On June 1st, 2013, small groups of volunteers will work with The Front Range Trail Team to build stone structures. We’ll work on the Wind Tower climbing access trail, building crib walls and placing some large stone steps.
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National Trails Day – 2013
March 22, 2013Difficult things.
May 13, 2013Blog posts that wax philosophical frequently have pictures.
It’s a good idea. Personally, I look at the pictures, skip the text, and still feel like I’ve accomplished something.
Poison Ivy.
May 11, 2013I’ve found a way to coexist peacefully with the dread ivy. I’m as careful as I can be, and the once or twice per season I brush the leaves, I wash quickly in cold water. Some years, I’ll get a little blister, but that’s about it.
I added a thing NOT to do. Mildly gruesome picture after the fold…
Hawk-Eagle Steps – Day 6
May 3, 2013Killer day.
We spent the majority of the day hauling shaped steps up the hill.
The haul rig. And a bucket.
One of the big challenges on this particular project is anchoring the Griphoist. The top end of the gulley we’re working in is pretty friable.
Our haul setup had to make a bank shot today. It was scary dragging heavy, sharp rocks up the stairs we’ve made – we ended up setting rock bars on the steps and dragging the new steps across the rock bars. Smooth.
We placed a few more after this. It takes a lot of work to shape steps and haul them, but the steps place very quickly.
Big Picture Thinking. The Backwards Approach.
May 2, 2013I imagine that there are people that “get” the big picture in a hurry. Personally, I need to get immersed in the details, stew, and then the big picture forms.
I’ve been walking around Eldorado like a penitent man, head down, focused on a smart phone. I made a filemaker doo-hickey to track all the signs in the park:
Some days, you bite the bear…
May 1, 2013… some days, the bear bites you.
When rocks fall off of cliffs, they tend to leave a trail of impact marks on their descent. Last week, a boulder landed on the Wind Tower trail, and I can find no hints as to its origin – its only major impacts were on/near a dry stack wall well away from the cliff walls. Read the rest of this entry »
Motivational Thought
April 27, 2013If you’re putting your heart and soul into something, and feel overwhelmed, disorganized, and out of your league, that’s a good thing.
It means you’re learning. A lot.
That doesn’t mean it’s any fun to be in that situation.
(I’ll try to remind myself of this the next time I have a few weeks like these last two…)
Projects, Contexts, Bears, Oh My.
April 16, 2013Short version: blah blah blah Omnifocus blah blah no more blogging boring daily/weekly reports.
Slightly more articulate version: I’ve figured out a nice change to my task management.
Candid version: Maintenance dudes with complicated task management systems probably have issues. Don’t click “Read the rest of this entry” unless you’re an Omnifocus user and have a copy of the DSM IV handy.
Hawk-Eagle Steps – Days 3 & 4
April 5, 2013Some days the bear bites you, some days you bite the bear.
I’ve learned the hard way about splits gone wrong. Over the last two days I’ve had splits go right. And nice steps are getting built.
Split going well.
National Public Lands Day – 2013
April 2, 2013On September 29th, 2013, we’ll continue restoration and improvement work on Eldorado’s climbing access trails. We’ll be building crib walls, placing some big steps, and building staging areas for popular climbs.
This will be intense work! Volunteers should be capable of heavy lifting, know how to pace themselves, and be ready to go home tuckered.
Due to Eldorado’s topography, and the nature of this work, we can only host 20 volunteers. Trailbuilding professionals will be on hand to help groups build high-quality, durable stone structures.
Volunteers should bring gloves, close-toed shoes. The Park will provide tools and safety equipment.
Good coffee, Lunch, and a raffle will be provided. (We take our caffeination very seriously around here).
Hope to see you.
Hiring for the Summer.
April 2, 2013Difficult boss (me), lousy scenery, no fun:
