March 22-29, 2003
Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas - by Derly Rivera
Ten CTTT members made up the work crew that went to Arkansas March 22-29. After an all day drive, we were greeted by forest rangers at Mill Creek Campground, where we set up tents and received safety tips and instructions for the week.
Our original work schedule was changed due to several controlled burns scheduled for that week. The trail maintenance work was cancelled, so we concentrated on restoring tent and RV pad sites, cleaning out debris and piling brush for a later burn. We also repaired erosion damage by setting river stones for riprap and planting grass seed on slopes leading to the creek and swimming area. Two of the crew took time to blaze the main trail leading out of camp.
Some of our more experienced crew members worked with cement and mortar mix to repair stone work, drains, and the front entrance signs. One project called for removing flat stone, leveling the sub-surface, replacing the stone, and then applying the mortar mix. This alone was a nine-hour endeavor. Others repaired broken faucets and cleaned out drains.
A major work was piling brush for a controlled burn later that week. The entire campground consisting of four main areas, was cleared of branches, debris, and fallen trees which were collected into thirty-seven piles for the burn. Several of the CTT crew assisted and had a good learning experience.
The rangers were very pleased with out work, especially since three of our members could drive front-end loaders and others could use chain saws, work on plumbing, and do cement/mortar work. Because of the dedication of our CTT crew, we finished all the assigned tasks in three and one-half days. With the extra time in hand, we were able to give some additional help such as cleaning out one hundred twenty-three feet of a drain waterway leading to the creek and pool area.
Friday was our day off for hiking and exploring the area. Seven rangers and their wives were invited to our traditional Mexican dinner and a specially prepared dutch oven capirotada. That evening we were surprised by the Mena/Oden Forest District Manager, who presented CTTT with a check to help cover expenses for the trip. He was very pleased with our work and invited CTTT to return next year.
Sunday, March 30, 2003
Thursday, March 20, 2003
3/9-15/03 Davis Mountains Preserve Trip Report
March 9-15, 2003
Davis Mountains Preserve, TX - by George Boemerman
On March 8th, eight intrepid trail tamers (George Boemerman, Patrick Clynch, Mark Henneke, David Justice, Bill Kemp, Jim Robinson, Allan Weber and Mary Zeitler) took off for west Texas and the Davis Mountains Nature Conservancy Preserve. As requested by Karen Talley, the preserve's volunteer coordinator, we brought a wide selection of tools with us, plus equipment to establish a primitive camp. Dave and Lynda DeGroot had been out there last year and stated how great the area was. So, we all decided to arrive a day early to get acquainted with the region.
We established our initial campsite in a grassy bowl about one mile across and adjacent to the preserve's guest cabin. This afforded us access to a shower, toilet, kitchen and a comfortable porch on which to relax at the end of the day.
On Sunday, Karen took us on a hike to view some of the area and trail projects. Our task was two-fold: to mark new trails and repair some old ones in an area adjacent to the preserve's main camp and to relocate to the high country at the base of Mount Livermore (the state's fifth highest peak at 8300+ ft.) to repair the trail and build new switchbacks.
After much thought about the second task, we decided to keep our camp at the cabin area and travel each day to the base of the mountain. Temperatures at night at the cabin were about 25 degrees. At the remote campsite, the elevation was considerable higher with a stronger wind.
We completed the trail work on the first task and put a good dent in the second one. Karen was quite pleased with the amount and quality of our work and invited us back to complete the trail work or to return for recreation, as we deserved it (according to her).
Although we put in a lot of work, we also managed to have lighter moments. George cooked his family's favorite beef barley combination followed by dutch oven peach cobbler. Allan and Jim prepared a great sausage and pasta medley. Allan also managed to find a hind quarter of a feral hog.
On Friday (our day off), we climbed to the top of Mount Livermore and toured the surrounding area (Fort Davis and Alpine). Afterwards, Allan did a great job barbecuing that hog leg and Patrick surprised us with a most delicious apple cherry dump cake in the dutch oven. We were joined by Karen Talley and the preserve project leader. That night, Mother Nature put on an awesome show for us: Lightning, wind and rain. Many of us migrated to the cabin for the night.
The Davis Mountains Preserve is a gem! High grasslands, stands of mixed timber, the fifth highest peak in Texas, and water. The volunteer coordinator (Karen Talley) is a very personable young woman who worked right along with us. She hopes that CTTT will consider making this an annual trip!
Davis Mountains Preserve, TX - by George Boemerman
On March 8th, eight intrepid trail tamers (George Boemerman, Patrick Clynch, Mark Henneke, David Justice, Bill Kemp, Jim Robinson, Allan Weber and Mary Zeitler) took off for west Texas and the Davis Mountains Nature Conservancy Preserve. As requested by Karen Talley, the preserve's volunteer coordinator, we brought a wide selection of tools with us, plus equipment to establish a primitive camp. Dave and Lynda DeGroot had been out there last year and stated how great the area was. So, we all decided to arrive a day early to get acquainted with the region.
We established our initial campsite in a grassy bowl about one mile across and adjacent to the preserve's guest cabin. This afforded us access to a shower, toilet, kitchen and a comfortable porch on which to relax at the end of the day.
On Sunday, Karen took us on a hike to view some of the area and trail projects. Our task was two-fold: to mark new trails and repair some old ones in an area adjacent to the preserve's main camp and to relocate to the high country at the base of Mount Livermore (the state's fifth highest peak at 8300+ ft.) to repair the trail and build new switchbacks.
After much thought about the second task, we decided to keep our camp at the cabin area and travel each day to the base of the mountain. Temperatures at night at the cabin were about 25 degrees. At the remote campsite, the elevation was considerable higher with a stronger wind.
We completed the trail work on the first task and put a good dent in the second one. Karen was quite pleased with the amount and quality of our work and invited us back to complete the trail work or to return for recreation, as we deserved it (according to her).
Although we put in a lot of work, we also managed to have lighter moments. George cooked his family's favorite beef barley combination followed by dutch oven peach cobbler. Allan and Jim prepared a great sausage and pasta medley. Allan also managed to find a hind quarter of a feral hog.
On Friday (our day off), we climbed to the top of Mount Livermore and toured the surrounding area (Fort Davis and Alpine). Afterwards, Allan did a great job barbecuing that hog leg and Patrick surprised us with a most delicious apple cherry dump cake in the dutch oven. We were joined by Karen Talley and the preserve project leader. That night, Mother Nature put on an awesome show for us: Lightning, wind and rain. Many of us migrated to the cabin for the night.
The Davis Mountains Preserve is a gem! High grasslands, stands of mixed timber, the fifth highest peak in Texas, and water. The volunteer coordinator (Karen Talley) is a very personable young woman who worked right along with us. She hopes that CTTT will consider making this an annual trip!
Saturday, March 15, 2003
4/6-12/03 Copper Breaks State Park Trip Report
April 6-12, 2003
Copper Breaks State Park, Quanah, TX - by Lynda DeGroot
On Sunday, April 6th, four ambitious Trail Tamers (Galen, Stewart, Mary Zeitler, Jim McKinney, and yours truly) headed off to Copper Breaks State Park in north Texas...the first time any CTTT crew has been in that part of the our state!
Upon pulling into Quanah and heading down Highway 6, we wondered what kind of park would be awaiting our arrival out in that flat to gently rolling ranch land with few trees. After reaching our destination, we were surprised to see an interesting change in the terrain. We drove down the park road into somewhat of a valley with a small 60 acre lake that feeds into the Pease River, and a really nice campground full of tall cottonwoods and other trees. We were allowed to camp in the “day use” area near a screened pavilion in which we set up our kitchen.
After pitching our tents, we checked out the park and found that it was really nice and very unique. It’s amazing how much wildlife we saw! A bobcat ran across the road in front of our vehicle and a couple of roadrunners were near our camp. The lake was a stopping off place for egrets, herons, ducks, and more. The park host showed us a large pond upstream from the lake that had a huge beaver lodge below it. We learned that the Copper Breaks name comes from the “breaks” in the land and the bands of greenish-colored clay throughout the red sandstone. The green color is from traces of copper, but there is not enough to be mined (thankfully).
Our week began by cutting back seriously overgrown grasses, juniper and other vegetation from a nature trail that is popular with hikers. While Jim and Galen were weed-wacking, Mary followed right along wielding the loppers, and I helped the park manager and his assistant tackle those overly-abundant junipers with chain saws. After cutting the juniper, we all pitched in to drag the branches back down to the trailhead to be loaded into an old dump truck and hauled to a field by the maintenance buildings. In all, we cut 17 truckloads of juniper! We also managed to set 10 out of 23 sign posts in that rocky ground before running out of time.
Our day off (Friday) was totally planned by the park staff! In the morning, we toured the museum and heard stories about Quanah Parker, the last great Comanche war chief, and his mother Cynthia Ann Parker; we fed some longhorns that are part of the state herd descended from those brought over by the Spanish; we watched a flint-knapping demonstration by a man who is an authentic chuck-wagon cook at a local ranch; and the park manager's family and co-workers prepared a wonderful dinner for us topped off by fresh-out-of-the-oven blackberry cobbler! After that, we were shown the beautiful Bull Canyon (with about a 200 ft. drop) and hiked the Rocky Ledge trail; and as if that wasn't enough, we were sent to a higher campground where the Dallas Astronomical Society had set up several huge telescopes for us to view the night sky. We were treated to our very own "Star Party!"
Copper Breaks State Park, Quanah, TX - by Lynda DeGroot
On Sunday, April 6th, four ambitious Trail Tamers (Galen, Stewart, Mary Zeitler, Jim McKinney, and yours truly) headed off to Copper Breaks State Park in north Texas...the first time any CTTT crew has been in that part of the our state!
Upon pulling into Quanah and heading down Highway 6, we wondered what kind of park would be awaiting our arrival out in that flat to gently rolling ranch land with few trees. After reaching our destination, we were surprised to see an interesting change in the terrain. We drove down the park road into somewhat of a valley with a small 60 acre lake that feeds into the Pease River, and a really nice campground full of tall cottonwoods and other trees. We were allowed to camp in the “day use” area near a screened pavilion in which we set up our kitchen.
After pitching our tents, we checked out the park and found that it was really nice and very unique. It’s amazing how much wildlife we saw! A bobcat ran across the road in front of our vehicle and a couple of roadrunners were near our camp. The lake was a stopping off place for egrets, herons, ducks, and more. The park host showed us a large pond upstream from the lake that had a huge beaver lodge below it. We learned that the Copper Breaks name comes from the “breaks” in the land and the bands of greenish-colored clay throughout the red sandstone. The green color is from traces of copper, but there is not enough to be mined (thankfully).
Our week began by cutting back seriously overgrown grasses, juniper and other vegetation from a nature trail that is popular with hikers. While Jim and Galen were weed-wacking, Mary followed right along wielding the loppers, and I helped the park manager and his assistant tackle those overly-abundant junipers with chain saws. After cutting the juniper, we all pitched in to drag the branches back down to the trailhead to be loaded into an old dump truck and hauled to a field by the maintenance buildings. In all, we cut 17 truckloads of juniper! We also managed to set 10 out of 23 sign posts in that rocky ground before running out of time.
Our day off (Friday) was totally planned by the park staff! In the morning, we toured the museum and heard stories about Quanah Parker, the last great Comanche war chief, and his mother Cynthia Ann Parker; we fed some longhorns that are part of the state herd descended from those brought over by the Spanish; we watched a flint-knapping demonstration by a man who is an authentic chuck-wagon cook at a local ranch; and the park manager's family and co-workers prepared a wonderful dinner for us topped off by fresh-out-of-the-oven blackberry cobbler! After that, we were shown the beautiful Bull Canyon (with about a 200 ft. drop) and hiked the Rocky Ledge trail; and as if that wasn't enough, we were sent to a higher campground where the Dallas Astronomical Society had set up several huge telescopes for us to view the night sky. We were treated to our very own "Star Party!"
Sunday, December 15, 2002
12/1-7/02 Big Bend National Park Trip Report
Dec. 1-7, 2002
Big Bend National Park - by Lynda DeGroot
On a cool December 1st morning, six hardy souls including five "veterans" (Jerry Levenson, Jerry Smolinsky, David Justice, Bob Saegert and Lynda DeGroot) and one new member (Serena Horn) gathered in the Albertson's parking lot at the "Y" in Oak Hill, eager to board the "Big Bend Express," aka a rental van, and head off on another Trail Tamer adventure in Big Bend National Park. We hadn't worked on trails in Big Bend in a couple of years so this was an eagerly anticipated trip.
We arrived at our campsite at Government Springs about 9 hours later. Within minutes, another member (Del Grosenheider) rode up on his motorcycle followed shortly by Allan Weber and George Boemerman in Allan's car. We immediately went to work setting up our big cook tent and some of the tables, stoves, and other equipment the Park Service left for our use. We then pitched our own tents. Rather than cooking, we drove up to the Chisos Basin and ate dinner at the lodge.
Monday morning got off to a slower start than we anticipated because our Park Service crew leader's truck broke down about a mile or so from our camp. We drove Aaron back to his truck so he could load the tools in our van and he rode with us to Grapevine Hills where we began working on the trail starting up at the "window."
Some of us cut back lots of thorny vegetation that was growing out into the trail and others had to rework a couple of sections that were really steep and eroded by putting in steps and building a retaining wall. This was a major task because the trail was almost solid rock! Not to worry…our fearless "rock experts" came through and finished all that was required (and probably a lot more).
Still more steps were put in, more vegetation trimmed or removed and "illegal" trails closed as we worked our way back to the parking area. The first day was almost too hot and the second day brought cool temperatures and almost continuous drizzle, but nothing kept us from our appointed task!
Since we finished our work on the Grapevine Hills trail, on Wednesday we were diverted to the Lost Mine trail. The hike was absolutely gorgeous and the views (especially toward The Window) were breathtaking! As before, we hiked all the way to the top carrying our tools, and worked our way back down.
We carefully cut back bunches of yucca and numerous low hanging limbs, and removed LOTS of cacti that were growing out into the trail. A few of us ended up picking out thorns! While working our way downward, we also cleaned out most of the water bars and there were a lot!
On Thursday, the weather changed and frost covered everything. It almost looked like a light dusting of snow! It was a beautiful sight as we hiked up the trail!
Alas…Friday was to be our day off but we woke up to see fog that was so thick we couldn't even see the Chisos Mountains from our campsite! Actually, we could barely see anything! We had planned on taking a jaunt around the park to show our newest members what a beautiful place it is but, instead, we ended up heading home. All in all, it was a great trip, and everyone seemed to have a good time.
Big Bend National Park - by Lynda DeGroot
On a cool December 1st morning, six hardy souls including five "veterans" (Jerry Levenson, Jerry Smolinsky, David Justice, Bob Saegert and Lynda DeGroot) and one new member (Serena Horn) gathered in the Albertson's parking lot at the "Y" in Oak Hill, eager to board the "Big Bend Express," aka a rental van, and head off on another Trail Tamer adventure in Big Bend National Park. We hadn't worked on trails in Big Bend in a couple of years so this was an eagerly anticipated trip.
We arrived at our campsite at Government Springs about 9 hours later. Within minutes, another member (Del Grosenheider) rode up on his motorcycle followed shortly by Allan Weber and George Boemerman in Allan's car. We immediately went to work setting up our big cook tent and some of the tables, stoves, and other equipment the Park Service left for our use. We then pitched our own tents. Rather than cooking, we drove up to the Chisos Basin and ate dinner at the lodge.
Monday morning got off to a slower start than we anticipated because our Park Service crew leader's truck broke down about a mile or so from our camp. We drove Aaron back to his truck so he could load the tools in our van and he rode with us to Grapevine Hills where we began working on the trail starting up at the "window."
Some of us cut back lots of thorny vegetation that was growing out into the trail and others had to rework a couple of sections that were really steep and eroded by putting in steps and building a retaining wall. This was a major task because the trail was almost solid rock! Not to worry…our fearless "rock experts" came through and finished all that was required (and probably a lot more).
Still more steps were put in, more vegetation trimmed or removed and "illegal" trails closed as we worked our way back to the parking area. The first day was almost too hot and the second day brought cool temperatures and almost continuous drizzle, but nothing kept us from our appointed task!
Since we finished our work on the Grapevine Hills trail, on Wednesday we were diverted to the Lost Mine trail. The hike was absolutely gorgeous and the views (especially toward The Window) were breathtaking! As before, we hiked all the way to the top carrying our tools, and worked our way back down.
We carefully cut back bunches of yucca and numerous low hanging limbs, and removed LOTS of cacti that were growing out into the trail. A few of us ended up picking out thorns! While working our way downward, we also cleaned out most of the water bars and there were a lot!
On Thursday, the weather changed and frost covered everything. It almost looked like a light dusting of snow! It was a beautiful sight as we hiked up the trail!
Alas…Friday was to be our day off but we woke up to see fog that was so thick we couldn't even see the Chisos Mountains from our campsite! Actually, we could barely see anything! We had planned on taking a jaunt around the park to show our newest members what a beautiful place it is but, instead, we ended up heading home. All in all, it was a great trip, and everyone seemed to have a good time.
Friday, November 15, 2002
11/8-11/02 Davy Crockett National Forest Trip Report
Nov. 8-11, 2002
Davy Crockett National Forest - by George Boemerman
Seventeen Trail Tamers, including two brand new folks and two from the E-Corp attacked the handicapped access trail with vigor. The weather was great (actually a bit warm) and the camp sites were nice. Pealie and Merlinda (the Davy Crockett Forest Rangers) also worked right along with us.
Most folks arrived on Friday, Nov. 8. Raymond Fore cooked a super spaghetti dinner for all of us. On Saturday, we laid timbers to border the trail and started laying a trail base of crushed limestone and gravel. That evening Bob Saegert, our illustrious Cajun chef, fried two specially marinated turkeys for us. They were mouthwatering! To complement Bob’s culinary efforts, George Boermerman baked peach cobbler in the dutch oven, serving it hot with whipped cream.
Sunday, a well-fed crew returned to work on the trail project while four split off to accomplish some back-country work. A trail bridge had washed out during a recent storm and had to be replaced with a new one, plus one other had to be repaired.
Monday morning, it was more trail laying work plus time to start putting the handrails up on the board portion. After a "tool" delay, Raymond Fore finally was able to get that portion of the project started.
Most folks left by noon on Monday, but some stayed to help Raymond on the handrails. It appears we should be able to finish the project during our next work session in January or February. The following members all did a great job: Janette Barlow, Mike Beard, Terence Donovan, Raymond Fore (project leader), George Boemerman (his assistant), Mike Rodgers, Chuck Lundstedt, Rocky Nelson, David Justice, Fred Winkler, Bill Kemp, Pam MacKenzie, and Bob Saegert. From E-Corp, Robin Petty and Lisa Slate. There were also two new members, Delores Goodrich and Jeanette Smiecinsky.
Davy Crockett National Forest - by George Boemerman
Seventeen Trail Tamers, including two brand new folks and two from the E-Corp attacked the handicapped access trail with vigor. The weather was great (actually a bit warm) and the camp sites were nice. Pealie and Merlinda (the Davy Crockett Forest Rangers) also worked right along with us.
Most folks arrived on Friday, Nov. 8. Raymond Fore cooked a super spaghetti dinner for all of us. On Saturday, we laid timbers to border the trail and started laying a trail base of crushed limestone and gravel. That evening Bob Saegert, our illustrious Cajun chef, fried two specially marinated turkeys for us. They were mouthwatering! To complement Bob’s culinary efforts, George Boermerman baked peach cobbler in the dutch oven, serving it hot with whipped cream.
Sunday, a well-fed crew returned to work on the trail project while four split off to accomplish some back-country work. A trail bridge had washed out during a recent storm and had to be replaced with a new one, plus one other had to be repaired.
Monday morning, it was more trail laying work plus time to start putting the handrails up on the board portion. After a "tool" delay, Raymond Fore finally was able to get that portion of the project started.
Most folks left by noon on Monday, but some stayed to help Raymond on the handrails. It appears we should be able to finish the project during our next work session in January or February. The following members all did a great job: Janette Barlow, Mike Beard, Terence Donovan, Raymond Fore (project leader), George Boemerman (his assistant), Mike Rodgers, Chuck Lundstedt, Rocky Nelson, David Justice, Fred Winkler, Bill Kemp, Pam MacKenzie, and Bob Saegert. From E-Corp, Robin Petty and Lisa Slate. There were also two new members, Delores Goodrich and Jeanette Smiecinsky.
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