Trails Update: May 6, 2022
Was there ever really a tree?
One of the benefits of having a large crew is the ability to split up when smaller jobs come up. Clearing deadfall is a common “mission” that only requires a few crew members. I sent Benoit to clear the big trees reported on Out There and Secret North. Josh and Camie went with him to help with lugging gear and clean-up (bonus reason: because safety). Sadly (?), the trees were already cut. The clearing had not been reported to Trailforks. Next on the list was the cluster of trees on A River Runs through it… The crew found the fallen trees and a muddy mess. After opening the path, they decided to bridge the persistent muddy section. Completing the 50 foot boardwalk (and bonus skinny) kept them busy all week.
First Volunteer crew of 2022
With trepidation, we hoped for an early valley snow melt to ride our bikes and see the moss. Committing to early may digging was a little risky, but the stars lined up for the Whistler Secondary School Outdoor Leadership Program (WSSOLP for acronymophiles). These students picked up where last fall’s class got dismissed: Up Shit Creek. Three sessions in and the project is almost ready for tires… With two more to go, I’m confident we’re in for a ribbon cutting next weekend!
Meanwhile
Dam(n) beaver… Someone’s been blocking the flow of Baxter Creek wedging stones against the bridge, which caused a catastrophic blowout in last fall’s atmospheric river events. The supports for the middle sleepers were washed away, making the cedar structure bounce like a suspension bridge. Expecting storms to get worse (and the neighbourhood bathers to continue damming the creek…) we opted to relocate the structure for the second time. The first spot got destroyed by excessive snow dumping… There's still an impressive pile there right now.
See you on the trails!
Dan Raymond
WORCA Lead Trail Builder
