February 6, 2008 Trail Update

Traildogs - February 6, 2008

Today Wednesday Feb 6th turned out to a beautiful day to be on the trail. The sun popped out and the temps made it to the 50's. Our machine operators continued their battle with the rocks and boulders and are now about half way up the side of the mountain. WE feel fairly confident that this portion of the trail will not wash away under any circumstance. The USFS dig team is utilizing all their training and experience as we push farther up the steep southern face of hickory Nut Mountain. True professionals!

We had four traildogs helping with the finish work today allowing us to keep the machine team in sight. The lack of foliage allows us to drink in the sweeping views of the valley and hollows that flow down from the top of Hickory Nut. One of the rewards of this effort is to take time to look back at what you have just completed and know that this effort will be one of those few things you will do in life that may be here in perpetuity. We are currently on the second leg of the first long switchback moving slowing west and always up. We have progressed 4/10's of mile since we left the valley floor last Monday and began our ascent to the top. The traildog volunteers have been creating trail cairns along this elevated stretch of trail using the beautiful granite stones we have moved to create the trail, adds a nice touch to the trail and will be useful in finding the trail after leaf fall.

Tomorrow Thursday Feb 7th we are changing our rally point. Beginning tomorrow we will meet on Hickory Nut Mt. Road. This road turns north off US 270 about four miles east of Mt. Harbor Rd. It is located at about the halfway point of the new passing lane. There is a street sign but not a big recreation sign. Turn on the road go 3.1 miles where you see blue flagging on the left side of the road and an old road on the right side where you can safely park. Follow the blue and orange flagging about 100 yards west and you will hit the trail then go right on the trail. WE will meet at 9:00 am.

The weather looks great for tomorrow so join us and help us with the final push up the mountain. Bring your lunch and plenty of fluids.

Thanks
Jerry Shields