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

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.

[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...i=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