Keeping The Trail Clear (Sec. 10 Crew)

Waterfall at Cripple Creek

Big rocks, tall trees, moving dirt – no problem. The really hard work of Trail maintenance comes when everything starts growing and a jungle of poison ivy and stinging nettles seem intent on swallowing the Trail and any hikers that happen along. I led a crew of three hardy folks on section 10, from Dripping Rock to Cripple Creek. Our orders were delivered in sealed envelopes, only to be opened at the Trailhead where there was no chance for anyone to back out. The hike in was pleasant enough. We took the opportunity to review our Trail assessment notes about projects on the section to see what should be prioritized. This also gave Mark, the maintainer for this section, a chance to ask questions and get some tips.

Cedar Cliffs

All the rain we’ve been having clearly showed in the many seeps and wet spots along the Trail. Some were clearly ephemeral and not causing any long term problems. In other spots the water was causing significant erosion that will need to be addressed with waterbars or other structures. Camping and fires are not permitted on the first half of the section, but we noted that the northern sign was missing. So, many people probably have no idea about the restriction. We’ll have to get a sign up as soon as possible. A new fire pit and scar on the Cedar Cliffs overlook was sad to see after grass had finally returned to the area. We did our best to remove evidence of the fire scar by pitching all the fire pit rocks and collected wood over the cliff and scattering leaves over the burned area.

 

An eroded spot that needs some work.

 

A rock step that needs fixing.

We identified a few more high priority projects and enjoyed the view from little Raven’s Roost before the sound of rushing water announced our arrival at Cripple Creek. We lunched at the creek, one of the most beautiful stops on ODATC’s trail section, then picked up the swing blades and faced the real work of knocking back the foliage on the way back out. 

 

Cripple Creek is running nicely.

 

Our main project - knocking back the foliage.

Lots of poison ivy, stinging nettles, and other plants were trimmed

It really helps to walk all the way in first, so that you can assess the entire section and the far side of the section definitely gets completed, leaving the nearer portion for later if necessary. The foliage wasn’t terribly thick yet, but we hit it hard, knowing that it will really be taking off soon. Using a swing blade among the rocks takes a great deal of skill and the constant sound of ringing metal made it quite clear that I have definitely not mastered it yet! At one point, the blade came loose and the free nut scampered down a crevice as I desperately clawed through the piles of juicy poison ivy trying to catch it. Luckily we had extra tools, so three of us were still able to use swing blades while one lopped. It was slow going and just before Balancing Rock our time ran out and, tired and beaten, we headed back to the cars.

~Dave W.

 

A pretty yellow flower.

Left: Not sure what plant this is, but the insects seem to like it.

Right: Mountain laurel was still blooming.

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(Photos, captions & narrative: Dave W.)