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| no partners | | Pistol Hill Gate Installation
As part of ATA’s effort to improve the trail for all users we are replacing the narrow gates that frustrate pack animal traffic with the wider, sturdy ATV-filter super gates. These sturdy structures resolve gate problems for all time (well all of our time anyway) and present a very favorable message as to the permanence and commitment of the ATA and the Arizona Trail. The attractive steel emblem is quickly becoming a recognized AZT brand. They are placed in the more visible locations where gates are needed for any number of reasons.
Pistol Hill Road crossing was one such gate—high visibility location, high potential for ATV problems, and the existing gate was an unsightly mess of posts, wires, gates, panels and junk, all far beyond its useful life.
The usual suspects gathered early August 19, betting on a favorable weather forecast, to install the new gate. Shawn came from Phoenix, picked up the gate and the super tools up on the way, and arrived shortly after the southern contingent had begun removing the old gate. This location has seen many iterations of gate as evidenced by the remains of several of them. Some of these were salvaged and incorporated into the new version.
Tom, David, Bernie and Lee had the wires off and one of the old railroad tie posts out; this was reinstalled to strengthen the sagging corner post near the new gate. The electric jack hammer makes digging the 30 inch post holes much more manageable in the unyielding AZ soil. The crew took turns between the hammer, shovels and tuna can dippers and soon the holes were ready. All hands muscled it off the trailer and into the holes. Two by fours and clamps trued it up and twelve bags of premix concrete-over 700 pounds-were mixed on the tarp and poured around the posts. A gate cannot be overbuilt.
The adjoining fence was quickly connected to the new gate; the new corner post set and attached to hold up the old one; the fence panel put in place; and a new latch welded on for the stock gate. This will allow the gate to be padlocked to prevent ATV abuse. Having field welding capability—thank you Rob--makes for a very well finessed installation.
Mark brought lunch for the group from Valeria’s in the AZT Gateway Community of Vail—a very welcome treat as temps rose and rain threatened. They really hit the spot after a few hours of digging, lifting and pulling. A two for one installation at Kentucky Camp is up next. Thanks to Rob, Lee, Bernie, David and Tom! |
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Shawn
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see. |
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Route Editor
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