This workday was our first on the next stretch of Sequoia Trail between Hwy 236 and North Escape Rd and the only decision going into the day was which end to start from. Beginning at 236 would mean extremely limited parking for vehicles and an uphill climb at the end of the day when everyone is tired. Starting at N. Escape Rd would provide ample space for parking and a downhill hike out at the end. So the answer seemed simple - Begin at N. Escape Rd as it's always easier hiking downhill when tired!
After encountering many areas of dense post-fire growth of Ceanothus on the earlier Sequoia work we weren't sure what to expect, but at least initially it was better than feared. While Ceanothus was still present, it was not as extensive as on the other side of 236 and many sections of trail had mostly down woody debris that resembled blow downs from big winter storms.
The differing types of debris was a nice change from only Ceanothus as we were able to cut and scatter most of the woody debris on the down slope side of the trail while the Ceanothus went into burn piles. By the end of the day we had completed seven burn piles and tossed and rolled an unknown number of branches and logs down the hill to their final resting place.
The next stretch of trail runs parallel to the road for a good while before making the uphill turn that could provide a completely different challenge.
Thanks to Fremont Bainbridge, Nan Bowman, Jim Brooks, Rory Brooks, John Collins, Drew Granzella, Ryan Granzella, Mimi Guiney, Tommy Ha, Cammie Hunt, Matt Kelsey, Andrea Lee, Janette Mello, Whitney Mitchell, Mike Peasland, Marc Shaw, Zosia Stafford, Chris Young, and newcomers Wednesday Kirwan and Dan Rame, for helping get the next stretch of Sequoia Trail work off to a good start!
by Mike and Jeff
photos by Mike