3/31/13

Vining Tract, March 16, 2013



Reported by John Shannon

To help the trails manager of the Vining Tract, Iva Gillet scheduled a hike with possible clearing at the Vining Tract near Lydia. On an overcast morning, Marian Styles, Martin Volaric, and I left from Albemarle High and met up in Lydia with Iva, Michael Seth, Paige Madison (visiting from Texas), Marit Gay, and “Mark Trail,” another Pacific Crest Trail hiker.

The hikers walked up to Mutton Top Cabin before continuing on to other trails. One trail took us to an excellent overlook, while and another took us along side Mattie’s Run. Some of the trails consisted of old logging roads and were very steep.

During the hike we cut some small blowdowns and some vegetation on the trails, and we noted trees warranting a chainsaw. I used a McLeod to start some water runoffs in places, but in others, erosion control will require a major effort. On some trails, relocating a trail may be a better option.

Back at Mutton Top, Bill Holman, cabins supervisor Mel Merritt, Dan Ralston and Geoff Manning-Smith cleared vegetation from a wall.

During our hike the forecast rain was light and short lived, so we did not get very wet. We got back to the cabin at 3 p.m., just in time to watch a heavy shower from inside the spacious cabin while we enjoyed snacks and drinks. Afterwards, some of us headed home, and some stayed the night at the cabin.

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