Hitch Number Four

July 11-July 17
Ice Lake Trail

Our fourth hitch began on Monday the 11 of July at the usual 7 am in the morning. This hitch was to be different from the rest because of our stellar location along trail 1808 or simply the Ice Lake Trail. Located three miles in from the West Fork Wallowa River Trail stands a junction where our journey would begin. After crossing a decaying stock bridge, we hiked two miles up the trail to reach our beautiful meadow campsite at 7,000 feet. From here work would begin, and work we did. We split up into two crews on Monday afternoon and worked on two different projects: a log-out with our cross-cut, and a stone retaining wall. In a total of three hours four logs were completely removed from the trail to open up this trail to stock-users and hikers alike. Work on the stone retaining wall was frustrating, but one important lesson was learned: rock work takes patience and problem solving. That night after a filling dinner of raman bombs, a visitor arrived that cheered up the entire crew—Natashia, of Sam and Danny’s 2009 Yosemite Crew. A new friend was made when she worked the following morning with us up near Ice Lake. After a brutal cut with the pruning saw, we took a walk up to Ice Lake to chill out for awhile. The lake sits at 7,800 ft. and is by far the most beautiful lake in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The lake put some things into perspective for all present—that we are in some beautiful country. After the break, we brushed down trail and enjoyed some lovely conversation with Natashia. Tuesday was also a special day for Danny because it marked his 100th day working on trails wearing the trademark SCA helmet. It meant a lot for him to accomplish this feat. In the process one rock wall was completed and one rock water bar was installed. After a lovely day of work, the crew retired to their tents early to take on another day on Trail 1808. The following morning we split into groups with half of us brushing and the other half working on rock walls. Four walls were installed and a half mile of trail was brushed out. For the first time working on trail 1808, the crew thought we would be able to get all of the work done in record time. The fourth day was comprised mainly of brushing and one mile of the trail was brushed out. For a seasoned trail crew, this feat rarely happens and to accomplish it was amazing. Also on the fourth day, the crew relocated camps down to the decaying stock bridge with the hope of working on another trail. We bumped back up to the middle of trail 1808 on the fifth day and continued to brush down trail. This day marked a turning event for the crew, all of us were willing to say that our bodies we done. We stopped work early to have a break down by the West Fork Wallowa River. Spirits were rejuvenated and we were ready to finish hitch. Trail 1808 was finished on the sixth day after a surprising encounter with a group of fellow travelers. After lunch, we realized we had left a hazel-hoe up at the meadow camp. The rest of us bumped up to the west fork to tackle some drainage and brushing. Eight drainages were installed and trail was brushed. A new saying was created which will forever be a “crew thing.” The seventh day dawned and the crew was excited because six days off were in the horizon. However, a drainage needed to be cleaned and cleaned it was. This hitch was amazing and special thanks goes out to Natashia for helping on the magical second day.
Report Summary:
Three mile of trail brushed out, five rock walls installed, over 50 drainages worked on and one rock water bar.

-Peace and love trail world, Danny