Well we’re back on West Mt. rehabilitating the Appalachian Trail. So far this year we have quarried a lot of rocks to be used for steps and anchor rocks aka gargoyles. We have been concentrating on several areas working on water management, adding new water bars and adding steps in the very steep areas. We’ are not done yet there is plenty more to do. There has been a lot rain his year and the trail is very wet. Just digging in what looked like dry soil quickly turns into mud by water just seeping out of the ground. The crew was very fortunate this weekend with several new volunteers, Mary and Carolyn and the return of Joe and Lissa, I feel certain they had a great time. We hope they make LDTC a habit.
Last time we were here, April 23rd., we removed some of our heavy tools to use at Sam’s Point Preserve, so the first day of this outing required us to take them back up. To help us accomplish this task, we used 2 game carts to carry all the heavy tools. It was still uphill and we couldn’t use the carts all the way to our work site, so it was a good morning workout.
Our crew leaders and crew take pride sharing our trail building skills with all new volunteers. We want new volunteers to have a great time and return, so we feel putting them right in the action is the best way to accomplish this. They learn new skills, feel involved and really become part of our crew. New volunteers are always supervised, never left alone and encouraged to speak up when they want to try something else.
The weather for the weekend wasn’t great. As a matter of fact it was down right nasty and even ended in the rain on Sunday
This long term project will rehabilitate a section of the Appalachian Trail, high up on West Mt. in Harriman State Park, NY
The Appalachian Trail is always changing and evolving. Work crews all along the A.T., like LDTC, constantly relocate and rehabilitate portions of the trail to protect nature and to enhance the A.T. hiking experience.
This project will take a lot of time, effort and as always be done by LDTC volunteers.
In addition to my pictures, this album also has pictures from Lissa Westbrook. Thank you for your contributions.
Speaking of volunteers, not everyone could make it everyday and that’s OK with us. Some volunteers came for all 3 days and others could only make it to 1. Don’t feel that you have to commit to the entire weekend, any help is appreciated and being a volunteer you can come and go as you see fit.
If this looks like the kind of activity you want to be part of, please come on out and join in, we're a community of volunteers who build, protect and maintain hiking trails. We invite you to join us. You’ll be glad you did.
