Government is back at work. Last Thursday was first day of 2019 Volunteer work days building hand built trail on Western Gateway trail system. 58 volunteers plus a bunch of FS trail personnel. A bike company sent in maybe 24 of the total to dig in. We completed 1.03 miles that day. reward was pizza and beer at lunch. Phil invited me to join him as he put down trail pin flags to complete the trail down to Dry Creek. Desert bush bashing. Spent the day out on my feet. Trail is sustainable suitable to hikers, bikers, and horses. Trail favors bikers by making wiggles and waggles for variety stimulation. Trail will be fun to ride.
Sat many volunteers from Thurs returned as we built just .4 miles. We were joined by a passel of 5th grade girls.
Below is a pic taken of Dry Creek
Next Thursday is the next work day. I have a warm fuzzy about helping build new trail increasing amount and diversity of riding experience. Many of the volunteers are long time contributors. Interesting dynamic with what the FS wants and the locals contribute. Building new trail is an experience on its face. I have been having conversations with FS people about how this experience can be made more meaningful and allowing locals to take more of a role in teaching methods to newbies and helping the others to better use the tools to build using Sedona method. Together we can build lots of miles.
Today I swamped out what had been previously by chain saw. Juniper, crown of thorns, some cat claw, and pinion pine. I yarded the cuts butt away from the tread then scattered them a bit away from the trail. In maybe 3 years the needles will have all fallen off just leaving the ghost framework of woody plant parts.
Forecast for this week is for precip off and on and varying probability. I will stay on pavement. Spent the last 3 nights up in Sedona as life events were there which saved a longer drive.
Zags. Earning their wins.
Off to grocery shop and off to the overlook. Poor internet there.
I worked for the FS during summer vacation back in 1969 and 70. 50 years ago this June.