Dear All
Some great news! Our DEC is
now in the process of doing repairs on Yellow Trail One that
we had earmarked for this year's concentrated volunteer repair efforts.
Not only are they supplying the materials, they are also supplying the
equipment and the expertise and manpower to do this section. This
is a significant development: they had to do a lot of moving and
shaking to make this happen, and I am truly and deeply grateful to all
who had a hand in making this come about.
But wait! Before you get all excited
about being let off the hook, we are in need of volunteers to come when
they can and help spread the gravel across the trail with rock rakes.
The rock spreader does a nice job, but hand work is always needed, and
that's where we come in. As this is all controlled by the weather
(whether we like it or not) I am not sure exactly when the DEC will be
there to spread rock, but will keep abreast of what they are doing and
pass along emails to let people know when they can come and
rake rocks. So far, they have been doing the base work, bulldozing
and so on, so no rocks to rake yet, however there is an enormous
pile of it waiting for spreading in the parking area. Will keep you all
informed as best I can.
NOTE!!! The trail will be closed for
awhile while they are doing this work, there will be signs so
stating as well as suggested alternate routes around so that
we can continue to enjoy the hill. Please feel free (at your own risk,
of course) to take the trail that goes up though my property, it
splits into two trails briefly a little ways up from the
kiosk, you can go either along the edge of the gully or along the edge
of the fence (I have mowed that so you can see where to put your
feet/tires/etc. I prefer the trail along the gully as it is prettier
and drier, but it may be too scary for some people who prefer not to go
so close to a drop off. Also, bikers beware, one deep water diverter
cut may stop your front tire dead in its tracks. Get off and walk over
that one unless you are able to levitate your bike over such stuff. And
yes, the fence is electric so avoid touching it, although I doubt it
has much of a zap on it with so many weeds leaning on it right now.
There will still be the section of
Yellow Trail One that goes over my property to repair. I have $100
so far to buy materials with. I am guessing, as I am waiting on a
materials quantity estimate from the DEC, but I wouldn't be at all
surprised if we need $1000 or more to do just this section of trail the
right way, all the way. Please get your RSVP's in to me, the
sooner the better, to give me a better idea of just how ambitious we
can get. Sure would be nice to have this fixed the entire distance!
We have another music group who will be
playing for us, I'm waiting for details myself, will pass that along
when I get it. (Thanks Tom =) )
Cheers!!!
Ann
