Hitch #3 Slacks Trail #480A July 7-14

We began our third hitch on Slacks trail, the second trail we have worked on this season. While hotter and dryer than White Rock Gap Trail, it proved to be in far better condition. In fact, our fervor and awesomeness enabled us to complete the survey rather quickly, leaving us in search of off-survey work. The trail was also full of delicious blueberries, which we took advantage of when making pancakes. Aside from a few water bars in the beginning and a crib wall later on, rock was seldom used and replaced with timber. This switch was met with much rejoicing, considering the excessive use of rock during the past two hitches, and our project leader’s desire to enhance his manly musk with the smell of oak and bar oil.

The opportunity to better our timber skills was a major highlight during this hitch. The 25 foot timber wall was two logs high and supported by two splendidly de-barked dead men. The project would not have been possible without the accurate felling skills of Dan and the quick-witted comments and axe expertise of Adam, our US Forest Service agency contact.

The rest of the hitch was filled with a plethora of grade dips and provided the crew with numerous “teachable moments.” Apparently, the 5 day break over the Fourth of July was too much for the crew to handle and accurate grade dip building was momentarily forgotten. Not to fear, the upside down ladles were quickly turned to upside down spoons. Additional highlights include when pheromones were scientifically proven moments after one member boldly questioned their existence.

Our campsite haven at Maupin was as wonderful as the previous hitch, regardless of the smaller number of interesting and hungry through hikers. Morning stretching circles, lunch feasting, and fire circle banter was filled with lengthy discussions about the age long game of Dungeons and Dragons©. It was decided that Olivia was the tuneful Bard, Danny the mad Sorcerer, Amy the pious Cleric, Critter the crafty Thief, Kevin the Arcadian Ranger, and Dan the celebrated Fighter. This fair group of adventurous souls is ready for any quest that the SCA overlords can conjure.

Our crew is very excited for our break, whether it will be spent in the City of Bbrotherly Love, the trails of Shenandoah, or the state of Massachusetts.

Bonne fête nationale à tous nos chères lecteurs!

Les chefs: Olivia Horan et Danny Shosky

Total work completed:
One 25’ x 2’ x 1.5’ timber crib wall
One 15’ x 2’ x 2’ rock crib wall
4 rock water-bars
1 timber water bar
18 rolling grade dips
3 drains
5 rock check dams
7 timber check dams
Narrow 320 feet of trail
Obliterate 20 feet of trail
1227 feet of widening
2.5 miles (13200 feet) of total trail maintained