Keeping The Campfire Burning (Shelter)

 

 A very neat and clean fire ring!

Last month, a crew went to the shelter to work on the logs that define the landing platform area around the new steps. The logs were 'pinned in' so they won't move if accidentally kicked or disturbed by hiker traffic using the steps. While they were there working, they noticed there were some other 'chores' to be done so a crew was sent to the shelter on this month's work trip as well.

On the way to the shelter, the crew found a tree down across a switchback. With no previous reports of trees down, the two sawyers in attendance Saturday had been assigned the shelter project and they did not carry their chainsaw with them. On their way out, they worked on the tree with the only tool they had that was remotely suitable .... a pick Maddox! They got a few branches knocked off and hikers can work their way around the tree, but it needs a chainsaw to get it cleared.  The crew originally thought that when they got back to the parking lot, they could pick up a chainsaw and go back in for the tree, but it was too late and they didn't have enough time. There is a possibility one of the sawyers can get it next week.

One of the primary projects at the shelter was to clean out the fire ring, which was full of accumulated ash. Surprise, surprise ..... with the cool weather, there was a nice fire going in the fire ring! Not to be deterred, the crew shoveled the hot wood and ashes aside and proceeded with cleaning out the ring. It was quite a task because all the contents in the fire ring had become packed down. The metal ring itself had to be pulled out and moved to get to all the ash. Near the bottom of the ash accumulation, they also found that a very large ant colony had taken up residence. Once the old, cold ash was removed, the metal ring was returned and the rocks around the fire ring were reset. As you can see in the picture above, the crew did a wonderful job.

The crew also checked out the fire road that runs along the creek in front of the shelter and took down fire rings and cleaned up trash around the campsites. Keeping lime in the bucket at the privy is a never-ending task so an almost whole bag (it's heavy stuff!) was carried down by Chris W. and the privy lime bucket is now full. The privy itself was also cleaned out. Our friend 'Rat' was at the shelter and some of the hikers who had stopped in helped out with the cleanup. 

With the heat and humidity of summer being replaced by beautiful, cool fall weather, hikers and backpackers are getting back on the trail and the shelter will be an increasingly busy place. Sitting around a warm campfire on a chilly, fall night at the shelter is a wonderful way to spend the evening, so the clean fire ring will be much appreciated. Thanks to the shelter crew of David G., Chris W. and Richard W. for spending the day at the shelter and making sure everything is in great shape for the fall hiking and camping season.

 

Lunch time at the shelter.

(All photos: Chris W. )