The weather called for 60mph wind gusts and pouring rain Saturday
But we didn’t care
Last Saturday a couple of hardy volunteers faced inclement weather to crosscut some logs from the Pacific Crest Trail. And they even got teased by some humorous hikers. From Highway 66 near Greensprings summit we headed about four-miles south on Soda Mountain Road and started hiking southwest on the Pacific Crest Trail.
After a mile into the wilderness we reached a three white-firs that had fallen over the PCT like a few old, clunky dominos. The Weather Service called for 60mph wind gusts from the south, but we were on a north aspect and enjoying breaks in the weather, and even blue skies, as we sawed through the punky, rotted wood.
As expected the logs didn’t cut clean and we had to use an axe to chunk sections out. We took breaks and sipped on hot cider. A group of four hikers came through and joked at our tools of choice.
“I would have brought the Husky,” remarked one of them.
About an hour later after not reaching their destination, the four gentleman passed us again. “You guys cheated. That woods rotten,” they joked. We talked for a few minutes and they thanked us for the hard work.
Before
After
After lunch we kept hiking west (“PCT south”) and,reached another set of downed logs that had forced well established braid through the native tread.
Before
After
“I think it’s good to keep the native tread,” said Bryant. “You don’t want to get lazy.”
We reached about 1/2-mile from Baldy Creek Road and the gusts picked up. As we exited the rain picked up. The temperature dropped and we got soaked by the storm.
“That tree wasn’t down on the way in,” I told them, pointing to a new, punk and rotted out white fir down on the trail.
Do you want to see the Soda Mountain Wilderness? Join us this Thursday (October 30, 2014) for a spooky hike up the new Pilot Rock Trail. Carpools leave Ashland Shop N Kart at 1pm and we’ll be back by 6:30pm. Call 541-708-2056 or email howegabe@gmail.com for details and to sign-up.
3 thoughts on “Oct 25 PCT Trip Report”
To Gabe and the Soda Mountain Crew:
Just a note to again thank you all for your faithful efforts in keeping the PCT in great hiking shape. We had a great hike despite the high winds and bits of rain. More than that, we learned more about the SMC and the valuable contribution you all make in the very playground we all enjoy. I personally hike with another Gabe in the Red Buttes and can’t seem to ever get out of there. We always find something new and haven’t made it to Desperation and Rattlesnake in time yet to explore those areas. I think for Steve, Brian, Gary, and I, until our chance meeting, we didn’t fully understand how it all worked and where the funding came from (or didn’t) to keep the process going. Thanks for your time and sharing, Gabe. We will meet again soon I’m sure and my Husky will stay in the garage! Be safe and enjoy what most folks dream about every day but never stop to experience.
David Underwood
David, we enjoyed your group. Thanks for the nice comment
More great photos of your important work!