Crew 2: South of Sams Gap Rehab
working with Carolina Mountain Club
click here for the full photo album
As another lovely week at Sam’s Gap comes to an end the Konnarock trucks enter base camp in condition similar to their occupants: dirty, smelly and in need of fluids and a good rinse. Having braved the mighty mountain yet again it was wonderful to decompress, clean tools and enjoy another of Janet’s fine meals.
Our project this week was to install log steps on a steep section of trail with emphasis on waterbars and runoff management. Blessed with perfect weather and abundant materials, our crew was able to make serious improvements that will not only make this hike safer for everyone involved but it will hopefully prevent the trail from needing relocation in the near future.
Pick mattocks cut away large swaths of earth, sledge hammers cause small earthquakes and chainsaws whine in the distance as draw knives cut curly ribbons from split black locust logs. Konnarock crew bustles in unison, all working together to complete our mission. None of this work could be done alone, it takes a group of dedicated individuals to pull it off and boy do we have dedication!
It was absolutely incredible working with these fine individuals, including not only the Carolina Mountain club who show constant support but the Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine sent two reporters out with us to see how its done! After a club-sponsored lunch at Little Creek Café we hit the highway. As Sams Gap disappeared in the rearview I wished to myself that the season would never end. It's not too late to join, folks! Come on out for some one of a kind fun on the Appalachian Trail!
--Paul Sealy, Assistant Crew Leader
No comments:
Post a Comment