Sunday, September 27, 2009

Dirty Sunday

Sunday was a scheduled work day at Bent Creek. We were hoping that a lot of people would show up. We wound up with about a dozen hard working volunteers.

The day was supposed to be warm and sunny. Quite the opposite of Saturday. I got to Mike D's house, hooked up the trailer and headed to Rice Pinnacle.

After waiting till about 9:20am, we were supposed to meet at 9am, we decided to send a small group of 3 to cut some trees out of trails, and the rest of us headed to the gravel pile.


The project for the day was to reconstruct the trail through the mud hole on Campground Connector, on the campground end of the trail. The campground staff were very friendly and seemed excited that we were there to help out. We hauled several loads of gravel, and could have used some more but our arms were screaming at us and begging us not to shovel any more. We complied.

We finished off the job by narrowing the trail down, by laying logs, underbrush, and planting trees and ferns. It is amazing what a handful of determined, willing workers can do when they get together with a common goal. I have only been to a few trail work days previous to this year. There are a few reasons, some logistical, some personal. But now that I am making more of an effort to get out there, I appreciate the trails so much more. I often think about how different life would be for me, not to mention the rest of Asheville's cyclists, runners, walkers etc, if we did not have a place like Bent Creek. Don't take it for granted, do your part to care for it.....even if you can only get out once or twice per year.

Upcoming work days:
September
  • 30th Wed Black Mountain 5:30-8PM. Meet at the BM Trailhead.

October:

  • 11th Sun Farlow Gap. 9AM-2PM. Meet at the Daniel Ridge Trailhead.
  • 24th Sat Black Mountain 9AM - 2PM. Meet at the BM Trailhead.


November:

  • 14th Sat Farlow Gap. 9AM-2PM. Meet at the Daniel Ridge Trailhead.
And many others. Check out Pisgah Area Sorba and stay tuned for more opportunities.

Have a great day.

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