The Baltimore Group’s first day on the trail was a bit wet, and we wondered if they were going to want to turn around and walk out due to the rain, but they kept right at it the entire day! Keeping a grip on the tools and work in general was very fatiguing, but they persevered. A beautiful ‘S’ Turn was created at the top of the Lower Switchback section of Svelte Tiger, getting people up the last push to the Trillium Intersection. The Freeride jump was carefully shored up and dirt added to make the landing much wider and safer. This will be a very popular feature and help make the park more attractive to a greater segment of people. (Mostly crazy people ; ) who like to jump off large rocks on their bikes) While we were working the second day a girl who I had known for many years came up the trail with her baby in a modern baby carriage. She remarked how nice the trails were, and how they allowed her to get outside even with her baby. All the rocks and roots that were removed allowed this to happen.

On behalf of all the many people from our community who will use these trails now, and 100 years from now, a great thanks to all the excellent people we had in this group, including a wonderful set of group leaders (Jim and Anita) who really kept a great attitude and kept things going despite a great deal of fatigue from the first rainy day of work. Great work!

My deep appreciation,                 

-Michael Smith