Hitch #3

Trail Corridor brushed Approx 8,470 ft
Blow down removed from trail 32 trees
New trail/ rebenching 4250ft
Rock structures 2
Drainage dips installed 30
Site improvements/garbage removal 2

Another great hitch in Joyce Kilmer! Our week was divided into clearing the upper portion of the Stratton Bald trail and continuing the “Big Dig” on the Naked Ground Trail. It appears that Naked Ground will be the most intense work of the summer. The trail has very steep tread and is built into a steep bank, which has equaled- lots of digging. The group is excited about the progress on this trail and decided to mix it up a bit with the Stratton Bald corridor clearing. It was great to mix up our total body building throughout a hitch. Digging provided an excellent opportunity to build our stomach and back muscles, while lopping and sawing works those arms from the biceps to the triceps! We are all getting strong!
We received our long awaited cross cut saw and it is helping us take out the big old growth trees that make this trail so popular. Our D handle pruning saw is also a surprisingly big help in this process. We have been amazed at what that little saw is capable of cutting. The weed whip has also proved to be a handy tool (we had our doubts). Dan and Tony are mastering the art of taking out thick berry bushes along the trail with powerful swings. The Stratton Bald trail was so grown in you could not see in front of your face for at least half a mile! This trail leads to the most beautiful bald, but you would never know along the way amongst the thickets. Now it is open for all to enjoy without getting bloody scratched arms on your way to the bald.
The group camped at the top of Naked ground trail on the ridge. The views were spectacular and all the days on this hitch were clear as can be. We feel lucky that the sun has been shining each day. We are in a perfect work environment because the trees give us great shade. It may be in the 90’s in town but the woods are comfy. Water is a bit of a challenge, but the group planned well and prepared by pumping water at the beginning and end of each day at the known water source down the hill from camp. We are experiencing an unusual summer with very little water, but when the water comes back the trails will be ready.
We have all our trails scouted now and we are close to moving to the next exciting project. We hate to say goodbye to Naked Ground, but we must move on!!!