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| no partners | | To accommodate the numerous events on this passage, Babbitt Ranch cleared a parking and staging area around the steel sign at the south end of this passage. The area—also known as Cedar Ranch—is now the finish line for the Stagecoach 55K, a major relay exchange spot and an aid station for the 100 mile Flagstaff to Grand Canyon race. The past few years this location has become quite congested with vehicle and pedestrian traffic and parking. And should it come to be, the site will also be a major trail head once the AZT becomes single track across Babbitt Ranch. This left the iconic sign in the middle of an open lot—not exactly the aesthetic setting the AZT symbol deserves. Several dedicated AZT enthusiasts convened in the cool, clear early morning of July 3 to move it out of the way to the edge of the cleared space.
The first task was ‘un-installing” the sign out of its original setting. The handy 10-ton lifter was just the ticket for this, eliminating much digging and cement breaking. This old house jack has seen much use removing fence posts during super-gate installation, and relocation of some of the other steel signs. Nothing has been found to date that it cannot lift—a great time and work saver and a sound $50 investment. You can find just about anything on Craigslist.
The crew then selected the new location, always a worrisome task—what if it’s not the right spot? By consensus Tracy’s first call became the spot and the digging began. A few shallow scratches and the hole hit hard rock—this is after all an ancient volcanic area. While it looked pretty hopeless, the guys took turns hammering at it with the manual jack hammer, and in time the rocks split and pieces were pried out, allowing the holes to progress. A little patience is a very good thing in these matters. Those not hammering away used the time to clear debris from the area, making it quite natural. Soon the holes were deep enough and everyone mustered around to set the sign in the holes. Clamps, boards and a long level were used to plumb the structure, and the cement was mixed and poured. All that remained was to pull the dirt in around the posts, a little duffing to naturalize the area, the obligatory group picture and everyone was on their way. In this case it was to prepare for the 4th of July parade in Flagstaff.
Special thanks to Jim for recruiting Charlie and Ray, and to Anne and Tracy. |
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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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