Trail Work Report
A.T. Management Committee
Today, we had a short handed, but mighty crew carrying lumber up to the privy. With help from two folks from the local National Guard unit, Josh, Aaron, Juliana, Kevin and Cosmo hiked in the tools and cover parts for the new crib from the Jones' Nose parking area; then carried up additional materials that had previously been delivered to the AT/Old Adams Rd junction to add a third crib to the privy. We were expecting a few more people from the Guard, but our work date corresponded with a training day for some of the members. The help we did get was much appreciated.
Because the existing crib is relatively shallow, and the site sees heavy use and relatively cool condition, this privy was on the edge of not effectively composting for several seasons. Adding this third bin, will offer extra time for the critters to do their thing - turning poop into gold (well, compost maybe).
After the first load made it to the site, Cosmo got to stay and start laying out the ground, while everyone else had to make multiple trips to the site. We created a drop off point about 2/3's of the way up, in the middle of the steepest section, so no one had to do the full mile every time - still it wasn't a picnic. We did get an assist from a friendly section hiker who carried up some of the lumber, too. By lunchtime we were all set.
After the site was leveled for the new crib (carefully, because underneath is the old pit - undoubtedly full of waste from 2007 when the privy was first modified to moldering type), Kevin, Juliana and Cosmo began to assemble the crib setting it underneath two new, full length top boards.
While we were on site, Josh and Aaron were also able to remove the old plastic snow fence installed to keep campers from walking straight down the hill from the group site to the shelter, and replaced it with a railing made from saplings attached to some trees for a less obtrusive barrier. The understory has grown back sufficiently so that this less conspicuous means will suffice to keep folks on the established trails (we hope).
With the new crib in place, we finished up by adding some steps to make accessing the new location a bit less precarious, while Kevin and Aaron dug out the accumulated leaf litter from the back of the old crib to improve air circulation. Cosmo did forget to bring some wire mesh that will need to go inside the crib before it's christened - Josh, Aaron and Kevin will bring some up and install it on their next visit.
We wrapped up about 3pm and made the 2.5 mile trek back to the parking area. Many thanks to the two Guard members who were able to help haul the stuff up the hill - it would have been a long day without them.
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Photo by Juliana Vanderweilen.
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