Below is submitted maintenance activities for the last 6 weeks. Please note that trail conditions can change quickly. Or view maintenance by section.
Reporting: Lynn DiFioreDate: 05/12/2013
Purpose: Brushing & routine maintenance
Location: 14a: Bradley Gap to Stan Murray Shelter
People: Lynn DiFiore
Lyndsey Smith
Summary: Cut back annual growth & briars from Little Hump to Big Hump. Trail is very wet between Little Hump & Bradley Gap. Very windy on the balds! Removed 1 large bag of trash from the shelter.
Reporting: Lynn DiFiore
Date: 05/10/2013
Purpose: Brushing & routine maintenance
Location: 14a: Bradley Gap to Stan Murray Shelter
People: Lynn DiFiore
Brian Schloff
Summary: Took the brushcutter up to clear annual growth & briars. Cleaned a few waterbars as the pop up storms provided a good check of drainage as a few water bars were silted in again. Cleared a few small blowdowns (mostly limbs) before hail convinced us to call it a day. Trash is becoming a problem as 3 large bags of trash were removed from the barn. The shelter was completely full.
Reporting: Anna Hackler
Date: 05/15/2013
Purpose: trash pickup & weeding
Location: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Anna Hackler
Shane Hackler
Summary: Did some trash pickup, cleared weeds, cleared low hanging branches. Came across several mud pits, a few locals we passed were complaining about them wanting the trail up higher because of so much water run off. Passed several thru hikers heading towards Hampton. Need to go back to repaint some blazes.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 05/14/2013
Purpose: Haul Tools and Rehab Trail
Location: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Ken Buchanan, Jim Chambers, Tyler Edwards, Carl Fritz, Mitch Ketron, Michael Kundrat, Pat Loven, Ted Mowery, Krystal Magliozzi f, Brian Paley, Bob Peoples, Reuben Potter, Tim Stewart, Neal Studdard, George Thorpe
Summary: We quickly and efficiently transported two truck loads of tools. Also, we put cut locusts near relocations and removed their bark. And we rehabbed 160 feet of sloughing trail up the existing switchbacks.
Reporting: David Dunham
Date: 05/14/2013
Purpose: routine maintenance and table repair
Location: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: David Dunham, Carol Dunham
Summary: We lopped the trail from Wilbur Dam Road to the shelter. Also, we painted out the "hike" word that had been painted on the road crossing the dam. Repaired the picnic table at Watauga Lake shelter. Two of the legs had come off along with the angle brace. Reattached with 3 inch deck screws. Moved the table to a better location and leveled it .
Reporting: Bill Hodge (SAWS)
Date: 05/11/2013
Purpose: Brush out and scout re-route project
Location: 6: Iron Mountain Shelter to Vandeventer Shelter
People: Bill Hodge
Jeff Hunter
Caara Fritz-Stoney
Aaron Sanford
Brenna Irrer
James Lautzenheiser
Melissa Braswell
Jamie Williams
Summary: It was a stormy Friday and damp/wet Saturday but we managed to brush the full seven miles, plus we met Carl Fritz to discuss the Turkey Pen Re-route. Trail is in good shape. Lots of thru-hikers
Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: 05/12/2013
Purpose: Blowdown and brush clearing
Location: 13b: Doll Flats to Bradley Gap
People: Lynn DiFiore, Lyndsey Smith, and Joe DeLoach
Summary: Joe parked below Doll Flats and cut and removed blowdowns and brush with hand tools from Doll Flats to the edge of the bald. Lynn and Lyndsey continued from their section across Hump and cut briars down the bald until we met at the edge. We cut more briars and used a chainsaw to cut four blowdowns on the way back to Doll Flats, two of which were fairly difficult. The lack of maintenance along this section in recent years was evident with some briars stretching across the Trail, and as noted by others portions between Doll Flats and Hump could really use some rehab. We met numerous hikers, many of whom reported very muddy conditions between Hughes Gap and Cloudland. Three unauthorized signs have been placed without our knowledge at Doll Flats, one pointing out the spring with a sign also pointing out "NC" and another heading north saying "leaving NC". They are bolted into trees and will be removed at some point.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 05/12/2013
Purpose: Lop and pin flag relocations
Location: 15b: Cloudland Hotel - Hughes Gap
People: John Beaudet, Carl Fritz, Bob Peoples, Tim Stewart
Summary: This area took a lot of rain including the previous night. But we were just in the clouds with 15 mph winds and cooling temperatures. Bob did not like his frozen snicker bar for lunch at 35 degrees. We started off badly because someone who will remain nameless forgot the key to the gate. We cut out and flagged two more relocations for Hard Core. And we inspected all six possible relocations for Hard Core. A milestone of completing this entire area may be in reach this year. There are only two more relocations remaining to be cut out.
Reporting: Bob Peoples
Date: 05/09/2013
Purpose: Create alternative to flooded trail
Location: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Brendan Fitzpatrick, Chris Gilbert, Jack Gilbert, Mike Laude, Don Norton, Bob Peoples, Eric Petri, Jack Tarlin
Summary: When Watauga Lake rises high it often covers the two foot bridges near US321. We install signs telling hikers to walk US 321 and Oliver Rd to bypass that problem. This week the level quickly rose several feet higher than ever. Unfortunately, some of the trail from 321 to almost the shelter was under water. In some cases the blazes were only several inches above water. Bob recruited 7 hikers . Using hand saws and loppers they opened up some alternate paths. They also opened the old trail to bypass many of the problems. They tied flagging to block ends of flooded sections and to direct hikers onto the correct paths. The tape will need to be removed when water recedes.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 05/11/2013
Purpose: Check relocation
Location: 6: Iron Mountain Shelter to Vandeventer Shelter
People: Carl Fritz
Summary: I met with several of SAWS crew to review planned relocation at Turkey Pen Gap. They are planning a couple of crews there during June. Because of the constant wet weather the last two days, part of the crew left the trail with me.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 05/07/2013
Purpose: Sharpen tools & prepare patches
Location: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Dave Dunham, Carl Fritz, Ed Oliver
Summary: We sharpened the heavy tools with angle grinders. Ed also prepared the rockers for patches.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 05/08/2013
Purpose: Rehab trail and prepare for Hard Core
Location: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: John Beaudet, Chase Belcher, Ken Buchanan, Dave Dunham, Brendan Fitzpatrick, Carl Fritz, Becky Kinder, Joe Morris, Ted Mowery, Bob Peoples, Kim Peters, Reuben Potter, Gayle Riddervold, Tim Stewart, Jack Tarlin
Summary: We painted blazes trail south to at least the boulders. We rehabbed significant quantities of sloughing and rooty trail just north of the boulders. We busted more boulders and about only thing left is to improve about two more steps. In the process we busted three sledge hammer handles. We also checked out access and location for tool cache.
Reporting: Paul Benfield
Date: 05/17/2013
Purpose: mow AT on Osborne Farm
Location: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Paul Benfield, Ted Mowery
Summary: Mowed and weedeat the AT and Accessible Trail across the Osborne Farm and mowed the lot in Dennis Cove for the meal on Sunday night for Hardcore.
Reporting: Gayle Riddervold
Date: 05/09/2013
Purpose: To check & paint Trail Blazes
Location: 13a: US19E to Doll Flats
People: Gayle Riddervold
Summary: Becky and I walked about a mile and a half up the trail. Becky rechecked water bars while I trimmed back a few rhododendrons. We also checked and repainted blazes. Everything was so lush and green compared to a month ago. Saw a dozen thru hikers. One young man was hiking while juggling 3 tennis balls. I advised him to watch out for the numerous roots that were in the trail.
Reporting: Steve Perri
Date: 05/04/2013
Purpose: Annual Trail Maintenance
Location: 12d: Campbell Hollow Road to US19E
People: Kevin Cooper, Kelmara Kelly, Steve Perri, Steve Wilson
Summary: We conducted annual trail maintenance from Campbell Hollow Rd to 19E. One of the local Campbell family members inquired about some damage to the fence at Isaacs Cemetary, but we were unaware of who may have been involved. We lopped rhodos and significant amounts of the multifloral rose. The open area work in upper Bishop Hollow was a much smaller area than I was anticipating with the dozer work only covering maybe 250' by 50'. Since cattle haven't been grazing, the pasture is really growing up. One 14" blowdown remains just about 0.5 mi south of Bishop Hollow. It is easy to step over and is somewhat embedded in the ground. We blazed both directions and picked up 3 bags of trash at Bear Branch Rd.
Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: 05/04/2013
Purpose: A. T. Biennial Planning Meeting
Location: Other (Meetings/preparation/etc.)
People: Joe DeLoach
Summary: The Appalachian Trail Biennial Conference will be held from July 19-26 at Western Carolina University. TEHCC is responsible for workshops and along with the other four clubs participates in the Biennial Planning Committee. Though there are many details left to complete, including for the workshops, the major activities are moving along well. A final planning meeting will be held on June 22 at Western Carolina.
Reporting: Bob Peoples
Date: 05/03/2013
Purpose: Prepare for Hard Core
Location: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Jim Chambers, Bob Peoples, "Bear Paw", "Moose", "Lumpy"
Summary: Part of our Hard Core crew brushed a road and prepared some side logs for the relocations.
Reporting: Bob Peoples
Date: 04/28/2013
Purpose: Prepare sign up board and clear road
Location: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Bob Peoples
Summary: Bob prepared sign up boards for Hard Core. He also brushed a Forest Service road to be used during Hard Core.
Reporting: Tim Stewart
Date: 05/01/2013
Purpose: Rehab trail
Location: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Ken Buchanan, Richard Carter, Ray Douglas, Pat Loven, Joe Morris, Brian Paley, Bob Peoples, Tim Stewart
Summary: The first task of the day was to drag a 20 foot locust log several hundred yards down to the rock ledge. Bob, Joe, Richard, Brian and I managed to do that without smashing any toes or fingers. Pat joined the group at the rock ledge and they began installing it as a side log.
While everyone else worked on the upper ledge, Ken and I began working on the lower rock ledge. We used the wedges and feathers to split pieces of the ledge off with the sledgehammer. We made slow progress trying to find splits and cracks on the sandstone rock but we were able to in a few spots.
After lunch and the successful installation of the side log everyone joined the destruction of the lower rock ledge. We took turns beating the rock with the sledgehammer while still trying to find cracks to exploit. Once again we managed to loosen a sledgehammer head.
Reporting: Bill Hodge (SAWS Program)
Date: 03/30/2013
Purpose: Logging Out Spring Trip
Location: 6: Iron Mountain Shelter to Vandeventer Shelter
People: Bill Hodge
Aaron Sanford
Brenna Irrer
Scotty Bowman
James Lautzenheiser
Melissa Braswell
James Wheeler
Patricia Welty
Susan Gleason
Summary: One group worked two-days with a overnight, one group worked straight through in one day and some worked one day. We logged out several trees and did some winter brushing.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 05/01/2013
Purpose: Prepare relocation
Location: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Carl Fritz, Becky Kinder, Kim Peters, Gayle Riddervolt
Summary: The Little Rock Knob relocation is over 1600 feet long, it looks possible but will take significant effort. We cut out winter damage and some adjustments to relocation. Five sections of 150 feet cover upper leg.
Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: 04/27/2013
Purpose: Konnarock Crew Project Check
Location: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Jim Foster and Joe DeLoach
Summary: Jim and Joe met Morgan Sommerville from ATC, the two Konnarock Crew leaders for this summer, and their two assistants to review our relocation near the Clyde Smith Shelter. The approximately 3/4 mile walk from where the Crew will park to the A. T. shouldn't be too bad, but if the road is open there will not be much room for Club volunteers to park. We briefly looked at the southernmost flagline. Morgan felt that the depth of the gullies along the upper end justified a relocation, though maybe not at the lower end. The sharp turn that was reflagged after the Pisgah NF archaeologist wanted to move the flagline away from some ruins is not desirable. The flagline of the relocation where we want Konnarock to work looked good, only some minor tweaks to the route were made. Not all of this flagline has been cut out. We should have time to do so this summer as the Crew works south of the shelter trail which has been cut out. In the likely low chance that the Crew finishes this project, the next relocation starts only about 200 yards further north. The Crew leaders prefer to camp beyond an interior gate along the road past the access route. Joe will try to gain approval and access to this area from the Cherokee National Forest.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 04/27/2013
Purpose: Cut hazard tree
Location: 15b: Cloudland Hotel - Hughes Gap
People: Jim Chambers, Carl Fritz
Summary: We cut a large dead tree which was on a proposed relocation switchback. It was too dangerous to work underneath it and its rotten roots will need to be removed. We also cut a leaner which had up rooted.
Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: 04/25/2013
Purpose: Trash pickup
Location: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Joe DeLoach
Summary: At the start of our 3rd Saturday trip April 20 we encountered a lot of trash, including a mattress, at the campsite about 200 yards south of Highway 421. None of us had a truck that day. I was pleasantly surprised that by Thursday almost all the trash had been picked up, except the mattress. Though it had rained, it wasn't too heavy. Have to wonder what someone was thinking.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 04/23/2013
Purpose: Repair culvert pipe
Location: 14b: Stan Murray Shelter to Carvers Gap
People: Carl Fritz, Bob Peoples, Kim Peters, Tim Stewart
Summary: With our last energy of day we tried to dig out and reset culvert pipe that had been damaged by a snowplow. Finally, we pulled it out with the truck. We only reinstalled about a five foot section of probably the original 12 to 14 foot pipe. It should be easier for us to keep the gravel out of and hopefully, we have no need to move big equipment across this ditch for a long time.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 04/23/2013
Purpose: Install sign at Roan High Knob Shelter
Location: 15a: Carvers Gap - Cloudland Hotel
People: Carl Fritz, Becky Kinder, Bob Peoples, Kim Peters, Gayle Riddervold, Tim Stewart
Summary: We cleared one blowdown between Toll House Gap and shelter that had been buried in snow. There still was a pile of snow 12 inches deep. We were still meeting many north bounders. Almost all were thanking us for our work. Any many were effusive about trail from Hughes Gap to Cloudland. For example, two Vermont trail maintainers said they had not seen such well laid out trail. They could not believe the rocks that we had moved.
We were able to get a 4x4 post with shelter signage engraved on it by Steve Perri into the ground with spikes driven into it and rocks piled on top surrounding the post. It took us five attempted holes and finally we were creative in using spud bar and sledge hammer to break through the rock. Only remaining improvement step is to have a flashing neon sign for shelter.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 04/23/2013
Purpose: Prepare relocations
Location: 15b: Cloudland Hotel - Hughes Gap
People: Jim Foster, Carl Fritz, Becky Kinder, Bob Peoples, Kim Peters, Gayle Riddervold, Tim Stewart
Summary: We started at Ash Gap and surveyed the 4 relocations northward. Pin flags, distances, sections, additional clearing, and problem areas were studied. Some helping hands had removed all our previous flagging and pin flags on some of these sections. We are basically ready for Hard Core and ASU Trail Crew here. We cleared some of water bars at Clouldland. No new lock protections have been installed on restrooms.
Reporting: Ted Mowery
Date: 04/23/2013
Purpose: Install stile and mow
Location: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Daryel Anderson, Paul Benfield, Richard Carter, Ted Mowery
Summary: Part of Tuesday crew installed a new stile in back pasture so hikers would not have to walk through muddy open gate that cattle are using. Ted also mowed the trail on the farm. Lots of hikers were coming by.
Reporting: George Thorpe
Date: 04/23/2013
Purpose: Repair trail wet areas
Location: 5: TN91 to Iron Mountain Shelter
People: Ken Buchanan, Joe Morris, Brian Paley, George Thorpe
Summary: To fix some muddy areas part of Tuesday crew completed two new turnpikes at bog bridges, and did some repairs/dressing of one of the existing ones. We also completed work around the spring access pipe by creating a pad for the hikers to work from while obtaining water. The area was very soggy and breaking down the stream bank.
Reporting: Michael Watts
Date: 04/20/2013
Purpose: Spring maintenance
Location: 12c: Sugar Hollow Creek to Campbell Hollow Road
People: Richard Cox
Rick Lott
Missy Wright
Michael Watts
Summary: Trimmed, weeded, cleared blow downs, and repainted blazes
Reporting: Lynn DiFiore
Date: 04/22/2013
Purpose: Clear blowdowns
Location: 14a: Bradley Gap to Stan Murray Shelter
People: Lynn DiFiore
Summary: Based on reports of a 5" tree down near Stan Murray, went out with hand saw & loppers to enjoy the pretty afternoon. Cleared the blowdown (actually a hawthorne that had split & fallen across the trail) & numerous downed limbs. Made a pre-emptive strike on the briars as it appears this will be a banner year for them. Wildflowers blooming on this section are spring beauty, trout lily, & cut leaf toothwort. The wake robin trillium are just starting to open. Had a dozen thru hikers & a few section hikers at the barn overnite.
Reporting: Lynn DiFiore
Date: 04/14/2013
Purpose: Clear blowdowns
Location: 14a: Bradley Gap to Stan Murray Shelter
People: Lynn DiFiore
Brian Schloff
Summary: Made the trip out based upon hiker reports of excessive trash at the barn & a huge blowdown blocking the trail towards Little Hump. Removed the normal amount of trash from the barn, although one additional large bag was discovered hanging high in a tree near the privy. Cut out a tangle of a couple of large trees right before Little Hump. Springs are running well & saw numerous thru hikers.
Reporting: Kim Peters
Date: 04/20/2013
Purpose: Spring Maintenance
Location: 4b: Double Springs Shelter to TN91
People: Joe DeLoach, Anna Hackler, Shane Hackler, Andrew Scott, Lowell Toof
Summary: After arriving at Double Springs Shelter from 421, half of the 3rd Saturday Hiking with Tools group continued on to TN91. They cleared a few blowdowns and clipped briars on their way. Many thanks to Joe DeLoach for toting and using his chainsaw on the whole section!
Reporting: Kim Peters
Date: 04/20/2013
Purpose: Spring Maintenance
Location: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Anna Hackler, Shane Hackler, Andrew Scott, Phyllis Cairnes, Terry Oldfield, Lowell Toof, Joe DeLoach, Beck Kinder, Gayle Riddervold, Kim Peters
Summary: What a good turnout for the April 3rd Saturday Hiking with Tools! With so many hands, no-one had to work very hard. We cleaned water bars, clipped briars, removed blowdowns and removed blazes. (For some unknown reason, this section was severely over-blazed with up to 5 blazes visible at a time) It was a beautiful day to be in the woods, even though the wind on the ridge made things a little chilly at times. We had wonderful sunshine and great views off both sides of the ridge. We lost track of the number of thru-hikers we saw as well as the number of blowdowns cleared. Upon arriving at the shelter, we picked up trash then split into two groups with half of our number continuing on to TN 91 and the rest returning to 421 to drive around and pick up the rest of the group.
Reporting: Mike Hupko
Date: 04/18/2013
Purpose: Spring Maintenance
Location: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Faye Guinn, Howard Guinn, Ernie Hartford, Wayne Jones, and Susan Peters
Summary: Cut 4 trees and removed many small branches from the trail. Lopped overhanging branches and cleaned waterbars. Reopened a short section of AT on the top of Unaka which was bypassed several years ago due to a large number of blowdowns blocking the AT.
Reporting: Mike Hupko
Date: 04/18/2013
Purpose: Spring Maintenance
Location: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Andrew Cleland, Bruce Darby, Lou Haase, Mike Hupko
Summary: Cut 3 trees, removed many small branches from the trail, lopped overhanging branches, cleaned water bars, and picked up trash along the trail. Checked the two springs and trails to the springs.
Reporting: Mike Hupko
Date: 04/18/2013
Purpose: Spring Maintenance
Location: 18: FS230 switchback to Indian Grave Gap
People: Andrew Cleland, Bruce Darby, Lou Haase, Mike Hupko
Summary: Cut 3 trees, removed many small branches from the trail, lopped overhanging branches, cleaned water bars, and picked up trash along the trail. Checked the two springs and trails to the springs.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 04/18/2013
Purpose: Rehab trail and prepare for Hard Core
Location: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Jim Chambers, Jim Foster, Carl Fritz, Ted Mowery, Brian Paley, Bob Peoples, Kim Peters, Tim Stewart
Summary: Great weather and we accomplished a lot. Brian and Ted cut many locust steps in preparation for one Hard Core crew to rehab near Dennis Cove. Jim Foster, Kim, Bob and Carl installed pin flags, measured and assessed relocations on White Rocks Mt. We also checked out a potential way to get heavy tools and a few leaders almost to Coon Den Falls trail. Jim Chambers and Tim blasted a path in a large boulder with a rifting hammer and sledge. Another day on these boulders with several maintainers will make this path significantly safer than it was early this year.
Reporting: Scott
Date: 04/18/2013
Purpose: general maintenance
Location: 12a: Bitter End to Walnut Mountain Road
People: Scott
Summary: hiked section with handsaw, removed three mid sized blowdowns, cleaned up trash at bitter end trailhead, campsites, and along laurel fork creek. Trail is muddy in spots due to heavy use in peak season by thru-hikers but otherwise very passable
Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: 04/09/2013
Purpose: Scout Access for Konnarock Crew
Location: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Joe DeLoach
Summary: Gained access to a gated Forest Service road to look for a campsite and a shorter access route for the Konnarock Crew for the relocation near Clyde Smith Shelter than going in at Greasy Creek Gap. I had not been in that way since the early 1990's and could have saved myself a lot of time by asking someone more familiar to join me, but thanks to a phone chat with Carl Fritz I eventually found and flagged the route up to the A. T., coming out just south of the southernmost flagline Either along this route or behind another gate should be a good place for the Crew to camp. We will review this with them and show them the route during their project check April 27.
Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: 04/16/2013
Purpose: Repaint Blazes
Location: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Ken Buchanan, Jim Foster
Summary: Ken and I repainted the blazes from Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap and also did some lite trimming and trail clean up.
Reporting: Kent Wilson
Date: 04/05/2013
Purpose: Hike but cleared blowdown and removed trash
Location: 19a: Indian Grave Gap - Curley Maple Gap Shelter
People: Jeno Smith, Kent Wilson, Nancy Wilson
Summary: Jeno Smith, Nancy and I were doing a hike from Indian Grave Gap to the river. There was an inch or so of ice for the 1st couple of miles and it was 34 degrees when we started out (about 40 in Erwin). There was a blowdown (ice down) blocking the trail about 0.75 miles south of Indian Grave Gap. Jeno and I cleared it. Nancy and I also picked up two bags of trash (one from the shelter and one a little before the railroad tracks at a campsite).
Reporting: Gayle Riddervold
Date: 04/14/2013
Purpose: Routine Trail Maintenance
Location: 13a: US19E to Doll Flats
People: Gayle Riddervold & Becky Kinder
Summary: Took the road up to Dolls Flats to finish the last mile of trail maintenance we started the previous day. Becky cleaned off 2 big sets of steps and 3 smaller sets of rock steps. Some of the steps were caked with 2 to 3 inches of sod. I cleared the trail of green briars and we cut some loose roots that were sticking up in the ground. Upon our return to Dolls Flats, we picked up plastic bottles and cans.
Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 04/15/2013
Purpose: Water Diversion
Location: 9b: Pond Flats to Hampton trailhead
People: Joe Morris
Summary: Created a culvert with rock steps to divert spring water run-off from the trail. (400 yards north of the Blue Blaze/A.T. intersection) Trail now dry in this location.
Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: 04/13/2013
Purpose: Section Maintenance
Location: 15a: Carvers Gap - Cloudland Hotel
People: Joe DeLoach
Summary: Our highest elevation Trail section took a beating this winter. It started across the road on the Round Bald side of Carvers Gap, where the culvert we put in last summer had been torn partially out of the ground and was obstructing rather than channeling water. My guess is that a snowplow caught it. The culvert needs to be removed or reset. The condition of the section between the old Hack Line and Carvers Gap was a testament to the need to install and maintain good drainage. It had eroded badly, even washing some of the gravel out of the geoweb, and water was running down much of the Trail. Considerable digging and maybe more intensive efforts will be needed to rehabilitate this section. Even the rocky Hack Line suffered erosion. It looked like the heavy winter snows melted quickly, though there were still patches where the snow was over a foot deep near the top. The sign for the shelter that is most visible to northbounders is gone. A long yellow ribbon had been tied, but the side trail needs to be better marked. At least the blowdowns were not bad; there were a few including a pretty big one, but none were significant obstructions and the dead fir is not hard to cut. One downed tree was lodged in snow between the shelter and Toll House Gap; it can be bypassed but will need to be cut after the snow melts, as will a large one close to Toll House Gap which someone cut once. Picked up trash at the shelter which was not bad, though I would have liked to have met the people who stashed empty metallized pouches of dessert under a rock near the summit. Placed the shelter register. A step near Cloudland had slipped and will need to be reset but is OK for now. Put up a sign at Cloudland notifying hikers that the facilities will be closed until late May.
Reporting: Steve Perri
Date: 04/11/2013
Purpose: AT Committee Meeting
Location: Other (Meetings/preparation/etc.)
People: Bruce Cunningham, Mary Cunningham, Joe DeLoach, Dave Dunham, Carl Fritz, Mike Hupko, Paul Benfield, Bob Peoples, Vic Hasler, Tim Stewart, Kim Peters, Steve Wilson, Steve Perri
Summary: The AT Committee met to discuss project plans, grants, work logistics, upcoming meetings, coordination of communications. We have 2 more weeks of Konnarock (6/27 to 7/1 & 7/11 to 7/15) for work trail with week 1 North of Greasy Creek and week 2 South of Clyde Smith Shelter. Logsitics for where to stay and road access are still to be worked out. Suggestions were made to check out access from Laurel Rd. The ATC filed review is April 27th. Hardcore is Sunday and Monday May 19 &20th. Sunday work will be at White Rocks (likely a 2 yr project) and Monday there will be a split in the large group with some at Little Rock Knob and some near Ash Gap. TEHCC has been approved for the Ridgerunner grant, Hardcore support, and for some tools. We will need to purchase other relo material including pin flags. The Ridgerunner job opening has been posted to the ATC website. The hired person will be reporting to SAHC for administration purposes. We plan to help provide info on water availability from the restroom facilities after further clarification with the USFS. Access to Cloudland will be available for the ASU crew for April 27th outing. During Hardcore, TEHCC will station a person at the gate near Carvers Gap to only allow access to club volunteers. Carl and Ed have met with Lyn DiFiore and Matt Fusco to work out details for the design and implementation of the Koonford Bridge project. The longest span is shorter than previously thought so we will be able to use rough cut, treated lumber. This is a simple design now that the span doesn’t require more reinforced lumber. The support beams across the footings will be 4”x16”x22’ and weigh about 400 lb ea. The USFS is getting quotes so we can tabulate the cost. Joe reviewed the need for volunteers for the biennial conference workshops. We have a sign up sheet with times and number of volunteers needed. We’ll need 22 people to cover 4 hr slots. The Mid-Appalachian Trail Club proposed a connector trail for the Iron Mt Trail to connect to the AT on the ridge of Iron Mt just south of Cross Mt Rd. We plan to do a field inspection and see if there are any issues with potential access by unintentional use by non-hiking recreational users. We discussed a recent article in the Johnson City Press about relocation of power lines near Bear Branch. We have not seen any scoping info from the USFS so we will try to get more info.
Reporting: Joe Morris
Date: 04/13/2013
Purpose: Routine Maintenance
Location: 9b: Pond Flats to Hampton trailhead
People: Joe Morris
Summary: Walked the entire section removed a couple of blowdowns. Found a "new" spring above the gorge that was flooding the trail. Placed some stepping stones and crusher stone to temporarily alleviate the wet conditions. Removed trash from the Blue Blaze trail. Hampton trailhead parking was filled to overflowing all day. Many people were out enjoying the trail on this awesome spring day.
Reporting: Jim Foster
Date: 04/13/2013
Purpose: Cut blowdown
Location: 19a: Indian Grave Gap - Curley Maple Gap Shelter
People: John Beaudet, Bruce Darby, Jim Foster
Summary: We trimmed some trail and John cut a large blowdown just north of the shelter. We also reworked a large wet area in front of the shelter to get the water to drain. The trail from the shelter to USA Raft was open and we did some more light clipping.
Reporting: Gayle Riddervold
Date: 04/11/2013
Purpose: Routine Maintenance
Location: 13a: US19E to Doll Flats
People: Becky Kinder & Gayle Riddervold
Summary: We hiked 2 miles in rechecking water bars. Removed many small roots and rocks that were sticking up in the trail. Cleared off first section of rock steps. It was a beautiful day and we encounter almost a dozen thru hikers. No blow downs to report. Picked up a small bag of trash around the trailhead.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 04/09/2013
Purpose: Cut out trail relocations
Location: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: John Beaudet, Ken Buchanan, Jim Foster, Carl Fritz, Joe Morris, Brian Paley, Kim Peters, Bob Peoples
Summary: Part of Tuesday crew worked on cutting out trail relocations near White Rocks Mountain for Hard Core. We basically have all the upper relocations cut out after removing many rhododendrons and even more green briars. Sun and heat were major tiring factors in addition to the two and half mile walk in. We need to make a return trip to finish flagging, marking crew sections and determining exact trail placement.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 04/09/2013
Purpose: Install lath on bridges and trail rehab
Location: 10: Hampton trailhead to Dennis Cove Road
People: Dave Dunham, Becky Kinder, Ted Mowery, Gayle Riddervold
Summary: Part of Tuesday crew installed new lath on locust log and 2x4 bridges near Dennis Cove. They also removed many small roots and rocks from walking path.
Reporting: Carl Fritz
Date: 04/03/2013
Purpose: Rehab trail
Location: 11a: Dennis Cove Road to Canute Place
People: Ted Mowery, Brian Paley, Bob Peoples, Greg Williams
Summary: They continued rehab up near the major rocks that trail passes over. It is getting much better in this area but more work remains.
Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: 04/08/2013
Purpose: Blowdown Clearing
Location: 20b: Temple Hill Gap to Spivey Gap
People: Lynn DiFiore and Joe DeLoach
Summary: We lugged a chainsaw up to Temple Hill Gap only to find that the worst blowdowns had been cleared the day before. We cut two within 0.2 miles south of the gap, one of which was so large that we were going to cut a notch in it but ended up removing it completely.
Reporting: David Dunham
Date: 04/08/2013mm/dd/yyyy
Purpose: Remove blowdowns and routine maintenance
Location: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Dave Dunham, Carol Dunham, Ken Buchanan, Brian Paley
Summary: Remove a total of 15 blowdowns and trees that were pulled over with the blowdowns. Lopped extensive Laurel/Rhododendrons and low hanging branches. Also, painted blazes that needed reprinting.
Reporting: David Dunham
Date: 04/08/2013mm/dd/yyyy
Purpose: Remove blowdowns and routine maintenance
Location: 8: Wilbur Dam Road to US321
People: Dave Dunham, Carol Dunham, Ken Buchanan, Brian Paley
Summary: Remove a total of 15 blowdowns and trees that were pulled over with the blowdowns. Lopped extensive Laurel/Rhododendrons and low hanging branches. Also, painted blazes that needed reprinting.
Reporting: Craig Haire
Date: 04/07/2013
Purpose: clear blowdowns
Location: 20a: Nolichucky River to Temple Hill Gap
People: Craig
Summary: all trees obstructing the trail were cleared, including a couple just south of Temple Hill Gap
Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: 04/07/2013
Purpose: Scout Relocations and Konnarock Camping and Access
Location: 16a: Hughes Gap to Greasy Creek Gap
People: Connie Edmondson and Joe DeLoach
Summary: I checked how far one could drive up Greasy Creek Road and found that it was tough to get past Greasy Creek Friendly, so I parked there. Connie or CeCe showed me some possible places they could camp, but none offered the Crew much privacy. It is about a 30 minute walk to Greasy Creek Gap and another 30 minutes to the start of the first relocation. Trail was in great shape.
Reporting: Joe DeLoach
Date: 04/06/2013
Purpose: Blowdown Clearing
Location: 4a: US421 to Double Springs Shelter
People: Waylon Jenkins and Joe DeLoach
Summary: Cut the first three blowdowns heading south out of Highway 421. Thanks to Jim Chambers for reporting and pinpointing the location. Others which were not as obstructing will be cleared on the 3rd Saturday trip.
Reporting: Alice Faye Guinn
Date: 04/05/2013
Purpose: clear reported blowdown
Location: 16b: Greasy Creek Gap to Iron Mountain Gap
People: Howard Guinn
Ernie Hartford
Faye Guinn
Summary: Hikers reported to Jim Foster that a tree was blocking the trail at the apple orchard so we walked in with a chain saw and removed it--the trail was blocked and the hikers were mostly going up a muddy slick bank to get around it.It was 33 degrees when we arrived and there was some snow and ice on the trail with all the trees being covered in ice.
Reporting: Mike Hupko
Date: 04/07/2013
Purpose: Spring Cleanup
Location: 17: Iron Mountain Gap to FS230 switchback
People: Elizabeth Dukes, Marsha Hupko, Mike Hupko
Summary: Cut 11 trees (the largest being about 22 inches in diameter), and numerous branches from the trail and cleaned out water bars. Removed 3 sacks of trash from the shelter, cleaned shelter gutter and small ditch in front of the shelter. Also replaced the shelter log book with a new one. Springs near the shelter were running good.