three hikers passed me while I was working. Met three more on the way out on lower Conley Cove, then two more about 2/3rds of the way up. Found a group of three in Cowboy hotel (cave on left after foot bridge), one had turned his ankle, and they decided to stay overnight there. Met their fourth when I was almost to RJ turn. Told him coming out to Old Conley might be shorter if his ankle wasn't better.
Monday, March 26, 2012
March 24-25 Babel-LGT-CC
Date of work: March 24 and 25
Number of workers :1 (Jim de Friess)
Time spent: 7 hours- includes commute
Work done: Hiked down Babel Tower performing light clipping, turned south on LGT continuing my light clipping. Camped at Sandy Flats, cut one tree across the trail near camp. Continued the next day lightly clipping along LGT south of Sandy Flats. Came to the area in the photos above, 7 trees across trail in about 125'. I numbered them such that "3" in one picture is the same tree as in the other picture. At least three of these were across the trail prior to the awarded LGT improvement project. To get there go down Conley Cove Head north- where the terrain becomes steep (some people call it the crag) it is just beyond there.
Any help on that would be good. I went around it on the uphill side, but noticed Poison Ivy vines on the rocks. I hope to camp there and work the trees/look for routes around etc.
On the way up Conley I improved the crossing of the two big trees down on the lower part. The one blocking the switchback (twice) needs tread work in the bypass.
LGT has been checked from DF to Babel, and the worst part- is the above mentioned.
I did have a great time though.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)