Sec 1 Crew: A Layaway Locust Log Gets A Job

 

We admired a woodpecker's handiwork on a hickory tree. At each interval along the trunk where the bird pecked, the bark appears to have collapsed onto itself, as if it were molten.

This post is two-fold ..... some words from the Crew Leader (Jim S.) describing the projects completed for the day and then pictures (with captions) of the largest project from crew member Lisa B. This was Lisa's first maintenance work trip and she did an excellent job capturing the work that was done to install one large water bar ....plus a couple of other interesting pictures.

Crew Leader Jim:

We worked on Section One, all probably within 1/2 mile of Rockfish Gap. We installed 3 new water bars and rehabbed 6 existing water bars - some which were installed when the trail was originally opened. Over the years, two skilled sawyers cut, prepared and hauled locust logs to standby locations, knowing they would eventually be used as water bars. A large locust log came in very handy, as we used it as the base of a much-needed water bar. ~ Jim S.

Crew Member Lisa:

 

It takes all five of us to position the locust log onto the trail. It will be the basis for the new water bar.

 

Under Jim's guidance, we dig out a curved bottom trench as near to a 45 degree angle across the trial as we can estimate.

 

The log is ready to be dropped into the trench. The logs' shape dictated that it be dropped rather than rolled. Necessity is the mother of invention. Jim and Lee donate their belts to aid in lifting the log. With the belts we are able to increase our effort and over come the weight of the log.

 

Jim is inspecting the log's location. Just a small adjustment was necessary.

 

Lee is tamping soil under the log. We want it well situated. Several of us took turns packing soil under and against both sides.

 

Packing soil against the log continues until it is almost totally covered.

 

A hiker came through and her dog took an instant liking to the corner against the log. We took an instant liking to her!

 

The log is nearly concealed by soil. Almost complete!

 

Charlotte, Lee and Jim take a critical look at the finished product. Jim is testing water flow with his highly scientific orange. It works! 

A different water bar from the locust log:

 

Ed's shadow clearly illustrates the the curve of the earthen water bar that he and Charlotte made. Notice the big rocky shoulders on each side. "Grandma, what big shoulders you have!" "All the better for keeping you on the trail my dear."

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One more little 'happening' to add to the crew report before it ends ........

While pulling out a rock from the hillside, Lisa saw an Eastern Ratsnake ..... about 6 feet of snake! The link at  Virginia Herpetological Society: Eastern Ratsnake  has some interesting info on the Ratsnake, such as the following facts:

• It is the only 6+ foot snake in Virginia.
• The Scientific Name is: Pantherophis alleghaniensis.
• Genus: Pantherophis is derived from the Greek words "pan" which means bread, referring to the bread loaf, cross-section shape of the snake, "thero" means a wild beast of summer and "ophis" means snake.
• Species: alleghaniensis refers to its habitat in the Allegheny Mountains.

So .... a "wild beast of summer" was encountered on this work trip in the form of a 6 foot snake ..... what other adventures are waiting around the next bend in the AT for the May work trip crew? 

 

Eastern Ratsnake

(Photo Source) 

Thanks to Jim S. (Crew Leader), Lee, Charlotte, Lisa and Ed F. for their work on Sec 1 Saturday. Three newly constructed water bars and six rehabs add up to a very busy day and a much better AT! 

(All Photos & Captions: Lisa B., except as noted)