February 13, 2008 Trail Update

Traildogs - Wednesday February 13, 2008


Today was a day to remember on the trail. Sunrise came at a brisk 19 degrees with ice blue clear sky, perfect digging weather - almost.
We started the morning early at the famous Shangri La lodge Restaurant where Vereen, the owner, hosted a complimentary breakfast for the dig team. An hour of steaming coffee, mouthwatering pancakes, eggs and smoked bacon sent us off ready to conquer those rocky slopes.

When we reached the rally point it was quickly filling with the largest turnout of traildogs ever to join us on the trail in a given day.
Twelve seasoned and novice volunteers gathered at the rally point on Hickory Nut Mt. Rd. Each of us layered up against the cold with that hot breakfast lying in our stomachs like hot molten lava and a backpack of lunch and fluids to carry us through the day.

As we slipped over the edge of the road onto the construction spur leading to the trail it reminded me of pictures of the Great Depression CCC teams marching off the to build bridges, roads and trails to earn enough to feed their families.

As we tried to get started we quickly discovered that we had to find a piece of trail that was in the sun, the rain that fell Tuesday had turned to ice and every rock and limb resisted every effort to be moved. The pancakes disappeared rapidly as we toiled to try to put the finish on the tread and berm. Every member of the team is looking up now searching for that next turn in the long switchback that we have been on for the last several days.

A special of thanks to the leaders of the FoOT, Friends of the Ouachita Trail, Loretta and Kris who joined us on the LOViT, Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, today. Two great ladies, seasoned hikers, who love trailing, and are willingly to invest their energies in trail maintenance and design.

Special thanks to Linda now the designated the Traildog Baker, for the Hummingbird Cake we enjoyed while we relaxed along the day's lunch log enjoying the fellowship of the trail.

Tomorrow Thursday February 14th we will rally again on the Hickory Nut Mt. Rd at the Blue Flagging at 8:30 for another day of rolling rocks.

Come when you can and leave when want! Bring a lunch and fluids.

Attached is a picture of today's pack at lunch.

Jerry