Wow... an amazing group indeed! The temperatures both days were in the 90’s with terrible humidity (at least to us Vermonters ; )

Work began with a hot hike up Monday morning. Red flagging was laid out along the foot of a large rock shelf beginning at the Overlook Rocks south to the beginning of Stegosaurus. The group began clearing the duff layer exposing a multitude of large rocks that had long since fallen down from the ledge above. A great deal of beautiful stone work was done along the trail, as another group “The Pit Crew” began digging the great sum of dirt that would be needed to fill the gaps and holes in the trail. A third group went down to the new switchback turns making their way up to the Overlook Rocks to add some final touches to the banked corners.

Tuesday was even hotter than the first. We arrived back up at the trail site and with all the trail skills acquired the day before quickly got back to work. The day was a very difficult push to finish through to the end. Many more rocks had to be moved both from the trail tread and to fill a large cleft on one of the corners. Dirt came out of the pit at a fantastic rate, quickly filling Nemo repeatedly. A final push in the final 15 minutes completed the final link into Stegosaurus opening the trail for use. The dirt pit... I have to say was the deepest dirt pit dug in the entire park! A really phenomenal job on every single person’s part! It was the hottest week of the summer and despite this a large and difficult brand new section of trail was completed all the way through. It really is very beautiful section of trail. A big hand to Jill who came back in and ended up working all through the second day despite a badly sprained ankle.

I was unable to come to the picnic to give my thanks to you all one more time. The heat and all the other work I had to make up that week prevented me from attending, so this little paragraph will have to suffice... but as I said... perhaps the most honorable and noble of one’s acts in this life are those that no one will know anything about. Enjoy the picture gallery...

My deepest gratitude,                 

-Michael Smith