Tracks on the Mountain

Traildogs Monday Feb 18, 2008

An inviting day on the south slopes of Hickory Nut Mt. Today we enjoyed crystal clear skies and the mountain protecting us from the brisk breeze from the Northwest. Saturday we had over two inches of rain in the area providing an opportunity to analyze any drainage problems on the trail. We were pleasantly surprised that despite these heavy rains the trail was only muddy in a couple of places and overall the rain settled the fresh tread with little or no real drainage problems.

As we hiked in from the rally point to was interesting to see the tracks of the local residents who crossed the wet tread. Raccoon and either dog or coyote tracks were evident in several locations. We also found one fresh cougar track at a wet spot where water was flowing down the mountain, so our old friend is still around.

Tomorrow the US Forest service will attempt to push the tread farther up the slope as we target trying to reach the summit by Friday. As the crow flys its only about 250 feet to the summit but the tread will be more like 650 feet of steep difficult digging with two switchbacks, clearly a challenge.

Three of us will be in class at the USFS Womble Work Center in a chain saw safety class until 11:00 am or so then we will be back on the trail about noon. If you can join us on the trail and would like to come in the morning the USFS machine team will be there and you can support them until we arrive.

Pack a lunch and fluids and come when you can and leave when you want.

Jerry