For the dates of November 8th through the 12, the crew moved westward toward Pine Log State Forest, just North of Panama City. For the dates of November 8th through the 12, the crew moved westward toward Pine Log State Forest, just North of Panama City. Here we met Ron Peterson, local chapter representative, and two section leaders, Linda and Joe. Many of the preparations had already been made and our team was there to put those plans into action. The design was a 20 ft bridge spanning a deep ravine cut in by a tributary to Econfina Creek. There was also to be a 12 ft ramp extending the span as to address the erosion problem that was ailing the bank with the previously existing bridge. A long bridge means long stringers and large timbers. The work of getting all the material into the project site was aided by the North Florida Water Management District, on whose property the bridge was being built. With them staging the materials within a reasonable hiking distance, the crew got started hauling everything we needed to the bridge site. The bridge was completed in 2 days and that allowed us to start the restoration and reseeding of the bank. The crew had a great time camping near the bridge in backcountry fashion strapping all they needed on the backs and making the trek in. This area of the trail was very beautiful as it followed Econfina Creek for a bit.
We were grateful for all the support we received from the local volunteers and actually witnessed the first public crossing of our newly finished bride as a few hikers came by just as we were sweeping it off for a group photo. What we left with was a completed 32 ft bridge and a restored bank that will be given the chance to reseed and rebuild itself. Great work!
