Crew 2: Yellow Mountain Rehab
working with Nantahala Hiking Club
click here for the full photo album
Rumbling thunder cries out in the distance as a thunderstorm
gnashes its teeth, threatening us with torrential downpours. Konnarock Crew 2 yells back, “NOT TODAY” to no avail as the rain rinses the dust from our brows
and the sweat from our skin.
If there is anything that I learned while hiking
the A.T. it's that rain will always win, there is no such thing as a “dry” A.T. experience. Regardless of the persistent rain, morale remained high as we did our
best to make improvements to the trail, laughing and joking with one another as
if it was a sunny picnic.
The rain persisted the entire trip, limiting our
ability to build sturdy structures. We were able to rehab a particularly
dangerous area of trail where sloping bedrock caused the soil to slide downhill, making for a treacherous decent. Junk cribbing and stone steps followed by
mounds and mounds of freshly made crush made certain that it would no longer be
an issue.
The Nantahala Hiking Club joined us again to fortify our efforts as
we slogged through the mud attempting to restore order, keeping our spirits
high. After stabilizing as much as we could, and setting water diversions, we
packed up and headed to a club member's residence where we were treated to hot
showers, warm beds and a delicious potluck-style home cooked meal!
All things
considered, this was a great week. Its difficult for me to have any negative
feelings towards this week - it will take more than rain to tarnish my love for
the A.T.! Yet again the Konnarock Crew coupled with the Nantahala Hiking Club have
completed a successful week of maintenance. Come out and join us!
--Paul Sealy, Assistant Crew Leader
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