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.
Sunday, December 15, 2002
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.
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
10/19-26/02 Guadalupe Mountains National Park Trip Report
October 19-26, 2002
Guadalupe Mountains National Park - by George Boemerman
The Fall season brought about the annual Trail Tamer trip to the Guadalupe Mountains. Two groups were formed to accommodate the assigned projects. Chris Zielinski led the Guadalupe Peak trail crew with Jutta Haubold, David Justice and Bob Saegert while George Boemerman coordinated the Sand Dune area crew of Carol Burris, Debbie Galloway, Randall Bosarge, Mary Zeitler, Raylene Welch, Derly Rivera, and Jerry Smolinski.
On October 19th, we drove out to the Guadalupe Mountains and rendezvoused at the Ship on the Desert (a Park Service lodge located in an isolated spot in the park). The next day, the Guadalupe Peak crew hiked up the mountain while Jack Kinkaid, the park's wrangler, carried up their gear on horses. Roger Murillo of the park's trail crew accompanied them.
The Sand Dune area crew had Sunday off and some took advantage of the good weather to hike the McKittrick Canyon trail while others took the Permian Reef trail. On Monday, they joined Juan Mendoza from the park's trail crew and drove out to the Sand Dune area where small trailers were set up for our accommodations. This crew spent their time taking down old barbed wire fences and became quite proficient at it!
The Guadalupe Peak crew accomplished a significant amount of trail restoration on their project, cleaning and repairing existing waterbars, adding new ones along with new steps, three new retaining walls, filling in eroded areas, etc. and even got to contend with some sleet on top of the mountain!
We all finished our projects early and returned to the Ship on the Desert on Thursday. Some folks had to return home early, but a few took advantage of Friday being a day-off to drive up to Carlsbad Cavern where the park afforded us free entrance because we are a volunteer group.
The crew had the traditional party on Friday night and Jack Kinkaid, the park's wrangler and Tony Armijo, the park's trail supervisor attended.
I'd like to thank Chris Zielinski for doing a great job as the Peak Trail crew leader and for running the show when I had to leave early. Also, thanks to Derly Rivera for a great job in purchasing the group's food, planning the menus and performing as the chef.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park - by George Boemerman
The Fall season brought about the annual Trail Tamer trip to the Guadalupe Mountains. Two groups were formed to accommodate the assigned projects. Chris Zielinski led the Guadalupe Peak trail crew with Jutta Haubold, David Justice and Bob Saegert while George Boemerman coordinated the Sand Dune area crew of Carol Burris, Debbie Galloway, Randall Bosarge, Mary Zeitler, Raylene Welch, Derly Rivera, and Jerry Smolinski.
On October 19th, we drove out to the Guadalupe Mountains and rendezvoused at the Ship on the Desert (a Park Service lodge located in an isolated spot in the park). The next day, the Guadalupe Peak crew hiked up the mountain while Jack Kinkaid, the park's wrangler, carried up their gear on horses. Roger Murillo of the park's trail crew accompanied them.
The Sand Dune area crew had Sunday off and some took advantage of the good weather to hike the McKittrick Canyon trail while others took the Permian Reef trail. On Monday, they joined Juan Mendoza from the park's trail crew and drove out to the Sand Dune area where small trailers were set up for our accommodations. This crew spent their time taking down old barbed wire fences and became quite proficient at it!
The Guadalupe Peak crew accomplished a significant amount of trail restoration on their project, cleaning and repairing existing waterbars, adding new ones along with new steps, three new retaining walls, filling in eroded areas, etc. and even got to contend with some sleet on top of the mountain!
We all finished our projects early and returned to the Ship on the Desert on Thursday. Some folks had to return home early, but a few took advantage of Friday being a day-off to drive up to Carlsbad Cavern where the park afforded us free entrance because we are a volunteer group.
The crew had the traditional party on Friday night and Jack Kinkaid, the park's wrangler and Tony Armijo, the park's trail supervisor attended.
I'd like to thank Chris Zielinski for doing a great job as the Peak Trail crew leader and for running the show when I had to leave early. Also, thanks to Derly Rivera for a great job in purchasing the group's food, planning the menus and performing as the chef.
Sunday, June 30, 2002
6/15-22/02: Continental Divide Trail, Gila Wilderness Trip Report
June 15-22, 2002
Continental Divide Trail, Gila Wilderness, NM - by Dave DeGroot
This recent trip was held from June 15th - 22nd. It was reduced by one day due to fire near the work area Thursday evening. All activities were conducted in the Black Range Mountains of the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. Activities involved construction of a new section on the Continental Divide Trail in the vicinity of Diamond Peak.
Fourteen volunteers traveled from Austin and spent the night at Percha Dam State Park southwest of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Sunday, the group made its way through Winston, NM to the trailhead on the west side of the divide and backpacked 3 miles to the basecamp below Fisherman's Bluff. For the next four days, the group made a hike up roughly 500 feet plus two miles to the work site on the Continental Divide. Three persons suffered minor symptoms of altitude sickness from the work at 9000 ft. elevation but otherwise there were no problems.
The day after we arrived, our group was joined by members of the Youth Conservation Corps and a small USFS Trail Maintenance & Construction crew. Together, we finished 400 yards of trail and roughed-in another 200 yards. At the end of our efforts, Ranger John Groom stated he had never seen as much trail completed by a volunteer group in such a short time. We were all much pleased at the news!
As often reported in the news, the whole region is extremely dry and many fires were currently burning in other parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. Therefore, when lightning strikes created three smoke plumes Thursday evening, the US Forest Service was quick to throw all available resources at the problem. That included Smoke-jumpers, the rangers that were working with us, and the horses that were scheduled to bring water up to our dry camp Friday morning. Consequently, we gave up our day off, made our way back to our vehicles, and headed back to Texas and Balmorhea State Park. There, we relaxed in the cool spring waters Friday and Saturday before returning to Austin Saturday evening.
Continental Divide Trail, Gila Wilderness, NM - by Dave DeGroot
This recent trip was held from June 15th - 22nd. It was reduced by one day due to fire near the work area Thursday evening. All activities were conducted in the Black Range Mountains of the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. Activities involved construction of a new section on the Continental Divide Trail in the vicinity of Diamond Peak.
Fourteen volunteers traveled from Austin and spent the night at Percha Dam State Park southwest of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Sunday, the group made its way through Winston, NM to the trailhead on the west side of the divide and backpacked 3 miles to the basecamp below Fisherman's Bluff. For the next four days, the group made a hike up roughly 500 feet plus two miles to the work site on the Continental Divide. Three persons suffered minor symptoms of altitude sickness from the work at 9000 ft. elevation but otherwise there were no problems.
The day after we arrived, our group was joined by members of the Youth Conservation Corps and a small USFS Trail Maintenance & Construction crew. Together, we finished 400 yards of trail and roughed-in another 200 yards. At the end of our efforts, Ranger John Groom stated he had never seen as much trail completed by a volunteer group in such a short time. We were all much pleased at the news!
As often reported in the news, the whole region is extremely dry and many fires were currently burning in other parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. Therefore, when lightning strikes created three smoke plumes Thursday evening, the US Forest Service was quick to throw all available resources at the problem. That included Smoke-jumpers, the rangers that were working with us, and the horses that were scheduled to bring water up to our dry camp Friday morning. Consequently, we gave up our day off, made our way back to our vehicles, and headed back to Texas and Balmorhea State Park. There, we relaxed in the cool spring waters Friday and Saturday before returning to Austin Saturday evening.
Sunday, April 28, 2002
4/20/02 Longhorn Caverns State Park Trip Report
April 20, 2002
Longhorn Caverns State Park, TX - by Jae Kim
Nine volunteers led by Lynda DeGroot traveled to Longhorn Caverns between Burnet and Marble Falls to work on about a mile long trail. Trail Tamers moved gravel, laid the gravel on top of an existing trail to widen it somewhat, trimmed overgrown vegetation, and moved large/heavy rocks to help define a confusing section of trail.
The ranger, who also worked as the cavern tour guide, accommodated us with some great pastries and coffee for breakfast followed by lunch later on and finally a special "private" tour of the beautiful and remarkable cavern. Several Trail Tamers drove up Friday evening and stayed overnight at Inks Lake State Park compliments of the Longhorn Caverns staff.
Longhorn Caverns State Park, TX - by Jae Kim
Nine volunteers led by Lynda DeGroot traveled to Longhorn Caverns between Burnet and Marble Falls to work on about a mile long trail. Trail Tamers moved gravel, laid the gravel on top of an existing trail to widen it somewhat, trimmed overgrown vegetation, and moved large/heavy rocks to help define a confusing section of trail.
The ranger, who also worked as the cavern tour guide, accommodated us with some great pastries and coffee for breakfast followed by lunch later on and finally a special "private" tour of the beautiful and remarkable cavern. Several Trail Tamers drove up Friday evening and stayed overnight at Inks Lake State Park compliments of the Longhorn Caverns staff.
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