We got an amazingly early start, hitting the trail at 10 sharp under cloudy skies but pleasant temperatures. This time I set out to also document trees across the trail, their locations and sizes. The plan was to also do some lopping and brushing along the way, especially above Deadwood Camp.
Hopefully there can be a group clearing expedition to resurrect the upper reaches of the Gorton Creek Trail, so long under maintained and under-appreciated.
As we locked up the car, Kelly made me give here the keys – she was trying to tell me something, I suppose.
Here is the result of my documentation effort. The arrows point to locations of trees 4” dia. or more, down across the trail and the numbers are their approximate diameters. I’ve included a couple of smaller ones I left. Most of the rest of the smaller ones I cut or moved. Not shown on the map are the 10 or so trees that aren’t completely across the trail but intrude onto the trail at least in part.
The trail is much easier to locate now but still needs lots more boots on the ground and it takes some care to stay on route, especially across the ridge between the first and second series of switchbacks. The original alignment is lost to a tangle of vine maple in one spot in particular, noted on the map, but it’s a short section and it’s easy to relocate the trail again, should one get off-track.
A few photos from yesterday:
Once above the fire area, the trail crosses some large boulder fields and the trail there is well made and in great shape. It’s the area between the boulder fields that the most brushing needs to be done. I made a small dent in it but it is an overwhelming task for one person. I concentrated on my nemesis: devil’s club, but again, only made a dent in what needs to be done.
And the keys, no luck again but on the way back, Kel suggested we stop at the FS maintenance station at the start of the TH access road to see if they had a lost-and-found. I thought, no way – about as likely as winning the lottery!
I drove in and there was a young man just entering the office and I asked if there was a lost and found. As he went into the office to check I noticed a zip lock baggy clipped to the wall just outside of the door that contained a set of keys! I opened it and behold, my errant keys! Some good soul must have found them on the trail somewhere up there and turned them in. What are the odds?! I guess one really can win the lottery.
DN
12.4 miles, 3,599’ EG.
Hike # 65 for 2020,
Total so far for 2020: 371miles; 91,305’ EG
