Trail Building with Cadillac Crew at Mutton Hollow- Sept. 22/23, Nov.10/11, Dec. 8/9

Members of the Charlottesville PATC joined forces with the mighty Cadillac Crew on three trail building weekends this fall - September 22/23, November 10/11, and December 8/9  It is always amazing to work with this crew because they are so knowledgeable, hard working, and fun.  Most of the Cadillac Crew live in the D.C. area, but many volunteers came from other places to be a part of the trail building experience.  Many are hikers and want to give back....building trails for future hikers, so thank you to the Cadillac Crew for putting us to good work! Volunteers from Charlottesville PATC included Bill Holman who spearheaded the project since he is District Manager of Mutton Hollow, Mark Walkup (trail builder extraordinaire), Paul Henderson, Amy and Evan Reed, Mark Perschel, and Marit Anderson.  The project was begun last spring with first laying down flags for the route and continued this fall with building the trail from the ground up.  It is demanding work clearing the ground cover, leveling the earth, sloping for drainage, clearing rocks, creating rock stairways, and more.  Much of the trail has been made and future projects in the spring will hopefully complete the new Mutton Hollow Trail Loop, which will make a nice hiking path for those staying at the PATC Vining Cabin or nearby Vining Tract area.  Many thanks to all the Cadillac Crew, especially Robert Fina, Martha Becton, and Kirsten Elowsky who led the team.  Steve Barber and family nearby opened up their beautiful home and grounds for the Cadillac Crew and volunteers to stay for the weekends, which was also much appreciated. We look forward to continued progress on this trail - come join the crew in the spring.

Last part of the day is cleaning all the tools

Cadillac Crew got to experience some of that Nov. 9 snowstorm

The Vining Cabin

submitted by Marit Anderson; photos by Marit and Kirsten Elowsky