Day 1
On our climb from Cades Cove we met a hiker who’d lost her
backpack to a bear! It goes without
saying that it put newbie volunteers Bryant and Sam on pins and needles (and
never more than a stones throw from their packs on the way to Mollies Field.) Randy returned for his second week, while ATC
SORO’s Trail Specialist, Chris Binder, made a guest appearance on the way
up. Arriving at camp we encountered
Smoky Mountain Hiking Club (SMHC) members Hopeful and Ox, who helped us devise
a plan for the week over dinner.
Day 2
With our SMHC additions, we decided to divide and conquer
trail-south of Mollies. Team one worked
on installing steps while team two handled brushing. Both Ox and Hopeful proved to be a wellspring
of trail knowledge, advising the crew on the do’s and don’ts of tread
rehab. And wouldn’t you know it…they
shared dessert with us too!
Day 3
We witnessed an authentic moment of trail magic during
breakfast: A family of hikers had
forgotten to pack their stove. On the
verge of cancelling their trip, Hopeful stepped forward and offered his. What a lifesaver! In other news, it was a big brushing day for
SWEAT. We headed north and worked back
through the bugs and blowdowns. During
breaks, Sam and Bryant foraged for early blackberries, while Randy took time to rest
his eyes.
Day 4
With the team’s main objectives accomplished ahead of
schedule, everyone was eager to work on steps and waterbars. David led the step installments while Morgan
handled the latter. It was a productive
day, with the crew finishing five steps, two waterbars, and a handful of
drains.
Day 5
After the morning safety meeting—led by none other than
SWEAT veteran, Randy—the crew set out to accomplish more major jobs. Sidehill was priority, followed by more
waterbars. Meanwhile, Sam serenaded the
crew with an original song he’d written in light of his SWEAT experience. What he lacks in vocals he makes up for in
wit and creativity.
Day 6
The long walk home…well, more like a trail run, owing to the majority of it being
downhill. Plus, everyone was promised
some soft serve at the Cades Cove gift shop once we were finished. Talk about brain freeze!
