Jubilation – Dec. 14, 2012
Today was a day of accomplishments as five Traildog volunteers pushed the trail finishing work over a half a mile west where we joined with the finish work that was completed last month when we were coming in from the west by barge.
After a mile and a half hike up the mountain this morning, we set our goal of reaching the point where we ceased operations November 30. A great deal of the tread we were working required only minimal finishing, but there were several extended areas we describe as “gravel pits” that are covered in small to medium stones after the machines finish the new tread. These gravel pits are a pain to finish and require a great deal of fire rake work, followed by root pruning. We did take time to build two rock cairns from some of the moss covered boulders the machine crews had uprooted.
Once again, we all are in awe of the stunning panoramic views of Lake Ouachita stretching for miles in both directions. This remote section of the trail is a credit to the men who designed the layout to take advantage of the unique views of the lake, the huge rock outcroppings, and the old growth hardwoods found all along this seven mile-long stretch of mountainous trail.
At the end of the day the Traildogs celebrated the connection of the east and west portions of the trail with a toast of red wine. It was a great moment indeed!
Monday we will be back on the trail to complete the final mile of this seventh section. We will again meet on Brady Mt. Road about four miles north of US 270. We’ll meet at 10:00 am, so join us if you can. You will love this section of the trail.
Thanks,
Jerry