Emma Long Metropolitan Park
December 18, 2004 - by Bill Kemp
On December 18, 2004, 13 volunteers and 4 park personnel spent the day working on the Turkey Creek Trail at Emma Long Metropolitan Park.
We worked on a variety of tasks. We closed off several social trails by placing rocks and brush along the sides of the trail. We built check dams to prevent further erosion on several steep parts of the trail. We replaced stepping-stones across the creek that had been washed away by the recent heavy rains. The rock carriers came in handy to carry the rocks we needed. We felled a dead tree that was hanging on another tree and used the downed timber to block off a social trail. Finally, several volunteers removed several hundred wax leaf ligustrum that had invaded the area along the creek. Rene Barrera of Austin Parks and Recreation was very pleased with our progress.
Bill and Paula prepared a lunch of chili, tamales, cornbread and peach cobbler. Snacks and beverages were also served. The food was purchased with a generous grant from REI. Our volunteers were: Fred Winkler, Charles Wortz, Joan Laves, Angie Hardy, David Huebel, Erik Gribbin, Tita Owre, Jan More, Jim Reed, Thierry Debelle, Terence Donovan, Jerry Levenson and Bill Kemp.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Saturday, October 30, 2004
10/16-23/04: The Guadalupe Winds
The Guadalupe Winds
October 16-23, 2004 - by Derly Rivera
Nine CTTT volunteers went on the service trip to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park in October. The unusually rainy 2004 season and the autumn high winds caused considerable damage to the base camps and to the high country primitive campsites. Six of our crew worked with two park rangers on the Mescalero campsite in the high country for a week. All eight tent pads were restored to original or better condition. The work was quite an accomplishment since it involved breaking or moving boulders weighing up to a ton. Breaking the rock was done with chisels, sledge hammers, rock bars, and plain brute force.
Three crew members remained at the "Ship" base camp. By evening of our first day, after setting up camp, we began to experience the notorious "Guadalupe winds". Park rangers estimated that at least 50 mph winds blew that night, breaking tent poles, knocking down a six-man tent, and moving the 18 foot diameter circular mess tent two feet off its original setting, which resulted in broken pots and a camp stove.
On Sunday, the winds had not abated; nevertheless, it was time for the high country crew to leave. We loaded the mules with gear and drove out to the trail head for the Mescalero campground. That night the winds got stronger, blowing down the mess tent and generally destroying the field kitchen. The outdoor toilets also became victims of the wind, losing their roof and doors, with debris scattering up the hillsides.
After repairing the wind damage, we began our primary work in the desert. Stone work for a permanent sign on the primitive four-wheel drive road was begun Monday afternoon and completed by late afternoon Thursday. Since the high winds were causing the mortar to dry too rapidly, we had to quickly lay stone before the mortar set.
Friday was our rest and hiking day. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, with the state's highest peaks, is rather primitive and there is an ongoing effort to keep it that way. Friday evening the crew and the park rangers enjoyed a Mexican food fiesta in the Ship main hall.
Special thanks to Bill, Bruce, Ray, Chuck, Chris, Jim, Jen, and Jeff. CTTT has been invited to return to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in the Fall of 2005.
October 16-23, 2004 - by Derly Rivera
Nine CTTT volunteers went on the service trip to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park in October. The unusually rainy 2004 season and the autumn high winds caused considerable damage to the base camps and to the high country primitive campsites. Six of our crew worked with two park rangers on the Mescalero campsite in the high country for a week. All eight tent pads were restored to original or better condition. The work was quite an accomplishment since it involved breaking or moving boulders weighing up to a ton. Breaking the rock was done with chisels, sledge hammers, rock bars, and plain brute force.
Three crew members remained at the "Ship" base camp. By evening of our first day, after setting up camp, we began to experience the notorious "Guadalupe winds". Park rangers estimated that at least 50 mph winds blew that night, breaking tent poles, knocking down a six-man tent, and moving the 18 foot diameter circular mess tent two feet off its original setting, which resulted in broken pots and a camp stove.
On Sunday, the winds had not abated; nevertheless, it was time for the high country crew to leave. We loaded the mules with gear and drove out to the trail head for the Mescalero campground. That night the winds got stronger, blowing down the mess tent and generally destroying the field kitchen. The outdoor toilets also became victims of the wind, losing their roof and doors, with debris scattering up the hillsides.
After repairing the wind damage, we began our primary work in the desert. Stone work for a permanent sign on the primitive four-wheel drive road was begun Monday afternoon and completed by late afternoon Thursday. Since the high winds were causing the mortar to dry too rapidly, we had to quickly lay stone before the mortar set.
Friday was our rest and hiking day. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, with the state's highest peaks, is rather primitive and there is an ongoing effort to keep it that way. Friday evening the crew and the park rangers enjoyed a Mexican food fiesta in the Ship main hall.
Special thanks to Bill, Bruce, Ray, Chuck, Chris, Jim, Jen, and Jeff. CTTT has been invited to return to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in the Fall of 2005.
Monday, August 30, 2004
8/04: Return to Rocky Mountain
August, 2004 - by Derly Rivera
After an absence of one year, 10 Central Texas Trail Tamers returned to Rocky Mountain National Park for a week of work. Cool days and nights greeted us as we pitched our camp tents and stored our gear. After hiking and acclimating on Labor Day, we made final preparations for the work ahead.
Our orders for the week were to work at two different sites. One at Bierstadt Lake was a horse trail, which had to be rerouted due to new highway construction. The other, at Eugenia Mine trail, was a mile hike from the Long's Peak trailhead. Five team members went to the Eugenia Mine trail which was at 10,000 ft.; the other four members remained at the Bierstadt Lake site at around 9000 ft. Depending on their schedule, five to six park trail crew were assigned to guide and work with us, thus simplifying the task.
The first day was difficult as we adjusted to working and positioning large heavy boulders to solidify and control water runoff on the trails. As the week progressed, we cleared trails, trimmed tree branches, moved and repositioned rocks and boulders on new tread. The remainder of the week was much better as we continued to acclimate and managed to work somewhat at a faster pace.
Working ten hours daily, we were able to complete the Eugenia Mine trail project in three days. On Friday, the last work day, all nine CTTT members worked on the Bierstadt Lake trail, completed it, and then moved and positioned logs and timber check logs for the next week's work project for the park trail crew who would be working at the location. Still, the most difficult and strenuous work was moving big boulders around to different areas along the trail. In all, the team was able to work 207 man-hours on these two projects.
We stayed at Moraine Park campground where we had a full-time cook who prepared great hot meals for us. After dinner, we usually had dessert and coffee by the campfire and told stories that only campers can tell but no one believes.
The elks were in their full rut season and showed up at dusk in the Moraine Park grounds. Later in the evening, we could hear the chorus of coyotes howling their favorite yelps and, of course, the hoot owls were around.
To close out the work week, some of the team went hiking while others visited Estes Park and did some shopping. Good work was completed for the Rocky Mountain Park. Special thanks to the park crew and to the CTTT team consisting of Bo, Terence, Bill, Diane, Wanda, Dan, Earl, Jennifer and Hilary.
After an absence of one year, 10 Central Texas Trail Tamers returned to Rocky Mountain National Park for a week of work. Cool days and nights greeted us as we pitched our camp tents and stored our gear. After hiking and acclimating on Labor Day, we made final preparations for the work ahead.
Our orders for the week were to work at two different sites. One at Bierstadt Lake was a horse trail, which had to be rerouted due to new highway construction. The other, at Eugenia Mine trail, was a mile hike from the Long's Peak trailhead. Five team members went to the Eugenia Mine trail which was at 10,000 ft.; the other four members remained at the Bierstadt Lake site at around 9000 ft. Depending on their schedule, five to six park trail crew were assigned to guide and work with us, thus simplifying the task.
The first day was difficult as we adjusted to working and positioning large heavy boulders to solidify and control water runoff on the trails. As the week progressed, we cleared trails, trimmed tree branches, moved and repositioned rocks and boulders on new tread. The remainder of the week was much better as we continued to acclimate and managed to work somewhat at a faster pace.
Working ten hours daily, we were able to complete the Eugenia Mine trail project in three days. On Friday, the last work day, all nine CTTT members worked on the Bierstadt Lake trail, completed it, and then moved and positioned logs and timber check logs for the next week's work project for the park trail crew who would be working at the location. Still, the most difficult and strenuous work was moving big boulders around to different areas along the trail. In all, the team was able to work 207 man-hours on these two projects.
We stayed at Moraine Park campground where we had a full-time cook who prepared great hot meals for us. After dinner, we usually had dessert and coffee by the campfire and told stories that only campers can tell but no one believes.
The elks were in their full rut season and showed up at dusk in the Moraine Park grounds. Later in the evening, we could hear the chorus of coyotes howling their favorite yelps and, of course, the hoot owls were around.
To close out the work week, some of the team went hiking while others visited Estes Park and did some shopping. Good work was completed for the Rocky Mountain Park. Special thanks to the park crew and to the CTTT team consisting of Bo, Terence, Bill, Diane, Wanda, Dan, Earl, Jennifer and Hilary.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
7/31-8/8/04: Carson National Forest, Taos, NM
Carson National Forest near Taos, New Mexico - by Mike Rogers
July 31-August 8, 2004
Eleven "Trail Tamers" participated in the first - hopefully not last - trip to Carson National Forest. Our hardy crew consisted of Mike Rodgers (Trip Leader), Lynda and Dave DeGroot (chefs & camp security), Fred Winkler, Janette Barlow, George Boemerman, Susan Kleinman, Gerry & Marlene Heiling, Bob "Mountainman" Saegert, and Alex Arreguin.
Our host for the trip, Richard Holmes, Trails Coordinator for Carson National Forest, told us we had "one cool project" and GAZOOK! Was he ever correct!
Our adventure started in the Walmart parking lot in Taos (except for the less patient Trail Tamers - Fred Winkler, who arrived a day early, and the Heilings, who journeyed from Washington State). We left Taos and convoyed to a viewing spot over the Rio Grande Gorge. After a short stop at the Gorge we journeyed to the Ranger Station in Tres Piedras for a "tool pick-up stop". A short way out of Tres Piedras, we turned onto Forest Service Road 87 - if one can call it a road. Our greatest thanks were that the road was dry, otherwise some of us would have disappeared in the ruts left by the big wheels. Even Susan's Corolla made it - all 28 miles - to the Lower Lagunitas Campground (elevation approximately 10,500 feet). The campground was on the south end of the Cruces Basin Wilderness, which several members of our group had the opportunity to venture into. They were amazed at the beauty of the area. As the crow flies our campground was 8-10 miles from Colorado. We set up camp, built the campfire and began the feast. I have never been on a Trail Tamer trip without GREAT meals. This trip was no exception. We started with spaghetti and salad followed by peach cobbler and ice cream(?) in the mountains. Seems each meal got better.
Our "Cool Project" was an eight-mile stretch of the Continental Divide Trail heading South of the Campground connecting to Forest Service Road 93 - I think the wildlife trails traveled better than the roads. Monday morning we started hiking the trail and quickly realized there was no trail. Our objective was the halfway point 4-miles in, but we only reached the "Aspen Tree Cantina" -my name for the lunch stop- at lunchtime. At that point, we realized we had to mark the trail we just founded. We split into two groups; the majority began work marking the trail heading back to the campground, a smaller group (Richard, Mary Ann- Richard's Supervisor & a native Central Texan, Gerry and myself) hiked to the halfway point - our original destination - to observe the quality of the trail to that point. That mile and one half was much better than the 3 miles we traversed in the morning.
Tuesday & Wednesday, we split into two work groups. One group spent time "benching" the down slope hillside, building a creek crossing, and clearing the up slope on the other side from the hillside. The other group (“Rock Engineers”) built many rock cairns marking the trail. The artistic quality of these cairns is beyond imagination. On our next trip, we will have to engrave the names of our Trail Tamers constructing these cairns.
On Thursday, we hiked the entire 8-mile stretch. What took three hours on Monday took an hour and a half Thursday. The improvements by this Trail Tamer work crew were amazing. We completed the eight-mile stretch on Thursday. The last three miles need more refinement, but it is still passable. Richard Holmes mentioned this would be a possible later project for CTTT. We would backpack in and set up camp, complete marking the 3mile stretch, and do some rock work on a section near the campsite.
In any case, CTTT will get credit for the 8 mile stretch of the Continental Divide Trail and we should get an invitation to return next year. Hopefully this can become an annual summer time trip as a relief from the hot Texas summers.
Saturday, June 5, 2004
Davy Crockett ADA Trail Dedication
Davy Crockett National Forest ADA Trail Dedication
June 5, 2004
Eleven years ago, Alan Weber our founder read an article stating that the national parks were having difficulty maintaining their trial systems do to lack of people power. So he called Rocky Mountain National Park and asked if he got a bunch of volunteers together and came up there to help address this problem, would they be interested. Obviously the answerer was "yes". So he placed an ad in the Austin newspaper. Over 100 people responded and eventually 3-dozen total strangers headed off to the Park in September of 1993 on what would be come the first event for the Central Texas Trail Tamers.
Since that time, 100's of CTTT events have taken place at numerous agency locations in several states and 1 foreign country. Currently CTTT supplies over 3000 hours annually of volunteer labor directly tied to trial construction and maintenance. Prior to serving as President, I sat on the Board of Directors and recall the day we discussed the project we are here to recognize. The Trail Tamers had never attempted a multi-year project and there was some concern being a relatively small volunteer outfit. But we had several dedicated members that really enjoyed coming to the Davy Crockett National Forest who spoke very highly of the hosts they dealt with. So, we took the plunge and some 3 years later we are here recognize their efforts.
I attended the first event when the trailhead was constructed. Since that time several people have participated representing virtually every demographic segment imaginable. From teenagers to WW2 veterans, students, teachers, dentist, lawyers, engineers and plumbers. People from all over the US and several other countries as well. In short, the Central Texas Trail Tamer volunteers represent a cross section of populace who all came together to provide for the betterment of others. So I am happy to accept this dedication on behalf of the Central Texas Trail Tamers, not because it is a milestone for the organization but because this project it an example of everything that is right with America! I would also like to express my gratitude to the staff of the Davy Crockett National Forest. Your efforts make it possible for all of us to enjoy this precious natural asset and they are sincerely appreciated.
By Dave DeGroot, 2004 CTTT President
June 5, 2004
Eleven years ago, Alan Weber our founder read an article stating that the national parks were having difficulty maintaining their trial systems do to lack of people power. So he called Rocky Mountain National Park and asked if he got a bunch of volunteers together and came up there to help address this problem, would they be interested. Obviously the answerer was "yes". So he placed an ad in the Austin newspaper. Over 100 people responded and eventually 3-dozen total strangers headed off to the Park in September of 1993 on what would be come the first event for the Central Texas Trail Tamers.
Since that time, 100's of CTTT events have taken place at numerous agency locations in several states and 1 foreign country. Currently CTTT supplies over 3000 hours annually of volunteer labor directly tied to trial construction and maintenance. Prior to serving as President, I sat on the Board of Directors and recall the day we discussed the project we are here to recognize. The Trail Tamers had never attempted a multi-year project and there was some concern being a relatively small volunteer outfit. But we had several dedicated members that really enjoyed coming to the Davy Crockett National Forest who spoke very highly of the hosts they dealt with. So, we took the plunge and some 3 years later we are here recognize their efforts.
I attended the first event when the trailhead was constructed. Since that time several people have participated representing virtually every demographic segment imaginable. From teenagers to WW2 veterans, students, teachers, dentist, lawyers, engineers and plumbers. People from all over the US and several other countries as well. In short, the Central Texas Trail Tamer volunteers represent a cross section of populace who all came together to provide for the betterment of others. So I am happy to accept this dedication on behalf of the Central Texas Trail Tamers, not because it is a milestone for the organization but because this project it an example of everything that is right with America! I would also like to express my gratitude to the staff of the Davy Crockett National Forest. Your efforts make it possible for all of us to enjoy this precious natural asset and they are sincerely appreciated.
By Dave DeGroot, 2004 CTTT President
Wednesday, May 5, 2004
4/24-5/1/04: Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas
April 24-May 1, 2004
Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas - by Derly Rivera
Nine CTTT members volunteered for the service trip to Shady Lake Campground in the Ouachita National Forest. After driving 460 miles, we arrived Saturday afternoon, the 24th. We went about pitching tents, setting up the kitchen tent, and clearing up the immediate area. The crew enjoyed dinner and settled in for the night. Shady Lake Campground is an old campground that has several historical sites. The stone bridge, the pavilion, walkways and other improvements were constructed by the CCC in 1938 and are considered artifacts. Thus, an archeological evaluation of historical buildings and sites should occur prior to any restoration. If restored, then the restoration work should look like the original, using materials of that era or duplicates if at all possible. Because of this situation, a few work projects were delayed until a full evaluation of the sites can be completed by the archeologist. Still, there was plenty of work for us.
We began working on Sunday in the "bone yard" where we demolished two sheds, cleaned and stored dimension lumber. We also had a controlled burn for rotten lumber and other debris. The entire bone yard was cleaned and secured.
From Monday through Thursday, different CTTT teams repaired stone work using cement and mortar, repaired benches, poured a cement pad, installed a picnic table and made the entire area handicapped accessible. Other members cleared trails using gas powered weed eaters and blowers. Lopping shears and axes were also used to clear a mountain trail. Different projects required few workers while others required more members in work crews.
Friday was our "off" day. Some went hiking, others stayed in camp, and a few went fishing. We had a "Mexican Fiesta" dinner that evening for our guests, the Park Rangers and supervisors. We completed preparations for our departure the next day just before heavy rains began at around 9:00 PM. We left the next morning, in the rain of course.
Overall, the CTTT crew completed over 300 man-hours of volunteer work. We would like to return next year. A big "thank you" to the crew; George, Rocky, Ray, Chuck, Janette, Bo, John, and Earl.
Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas - by Derly Rivera
Nine CTTT members volunteered for the service trip to Shady Lake Campground in the Ouachita National Forest. After driving 460 miles, we arrived Saturday afternoon, the 24th. We went about pitching tents, setting up the kitchen tent, and clearing up the immediate area. The crew enjoyed dinner and settled in for the night. Shady Lake Campground is an old campground that has several historical sites. The stone bridge, the pavilion, walkways and other improvements were constructed by the CCC in 1938 and are considered artifacts. Thus, an archeological evaluation of historical buildings and sites should occur prior to any restoration. If restored, then the restoration work should look like the original, using materials of that era or duplicates if at all possible. Because of this situation, a few work projects were delayed until a full evaluation of the sites can be completed by the archeologist. Still, there was plenty of work for us.
We began working on Sunday in the "bone yard" where we demolished two sheds, cleaned and stored dimension lumber. We also had a controlled burn for rotten lumber and other debris. The entire bone yard was cleaned and secured.
From Monday through Thursday, different CTTT teams repaired stone work using cement and mortar, repaired benches, poured a cement pad, installed a picnic table and made the entire area handicapped accessible. Other members cleared trails using gas powered weed eaters and blowers. Lopping shears and axes were also used to clear a mountain trail. Different projects required few workers while others required more members in work crews.
Friday was our "off" day. Some went hiking, others stayed in camp, and a few went fishing. We had a "Mexican Fiesta" dinner that evening for our guests, the Park Rangers and supervisors. We completed preparations for our departure the next day just before heavy rains began at around 9:00 PM. We left the next morning, in the rain of course.
Overall, the CTTT crew completed over 300 man-hours of volunteer work. We would like to return next year. A big "thank you" to the crew; George, Rocky, Ray, Chuck, Janette, Bo, John, and Earl.
Saturday, March 20, 2004
3/7-13/04: Big Bend Ranch State Park
March 7-13, 2004
Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas - by Bill Kemp
As we left early Sunday morning, the weather forecast called for a week of mild temperatures and sunny skies. Little did we know what was in store for us. After a 10 hour trip, we arrived and set up the camp next to the lodge. Our site offered several picnic tables and grills, a large fire ring with wood provided, a water spigot and electricity from the lodge. Hot showers were available at the nearby visitor center. This was hardly roughing it!
Our task was to convert the nature trail (one mile including some roads) from the horse trail that it was into the easily traveled "people path" that it is now. We looked over the job and decided we could complete it early and hopefully move on to the Horsetrap hike and bike trail. The task involved removing rocks from the trail, building numerous steps, grade dips and waterbars and, in the flat stretches, building rock cairns. Luckily, we brought our rock carriers because we really needed them. By Wednesday evening, we only had about 20 ft. to go. That evening, we saw a double rainbow and a gorgeous sunset. When we awoke on Thursday, a big storm was brewing. Several lightening strikes convinced us to stay in camp awhile. Then, the rain started. It poured! It wasn't until the afternoon that we could walk the trail and make a few modifications to our work. We left the 20 ft. for another time.
Ranger Bill Broyles, who worked with us all week, offered to show us some pictographs on Friday. It rained often during the night and the fog was low when we got up Friday morning. It was raining lightly but we still took the hike. Given the low visibility and continuing rain, we decided to leave after the hike. After 40 minutes of driving out on the gravel road through another downpour, we came to a wash that now had a river flowing through it. We hadn't even noticed it on the way in. Across the wash was Tony Gallego, park manager, who was also waiting for the waters to recede. After about an hour, he was able to drive his truck through. He called the park headquarters and learned that the second wash we would have to cross was much worse. After waiting over two hours, we were advised to turn around and stay at the park another evening. Tony was kind enough to let us stay in the lodge and use the kitchen facilities.
During the week, we learned the names of many desert plants. The variety of cactus was amazing. We also hiked to the Cinco Tinajas, which are 5 pools of water located in depressions carved out of the rock in a canyon. The highlight of our meals was Pan Poached Salmon Picata. Thanks to all our participants: Alex Arreguin, Frances Fehribach, Gretchen Gann, Gerry and Marlene Heiling, Paul Johnson, Dick Meyer, Sylvia Powell and Bill Kemp (crew leader).
Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas - by Bill Kemp
As we left early Sunday morning, the weather forecast called for a week of mild temperatures and sunny skies. Little did we know what was in store for us. After a 10 hour trip, we arrived and set up the camp next to the lodge. Our site offered several picnic tables and grills, a large fire ring with wood provided, a water spigot and electricity from the lodge. Hot showers were available at the nearby visitor center. This was hardly roughing it!
Our task was to convert the nature trail (one mile including some roads) from the horse trail that it was into the easily traveled "people path" that it is now. We looked over the job and decided we could complete it early and hopefully move on to the Horsetrap hike and bike trail. The task involved removing rocks from the trail, building numerous steps, grade dips and waterbars and, in the flat stretches, building rock cairns. Luckily, we brought our rock carriers because we really needed them. By Wednesday evening, we only had about 20 ft. to go. That evening, we saw a double rainbow and a gorgeous sunset. When we awoke on Thursday, a big storm was brewing. Several lightening strikes convinced us to stay in camp awhile. Then, the rain started. It poured! It wasn't until the afternoon that we could walk the trail and make a few modifications to our work. We left the 20 ft. for another time.
Ranger Bill Broyles, who worked with us all week, offered to show us some pictographs on Friday. It rained often during the night and the fog was low when we got up Friday morning. It was raining lightly but we still took the hike. Given the low visibility and continuing rain, we decided to leave after the hike. After 40 minutes of driving out on the gravel road through another downpour, we came to a wash that now had a river flowing through it. We hadn't even noticed it on the way in. Across the wash was Tony Gallego, park manager, who was also waiting for the waters to recede. After about an hour, he was able to drive his truck through. He called the park headquarters and learned that the second wash we would have to cross was much worse. After waiting over two hours, we were advised to turn around and stay at the park another evening. Tony was kind enough to let us stay in the lodge and use the kitchen facilities.
During the week, we learned the names of many desert plants. The variety of cactus was amazing. We also hiked to the Cinco Tinajas, which are 5 pools of water located in depressions carved out of the rock in a canyon. The highlight of our meals was Pan Poached Salmon Picata. Thanks to all our participants: Alex Arreguin, Frances Fehribach, Gretchen Gann, Gerry and Marlene Heiling, Paul Johnson, Dick Meyer, Sylvia Powell and Bill Kemp (crew leader).
Saturday, February 28, 2004
2/12-16/04: Davy Crockett National Forest
February 12-16, 2004
Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas - by George Boemerman
The weather forecast was not good for the forest area--wet and cold with possible snow. However, a group of stout-hearted Trail Tamers decided to withstand the elements and get some work done. Ray Fore, Rocky Nelson, Terence Donovan, David Justice, Chuck Lundstedt and George Boemerman arrived early Thursday, set up camp and on Friday pre-positioned the materials needed to repair two bridges and build a third from scratch. Forest Service personnel, Merlinda Schory and a new member, Chris Bishop, led us to the work sites at the far north end of the Four C Trail and worked right along with us. That evening Bob Weglarz arrived and, at 2:30 in the morning, in the rain, Kyle Herzog and Jennifer arrived from Austin (real tigers) and set up camp.
Saturday morning was wet so we all congregated at the covered pavilion for breakfast and watched one of the most picturesque snowfalls on Ratcliff Lake. By 10:30am the weather dried up a bit and we went to work. We completed a good day of bridge building and repairing, then returned to the pavilion. The campground hosts, Ralph and Ruth Neilson, were there with extra firewood and had a good fire in the fireplace waiting for us. We enjoyed a great Saturday nite feast. Rocky Nelson fried up a good sized turkey, Merlinda provided a Mississippi Mud cake and sweet potato pie, Ray Fore and Bob Weglarz made big salads, and George Boemerman baked a peach cobbler in a dutch oven. Considering the cold, wet environment, the roaring campfire and rich food were most welcome! Great discussions around the campfire added to our evening.
Sunday was bright and clear. We finished our projects about 4pm and returned to the pavilion to fry up a second turkey and eat the leftovers, and we continued our fireside discussion. As agreed by the Forest Service personnel, that concluded our work project and on Monday we packed up and headed home. It was another fine Trail Tamers expedition to Davy Crockett National Forest. However, it was missing a key element. Pearlie Green is still on active duty with the Army Reserves. We miss her and wish her God Speed!
Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas - by George Boemerman
The weather forecast was not good for the forest area--wet and cold with possible snow. However, a group of stout-hearted Trail Tamers decided to withstand the elements and get some work done. Ray Fore, Rocky Nelson, Terence Donovan, David Justice, Chuck Lundstedt and George Boemerman arrived early Thursday, set up camp and on Friday pre-positioned the materials needed to repair two bridges and build a third from scratch. Forest Service personnel, Merlinda Schory and a new member, Chris Bishop, led us to the work sites at the far north end of the Four C Trail and worked right along with us. That evening Bob Weglarz arrived and, at 2:30 in the morning, in the rain, Kyle Herzog and Jennifer arrived from Austin (real tigers) and set up camp.
Saturday morning was wet so we all congregated at the covered pavilion for breakfast and watched one of the most picturesque snowfalls on Ratcliff Lake. By 10:30am the weather dried up a bit and we went to work. We completed a good day of bridge building and repairing, then returned to the pavilion. The campground hosts, Ralph and Ruth Neilson, were there with extra firewood and had a good fire in the fireplace waiting for us. We enjoyed a great Saturday nite feast. Rocky Nelson fried up a good sized turkey, Merlinda provided a Mississippi Mud cake and sweet potato pie, Ray Fore and Bob Weglarz made big salads, and George Boemerman baked a peach cobbler in a dutch oven. Considering the cold, wet environment, the roaring campfire and rich food were most welcome! Great discussions around the campfire added to our evening.
Sunday was bright and clear. We finished our projects about 4pm and returned to the pavilion to fry up a second turkey and eat the leftovers, and we continued our fireside discussion. As agreed by the Forest Service personnel, that concluded our work project and on Monday we packed up and headed home. It was another fine Trail Tamers expedition to Davy Crockett National Forest. However, it was missing a key element. Pearlie Green is still on active duty with the Army Reserves. We miss her and wish her God Speed!
Sunday, February 1, 2004
1/31/04 Acacia Preserve Trip Report
January 31, 2004
Acacia Preserve, Texas - by Lynda DeGroot
After postponing this project due to heavy rains, everything was great just one week later! Ten Trail Tamers met at the Side Saddle Cafe in Dripping Springs and convoyed to the preserve where we were met by the owner, Nancy Moore. After a brief discussion about what she wanted us to do, we grabbed our tools and set about clearing as much cedar as we possibly could, but we sure could have used a chain saw or two! At any rate, with nothing more than bow saws, folding handsaws and loppers, we managed to cut, drag and stack cedar limbs in dozens of huge piles. (Nancy is in the process of trying to remove much of the cedar in order to allow native grasses to re-establish themselves. She's helping this along by scattering as much seed by hand as possible.)
After taking a quick lunch break, we finished up, rounded up the tools and at about 2:30 pm we headed out with Nancy in the lead. She took us to a place where we were able to access Dead Man's Hole without having to hike all the way. This new access point brought us to the top of the grotto where the waterfall goes over into the pool below. It was beautiful! If you know what Hamilton Pool looks like, this is almost a twin but much more pristine! What a great treat and wonderful way to end a hard day's work.
Acacia Preserve, Texas - by Lynda DeGroot
After postponing this project due to heavy rains, everything was great just one week later! Ten Trail Tamers met at the Side Saddle Cafe in Dripping Springs and convoyed to the preserve where we were met by the owner, Nancy Moore. After a brief discussion about what she wanted us to do, we grabbed our tools and set about clearing as much cedar as we possibly could, but we sure could have used a chain saw or two! At any rate, with nothing more than bow saws, folding handsaws and loppers, we managed to cut, drag and stack cedar limbs in dozens of huge piles. (Nancy is in the process of trying to remove much of the cedar in order to allow native grasses to re-establish themselves. She's helping this along by scattering as much seed by hand as possible.)
After taking a quick lunch break, we finished up, rounded up the tools and at about 2:30 pm we headed out with Nancy in the lead. She took us to a place where we were able to access Dead Man's Hole without having to hike all the way. This new access point brought us to the top of the grotto where the waterfall goes over into the pool below. It was beautiful! If you know what Hamilton Pool looks like, this is almost a twin but much more pristine! What a great treat and wonderful way to end a hard day's work.
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
1/10-11/04 Bamberger Ranch Preserve Trip Report
January 10 & 11, 2004
Bamberger Ranch Preserve, Texas - by Lynda DeGroot
Some mighty fine weather greeted 22 Trail Tamers who ventured out to this wonderful place near Johnson City. Several members drove a long way just for the privilege of working on the new Turkey Hollow Trail that has been created in a portion of the preserve that we hadn't seen before. One person drove in from Sequin, another drove all the way from Laredo(!), while others came from Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Buda and, of course, Austin. We were even paid a visit by a member from Lampasas whom we haven't seen in a while.
When everyone had gathered in front of Hes' old General Store on Saturday morning, our hosts for the weekend (Colleen Gardner and Steven Fulton) told us where we were going and what kind of work we would be doing. Then, after a brief tool safety talk given by our president, Dave DeGroot, we boarded the "Bluebonnet" for our short jaunt to the worksite.
Upon arrival at the site, we grabbed our tools and began the task of carving this new path through thick stands of immature cedar. Chainsaws were wailing as their operators followed the flags marking the route through the heavily wooded area, cutting trees or branches that were in the way. The rest of us followed, trimming back smaller limbs and cutting in the trail tread where necessary. Several members built large rock cairns to help people locate the trail in open areas where it could easily be hidden by the tall grasses. Unfortunately, one of our newest members took a spill and hurt his shoulder but he continued working.
After we finished for the day, Colleen, Steven and his wife prepared a fine feast of tamales, ranch style beans, chips & salsa. Most of the crew headed home afterward, but nine members stayed the night and were planning to finish the rest of the trail the next day. We camped near the old general store since it has a bathroom, and we built a great campfire under a big oak tree. The sky was clear and the stars were awesome!
The next day, we were up early and ready to go after a quick breakfast. This time we drove a couple of vehicles to the other end of the trail to start working on it. When quittin' time rolled around at about noon, I was told that, in all, we completed a little over half of the trail, which is more than a mile long. After saying our goodbyes to Colleen and Steven, we headed home.
Bamberger Ranch Preserve, Texas - by Lynda DeGroot
Some mighty fine weather greeted 22 Trail Tamers who ventured out to this wonderful place near Johnson City. Several members drove a long way just for the privilege of working on the new Turkey Hollow Trail that has been created in a portion of the preserve that we hadn't seen before. One person drove in from Sequin, another drove all the way from Laredo(!), while others came from Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Buda and, of course, Austin. We were even paid a visit by a member from Lampasas whom we haven't seen in a while.
When everyone had gathered in front of Hes' old General Store on Saturday morning, our hosts for the weekend (Colleen Gardner and Steven Fulton) told us where we were going and what kind of work we would be doing. Then, after a brief tool safety talk given by our president, Dave DeGroot, we boarded the "Bluebonnet" for our short jaunt to the worksite.
Upon arrival at the site, we grabbed our tools and began the task of carving this new path through thick stands of immature cedar. Chainsaws were wailing as their operators followed the flags marking the route through the heavily wooded area, cutting trees or branches that were in the way. The rest of us followed, trimming back smaller limbs and cutting in the trail tread where necessary. Several members built large rock cairns to help people locate the trail in open areas where it could easily be hidden by the tall grasses. Unfortunately, one of our newest members took a spill and hurt his shoulder but he continued working.
After we finished for the day, Colleen, Steven and his wife prepared a fine feast of tamales, ranch style beans, chips & salsa. Most of the crew headed home afterward, but nine members stayed the night and were planning to finish the rest of the trail the next day. We camped near the old general store since it has a bathroom, and we built a great campfire under a big oak tree. The sky was clear and the stars were awesome!
The next day, we were up early and ready to go after a quick breakfast. This time we drove a couple of vehicles to the other end of the trail to start working on it. When quittin' time rolled around at about noon, I was told that, in all, we completed a little over half of the trail, which is more than a mile long. After saying our goodbyes to Colleen and Steven, we headed home.
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