Session Seven: What it's all about in 5 short minutes

Assistant Trail Crew Leader Ben Royer shot this using his Go Pro. It captures the spirit and hard work of S.W.E.A.T. Crew, session 7!

Session Overview:  There was not a lot of brushing this week. We could have used more digging tools because we mostly cleaned drains and put in steps. This section is in the Spruce/Fir forest so it does not have a bunch of undergrowth; plan for lots of drain digging in the future. Having a 12 person crew was great at times but hard to keep organized and busy. We had crews of 2 working together on drains. I will say this crew dug the best drains and I think it was because of the teams. 

The large crew made for an interesting camp life. Everyone got along, and a bunch of new friendships were made.

Specifications:  Parts of this section are extremely eroded; some places are 3-4 ft deep. The drains were cleaned very well. Not a lot of brushing was needed. 

 Results and Measurable Accomplishments: 

·         Total Trail Mileage: 2.94

·         Water Bars Installed: 2 rock and 1 log

·         Check Steps Installed: 8

·         New Drains Installed: 16

·         Drains Cleared: 104

Day 1: He hiked up Snake Den Ridge trail to the AT the on to Tricorner Knob Shelter arriving safely. We set up camp then had a camp orientation.

Photo: Lunch on the trail, thank goodness no one had to pass!

Day 2: We worked 0.9 miles south of Tricorner and leading down to the shelter. We spent time focusing on drain clearing with some brushing. We cleaned 28 drains and dug 5 new ones. We installed 1 rock water bar.

Photo: Mary clearing a drain. 

Day 3: We covered 1.14 miles of trail clearing 36 drains and building 6 new ones. We also installed 1 new check step and one new log water bar and 1 rock water bar.

Photo: (right) JR, David, Julia and Mary proud of how dirty they were! 

Day 4: We only covered 0.3 miles today because we began the day with 4 check steps and building a turnpike in the afternoon. We spent the day collecting rocks for crush and laying the log cribbing. We also cleared 15 drains.

Photos: Before (left) and during turnpike instillation (right)

Day 5: We finished our turnpike and covered .6 miles clearing 25 drains and building 3 more check steps. We also dug 5 new drains. We saw Billy the ridgerunner!

Day 6: Hike out to Soak Ash and break down.

Week Summary: A great week! We could have used more digging tools and a sledge but we made due. For next year bring more digging tools and less brushing tools. Loppers work great for cutting roots. 

Session Six: Big Progress

Session Overview:  Session 6 went very well; we had our oldest member yet! At 76, he was one of the hardest workers and would not give up. He had a great attitude and tenacious spirit. Addy’s 10 years of trail work experience was a tremendous help and Joanne’s hard working military background brought a lot to the group. This is Mary’s 4^th session; she is a regular assistant to our crew. JR and David will be here again next week.

We got about 4.0 miles of work accomplished this week. We also saw a Mama bear and two cubs that we steered clear of!

We did not finish the mile between Spence and Russell because we figured our time would be better spent working south of Mollies. Franklin seems to be very active in his section so we wanted to get to the other part.

Results and Measurable Accomplishments: 

·         Total Trail Mileage: about 4.03 miles

·         Logs Cleared: 1

·         Water Bars Installed: 1

·         Check Steps Installed: 3

·         New Drains Installed: 15

·         Drains Cleared: 76

Day 1: We hiked in from Cades Cove via Anthony Creek Trail and Russell Field Trail. The crew did great and we made it to Mollies Ridge Shelter Safely.

Day 2: We covered 1.22 miles of trail we installed 6 new drains and cleaned 20 existing along with brushing. We put in 1 log water bar.

Day 3: We worked on 0.8 miles of trail today and had a visit from Dick Ketelle with some brownies! We installed 8 new drains and cleaned 18 existing drains.

There is a section of trail just south of the Ekaneetlee spring that is in need of some steps. It is badly eroded and the trail is 4-5 feet wide. There are plenty of rocks available. This is something I would like to schedule for next year’s S.W.E.A.T crew to work on. 

Day 4: We brushed and cleaned 23 drains on 1.21 miles of trail down to Doe Knob. We also added three steps to an existing series. The crew really enjoyed building these!

Photo: Step installation before and after

Day 5: We installed 1 new drain and cleaned 15 existing drains covering 0.8 miles. We had a Boy Scout and his father joins us for a couple hours. We taught him how to clean a couple drains and allowed him to brush a little. His father said he could use that time for a badge!

Day 6: Hike out to Soak Ash and break down.

Week Summary: This was a successful week. We were glad we got down to Doe Knob. I wish we could have installed some rock steps in the badly eroded area, but hopefully they can next year. 

Session Five: Rattlesnake and Sunset from Rocky Top

Rocky Top to Russell Field Shelter

Crew Leader:  Amy Allamong

Assistant Crew Leader: Ben Royer

Session Overview:  Session 5 we completed the section from Rocky Top down to about a mile north of Russell. Most of this section is in very good condition. From Rocky Top to Spence the trail and all structures are holding up well. Everything from Spence to Russell looks pretty good although there are a few hazards. There are two turnpikes holding up very well but there are some steps that have multiple spikes protruding up from the logs. There is a boggy section forming about ¼ mile south from Spence that may need a turnpike in the future. But, all in all, this section looks great with no major erosion.

Specifications:  Again, this week we cut back the blackberry bushes and other perennial growth. We continued to focus on sapling removal from the corridor. This week we stuck closer to the 4ft defined corridor rather than trying to cut extra for sustainability in the coming years. We did however trim as high as we could for the horses. As we hiked through, we worked on the drains and tunrpikes that could be cleaned easily and efficiently. We did install one new log water bar. The crew practiced solid safety principles while working and hiking to the worksite.

Results and Measurable Accomplishments: 

·         Total Trail Mileage: about 3.6 miles

·         Water Bars Installed: 1 log

Day 1: We hiked in from Cades Cove via Anthony Creek Trail and Bote. The crew did great and we made it to Spence in great time.

Day 2: We hiked up to Rocky Top and began working our way down to Spence. We finished about 0.6 miles.

Above Left: Rattle snake on Rock Top. Above Right: Steps holding up well just south of Little Rocky Top

Day 3: We kept working south and made it another 0.7 miles. We found an old tool cash with two shovels and a fire rake that were now rotten. We hiked those out.

Day 4: We worked another 0.9 miles south of Spence Field.

Day 5: We continued on towards Russell. We ran in to Franklin LaFond and he updated us with what he has completed in his section. We should be able to move through his quickly to hit the unfinished parts next week. We finished about 0.6 miles today

Day 6: Hike out and breakdown at Soak Ash.

Week Summary: We had a great week of weather! It kept everyone in high spirits and we were able to work hard. Looking forward to next week! We will continue working south from where we left off.

GO S.W.E.A.T!!!

Session Four: High Spirits and Working Hard

Rocky Top to Derrick Knob Shelter

Crew Leader:  Amy Allamong

Assistant Crew Leader: Ben Royer

Session Overview:  This week we had a small crew, but we are back on track with our sections.  The section between Beechnut Gap and Rocky Top is badly eroded in some areas. We cleared the existing drains, but this section could definitely use more rock work such as steps. Some 30-50 foot runs are on a 20+ grade and eroded down to bedrock. The bedrock here is soft and easily eroded. North of Beechnut gap also has some very steep (almost vertical climbs). 

Specifications:  Again, this week we cut back the blackberry bushes and other perennial growth. We continued to focus on sapling removal from the corridor. This week we stuck closer to the 4ft defined corridor rather than trying to cut extra for sustainability in the coming years. We were able to move a little quicker. As we hiked through, we worked on the drains that could be cleaned easily and efficiently. We did install one new rock water bar and one new log. The crew practiced solid safety principles while working and hiking to the worksite. 

Day 1: We hiked in from Cades Cove via Anthony Creek Trail and Bote. This may be one of my favorite hikes in so far, it was beautiful! The crew did great and we made it in fine. 

Day 2: We hiked north of Beechnut Bap and met up with our end point from last session on Brier Knob. We cleared about 1.1 mile; it was mostly brushing with the occasional drain. This is the section that has the almost vertical section of trail you have to climb up.

Day 3: We kept working south and made it another 0.9 miles. The thickest section was just north of Beechnut Gap. We also removed a failing log water bar and installed a new rock one as seen in the pictures below.

 

Before a rock waterbar installation (above), and after rock water bar installation and drain enhancement (right). 

Day 4: We worked another 0.6 miles south of Beechnut towards Thunderhead. This section is badly eroded so we focused on drains. We tried to clear all of them and make them large. We made it to Thunderhead where it was thick with Rhododendron and Blueberry. We spent some time clearing through here. 

 

The Trail before (left) and after (right).

Day 5: We continued on to Rock Top. We cleared about 1 mile.

Day 6: Hike out and breakdown at Soak Ash.

Week Summary: We had a great week of weather! It kept everyone in high spirits and we were able to work hard. Looking forward to next week! We will continue working south from where we left off. We will be camping at Spence Field Shelter.

Session Three, including evening yoga!

Rocky Top to Derrick Knob Shelter

Crew Leader:  Amy Allamong

Assistant Crew Leader: Ben Royer

Session Overview:  This week we had a full 8 person crew! The weather held off through the day and rained at night. We accomplished some grade A work. Group dynamics were on point and everyone had a great time!

Specifications:  Again, this week we cut back the blackberry bushes and other perennial growth. Continuing to focus on beech, cherry, and birch sapling removal from the corridor. As we hiked through, we worked on the drains that could be cleaned easily and efficiently and we did install a few new ones. We also finished removing one downed tree from last session. The crew practiced solid safety principles while working and hiking to the worksite.

Day 1: We hiked in from Tremont on Middle Prong and Greenbrier to the AT. This hike had a steady increase in elevation, but was very gradual. These trails had quite a few blow downs (about 5-10) and could use some brushing, but all in all they were in good condition. Our hike in was much faster this week! We stopped to see the waterfall and a couple people took a dip.

Day 2: We began work at Derrick Knob shelter and worked south. We completed 1.1 miles of trail after a group brushing and drain clearing demonstration. We made note of a lot of too-long stobs that were about a foot high that abruptly stopped our swing blades and damage them. We've also noticed unsightly stobs coming from the tree branches where they have not been cut back (should be < ½ in) to the main stem or trunk.

Day 3: We kept working south and made it another 0.9 miles. On the sections with a steep side slope we focused brushing more on the uphill side of the trail and left more brush on the downhill side to keep users away from the critical edge. This is very important in some of these areas, the drop off is steep and dangerous in some sections.

Day 4: We made it a little past Brier Knob brushing 0.5 miles. We hit a few thick blackberry sections here.

Day 5: We went back to the section we did not finish last session between Derrick Knob and Silers Bald. We worked north to the Miry Ridge intersection and got about 1.3 finished. We removed one of the blow downs, but there is still one more.

Day 6: Hike out and breakdown at Soak Ash.

  

Week Summary: We had a great week of weather! It kept everyone in high spirits and we were able to work hard. Looking forward to next week! We will continue working south from where we left off. 

GO S.W.E.A.T!!!

We also did some evening yoga!!!

Session Two: Summer is in full swing and the blackberry bushes are growing!

Starkey Gap to Welch Ridge Trail Intersection

Crew Leader:  Amy Allamong

Assistant Crew Leader: Ben Royer

Session Overview:  This week we had a small crew of 6. One person was hiked out on the third day due to sickness. We stayed at Silers Bald Shelter instead of Derrick’s Knob due to hiking ability of the crew members and weather. We were able to work on the section between the shelters from Silers Bald just fine.

Summer is in full swing and the blackberry bushes are growing! This week we focused on cutting back the blackberry bushes and other perennial growth. We also focused on beech, cherry, and birch sapling removal from the corridor. As we hiked through we worked on the drains that could be cleaned easily and efficiently. We did not dig any new drains. The crew practiced solid safety principles while working and hiking to the worksite.

 Before (above) and After (right) drain enhancement.

Here are our crew's objectives:  The crew had a defined set of goals to accomplish during the session. These objectives included:

·         Remove brush within defined trail corridor.

·         Clear obstacles such as downed trees in the trail.

·         Clean existing drains and dig new ones where needed.

Week Summary: All in all it was a great six-day session. The beginning was rough with the hike in, long hike to the work site and all the rain. Most of the crew stayed positive and had a great time. It’s unfortunate we lost a crew member in the middle of the week due to illness; this had an impact on the amount of work we were able to accomplish. We ran into Billy the ridgerunner this week, he says things are looking great! 

Before annual growth was cut back...

Same location after annual growth was cut. Wow! 

Session One, Recap

Camel Gap Trail to Mount Chapman (about 7 miles)


We had 7 people total: 2 Crew Leaders, 5 volunteers
Tools: 5 Swing Blades, 1 McLeod, 3 Fire Rakes, 3 Pulaski’s, 3 small hand saws, 1 large hand saw, 1 lopper, 2 hand snips.


Saturday June 8, 2013 – Hike into base camp was about 9 miles. We took the Snake Den Trail to the A.T. from Cosby Campground where we left the van in the front parking lot. We had a little rain near the end of the hike but, it let up enough for us to get camp set up camp and begin cooking. It took about 7.5 hours to do the hike.


Sunday June 9, 2013 – It rained all night and in the morning. We cooked breakfast under the shelter. We had a slow start getting everyone motivated to work in the rain. It was not heavy enough to call of work. We began hiking about 10 am to Camel Gap. One crew leader stayed with 3 volunteers near the Snake Den Junction while one crew leader took 2 volunteers down to Camel Gap. Vegetation was light between Snake Den junction and Camel Gap, we were able to cover most of this and dig out drains.


Monday June 10, 2013 – The Day was very straight forward and the weather was great. No injuries. Most people had wet feet from the day before so we made sure to double check everyone.


Tuesday June 11, 2013 – Again, very good day. We removed a couple small snags over the trail.


Wednesday June 12, 2013 – Final day, lots of drain cleaning and heavy annual brushing. Many Spruce saplings were removed.


Thursday June 13, 2012 – We hiked out in about 5 hours, just before the storm. Break down was smooth.



Week Summary

We did not finish all of Section 7; about a mile of the southern end was left. We should be able to tack that on to section 6. I am happy with the results of the crews work, especially for the first week and the weather. The annual brush removal was very good in some sections, but could improve in others. I spent the last two days focusing on spruce trimming and sapling removal; I also cut a lot of 2- 4 inch spruce out of the corridor. The drain digging went very well after a couple days of practice. We were not able to give the drains a lot of attention because there were so many and we had so much ground to cover. In the future, I would like to make them bigger if time permits.



Total Measurable Accomplishments

Improved/Cleaned Drains: 58

New Drains: 8

Water Bar: 1 rock

Miles Brushed: 6