Early Friday morning and we are already at the worksite
After going through the trees, we begin a new crib-wall
One big rock at a time
The crib-wall quickly takes shape
Joe clears a path for the tread-way
The view from between the trees
This is the next section after the crib-wall
It‘s just before lunch and we are moving along quickly
The four-man sling comes in handy
with no highline nearby, this is the fastest way to move big rocks
Ok, a step is needed here
Step is in place, now fill in behind it with more crush
Crush crush and more crush, we use lots of crush
By the end of the day, we have really crushed it
not finished, but almost
Looking up hill at today‘s accomplishments
A small but relaxing crew meeting
It‘s Saturday morning and we have a crew of 10
this is going to be a 90 degree plus day so we will work slowly and drink plenty of water
We are back to finish yesterday‘s project
the bucket is sitting on yesterday‘s crush
This needs more crush and we‘ll add a water bar
By the end of the day, we finished adding crush, covered it with mineral soil and completed the water bar
the water bar is also a 4 inches deep water canal to catch and direct water off the trail
Further up the trail, we begin the next set of steps
Looks like Dr. Dave found the next step
A well deserved lunch break in the shade
it‘s only May 21st. but the temperature reached the mid 90s today
It‘s taken 2 hours, but the first step is finally in place
A few more steps will be added here tomorrow
Sunday morning and we are back moving big rocks
Eric prepares the base for the next step
Step number two is in, now remove the sling
Both steps are crushed in, next add anchor blocks
Anchor blocks a.k.a. gargoyles a.k.a. blocking stones
the large rocks on the sides of the steps, keep them stable and in place
What comes next? Of course more crush.
The belay, highline and rope puller are used together to move this big rock
Setting the next step in place
This section of the Long Path is a very active with many casual hikers passing through
OK the third step is in and level
First hikers over the new third step
Fourth step is comprised of two large rocks
Peter readies the base for the second half of this step
Two big rocks equals one sturdy step
Of course all our steps are level
By the end of the day, this set of four steps looks pretty good
A small crew of four out today, but they did good work
Did I mention this is a very popular trail
There were many, many casual hikers out today
Some even came in large groups
