Storm Damage Update – Jan. 8, 2013
Snow storms bedevil trails with broken limbs, fallen trees, and bent down bushes and small trees. Traildogs have been working to check and clear the entire trail of storm damage.
The first section of the trail from Denby Bay to the Tompkins Bend trailhead, including all spurs, has been cleared. This includes clearing the Pine Plantation Road and Bus access roads off Shangri La Rd.
The second section from the Tompkins Bend trailhead and the Homestead trailhead to Mountain Harbor Road, including spurs, has been cleared.
On Tuesday, Jan. 8, three Traildog volunteers worked the third section of the the trail from the Joplin trailhead to the Hickory Nut Mountain trailhead. We removed dozens of trees and limbs that were brought down by the heavy snow. This section has weathered quite well except for one short section about a half a mile north of the Joplin trailhead. This uphill section is washing out and needs repair and possibly a bit of a reroute to create better drainage.
The winter leafless look opens up views of the surrounding terrain that always surprises and delights even frequent LOViT users. The Iron Creek Cascade and downstream drainage is a very peaceful place, with only the cheerful gurgle of the many small waterfalls breaking the winter silence.
We have now completed clearing the first fourteen miles of trail from the Denby Bay trailhead to the Hickory Nut Mountain trailhead. As weather permits we will schedule another storm damage workday for section four from Hickory Nut Mountain to the Pipe Spring trailhead.