Thursday February 14th, 2008
Very tough day for man and machine with long stretches of loose rocks and boulders with little or no soil to establish some form of tread.
The morning was warmer about 35 degrees at start time but with a strong southern wind that really had a sting. We had four hardy traildogs at 8:30 youngest 62 and oldest 73 but all seasoned traildogs. No frozen soil today so we could go right to work on areas we had to jump over yesterday due to the frozen ground. Another traildog joined us at lunch, thanks Pat for the extra help. We are so deep into the mountain now that it takes us over thirty minutes to get to the dig area from the parking area. These treks in and out are, however, helping pack the tread and do allow us a chance to soak in the sweeping views down into the deep Irons Creek Valley to the south.
The battle hardened USFS team members are demonstrating great perseverance in an extremely difficult terrain. There many times when we feel there is just no way they can push further up the slope but they always seem to meet the challenge. As we we clearing tread today there was little conversation as we struggled to establish the tread. Someone mused that the constant chink chink of our Pulaski's and Fire Racks on the rocks brought to mind the opening scene of the movie O' Brother Where Art Thou and we all agreed we are a rock busting gang as we all wondered Ole Brother Where Art the Top.
Tomorrow we meet at the same location on Hickory Nut Mt. Rd at 8:30.
Pack a lunch and fluids and join us in the last six days of digging. Remember rain means we don't meet.
Come when you can and leave when you want.
I have attached a picture of the rock cairn we built at the base of the mountain to signify the long climb ahead.
Jerry
Saturday, February 16, 2008
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
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
February 11, 2008 Trail Update
Monday February 11, 2008
Great digging weather today high 40's but little sunshine. Five hardy traildogs worked on a challenging section of trail. Some of the tread was like walking on small bowling balls laced with refrigerator-sized boulders. This portion of the first switchback provides a little respite from the constant climbing we have been experiencing as it makes its way around to the west. The naked winter forest allows us to observe the many rock outcroppings and overhangs usually hidden by the dense foliage.
Highlight of the day was homemade cake shared with the team at lunch as provided by my sister. I hate to use the clique but the team fell on the cake like starving dogs.
We will start a little later tomorrow Tuesday 2/12/08 9:00 am unless it rains, our weather rules are if it is raining doesn't leave home but also don't believe forecasts.
Come when can and leave when you want. Bing a lunch and fluids and join us.
Wednesday 2/13/08the good folks at Shangri La resort have offered to provide the dig team with complimentary breakfast. We will meet at the lodge located at the end of Shangri La road at 7:30 for a carb-up then on to the trail. If you plan to join please let me know so I can provide them with a number to expect.
Jerry
Great digging weather today high 40's but little sunshine. Five hardy traildogs worked on a challenging section of trail. Some of the tread was like walking on small bowling balls laced with refrigerator-sized boulders. This portion of the first switchback provides a little respite from the constant climbing we have been experiencing as it makes its way around to the west. The naked winter forest allows us to observe the many rock outcroppings and overhangs usually hidden by the dense foliage.
Highlight of the day was homemade cake shared with the team at lunch as provided by my sister. I hate to use the clique but the team fell on the cake like starving dogs.
We will start a little later tomorrow Tuesday 2/12/08 9:00 am unless it rains, our weather rules are if it is raining doesn't leave home but also don't believe forecasts.
Come when can and leave when you want. Bing a lunch and fluids and join us.
Wednesday 2/13/08the good folks at Shangri La resort have offered to provide the dig team with complimentary breakfast. We will meet at the lodge located at the end of Shangri La road at 7:30 for a carb-up then on to the trail. If you plan to join please let me know so I can provide them with a number to expect.
Jerry
February 8, 2008 Trail Update
Traildogs - Friday Feb 8 Trail Update
Friday morning 8:30 am 27 degrees as we begin gathering at the rally point on the Hickory Nut Mt. Rd about a mile from the summit. The morning sun is just burning through the mountain mist that rises up from the deep valleys on both sides of the road as we greet each other. Today's pack is an unlikely group of mostly 60+ retirees, a university chancellor, an engineer turned tri-athlete, a librarian, a grocer, a telephone executive, a rancher and a surveyor who have come to continue our assault on the mountain summit. Each of us is layered in warm work clothes instead of the suit, ties and formal attire of another life. Each has a lunch pack and fluids some have hidden caches of Tylenol and Ben-gay for desert but all have a yearning to get started to relieve that itch you get from working on a project like this.
We troop off the side of the road onto a 80 year old logging road that drops sharply down about 150 yards to the freshly dug earth of the new trail. Once on the trail the kicking comedy begins as we march along each one of us unconsciously kicking loose rocks, pushing soil into small holes and pulling at the ever present roots as each one attempts to make this trail perfect until someone laughs and says " don't look down or we never get to the tool cache".
Up ahead the USFS three amigos, Tom, Joey and Josh, are warming up the two machines and assessing the challenges ahead as the traildogs open the tool cache go immediately to work on completing the tread, breaking down the berm and moving stones. We decide to break into two teams, one to stay with the machines and a second three dog team will hike back down the trail to construct water bars and remove some large roots from the trail. This three dog team includes a first time traildog, Georgia recently relocated from Louisiana, who joins the down hill team to view the newly dug trail for the first time. This team goes to the base of the trail where it levels out onto the valley floor to construct a large trail cairn to mark the beginning of the long ascent to the summit. While two of team build the cairn one of our team creates a natural break area to the right of the cairn on the bank of the small stream where just a few days ago we had a great wiener roast at lunch. The area has been dubbed Hot Dog Springs in honor of our roast.
By days end we have moved further along this craggy face of the mountain as our machine operators push boulders move logs and continually push forward. Everyone speculates on how far we have to go to reach the summit. When asked by someone new to the dig we jokingly say "about a half a mile". Three of us decide to hike ahead of the machines at day's end to see where the next turn in the long switch back is located however our tired legs give out before we get there so I guess it will have to be about a half of a mile.
Next week we will rally at the same point on the Hickory Nut Mt, Rd about 3.1 miles from US 270. We will start at 8:30 but come when you can and leave when you want. Bring a lunch and plenty of fluids as our lunches together as we the view mountain flowing down from our resting place is always a great time to guess how much further and how long it will take.
Thanks
Jerry
Friday morning 8:30 am 27 degrees as we begin gathering at the rally point on the Hickory Nut Mt. Rd about a mile from the summit. The morning sun is just burning through the mountain mist that rises up from the deep valleys on both sides of the road as we greet each other. Today's pack is an unlikely group of mostly 60+ retirees, a university chancellor, an engineer turned tri-athlete, a librarian, a grocer, a telephone executive, a rancher and a surveyor who have come to continue our assault on the mountain summit. Each of us is layered in warm work clothes instead of the suit, ties and formal attire of another life. Each has a lunch pack and fluids some have hidden caches of Tylenol and Ben-gay for desert but all have a yearning to get started to relieve that itch you get from working on a project like this.
We troop off the side of the road onto a 80 year old logging road that drops sharply down about 150 yards to the freshly dug earth of the new trail. Once on the trail the kicking comedy begins as we march along each one of us unconsciously kicking loose rocks, pushing soil into small holes and pulling at the ever present roots as each one attempts to make this trail perfect until someone laughs and says " don't look down or we never get to the tool cache".
Up ahead the USFS three amigos, Tom, Joey and Josh, are warming up the two machines and assessing the challenges ahead as the traildogs open the tool cache go immediately to work on completing the tread, breaking down the berm and moving stones. We decide to break into two teams, one to stay with the machines and a second three dog team will hike back down the trail to construct water bars and remove some large roots from the trail. This three dog team includes a first time traildog, Georgia recently relocated from Louisiana, who joins the down hill team to view the newly dug trail for the first time. This team goes to the base of the trail where it levels out onto the valley floor to construct a large trail cairn to mark the beginning of the long ascent to the summit. While two of team build the cairn one of our team creates a natural break area to the right of the cairn on the bank of the small stream where just a few days ago we had a great wiener roast at lunch. The area has been dubbed Hot Dog Springs in honor of our roast.
By days end we have moved further along this craggy face of the mountain as our machine operators push boulders move logs and continually push forward. Everyone speculates on how far we have to go to reach the summit. When asked by someone new to the dig we jokingly say "about a half a mile". Three of us decide to hike ahead of the machines at day's end to see where the next turn in the long switch back is located however our tired legs give out before we get there so I guess it will have to be about a half of a mile.
Next week we will rally at the same point on the Hickory Nut Mt, Rd about 3.1 miles from US 270. We will start at 8:30 but come when you can and leave when you want. Bring a lunch and plenty of fluids as our lunches together as we the view mountain flowing down from our resting place is always a great time to guess how much further and how long it will take.
Thanks
Jerry
February 7, 2008 Trail Update
Traildogs - Thursday Feb 7th, 2008.
Ever upward is our mantra as we continue to move the south face of the mountain. I estimate we have come up about 500 feet in elevation since we left the valley floor last week. It is an inspiring emotion to take time and look back the trail we have just completed. Because we are in the switchbacks you can view multiple layers of the trail as it snakes up the mountain toward our dig site.
We had eight seasoned traildogs today moving rock, filling holes, shaping the angle of repose, stacking rock into Cairns and racking the tread as smooth as possible. We welcome Tom Ferguson back on the trail as a traildog instead of as a USFS Ranger. Tom retired late last year but has chosen to continue assisting in the Vista Trail's development. Tom was instrumental in helping us with initial layouts of the trail going back four years and has always generously shared his broad knowledge of trail development with all of our traildogs.
Today was not without its difficulties as we threw a track off our mini-dozer as it tried valiantly to smooth out the rocky tread being broken by the lead machine the mini-excavator. We were able to finally get the tread back in place with our handy Montgomery County Toothpick or as its better know a pry bar. The USFS team has come through for us again. After a carefully examination of the remaining trail to be dug we estimated that with the two machines and the volunteers it would require another two weeks of construction to complete this third leg of the trail. The USFS had previously agreed to provide their dig team through this Friday but thanks to the support of the Womble Office's Recreation Manger, Liz Gross we will have the dig team for two more weeks. Thanks Liz. A few calls later we were able to extend the rental on the two machines thanks to some generous trail donors so we are set to drive this section through to the summit.
Tomorrow and everyday until reach the summit we sill meet on the Hickory Nut Mountain Rd. Go 3.1 miles up the road from the junction of US 270. The turnoff has a street sign and is located about halfway in the new passing lane.
Bring a lunch and plenty of fluids and join this struggle to the summit.
Jerry Shields
Ever upward is our mantra as we continue to move the south face of the mountain. I estimate we have come up about 500 feet in elevation since we left the valley floor last week. It is an inspiring emotion to take time and look back the trail we have just completed. Because we are in the switchbacks you can view multiple layers of the trail as it snakes up the mountain toward our dig site.
We had eight seasoned traildogs today moving rock, filling holes, shaping the angle of repose, stacking rock into Cairns and racking the tread as smooth as possible. We welcome Tom Ferguson back on the trail as a traildog instead of as a USFS Ranger. Tom retired late last year but has chosen to continue assisting in the Vista Trail's development. Tom was instrumental in helping us with initial layouts of the trail going back four years and has always generously shared his broad knowledge of trail development with all of our traildogs.
Today was not without its difficulties as we threw a track off our mini-dozer as it tried valiantly to smooth out the rocky tread being broken by the lead machine the mini-excavator. We were able to finally get the tread back in place with our handy Montgomery County Toothpick or as its better know a pry bar. The USFS team has come through for us again. After a carefully examination of the remaining trail to be dug we estimated that with the two machines and the volunteers it would require another two weeks of construction to complete this third leg of the trail. The USFS had previously agreed to provide their dig team through this Friday but thanks to the support of the Womble Office's Recreation Manger, Liz Gross we will have the dig team for two more weeks. Thanks Liz. A few calls later we were able to extend the rental on the two machines thanks to some generous trail donors so we are set to drive this section through to the summit.
Tomorrow and everyday until reach the summit we sill meet on the Hickory Nut Mountain Rd. Go 3.1 miles up the road from the junction of US 270. The turnoff has a street sign and is located about halfway in the new passing lane.
Bring a lunch and plenty of fluids and join this struggle to the summit.
Jerry Shields
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
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
February 5, 2008 Trail Update
Traildogs and friends - February 5, 2008
We are at the base of Hickory Nut Mountain and have started digging the first leg of a long sweeping switchback that will take the trail approximately halfway up the southern slope. The switchbacks are a technique used to reduce severe slopes on sharp upgrades.
The two machines are making progress but it is getting very rocky making progress very slow.
Today the weather scared off the machine operators but a few traildogs showed up and completed the finish work on a beautiful section that passes through a gap in the two mountains. I don't if it was Mother Nature gripping about us messing with her forest layout or the mountain grumbling about a bunch of interlopers venturing into a part of the mountain that has been inaccessible for many years but we could hear rumblings all afternoon. We avoided any rain but were blessed with a nice wind blowing off the lake down through the gap.
I have attached pictures of the two machines we are utilizing.
Tomorrow Wednesday Feb. 6 we will be starting at 8:30 and meeting again at the end of the USFS road that exits the trailhead parking on Mt. Harbor Road.
We can ferry any volunteers with our four wheelers but the walk in is just beautiful. Pack a lunch and join us as we try to hack out the switchbacks.
Jerry
We are at the base of Hickory Nut Mountain and have started digging the first leg of a long sweeping switchback that will take the trail approximately halfway up the southern slope. The switchbacks are a technique used to reduce severe slopes on sharp upgrades.
The two machines are making progress but it is getting very rocky making progress very slow.
Today the weather scared off the machine operators but a few traildogs showed up and completed the finish work on a beautiful section that passes through a gap in the two mountains. I don't if it was Mother Nature gripping about us messing with her forest layout or the mountain grumbling about a bunch of interlopers venturing into a part of the mountain that has been inaccessible for many years but we could hear rumblings all afternoon. We avoided any rain but were blessed with a nice wind blowing off the lake down through the gap.
I have attached pictures of the two machines we are utilizing.
Tomorrow Wednesday Feb. 6 we will be starting at 8:30 and meeting again at the end of the USFS road that exits the trailhead parking on Mt. Harbor Road.
We can ferry any volunteers with our four wheelers but the walk in is just beautiful. Pack a lunch and join us as we try to hack out the switchbacks.
Jerry
February 2, 2008 Trail Update
Traildogs & Friends - February 2, 2008
If ever there is a perfect day on the trail, today Monday Feb. 4th was one of those days. A week ago we couldn't get enough clothes on to stay warm on the trail today we were in short sleeve shirts.
We began scaling up the base of the mountain this morning completing approximately 1/4 of a mile of new tread led by the Pro's from the Womble office of the US Forest Service Tom, Joey and Josh who operated the two machines like a well choreographed dance team. Joey operating the mini-excavator leading the way always seeming to sense the most prudent path to take the trail and Tom and Josh alternating on the Ditchwitch mini-dozer following Joey smoothing, pushing boulders, creating drains and leaving a properly sloped tread. The team is fighting the very rocky terrain but seem to take it in stride.
A team of seven seasoned traildogs Al, Cindy Chuck, John, Wilburn, Robert and myself, followed the machines. This team comes in needing no leadership or directions they just go to work each committed to making the new trail appear as if it has been there for years. WE move stones, limbs, and logs all the while raking, smoothing the tread and cutting thousands of roots. The difficult part is spreading the construction berm on the down side of the trail to insure the trail drains properly. We enjoy placing large stones and boulders that Mother Nature has loving covered with velvet shades of moss and intricate designs of lichen growth, at strategic points all along the trail.
Today we decided to have an ole fashion wiener roast for lunch so at the break Al who brought the supplies for lunch build a small fire just of the trail by a bubbling waterfall and two springs. We always look for a large lunch log or a nice leaf covered slope to rest our weary backs on while we have our lunch usually followed a brief nap hopefully warmed by the low winter sun. Today while we were drifting off into nap time we could haunting
Hoot of an owl echoing down the valley. Good times.
Tomorrow looks like a storm out and rain so we probably will not be on the trail again until Wednesday February 6th. We will meet again at the same location at the end of the US Forest Service Road that goes off the left side of the trailhead parking area on Mt. Harbor Rd. We will meet between 8:30 and 9:00 am. Again if you need a shuttle call me on my cell 501-276-5006.
Bring your lunch and adequate fluids and join us.
Jerry Shields
If ever there is a perfect day on the trail, today Monday Feb. 4th was one of those days. A week ago we couldn't get enough clothes on to stay warm on the trail today we were in short sleeve shirts.
We began scaling up the base of the mountain this morning completing approximately 1/4 of a mile of new tread led by the Pro's from the Womble office of the US Forest Service Tom, Joey and Josh who operated the two machines like a well choreographed dance team. Joey operating the mini-excavator leading the way always seeming to sense the most prudent path to take the trail and Tom and Josh alternating on the Ditchwitch mini-dozer following Joey smoothing, pushing boulders, creating drains and leaving a properly sloped tread. The team is fighting the very rocky terrain but seem to take it in stride.
A team of seven seasoned traildogs Al, Cindy Chuck, John, Wilburn, Robert and myself, followed the machines. This team comes in needing no leadership or directions they just go to work each committed to making the new trail appear as if it has been there for years. WE move stones, limbs, and logs all the while raking, smoothing the tread and cutting thousands of roots. The difficult part is spreading the construction berm on the down side of the trail to insure the trail drains properly. We enjoy placing large stones and boulders that Mother Nature has loving covered with velvet shades of moss and intricate designs of lichen growth, at strategic points all along the trail.
Today we decided to have an ole fashion wiener roast for lunch so at the break Al who brought the supplies for lunch build a small fire just of the trail by a bubbling waterfall and two springs. We always look for a large lunch log or a nice leaf covered slope to rest our weary backs on while we have our lunch usually followed a brief nap hopefully warmed by the low winter sun. Today while we were drifting off into nap time we could haunting
Hoot of an owl echoing down the valley. Good times.
Tomorrow looks like a storm out and rain so we probably will not be on the trail again until Wednesday February 6th. We will meet again at the same location at the end of the US Forest Service Road that goes off the left side of the trailhead parking area on Mt. Harbor Rd. We will meet between 8:30 and 9:00 am. Again if you need a shuttle call me on my cell 501-276-5006.
Bring your lunch and adequate fluids and join us.
Jerry Shields
February 3, 2008
Traildogs - February 3, 2008
Just a reminder that we have the trail-digging machines for the next two weeks and with a little luck on the weather and a strong turnout of traildogs we hope to push the trail to the top of Hickory Nut Mountain. This will be very challenging but how often do we have a chance to create something as unique as this section of the trail. We have three switchbacks that stretch about 1.5 miles that will take us to the top edge of the southern side of the mountain to connect with the half-mile section that was completed this week.
For those who can join us we will meet at the end of the forest service road that exits the left side of the Mt. Harbor Rd trailhead parking area. You will see a temporary sign on the trailhead sign pointing you to the road. We have trimmed this road so it can be driven without scratching your vehicle but you will get your tires somewhat muddy. If you prefer just call my cell number and we will shuttle you to the dig area. It is 1.2 miles from the trailhead parking to the end of the US Forest Service rd. where there is an area to park. If you would like a shuttle from here again call my cell 501-276-5006+ for a shuttle to save the 1.5 mile hike to where we are digging.
Bring a lunch and water and join us for the challenge of the final push to the top.
Thanks
Jerry Shields
Just a reminder that we have the trail-digging machines for the next two weeks and with a little luck on the weather and a strong turnout of traildogs we hope to push the trail to the top of Hickory Nut Mountain. This will be very challenging but how often do we have a chance to create something as unique as this section of the trail. We have three switchbacks that stretch about 1.5 miles that will take us to the top edge of the southern side of the mountain to connect with the half-mile section that was completed this week.
For those who can join us we will meet at the end of the forest service road that exits the left side of the Mt. Harbor Rd trailhead parking area. You will see a temporary sign on the trailhead sign pointing you to the road. We have trimmed this road so it can be driven without scratching your vehicle but you will get your tires somewhat muddy. If you prefer just call my cell number and we will shuttle you to the dig area. It is 1.2 miles from the trailhead parking to the end of the US Forest Service rd. where there is an area to park. If you would like a shuttle from here again call my cell 501-276-5006+ for a shuttle to save the 1.5 mile hike to where we are digging.
Bring a lunch and water and join us for the challenge of the final push to the top.
Thanks
Jerry Shields
February 1, 2008 Trail Update
Traildogs - February 2/1/08
Good weather at last and a great day of digging. The pro team of USFS Rangers Josh and Joey completed the top of the mountain dig today taking the trail a half-mile to the precipitous edge of the south side of Hickory Nut Mountain. The view of the lake on this stretch of trail is everything we had hoped and planned for. This was a tough 1/2 mile very rocky and difficult to dig.
The bottom of the mountain team continued working toward the base Hickory Nut Mt. After gong over two miles on old roads the progress slowed significantly as we began the long climb in elevation that eventually will bring us to the summit of the mountain. This deep vast valley has a sense of solitude that is almost palatable.
An interesting event today as we digging on the east side of one of the hills that lead to Hickory Nut we opened a strong, clear spring just below the surface. We are in the process of armoring or lining it with stones and providing a pool for hikers to have source of cold spring water on a hot day.
WE will not have a lead team on the trail tomorrow Saturday Feb 2nd but if you would like to work on the trail go the Mountain Harbor trailhead parking then follow the forest service road 1.2 miles to where the road ends. Park and follow the new trail approx. 1.2 miles to where are digging where you will find a tool cache wrapped in blue tarp.
Monday Feb 5th we will have our lead team supporting the USFS machine operators as we try to reach the foot of Hickory Nut Mt. We will start at 9:00 am so follow the directions listed above to join the dig. If you call me on my cell at 501-276-5006 when you arrive we will give you a shuttle on a four-wheeler to the dig site to save you the hike. This will be our site and schedule for the entire week.
We will only have the machines for the next two weeks so all the help we can muster will be deeply appreciated in our effort to complete this most challenging section of the trail.
Bring your lunch and drinks and join next week.
Jerry Shields
Good weather at last and a great day of digging. The pro team of USFS Rangers Josh and Joey completed the top of the mountain dig today taking the trail a half-mile to the precipitous edge of the south side of Hickory Nut Mountain. The view of the lake on this stretch of trail is everything we had hoped and planned for. This was a tough 1/2 mile very rocky and difficult to dig.
The bottom of the mountain team continued working toward the base Hickory Nut Mt. After gong over two miles on old roads the progress slowed significantly as we began the long climb in elevation that eventually will bring us to the summit of the mountain. This deep vast valley has a sense of solitude that is almost palatable.
An interesting event today as we digging on the east side of one of the hills that lead to Hickory Nut we opened a strong, clear spring just below the surface. We are in the process of armoring or lining it with stones and providing a pool for hikers to have source of cold spring water on a hot day.
WE will not have a lead team on the trail tomorrow Saturday Feb 2nd but if you would like to work on the trail go the Mountain Harbor trailhead parking then follow the forest service road 1.2 miles to where the road ends. Park and follow the new trail approx. 1.2 miles to where are digging where you will find a tool cache wrapped in blue tarp.
Monday Feb 5th we will have our lead team supporting the USFS machine operators as we try to reach the foot of Hickory Nut Mt. We will start at 9:00 am so follow the directions listed above to join the dig. If you call me on my cell at 501-276-5006 when you arrive we will give you a shuttle on a four-wheeler to the dig site to save you the hike. This will be our site and schedule for the entire week.
We will only have the machines for the next two weeks so all the help we can muster will be deeply appreciated in our effort to complete this most challenging section of the trail.
Bring your lunch and drinks and join next week.
Jerry Shields
January 30, 2008
Traildogs - January 30, 2008
This morning was a crispy 18 degrees as we started the dig at 8:30 am. How cold was it? It was so cold at our morning the break snacks froze in our backpacks. Despite the crispy cold weather we had five volunteers join us today including to really hardy ladies, Jo Anna Parker and Pat Smith. The really good news is that this leg of the trail is developing rapidly. In seven working days we have added over three miles of new tread to the Vista trail. We have accomplished by carefully laying out the trail to take advantage of several old logging roads, and several sections of old forest service roads, a very good machine operator and over 265 hours of volunteer effort.
For those of you who are familiar with the first two sections we are now 2.2 mils northeast of the current Mt. Harbor Rd parking area and are rapidly approaching the foot of Hickory Nut Mountain. Today we dug past the beautiful five-step cascade on Iron Creek and followed the creek for approximately one mile. All along the creek are shelves of rock covered in velvet green moss that the creek tumbles over as it rushes to the blue waters of Lake Ouachita. We, also, had a flock of about twenty eastern bluebirds that seem to be swirling around us all day inspecting our progress and urging us on.
Some other good news is we are now digging from two directions with the volunteer/Corp of Engineers team digging northeast from the bottom of the mountain and the USFS team digging from southwest from the top of Hickory Nut Mt. The USFS team pushed through the heavy rock strewn surface that is typical of the area's mountain tops, creating almost a 1/4 mile of new trail. A great effort in tough terrain for these very experienced Rangers. The view from this area of the trail is a panorama of the western edge of the lake from about 1000 feet above the surface and leaves no question where we got the inspiration for the trails name.
Tomorrow Thursday January 31st we will again be working the same area north of the Mt. Harbor trailhead parking area weather permitting. If it raining, snowing or sleeting we will not be on the trail. You can now drive approx. 1.2 miles east of the parking area on the dirt road on the left side of the parking area. Go through the gate and travel 1.2 miles to where the road ends then follow the trail on foot until you find the dig. If you will call me on my cell phone 501-276-5006 I will come pick you and shuttle you in to the dig by four wheeler and save you the mile walk in.
Hope to see you on the trail.
Jerry
This morning was a crispy 18 degrees as we started the dig at 8:30 am. How cold was it? It was so cold at our morning the break snacks froze in our backpacks. Despite the crispy cold weather we had five volunteers join us today including to really hardy ladies, Jo Anna Parker and Pat Smith. The really good news is that this leg of the trail is developing rapidly. In seven working days we have added over three miles of new tread to the Vista trail. We have accomplished by carefully laying out the trail to take advantage of several old logging roads, and several sections of old forest service roads, a very good machine operator and over 265 hours of volunteer effort.
For those of you who are familiar with the first two sections we are now 2.2 mils northeast of the current Mt. Harbor Rd parking area and are rapidly approaching the foot of Hickory Nut Mountain. Today we dug past the beautiful five-step cascade on Iron Creek and followed the creek for approximately one mile. All along the creek are shelves of rock covered in velvet green moss that the creek tumbles over as it rushes to the blue waters of Lake Ouachita. We, also, had a flock of about twenty eastern bluebirds that seem to be swirling around us all day inspecting our progress and urging us on.
Some other good news is we are now digging from two directions with the volunteer/Corp of Engineers team digging northeast from the bottom of the mountain and the USFS team digging from southwest from the top of Hickory Nut Mt. The USFS team pushed through the heavy rock strewn surface that is typical of the area's mountain tops, creating almost a 1/4 mile of new trail. A great effort in tough terrain for these very experienced Rangers. The view from this area of the trail is a panorama of the western edge of the lake from about 1000 feet above the surface and leaves no question where we got the inspiration for the trails name.
Tomorrow Thursday January 31st we will again be working the same area north of the Mt. Harbor trailhead parking area weather permitting. If it raining, snowing or sleeting we will not be on the trail. You can now drive approx. 1.2 miles east of the parking area on the dirt road on the left side of the parking area. Go through the gate and travel 1.2 miles to where the road ends then follow the trail on foot until you find the dig. If you will call me on my cell phone 501-276-5006 I will come pick you and shuttle you in to the dig by four wheeler and save you the mile walk in.
Hope to see you on the trail.
Jerry
January 29, 2008
Traildogs - January 29, 2008
Due to the heavy rain early this morning we will not be digging today. In order to get to the dig we have to ford Iron Creek that is flooded this morning. The creek will drop quickly and should be fine for Wednesday's dig. Again meet at the parking lot and we will ferry you to the dig area. I believe you really enjoy this new area, as it is old growth forest located in a deep valley.
See you Wednesday. Jerry
Due to the heavy rain early this morning we will not be digging today. In order to get to the dig we have to ford Iron Creek that is flooded this morning. The creek will drop quickly and should be fine for Wednesday's dig. Again meet at the parking lot and we will ferry you to the dig area. I believe you really enjoy this new area, as it is old growth forest located in a deep valley.
See you Wednesday. Jerry
January 28, 2008 Trail Update
Traildogs - January 28, 2008
Great day today as we had seven traildogs working the dig. Welcome to two new traildogs Jack Neuman of the Ouachita Mt. Hikers and Robert Cavanaugh.
With all the help we were able to complete the dig across the two hills and connect the trail to the Iron Creek Forest Service Rd. This is particularly exciting because now we have a new three-mile loop on the trail. In addition, we have added another 1.5 miles of trail to this loop as once we reached the Iron Creek Rd we immediately have 1.5 miles of trail added because we are using the old road as the trail.
The third leg is now half way to Hickory Nut Mountain, our goal for this segment of the trail. The further we take this new section of trail the more beautiful the trail gets. The portion is almost completely in old growth hardwoods that soar upwards over 100 feet. We, also, follow the upper reaches of Iron Creek, which is dropping down, from the deep valley just southwest of Hickory Nut Mountain. The trail glides past the emerald green Iron Creek Cascade, a five-step cascade that is one of the most serene spots on the entire trail.
Tomorrow Tuesday January 29 we will again meet at the same parking area as today the one just off of Mt. Harbor Road by the white house. We will be shuttling volunteers to the dig site as it approximately 1.8 miles down the Iron Creek Forest Service Rd from the parking area. The machine operator will arrive at 8:00 am but it will take him 30-45 minutes to get to the dig site. If volunteers could be at the parking area by 9:00 we will shuttle from there.
Bring a lunch and join us on the trail we are making very good progress.
Jerry
Great day today as we had seven traildogs working the dig. Welcome to two new traildogs Jack Neuman of the Ouachita Mt. Hikers and Robert Cavanaugh.
With all the help we were able to complete the dig across the two hills and connect the trail to the Iron Creek Forest Service Rd. This is particularly exciting because now we have a new three-mile loop on the trail. In addition, we have added another 1.5 miles of trail to this loop as once we reached the Iron Creek Rd we immediately have 1.5 miles of trail added because we are using the old road as the trail.
The third leg is now half way to Hickory Nut Mountain, our goal for this segment of the trail. The further we take this new section of trail the more beautiful the trail gets. The portion is almost completely in old growth hardwoods that soar upwards over 100 feet. We, also, follow the upper reaches of Iron Creek, which is dropping down, from the deep valley just southwest of Hickory Nut Mountain. The trail glides past the emerald green Iron Creek Cascade, a five-step cascade that is one of the most serene spots on the entire trail.
Tomorrow Tuesday January 29 we will again meet at the same parking area as today the one just off of Mt. Harbor Road by the white house. We will be shuttling volunteers to the dig site as it approximately 1.8 miles down the Iron Creek Forest Service Rd from the parking area. The machine operator will arrive at 8:00 am but it will take him 30-45 minutes to get to the dig site. If volunteers could be at the parking area by 9:00 we will shuttle from there.
Bring a lunch and join us on the trail we are making very good progress.
Jerry
January 24, 2008 Trail Update
Traildogs - January 24, 2008
We are canceling Friday's, Jan 25th, planned hike down from Hickory Nut Mt. The weather forecast looks miserable. Three of us went up on the mountain today and hiked about halfway down the south face of the mountain just to get a sense of the degree of difficulty we will encounter in the construction this section.
The slope on the south face of the mountain is probably in the 40 degree range or very steep. This means it is difficult to walk down without slipping and falling. The trail as laid out is a series of switchbacks that reduce the degree slope to something around 18-20 percent which is still steep but manageable. The views are nothing short of spectacular all long this section of the trail and will rival any in the state.
We will continue construction starting next Monday morning. We will meet at the Joplin trailhead parking area just off Mt. Harbor Rd. Turn onto Mt. Harbor Rd. go about 1/2 mile and you will see the road going to the parking area on the right. The machine and operators usually arrive around 8:00 am with most of the volunteers arriving between 8:30 and 9:00 am. If you arrive after we have departed the parking area just follow the red/pink ribbon going out of the back of the parking area on the old forest service road and hike about 1/4 mile until you see the flagging leaving the right side of the road.
The weather next week looks ideal for the dig so bring your lunch and join us.
Jerry Shields
We are canceling Friday's, Jan 25th, planned hike down from Hickory Nut Mt. The weather forecast looks miserable. Three of us went up on the mountain today and hiked about halfway down the south face of the mountain just to get a sense of the degree of difficulty we will encounter in the construction this section.
The slope on the south face of the mountain is probably in the 40 degree range or very steep. This means it is difficult to walk down without slipping and falling. The trail as laid out is a series of switchbacks that reduce the degree slope to something around 18-20 percent which is still steep but manageable. The views are nothing short of spectacular all long this section of the trail and will rival any in the state.
We will continue construction starting next Monday morning. We will meet at the Joplin trailhead parking area just off Mt. Harbor Rd. Turn onto Mt. Harbor Rd. go about 1/2 mile and you will see the road going to the parking area on the right. The machine and operators usually arrive around 8:00 am with most of the volunteers arriving between 8:30 and 9:00 am. If you arrive after we have departed the parking area just follow the red/pink ribbon going out of the back of the parking area on the old forest service road and hike about 1/4 mile until you see the flagging leaving the right side of the road.
The weather next week looks ideal for the dig so bring your lunch and join us.
Jerry Shields
January 17, 2008 Trail Update
Traildogs - January 17, 2008
We had a team of six traildogs again today including a new one Cindy King. We have over 140 volunteer hours since Monday. Today was so COLD we had to keep working just to stay warm. WE have reached the bottom of the first mountain where the trail flows into a beautiful hollow with a moss covered stream gently flowing along the trail. We also found the remains of another old still that I am sure produced some of Dr. Tastegood's Famous Elixir brewed in the not to distant past.
Friday we will meet at the same location at the top of the forest service road that is on the right two blocks north on Mt. Harbor RD. We will start at 9:00 and hopefully can push the trail on to the Broken Rock Mountain Rd by days end. Attached are a couple of pictures of today's effort.
If any of you are planning to join the dig Saturday please let me know in advance.
Thanks
Jerry
We had a team of six traildogs again today including a new one Cindy King. We have over 140 volunteer hours since Monday. Today was so COLD we had to keep working just to stay warm. WE have reached the bottom of the first mountain where the trail flows into a beautiful hollow with a moss covered stream gently flowing along the trail. We also found the remains of another old still that I am sure produced some of Dr. Tastegood's Famous Elixir brewed in the not to distant past.
Friday we will meet at the same location at the top of the forest service road that is on the right two blocks north on Mt. Harbor RD. We will start at 9:00 and hopefully can push the trail on to the Broken Rock Mountain Rd by days end. Attached are a couple of pictures of today's effort.
If any of you are planning to join the dig Saturday please let me know in advance.
Thanks
Jerry
January 16, 2008 Trail update
Traildogs - January 16th, 2008
Another good day of busting tread. We had our first eureka moment at 12:30 today when the trail crossed Mt. Harbor Rd. which means we are now moving up into the mountains that will take the trail to the Hickory Nut Mountain Vista at about 1400 feet elevation or about 800 feet above the lake. I have attached three photos of the tough traildogs who have made this accomplishment possible. We completed the difficult Tom's Twist section today and it is a beautiful challenging section that both bikers and hikers will enjoy.
The UFS team has completed grading the new trailhead parking area and the county has donated the gravel to complete the enlarged parking area. This is another good example of our coalition members working together to make this project possible.
Today was a bit of challenge in that the weather was trying to interfere with our progress by alternately turning cold then warmer then raining then stopping. The team however hung in their and we are now 3/4 of mile east of Mt. Harbor Rd and moving northeast toward the old Iron Creek fire road about 8/10 of a mile away. Our machine operator David Musselwhite has proven to be great member of the dig team and is always willing to work with the volunteers to make the trail as beautiful as possible.
If you plan to join us tomorrow Thursday Jan 17th turn off US 270 onto Mt. Harbor Road go approx two blocks to the second dirt road on your right a forest service road (it is marked with pink flagging on both sides of the entrance). Go east up this road for approx 1/2 mile and you will come to a fork in the road. Park there and go down the left fork following the pink flagging until you see the entrance to the new dig on your left. Follow the new trail until you find the dig team. Bring your lunch and water, as tools will be available.
Hope to see you there.
Jerry Shields
Another good day of busting tread. We had our first eureka moment at 12:30 today when the trail crossed Mt. Harbor Rd. which means we are now moving up into the mountains that will take the trail to the Hickory Nut Mountain Vista at about 1400 feet elevation or about 800 feet above the lake. I have attached three photos of the tough traildogs who have made this accomplishment possible. We completed the difficult Tom's Twist section today and it is a beautiful challenging section that both bikers and hikers will enjoy.
The UFS team has completed grading the new trailhead parking area and the county has donated the gravel to complete the enlarged parking area. This is another good example of our coalition members working together to make this project possible.
Today was a bit of challenge in that the weather was trying to interfere with our progress by alternately turning cold then warmer then raining then stopping. The team however hung in their and we are now 3/4 of mile east of Mt. Harbor Rd and moving northeast toward the old Iron Creek fire road about 8/10 of a mile away. Our machine operator David Musselwhite has proven to be great member of the dig team and is always willing to work with the volunteers to make the trail as beautiful as possible.
If you plan to join us tomorrow Thursday Jan 17th turn off US 270 onto Mt. Harbor Road go approx two blocks to the second dirt road on your right a forest service road (it is marked with pink flagging on both sides of the entrance). Go east up this road for approx 1/2 mile and you will come to a fork in the road. Park there and go down the left fork following the pink flagging until you see the entrance to the new dig on your left. Follow the new trail until you find the dig team. Bring your lunch and water, as tools will be available.
Hope to see you there.
Jerry Shields
Blog Introduction
This blog has been established to document the construction of the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail whose nickname is LOViT. The trail is located in the west central mountains of the Ouachita National Forest on the southern shore of Lake Ouachita a 40,000 acre clear water lake managed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
I am the unoffical leader of a group of volunteers called the Traildogs who work with the Corp and Forest Service in designing, funding and constructing this new trail. The plan is to construct a trail from an area known as Denby Bay on the southwest end of the lake. If you are trying orient yourself with a map of the lake this area is where US Highway 270 crosses a finger of the lake approaximately 20 west of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The plan is to construct 35 miles trail that will run along the southern shore of the lake connecting all the six major resorts and campgrounds from the Denby Bay area to the Blakely Mountain Dam. In the initial concept stage we determined that access to the trail would be at multiple points utilizing the existing access roads to the resorts and campgrounds.
I am the unoffical leader of a group of volunteers called the Traildogs who work with the Corp and Forest Service in designing, funding and constructing this new trail. The plan is to construct a trail from an area known as Denby Bay on the southwest end of the lake. If you are trying orient yourself with a map of the lake this area is where US Highway 270 crosses a finger of the lake approaximately 20 west of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The plan is to construct 35 miles trail that will run along the southern shore of the lake connecting all the six major resorts and campgrounds from the Denby Bay area to the Blakely Mountain Dam. In the initial concept stage we determined that access to the trail would be at multiple points utilizing the existing access roads to the resorts and campgrounds.
January 14, 2008 Trail Update
Traildogs January 14th, 2008
We got off to a great start today on the third section of the trail. We had eight traildogs and the Corps machine and operator working the reroute section that runs parallel to Mountain Harbor road. With the work we completed last month and today we should be able to complete the reroute by Wednesday of this week.
The section we have named Tom's Twist is a beautiful section of trail that I feel our users will love. Two of our traildogettes Sharla Martin and Jo Anna Parker completed marking the reroute today while the other five traildogs worked with the machine operator shaping and finishing the tread behind the machine.
We will working each day this week on that section of the trail if you can spare a day or two come join us the weather is great. If you decide to join us you can park at the Joplin Methodist church or on the Forest Service road on the right about two b locks north on Mt. Harbor Road. Tools will be on site.
Thanks
Jerry
We got off to a great start today on the third section of the trail. We had eight traildogs and the Corps machine and operator working the reroute section that runs parallel to Mountain Harbor road. With the work we completed last month and today we should be able to complete the reroute by Wednesday of this week.
The section we have named Tom's Twist is a beautiful section of trail that I feel our users will love. Two of our traildogettes Sharla Martin and Jo Anna Parker completed marking the reroute today while the other five traildogs worked with the machine operator shaping and finishing the tread behind the machine.
We will working each day this week on that section of the trail if you can spare a day or two come join us the weather is great. If you decide to join us you can park at the Joplin Methodist church or on the Forest Service road on the right about two b locks north on Mt. Harbor Road. Tools will be on site.
Thanks
Jerry
December 16, 2007 Trail Update
Traildogs - December 16, 2007
With 2007 drawing to a close I would like to wish you all a Happy and Peaceful holiday.
2007 has a been a good year for our trail development as we were able to open the second segment in March that added over five miles of new trail to our project.
In addition we have begun construction on the one mile ADA Accessible Watchable Wildlife trail and are about 50% complete on this leg of the trail. When completed this trail will be partially paved and partially elevated with watch stations along the trail to allow everyone including those physically challenged to walk the trail and observe the wide variety of wildlife that lives in and around this beautiful bay of Lake Ouachita. The ADA trail will include a new trailhead parking area, restrooms, an information kiosk and a picnic area. We are also evaluating the feasibility of adding exercise stations along a portion of the trail. Our goal is to have a ribbon cutting on this trail segment around June 1, 2008.
We have also designed and received construction clearance the next segment of the hiking/biking trail that will add another 5 miles of trail and will terminate at the Hickory Nut Mountain Vista some 1400 feet above the surface of the lake.
This fall we have rerouted approximately 1/2 mile of the existing trail on the eastern most end of the trail. This reroute was to avoid two obstacles, an unsafe road crossing and an ongoing land dispute.
Construction plans for this third leg have been finalized for the next two months. We will be utilizing a Corps of Engineers Mini-excavator and operator to bust the tread and our traildog volunteers will follow directly behind the machine doing the finish work of setting the angle of repose, cutting roots and leveling construction berm and clearing limbs, logs and brush. We will utilize a 9:00 am start time but you may join anytime prior and after that time. We generally work until 2:00 pm each day with lunch on the trail. The schedule listed below are the ever other week dates the Corps machine and operator will be on the trail but a construction needs dictate we may work additional days in the off weeks. The planned weeks are:
Jan 14 - 19
Jan 28 - Feb 2
Feb 11 - 16
Initially we will meet at the parking lot of the Joplin Methodist Church on Mountain Harbor Road. We will have a tool cache on the trail but you may bring your own equipment if preferred.
Due to budget constraints the US Forest Service team will not be on the trail with us this year until later in the spring but with the generous help of the Corp and the trail dog volunteers we will keep the momentum going as we take the challenge of extending this trail up the mountain.
General construction rules are:
1. If it's raining we don't work
2. Have fun
3. Bring water and food
4. Only do the work you can comfortably do
5. Come when can and leave when you want.
Wednesday December 19 we will meet with the Corps operator to review where we will begin digging and give an orientation on how we want the dig to be coordinated with the volunteers. If any of you would like to join us we will meet at the Methodist Church lot at 9:00am.
Lat year we had almost two thousand volunteer hours on the trail and without the hours we would not have a trail. Your ideas, support and energy is what keeps this effort moving forward and makes this one of Arkansas finest trails. We can all feel proud that the Arkansas Democrat/Gazette awarded the Vista trail its highest, 5 star, award last Sunday December 16 in their Sunday addition.
If you have any suggestions or questions please drop me a note. We have include Saturdays on schedule for those who want to help on the trail but work during the week. If you plan to join us it would be helpful if you would let me know in advance to insure we have adequate tools available.
I look for to seeing our in this beautiful forest as take this big step up the mountain.
Jerry
With 2007 drawing to a close I would like to wish you all a Happy and Peaceful holiday.
2007 has a been a good year for our trail development as we were able to open the second segment in March that added over five miles of new trail to our project.
In addition we have begun construction on the one mile ADA Accessible Watchable Wildlife trail and are about 50% complete on this leg of the trail. When completed this trail will be partially paved and partially elevated with watch stations along the trail to allow everyone including those physically challenged to walk the trail and observe the wide variety of wildlife that lives in and around this beautiful bay of Lake Ouachita. The ADA trail will include a new trailhead parking area, restrooms, an information kiosk and a picnic area. We are also evaluating the feasibility of adding exercise stations along a portion of the trail. Our goal is to have a ribbon cutting on this trail segment around June 1, 2008.
We have also designed and received construction clearance the next segment of the hiking/biking trail that will add another 5 miles of trail and will terminate at the Hickory Nut Mountain Vista some 1400 feet above the surface of the lake.
This fall we have rerouted approximately 1/2 mile of the existing trail on the eastern most end of the trail. This reroute was to avoid two obstacles, an unsafe road crossing and an ongoing land dispute.
Construction plans for this third leg have been finalized for the next two months. We will be utilizing a Corps of Engineers Mini-excavator and operator to bust the tread and our traildog volunteers will follow directly behind the machine doing the finish work of setting the angle of repose, cutting roots and leveling construction berm and clearing limbs, logs and brush. We will utilize a 9:00 am start time but you may join anytime prior and after that time. We generally work until 2:00 pm each day with lunch on the trail. The schedule listed below are the ever other week dates the Corps machine and operator will be on the trail but a construction needs dictate we may work additional days in the off weeks. The planned weeks are:
Jan 14 - 19
Jan 28 - Feb 2
Feb 11 - 16
Initially we will meet at the parking lot of the Joplin Methodist Church on Mountain Harbor Road. We will have a tool cache on the trail but you may bring your own equipment if preferred.
Due to budget constraints the US Forest Service team will not be on the trail with us this year until later in the spring but with the generous help of the Corp and the trail dog volunteers we will keep the momentum going as we take the challenge of extending this trail up the mountain.
General construction rules are:
1. If it's raining we don't work
2. Have fun
3. Bring water and food
4. Only do the work you can comfortably do
5. Come when can and leave when you want.
Wednesday December 19 we will meet with the Corps operator to review where we will begin digging and give an orientation on how we want the dig to be coordinated with the volunteers. If any of you would like to join us we will meet at the Methodist Church lot at 9:00am.
Lat year we had almost two thousand volunteer hours on the trail and without the hours we would not have a trail. Your ideas, support and energy is what keeps this effort moving forward and makes this one of Arkansas finest trails. We can all feel proud that the Arkansas Democrat/Gazette awarded the Vista trail its highest, 5 star, award last Sunday December 16 in their Sunday addition.
If you have any suggestions or questions please drop me a note. We have include Saturdays on schedule for those who want to help on the trail but work during the week. If you plan to join us it would be helpful if you would let me know in advance to insure we have adequate tools available.
I look for to seeing our in this beautiful forest as take this big step up the mountain.
Jerry
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