Slickrock Creek BMT maintenance 22-23 September 2007

[SGT Rock]

I talked about doing something like this after I got back - well this won't be as intense and as well planned as I wanted to make one - but it is a start :banana

So here is the call. I have two blow downs to cut and about 50 feet of trail that needs to be cribbed and re-built. Add to that about 0.2 miles of campsites that are probably going to need a cleaning and some general sling blade/machette work for about 3.1 miles of trail and that about sums up what we are planning to do.

I will have a car load of tools to distribute:

1 shovel
1 Pulaski
1 Mattox
1 Two handed cross cut ;)
a few machettes
a sling blade
one pair of lopers
a folding shovel
Folding saw
bucket
pry bar, wedges, hammer, and other assorted hand tools for log cuttin'

Add to all that a supply of trash compactor bags to haul trash and that about does it. I figure I could outfit about 6 adults for some trail work - bring your own gloves though.

The plan is to meet at the trail head around 0800 and determine who can do what and distribute tools and make a plan based on that. The goal is to finish all work by about lunch time if possible. If not I don't want to keep everyone around, I can finish by myself and with a few possible hangers on.

The other part of the plan is to have a camp out on Slickrock Creek for those that want to stay the night over on one of the large camp grounds. The reward for a hard day is a splash in Slickrock creek - folks can make the 1.0 mile round trip to the lower falls and do some rock diving if they are inclined. I haven't set up any sort of food for the campers on the creek so for now that will be a BYOFB (bring your own food bag).

So far it will be me and mine. I belive FDs are going to show up and also have some tools if things work out for her.

Anyone else want to come out and sweat?

[Skidsteer]

Dammit.

My son's birthday is this weekend. Gonna have to pass on this one.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

We are coming and bringing our pulaski and my fire rake (if my bro can find it. I loaned it to him).

[MOWGLI]

Sarge, I'd attend, but I'm giving a presentation over near Nashville on Saturday.

[SGT Rock]

LOL, so the count is two almosts and one probably. That means I can promise steak at the campsite. But if the numbers keep going up I will have to provide hot-dogs.

[Jack Tarlin]

Damn, wish I could make it.

Sounds like a job for Bob Peoples!!

[dixicritter]

If you're providing steak I'll go... ;)

Oh wait, I already am. :D

[SGT Rock]

Damn, wish I could make it.

Sounds like a job for Bob Peoples!!
Some day I hope to be as good as Bob is at this.

[jlb2012]

I'm thinking about it but I think my butt is still whooped from the work we did there earlier this month. ;-)

Actually I have a bit of a burn on my leg that has keep me off trail for the last week - I'll have to see how it goes but I probably won't make it.

[SGT Rock]

I totally understand HOI - you have more than made your bones on that section of the BMT.

[SGT Rock]

Oh and tell Fabian good job.

[jlb2012]

will do - the guy does OK in my book

[SGT Rock]

I hope he makes the next BMTA newsletter. I'll send him a copy if he does.

[Lone Wolf]

where exactly is the trailhead?

[SGT Rock]

Highway 129 below Cheoah dam. http://www.pbase.com/killboy/image/41079074

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Tapoco,+Uninc+Graham+County,+NC,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title

[jlb2012]

Lone Wolf - if coming from Deals Gap on 129 you cross the bridge below the dam and immediately hang a right and park just past a fancy sign for the county - if you walk in a short ways past the automated water treatment facility you will see an old FS trail head bulletin board for the Tapoco trail head - if you pass the Tapoco Lodge Resort you have gone too far. I usually go by way of Ashville but thats only because I don't really know how to get to Deals Gap from Knoxville/Maryville.

[SGT Rock]

From Damascus - take interstate until you get to Knoxville and get on US129. Stay on US 129 until you get on the far end of the bridge below the damn shown (I really mean this: you cannot miss it) and then hang an immediate left. Look for my car.

[jlb2012]

umm I think you mean an immediate RIGHT not left after crossing the bridge - it would be a left just before the bridge if one was coming from Robbinsville

[SGT Rock]

I'm drinking. Give me a break.

[jlb2012]

yep I can understand that very well - I used to do some very creative navigating under similar conditions back in the old days

[Hikerhead]

If that trail head is full, which it was when I was there a couple of weeks ago, you can park on the other side of the lake and walk across the bridge.

[SGT Rock]

I really hate to say this because normally it is a cop out - but I really needed a couple of them tonight after some recent events. I plan to tell my Dr in a couple of weeks though.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

::: Dino makes plan to tape Lone Wolf's face as he drives the Tail of the Dragon (http://www.tailofthedragon.com/) :::

[SGT Rock]

If that trail head is full, which it was when I was there a couple of weeks ago, you can park on the other side of the lake and walk across the bridge. That is a good option too. There is some construction going on over there though.

[Two Speed]

Ummm, those blowdowns the ones that needed the "heavy wenching?"

Cuz if so, I prolly ought to back up my big mouth by putting my ass on one end of that cross cut saw.

[Lone Wolf]

I'm drinking. Give me a break.

i have a Busch Light label stuck on my forehead. i'm on the patch

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

Yes, wenching will be necessary {This should get them to come help, Rock }

[SGT Rock]

Naw, HOI did all the wenching required last week. :cool:

do you know how long it took me to type that while laughing my ass off?

[dixicritter]

Oh Oh Oh, I know the answer to that question.... :D

[jlb2012]

It would have gone a lot better and faster if I had brought the come-along however for the winching - I am just surprised we got the dang thing to move at all. It would be nice however if it was pulled just a little bit forward of where it is right however - that way it would fall into the hole.

giggling at the possible interpretations of _that_ statement

[Two Speed]

Naw, HOI did all the wenching required last week. :cool:

do you know how long it took me to type that while laughing my ass off?There are soooo many interpretations to that I'm not gonna touch it.

'Kay, we talking light or medium wenching? And what kind of steaks are talking here? Will I be ostracized if I bring a spot of cognac?

BTW, gotta tell you about the add in the employee newsletter while I was with another local agency. Seems a fella had an ATV for sale, fully equipped including a 3,000 LB wench. Haven't been able to resist a "wench" joke ever since. :cool:

[SGT Rock]

There are soooo many interpretations to that I'm not gonna touch it.

'Kay, we talking light or medium wenching? And what kind of steaks are talking here? Will I be ostracized if I bring a spot of cognac?

BTW, gotta tell you about the add in the employee newsletter while I was with another local agency. Seems a fella had an ATV for sale, fully equipped including a 3,000 LB wench. Haven't been able to resist a "wench" joke ever since. :cool:
This is why I love WhiteBlaze, nothing is sacred and you can have a good time while talking about mundane stuff like cutting blow downs.

As to the cognac - I have been appointed the inspector of beverages to make sure they all comply with national forest service sawyer guidelines for either lubricants or fuels. I will have to with-hold a decision until testing has been performed by certified specialists in this area. Luckily I am CPR and first aid certified above the minimum requirements of the NFS.

[Two Speed]

Was that a "yes" or a "no" grunt on the ostracization thing, and specifications for the steak are still required.

Please note that if the specs on the steak are satisfactory the Mayretta contingent will supply sufficient cognac for a reasonable amount of testing. provided the Mayretta contingent gets to participate in the testing.

[Skidsteer]

i have a Busch Light label stuck on my forehead. i'm on the patch

:D :D
........

[SGT Rock]

i have a Busch Light label stuck on my forehead. i'm on the patch
Doctor's orders, right. :p

[Nightwalker]

Count me in if you can use an all back/no brains kind of guy.

Let me know.

[SGT Rock]

Count me in if you can use an all back/no brains kind of guy.

Let me know.
Just ask HOI - I use brute force and ignorance when the task calls for it.

[Nightwalker]

Just ask HOI - I use brute force and ignorance when the task calls for it.

So, is that a yes? :)

[SGT Rock]

yes it is.

[SGT Rock]

Where is Minnesota Smith? I figured he would be all over doing some trail maintenance after all that sniveling last year.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

What? I might get to to go do trail maintenance with the venerable MS?
::: Dino polishes all tools and breaks out the pretty gear :::

[SGT Rock]

We could try getting some breeding women to show up. Maybe that would get him to come help - so he can show off his MAN skills and impress her to ovulate for him.

[dixicritter]

Now don't go scaring off the volunteers we already have Rock. ;)

[MOWGLI]

We could try getting some breeding women to show up. Maybe that would get him to come help - so he can show off his MAN skills and impress her to ovulate for him.

That may require a new man suit. ;)

[SGT Rock]

OK so I have:

Dixicritter
Creek Hopper
Dead Man Walking
Two Speed
Nightwalker
LWolf
Karen (no trail name yet)
Nicholas (no trail name yet) - age 2
Josh (no trail name yet)
FD male
FD female
and myself

We are going to go look at some meats to carry out with us on the trip. Mmmmmm


Still looking for minnesotasmith.

Anyone else interested?

[Ramble~On]

Figures....

I'll be in Raleigh for those dates.

[Tipi Walter]

Will you guys be camping above Lower Falls near the Ike Branch trailhead or below Lower Falls at that big open area? Just want to know as I may be coming in from Farr Gap down the Stiffknee.

[SGT Rock]

I plan to camp at the creek crossing near the Ike Branch trail intersection - that large campsite on the south side of the crossing.

[Two Speed]

'Kay, I'm gonna ask the really stupid question: if I can find my way to US 129 at the TN - NC border, then find the really, really big concrete thingy holding all the water back the traihead's pretty close, right?

Take it easy on me, ain't ever been to that part of the BMT before.

[SGT Rock]

Yes, very very close. Should I put out a no sniveling sticker on the road?

[Two Speed]

Might prevent some aimless wandering on my part, so yeah, sounds like a great idea!

I'll be there as close to 8:00 AM as I can make it.

[SGT Rock]

I won't hold it against you

[Hikerhead]

Turn right just past the bridge at this sign if your heading towards Robbinsville for the trailhead. I'm walking towards the bridge (on the left) from the trailhead in this picture.

[SGT Rock]

Got another volunteer today to add to the Easy Company Trail Crew:

Ed Bell
Two Speed
Nightwalker
LWolf
Dixicritter
Creek Hopper
Dead Man Walking
Karen (no trail name yet)
Nicholas (no trail name yet) - age 2
Josh (no trail name yet)
FD male
FD female
and myself

Thanks for all the help ya'll.

[SGT Rock]

Here is a map to the trail we will be working on. I will have some color print-outs to hand out to the teams.

[Nightwalker]

Is anyone else going to camp tomorrow night? It's too far for me to drive Saturday morning, as it is a 3+ hour drive.

I hope I can find the danged place, but it'll probably be easier than I think.

[SGT Rock]

It is easy. We will be there Saturay morning. There was a campsite or two by the river within 0.5 miles of the trail head.

[ed bell]

I'm there. Gonna drive the whole way Sat. morning cause I have a limited time frame. Look forward to the work and fellowship. My back is ready to go.:cool::D

[SGT Rock]

I have some steaks, but ya'll will have to provide the sides. I figure with some of that hickory and oak that has been sitting since last fall we have some good wood we already have to cut anyway.

[ed bell]

I have some steaks, but ya'll will have to provide the sides. I figure with some of that hickory and oak that has been sitting since last fall we have some good wood we already have to cut anyway.Steaks need sides?:D

[SGT Rock]

Well I am an ultralighter, they ain't as big as I normally eat.

[ed bell]

You are lucky I can't stick around Sat. night, cause I'm a big SOB.:) I'm looking forward to the education. Hopefully I'll be able to help out in the future.:sun

[SGT Rock]

I have more tools (and steak) than people working. So if you are inclined to stop by and lend a hand without signing up in advance, please do so.

[ed bell]

Meant to ask before, besides gloves, anything else extra I should bring. (besides my normal day hiking gear and essentials) I've got an old Kelty Super Tioga that could haul quite a bit of tools and or trash. Gotta love the external frames for the pack mule factor.

[SGT Rock]

Well I can't think of anything. Just be prepared to get your water from creeks and eat what you carry. There isn't supposed to be any rain and the highes should be in the 80s with lows for those spending the night in the 50s

[ed bell]

Heading out in a few minutes, eta 0800. (I hope):cool:

[SGT Rock]

Yep - 0535 here and we are getting ready to go do some work.

Life is good. :D

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

She-dino is up - the very tired he-dino (built a wheelchair ramp on she-dino parents' home) is not. We will be late, but will be there.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

He-dino is very ill - too ill for the She-dino to leave. :( Rock, we will get over to the site and measure the structure we discussed soon and discuss what is needed to set it right. Glad I took the fire rake to you last night as I know that will come in handy for rebuilding the missing section of trail.

[ed bell]

I'm back home from the BMT maintenance trip. No injuries to report.:sun Got a lesson in the two man cross cut saw, and Nightwalker and I did the rebuild section. I wish I could have stayed the night and ate steak, but I'm glad I made the trip. I'll let the group leader tell the good stories.:D:cool: Tipi Walter was taking pics, and there should be some good ones. That SGT. is turning out to be one hell of a maintenance crew leader. I know I'd help him again.

[dixicritter]

We're home and the fearless leader is asleep on the couch....LOL. We're all whooped, but had a great time! I'm sure Rock will be on later with some good ones to tell. ;)

[Nightwalker]

We're home and the fearless leader is asleep on the couch....LOL. We're all whooped, but had a great time! I'm sure Rock will be on later with some good ones to tell. ;)

Oh, let's hope not...

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

::: Dino pouts because she missed the fun :::

Taking He-dino to the doc tomorrow -- looks like he may have pneumonia

[Lone Wolf]

i missed it too. but i'm smokin pork and beef as we speak. gypsy had a rare day off and i felt it would be good to spend it with her. Wonder is here too. next time

[dixicritter]

Oh, let's hope not...

Glad to see you're among the awake now. ;) Hope your trip home was a good one.

[SGT Rock]

He-dino is very ill - too ill for the She-dino to leave. :( Rock, we will get over to the site and measure the structure we discussed soon and discuss what is needed to set it right. Glad I took the fire rake to you last night as I know that will come in handy for rebuilding the missing section of trail.Yes it came in handy. Nightwalker and Ed worked on that part, although I think Nighwalker did more sharpening than digging ;)


I'm back home from the BMT maintenance trip. No injuries to report. Got a lesson in the two man cross cut saw, and Nightwalker and I did the rebuild section. I wish I could have stayed the night and ate steak, but I'm glad I made the trip. I'll let the group leader tell the good stories. Tipi Walter was taking pics, and there should be some good ones. That SGT. is turning out to be one hell of a maintenance crew leader. I know I'd help him again.I will work on getting better - I'm not the epitome of safety when it comes to taking out widow makers if you know what I mean. :eek:


We're home and the fearless leader is asleep on the couch....LOL. We're all whooped, but had a great time! I'm sure Rock will be on later with some good ones to tell. ;)

I have some great ones to tell - but I am waiting to see if someone will offer me money (or more work at a later date) to keep them off the record.


Oh, let's hope not... LOL, I bet you don't. Glad to see you woke up finally.

BTW, NightWalker has taken YOGI to a new level! :p


::: Dino pouts because she missed the fun :::

Taking He-dino to the doc tomorrow -- looks like he may have pneumonia

I hope he gets better. I took some of the old rotten wood off to make the replacement parts for that trail sign - so don't go out there unless you just want to make a drive.


i missed it too. but i'm smokin pork and beef as we speak. gypsy had a rare day off and i felt it would be good to spend it with her. Wonder is here too. next time
Sounds like a worthy thing to be doing. Next time come out anyway and make the pork for us workers :cool:

[Nightwalker]

Glad to see you're among the awake now. ;) Hope your trip home was a good one.

Not that good, but I'll live. Typical whining statement #1: Damn, my head hurts.

I stopped a couple of times and closed my eyes on the side of the road when it got too bad. I've been home about 2 hours.

[Nightwalker]

Yes it came in handy. Nightwalker and Ed worked on that part, although I think Nighwalker did more sharpening than digging ;)

I'm pretty sure that I dug a good bit. I'm also pretty sure that I got that Pulaski too sharp. You having went off and left the digging to the two big boys, you'll never know!

I've also got a slightly infected thumb from trying to use dirt as a styptic after slicing it open sharpening the shovel. But boy that thing dug like crazy afterwards. :D

[ed bell]

I've also got a slightly infected thumb from trying to use dirt as a styptic after slicing it open sharpening the shovel. But boy that thing dug like crazy afterwards. :DI didn't count that as an injury, but I'll reconsider.:cool: I was suprised to see your pack in your car when I got back to the parking lot. Did you catch a nap?:D

[Tipi Walter]

I left you guys and crossed the Slickrock and climbed out of the Stiffknee valley past one nasty blowdown to finally get to Farr Gap and out. My photos are about to be loaded(dial-up--so it'll be slow).

[SGT Rock]

Very very cool. Did you get a picture of that blow down? I was thinking I could work on reducing it a little next time I go in there.

[Nightwalker]

I didn't count that as an injury, but I'll reconsider.:cool: I was suprised to see your pack in your car when I got back to the parking lot. Did you catch a nap?:D

Yeah, but after being used to sleeping in the air, the ground got harder than I had remembered it being.

As to the pack: dumb story. I got up Saturday morning after ~4 hours sleep, had some wild idea that our work wasn't far from the lot and thought that I'd go back and get it when we got through. I attempted to go back via the slickrock trail, lost the trail due to no blazes, and me being a dumbass (I'm real Dumas materiel, yes I am), tried to find the trail by scrambling ~300 feet up a cliff, gave up, came back down and limped back to camp. Tinkerbell enjoyed the climb, and so did I, but I'm not as young as I used to be. Two-Speed and Rock and his family took good care of me, and I lived to tell the tale. I ate 3 steaks that I shared with Tinkerbell, and Rock split one between her and Tipi Walter's super-dee-dooper-dee bear-looking dog. I slept under Rock's No Sniveler under quilt, on Dead Man Walking's ground pad, and used his poncho liner for a pillow.

Except for a giant headache, the trip was a super blast. Those that didn't go seriously missed out. And since the quart of Jim Beam got left in the car, I'll have to find some way of disposing of it.

When you see Walter's pic of Tinkerbell, realize that she doesn't always have those devil eyes. It's just that someone had slipped and mentioned AppaTater and Minnesota Smith in the same sentence. How's a dog to help herself?

So now, I've got a handful of new IRL friends, and a new love of trail maintenance. T'was a nice use of a weekend, and you and I did a heck of a job on that re-lo, if I do have to say so myself! :)

[Tipi Walter]

Very very cool. Did you get a picture of that blow down? I was thinking I could work on reducing it a little next time I go in there.

No picture of the Stiffknee blowdown, I thought about it but no pic would do it justice. It IS EASY to get to as it's right at the start of the Stiffknee trail by Farr Gap. Who maintains this section? SpiritWind?

[SGT Rock]

I don't know. If it is Spiritwind maybe we can work a joint trip.

[dixicritter]

Great pictures Tipi!

Really enjoyed meeting everyone this weekend.

[Two Speed]

Same here, good trip.

Except when that devil dog CujoBell kinda got after me. :eek:

[ed bell]

Great pictures Tipi!

Really enjoyed meeting everyone this weekend.Thanks to all of you for making me feel welcome. You have a very nice family dixicritter, and I enjoyed the short time I spent with y'all. I'm still mad I had to skip the steaks. Maybe next time.:) I really liked Tipi's pics as well. Not suprised, his gallery is one of my favorites.

[dixicritter]

Thanks to all of you for making me feel welcome. You have a very nice family dixicritter, and I enjoyed the short time I spent with y'all. I'm still mad I had to skip the steaks. Maybe next time.:) I really liked Tipi's pics as well. Not suprised, his gallery is one of my favorites.

Next time you'll have to stay. :) We really are grateful you came out to help! Thanks again!

[Nightwalker]

Except when that devil dog CujoBell kinda got after me. :eek:

You're making that up. But I could make her eat you up by grabbing you and screaming like you were hurting me, if you want!

[ed bell]

Well, I saw Tipi's picture of Tinkerbell. I tend to wonder what she could be capable of.;) She was a sleeping monster saving her energy,:cool: the last time I saw her, Frank.:D

[Nightwalker]

She was a sleeping monster saving her energy,:cool: the last time I saw her, Frank.:D

Smart hiking dogs sleep when they can. Unlike their owners, they have no idea what they'll be doing as the day progresses.

He was talking, BTW, about her growling a little as people approach me when I'm laying down. I say "Shhh, Tinkerbell, it's okay," and she stops. I like it that she does that. She only does that the first time, and once she's met them, she's their friend for life. She also doesn't do it when I'm standing up.

She's never bitten or even shown teeth, though, and she's a big chicken. That's a good trait in a dog.

[ed bell]

She was always A OK around me, I was only commenting on Tipi's pic.:cool: Good trail dog you got there, Nightwalker.

[SGT Rock]

Hey Nightwalker - I got a fiberglass handle on that pulaski now. ;)

[Ramble~On]

No picture of the Stiffknee blowdown, I thought about it but no pic would do it justice. It IS EASY to get to as it's right at the start of the Stiffknee trail by Farr Gap. Who maintains this section? SpiritWind?

:eek: Another one ?
I thought I was on blow down vacation...we cleared ? 40 last year.
I love WhiteBlaze...I come in and do some reading and browsing around and find out I get to go cut a tree in the morning. SWEET.
Thanks Tipi...my last few trips in didn't go anywhere near Farr Gap so I guess I'm due for a trip out there anyway. If it's right at the junction of
Fodderstack and Stiffknee I ought to be able to get it cut out in the morning.
I'm spending five days in Slickrock/Citico starting next Sunday so this is a good excuse to make the drive to Farr Gap and stash myself some goodies.
Plus the drive up the Cherohala will be a great way to welcome October.
I was in Raleigh for the recent work trip but perhaps the coming weeks and months there will be more...I know I'll be making many as I want to do some side-hill retread on upper Stiffknee and put in some steps on the steepest section just inside the wilderness boundary.
----------And if we get a blizzard this year, I'll see you on the Bob :D

[Nightwalker]

Hey Nightwalker - I got a fiberglass handle on that pulaski now. ;)

Guess it's okay for me to re-sharpen it then...

[Tipi Walter]

:eek: Another one ?
I thought I was on blow down vacation...we cleared ? 40 last year.
I love WhiteBlaze...I come in and do some reading and browsing around and find out I get to go cut a tree in the morning. SWEET.
Thanks Tipi...my last few trips in didn't go anywhere near Farr Gap so I guess I'm due for a trip out there anyway. If it's right at the junction of
Fodderstack and Stiffknee I ought to be able to get it cut out in the morning.
I'm spending five days in Slickrock/Citico starting next Sunday so this is a good excuse to make the drive to Farr Gap and stash myself some goodies.
Plus the drive up the Cherohala will be a great way to welcome October.
I was in Raleigh for the recent work trip but perhaps the coming weeks and months there will be more...I know I'll be making many as I want to do some side-hill retread on upper Stiffknee and put in some steps on the steepest section just inside the wilderness boundary.
----------And if we get a blizzard this year, I'll see you on the Bob :D

Great Post. What are the dates of your upcoming trip? Starting at Farr Gap? You'll just love the new blowdown up by Farr Gap on the Stiffknee. And it might be a two man job as it's a mean nasty thing which required some cursing and deep squating from yours truly.

[Ramble~On]

Great Post. What are the dates of your upcoming trip? Starting at Farr Gap? You'll just love the new blowdown up by Farr Gap on the Stiffknee. And it might be a two man job as it's a mean nasty thing which required some cursing and deep squating from yours truly.

:-? I just got home...it's 2230...that's 10:30pm for those that still use that "o'clock" stuff. I had planned on knocking out the blowdown in the morning and driving the Dragon, Foothills and ending up hiking around Cade's Cove. :eek: You said blowdown...that was blowdowns and I stress the plural part. I have never seen such a thing and all mangled together. The two huge trees are Chestnut Oak..looks like when they came down they took out half a football field size area like dominos. I don't know how anybody was able to get through that wearing a pack but from the looks of it those trees had been down a couple weeks. I cut it all and cleared everything except the three hulking trunks, I notched the biggest and the trail is passable. Actually, you can see the trail again. That took all day.
I'll get the rest later- safe to say they're not going anywhere. The biggest one is bigger than the monster that was down last year near the creek.

I am heading into Citico Oct 7. Down Jeffrey Hell and making some loops to pop out at Calderwood and Tapoco Lodge on the 12th. I was hoping for some leaf color but from what I saw today looks like I'll still be early.
The Skyway is still green.

[generoll]

Think we're going to get any colors other then brown this year?

[Tipi Walter]

:-? I just got home...it's 2230...that's 10:30pm for those that still use that "o'clock" stuff. I had planned on knocking out the blowdown in the morning and driving the Dragon, Foothills and ending up hiking around Cade's Cove. :eek: You said blowdown...that was blowdowns and I stress the plural part. I have never seen such a thing and all mangled together. The two huge trees are Chinkapin..looks like when they came down they took out half a football field size area like dominos. I don't know how anybody was able to get through that wearing a pack but from the looks of it those trees had been down a couple weeks. I cut it all and cleared everything except the three hulking trunks, I notched the biggest and the trail is passable. Actually, you can see the trail again. That took all day.
I'll get the rest later- safe to say they're not going anywhere. The biggest one is bigger than the monster that was down last year near the creek.


I am heading into Citico Oct 7. Down Jeffrey Hell and making some loops to pop out at Calderwood and Tapoco Lodge on the 12th. I was hoping for some leaf color but from what I saw today looks like I'll still be early.
The Skyway is still green.

Coming from you, this makes me feel better. Yes, it was a hellish task humping thru and I'm surprised you got to it so fast. It's not far from the trailhead yet so mean and nasty it doesn't really matter where it is. Coming in I was dismayed a bit but going downhill the thing was manageable. Coming up and out was another story. I didn't know whether to pee or salute, couldn't climb up around it or down below, just climbed in amongst the tight tentacles with a fifty pound pack on my back and finally ended standing atop the large log peering out with no where to go but straight down about 10 feet.

All I can say is THANK YOU - may your trails be safe and your nylon light.

[Ramble~On]

When I walked down the trail I expected to find a blowdown...when I came across that thing I stopped and started thinking about a reroute but the trees had thought about that in their planning to take over.
I'll post a pic in my gallery.

:eek: Almost forgot to mention the yellow jackets that acted as the Air Force for the trees.

[Ramble~On]

Think we're going to get any colors other then brown this year?


I hope so. I noticed some poison ivy in bright red and a few Fire Cherry turning up higher but so far it's still green. The drought will have an effect....but what effect remains to be seen.

[SGT Rock]

Hey Spiritwind, if you need some help with those let me know. We can work out a joint work trip I have cutting tools and digging tools. We can also put out a volunteer call and see if anyone is ready to help.

I'm planning to head down to do a little easy stuff in a couple of weeks - family is in town so nothing big. We are going to cut a widowmaker near the Tapoco trail head and fix the trail head sign. I've already cut the lumber for the sign and I just got my new chainsaw with all the protective equipment - it only cost me $500.

[ed bell]

I've already cut the lumber for the sign and I just got my new chainsaw with all the protective equipment - it only cost me $500.Can you do this (http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1777538) with it.:D

[SGT Rock]

That is probably the same saw I have ;)

[jlb2012]

not sure but I think the guy with the chainsaw was not wearing his chaps - tsk tsk

[SGT Rock]

I know. And cutting so close to his leg.

I got me the chaps, hard hat with face shield, hearing protection, eye protection, and gloves. I was looking at these arm protectors trying to decide if I wanted to get them.

[Two Speed]

not sure but I think the guy with the chainsaw was not wearing his chaps - tsk tsk


I know. And cutting so close to his leg.Even worse he spilled some beer. That's alcohol abuse! :mad:

All kidding around aside, I hope that was his last "cut" of the day. I might be a little old fashioned but I really don't think alcohol and power tools are a good combination.

Anyway, it never worked out real well for me. :eek:

[Ramble~On]

Hey Spiritwind, if you need some help with those let me know. We can work out a joint work trip I have cutting tools and digging tools. We can also put out a volunteer call and see if anyone is ready to help.

I'm planning to head down to do a little easy stuff in a couple of weeks - family is in town so nothing big. We are going to cut a widowmaker near the Tapoco trail head and fix the trail head sign. I've already cut the lumber for the sign and I just got my new chainsaw with all the protective equipment - it only cost me $500.

Yes, I will need help on this one. BMTA has been very good when help is needed and Ken Jones may as well be given "legend" status. I'll probably put the word out through BMTA and post on here when the time is right.
I like to throw together work trip get togethers, did a few last year and early this year. The more is always the merrier.
I maintain two sections of the BMT and couldn't do it without the help of others.
The blow down in this instance is not in the wilderness and (thankfully) power tools can be used to remove it. Better yet....the blowdown is about
150 yards from the trailhead/road.

[SGT Rock]

I just got my new Stihl chainsaw and safety accoutrements.

[Ramble~On]

Stihl makes a mighty fine saw.
I was fortunate enough to get USFS training and work as a sawyer for a time in the Pac. Northwest...they use Stihl saws.
Those Kevlar chaps are worth their weight in gold and saved a friend's leg.
If you ever get the blade caught in them it'll take a good couple hours to clean the fibers out of the saw.....but I guess that's better than flesh:rolleyes:

I don't own a chainsaw at the moment but am looking at a getting one.
Most of the trail I maintain is inside the wilderness areas so I have 1 and 2 man crosscuts...but these type blowdowns are a bit much for them.

I'll bet you're wanting to go out and tear up some wood with that new saw..
I have a hike planned for next week and after that I'll get up with you...
I can use the help for sure.

[SGT Rock]

I have the Gathering to go to, then the following weekend my mom is coming. If you can do something during the week say tuesday I can probably make it.

[Ramble~On]

I have a hike planned and want to get out to photograph the fall foliage so it will probably be a couple weeks. More than Likely something Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. A camping/cookout/ work trip...This section is very close to a road and there are some large campsites along the road.
Aside from these trees I have some retread, waterbars and steps to keep me busy- So.... The coming weeks, months and years ought to be full of work trips.:D

[SGT Rock]

I know what you mean. The ridge .25 miles of my trail has some places I need to get in and re-build or widen the side hill.

I've also contemplated proposing adding some switch backs on a steep section of my trail to avoid erosion problems, but fortunatly (despite the steep grade) it doesn't seem to be having wash out problems.

[Nightwalker]

I know what you mean. The ridge .25 miles of my trail has some places I need to get in and re-build or widen the side hill.

I've also contemplated proposing adding some switch backs on a steep section of my trail to avoid erosion problems, but fortunatly (despite the steep grade) it doesn't seem to be having wash out problems.

Wouldn't water bars work pretty good for erosion prevention? A lot easier to build, too.

So, when we going back?!? :D (Tinkerbell made me ask. She thinks y'all are cool for non-dog type people.)