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| no partners | | Passage 40-43 - Kaibab Plateau, Buckskin Mountain
June 5-9, 2016
Several ATA volunteers replaced twenty trail signs along the AZT during this 4 day event. The old signs were installed in the early 1990’s and were showing their age. Additionally, they predated the AZT so made no mention of it; the new signs proclaim it proudly.
Over the winter and spring, woodworker extraordinaire Gary Hohner constructed the sign blanks of high-grade redwood. ATA had the lettering added by computer-controlled router at Heather and Fred Studios in Tempe—a very trail-friendly couple whose day job is building incredible custom furniture for high end homes in the valley. Then back to Gary’s for three layers of paint on the letters and eight (yes eight) coats of finish to protect the signs. The AZ elements are brutal and we are seeking a long-lasting finish, if these can match the previous batch we’ll be happy.
The crew hauled the signs and a truck load of gear north Sunday, making the six-hour drive in time to set up the assembly shop at the Orderville TH. Kiabab National Forest supplied the 40 + posts but the crew had to peel them. Some got a coat of stain before the gallon ran out.
Work resumed bright and early Monday morning, with more peeling, staining and prepping the posts so the signs could be bolted on. By noon enough were finished to start installation. The ATA Toyota was pressed into service to haul the signs out along the trail. With the signs being 7 feet long, the tailgate had to be left open, making for a dusty ride.
The jackhammer, generator and a willing crew made short work of digging the post holes, and shortly the first three signs were installed.
Tuesday the FS trailer was commandeered to haul the signs—it doesn’t take this crew all week to get smart—making for a much more pleasant ride to the sites. With 20 to practice on, the crew soon became quite proficient at setting the signs, and the completion count grew quickly. By mid-morning Wednesday only the most remote locations remained. Accessing the Tater Canyon site required a bit of faith, but the road continued all the way to the sign. A pair of equestrians with several dogs trailing along was passing the old sign just as the crew arrived. The hounds were quite interested in the trucks and jumped in to explore, and a little untangling ensued before sign work could start.
Back out the long two-track and on to Sourdough Well, another navigation adventure. With a little white-knuckle driving the crew arrived at the site and quickly set the last sign of the trip. Then back to the ranch to sort tools, load up the peeled bark and other trash, break camp and clean up the site. The stalwart volunteers who remained met for a fine dinner and one more round of trail talk at Jacob’s Lake Lodge Wednesday evening. Several folks stayed over and drove home Thursday morning.
Thanks to Joe L., Lee A., Tom K., Gary H., Tracy F., Roger S., Scott C., Dan, and Forest Service interns Casey and Toby for all the help. Thanks and a warm welcome to new AZT Stewards John and Lois and Pete-and his friend Jim-who joined in the fun and didn’t appear to be scared off. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Shawn
The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see. |
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