The workday got off to a different start as we worked by ourselves for a change and were able to head out a little early after our usual morning gathering. How early? We got to the work site and started work 30+ minutes earlier than what has been the norm.
The early start proved fortunate as it turned out to be a warm day with temperatures in the low 80's. Not great for trail work, but not too bad, however it was also muggy with humidity in the mid 70% range or about twice what is normal. And the humidity brought in gnats, which were our constant companions, especially as we worked up a sweat.
Two crews worked the area with on building burn piles. The work itself was the same as recent efforts as we've developed a pattern of removing slash and trees from the trail and trail edges and using it to build 2 burn piles. After lunch, the 2 crews joined and worked on staging for burn piles next time. We also started clearing some brush from the trail further on, which has a few trees blocking the trail.
As we hiked out at the end of the day, I looked back at the trail and saw a swarm of gnats flitting about in a shaft of sunlight. Clearing and building the burn piles can be hard, slow work, but the areas look better after we're finished. We just try not to focus on how much work is left to do.
The crew put in 84 hours and thanks to Tarek Awad, Rory Brooks, John Collins, Dale Elliott, Peter Gelblum, Janie Leifhelm, Lisa Mauney, Janette Mello, Mike Peasland and Dale Petersen, for getting the work done on a warm, humid, and gnatty day.
by Mike, Lisa, and Jeff
photos by Mike and Lisa