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
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