Autumn 2012 on Big Bear Mountain
The Traildogs started their 2012 Fall Dig on Big Bear Mountain today, Nov. 7. We had three seasoned Traildogs today as we loaded tools and equipment onto the Corps of Engineers barge for the trip across Crystal Springs Bay to the base of Big Bear Mountain. It was a challenging day as lake levels are so low we had a very difficult time finding safe place on shore to unload our tools and equipment, but find one we did.
Once we had unloaded our equipment. we had to remove a couple of fallen trees that were blocking our path to the mountain. Attached is photo of Dan cutting one of the dead falls that we removed. Once we had unloaded our tools and equipment, it took almost an hour to reach the work site at the summit of the mountain.
The views of lake Ouachita from the trail were a study in deep blue water and the painted autumn forest around the lake. The weather was perfect, and it was good to back creating new trail.
We met our new machine crew from Progressive Trail Design who were utilizing the powerful Sutter 480 trail machine, a mini-excavator, and a mini-skidder to bust the new tread. This team of professional trail builders were doing an impressive job through some very tough terrain laced with large boulders and intrenched veins of solid rock. Utilizing these machines, they have reduced the amount effort we volunteers have to expend by 50%.
We were able to complete 400 feet of finish work with just three volunteers due to the fine tread the contractor is laying down. We will be on the trail again tomorrow, rallying at the Crystal Springs Marina at 9:00 am for the ride across the bay. We have adequate tools for a number of volunteers and would appreciate any all volunteers who can join us.
Thanks
Jerry