This week, I learned a few things:
1. An axe-like tool with a vertical blade facing one way and a horizontal blade facing the other is called a "Mattocks" and is extremely useful for digging trenches and chewing up ground.
2. It rains in Cleveland. Trail-building sucks when it rains in Cleveland.
3. Having the right tool for the job means everything. Using a shovel to build a level platform works, but the Mattocks and a pitchfork is easier and faster.
4. Heavy things are heavy. Lifting an eight pound tool isn't that tough, but doing it 40,000 times in a day gets tough. Fast.
5. Why build a bridge when you can go around the river? Instead of shelling out for 72 feet of 4x4, 12 feet of re-bar, 3-inch screws, plus gas and labor, maybe just expanding and rerouting the existing trail is a better option.
I'm no stranger to doing hard labor for extended amounts of time, and working on the trails is as good an excuse to have that milkshake or iced coffee on the way home as any, so this work isn't particularly trying. Now I just can't wait for my Solo; gearing up is a relatively easy task, but I somehow always manage to feel like I've forgotten something important when I'm done. Hopefully, starting Gear Check and Material Review a few days early will remedy that.
So Jealous that you get to go on a solo... again... for like the 12th time this year. Take me camping with you Zach, I'm in withdrawal.
ReplyDeleteBut back to your project. I'm sure you won't forget anything! And if you do it will just make the trip that much more exciting right? I'm also glad to hear you are learning lots about tools and trail maintenance, they are good things to know. Hope the fact that you are still at Hawken isn't taken too much of a toll on your psyche; luckily, you will be out on solo soon :) All in all sounds like a great project especially since you get to spend so much time outside!