RATtreks

Work Trip on the Appalachian Trail – 3-27-2018

Normally I do the ‘Pre-Spring walk-through’ sometime in February to check the condition of my trail section, mainly to get information to the saw crews as to how many blow-downs there are that will require a chainsaw and their locations, pictures, etc., however, due to the bad weather and snow we had this year it was late March before we (my son Tyler and I) could get in to the section. There was still snow on the ground but, we did not have any issues and was able to complete the task. There had been a lot of storms with high winds recently along with a round of freezing rain which was reported to us to have brought down a lot of limbs and debris. We were expecting the worst but, were pleasantly surprised to find the trail condition was about average for the amount of damage and the heavier work would be needed on the lower half of what used to be part of my section until recently. We got an early start with anticipation of having to saw several trees off the gated forest service road we use to access my section but, were happy to find only one along the road and another smaller one at the parking area. We sawed those out in a quick and efficient manner and were soon packed up and headed up the blue blazed access trail towards the campsite at Whistling Gap.

We had barely got out of sight of the vehicle when we came upon the first of many hikers that we would meet on this day. These had obviously camped the night before at Whistling Gap. An older gentlemen was getting water out of the spring and, knowing he had heard the chainsawing going on a few minutes earlier, I think he was surprised when we came walking up carrying only a Pulaski (axe/digger combo tool) and a fire rake ! Him and another guy was hiking North and although he was a friendly type, it was cold and spitting light rain so we did not talk long so that we could continue walking to stay warm. We only said hello in passing of the other guy as we figured the first fellow could fill him in on anything we discussed with him ! Heading South and up the mountain towards Little Bald we could see plenty of snow on the ground and it was not long before we came across our first downed tree. Fairly good size and definitely requiring a chain saw which we would leave for the saw crews. It also had a couple of leaning widow-makers held up by a completely standing dead tree which I took pics and made notes of. We cleared some limbs and made it easy to step over and continued our climb up the mountain.

We would come across only a few more trees that would require the saw crews but, there would be a lot of limbs and debris to clean and a few very heavy trees we would manage to handsaw or axe cut and drag off the trail. We would also be digging out the water bars as I was unable to get that done last Fall. There was a stiff breeze at times along the ridge and there would be some whiteout conditions. There was also some knee deep snow drifts in spots. We met many hikers on their way North. Some of which were thru-hiking other who were section hiking. There was one large group of two families with some young kids ages 8 and up that were section hiking. I was impressed that the young girls and boys were having a grand time despite the nasty cold and wet weather they had during the entire time. I stopped counting at around 18 hikers but, I am sure there was at least 20. About the time that Tyler asked me if we would meet any going South to which I replied ‘ Oh no, not a chance” , we met a young boy hiking up the mountain on our way down !

The light rain stopped by 10 am, and by 1 pm the skies were starting to show some clearing as was the forecast. We made it to the summit of Little Bald (aka Big Hairy) by 1 pm for our lunch on top spot yet, as fate would have it, there was one final blow down just shy of the summit. It was about 10 inches in diameter and one of those extremely hard wood trees which I would normally leave for the saw crews but, since there were no others for about a mile below it, we did them a favor by taking the time to chop it out of the way. Using an axe because a hand saw would not phase it, which took awhile taking turns with the axe. I know the crew will appreciate it but, it was now time for lunch !

After a long break at our lunch spot which is a small rock overlook, hidden on the NC side of the summit, we began the journey back down the mountain. We would stop first at the TN side overlook to enjoy the expansive views before continuing on.

Going back down was actually harder than going up as it was very slick and mucky from all the traffic on the melting snow and ice. Add in the knee factor and it actually takes just as long to get down as it does to climb it ! I was happy that the work was done and that there were no major trees in the way so the saw crews (who are already behind with massive damage on other sections and weather delays etc.) do not have to be in any hurry to get to my section. We got back to our vehicle by 5pm and I was home in plenty of time to get cleaned up and eat before time for work. I was happy that the section is once again in good shape and ready for the huge waves of thru-hikers that are coming. After working all night, then working trail all day and working another all night shift at my job without sleep, I would need a day or two of rest before thinking about our next adventure. I might also add that by completing this blog I am now officially caught up on all trips which I have been working hard on to accomplish ! It also means that I have not been hiking enough so, I am now looking forward to the next one. Until then,,,