On a sunny Monday morning the North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio Group started work on the beginning of the Droopy Muffin Trail. Rocks and roots were quickly removed by this energetic and enthusiastic group. By lunch a great portion of trailwork had been done, and a discussion ensued about who I looked like. Tarzan was mentioned several times (Thanks Alex ; ) ) After lunch the group returned to work and pushed up around the corner just beyond the “Split Rock”.

Day two continued the push forward up to Santa’s Little Helper. The weather did not look promising but was still holding off by lunch. Cristina from the Rutland Herald came in to dig some soil and interview members of the group for a newspaper story.

The resulting piece made the front page of the Thursday addition of the paper! Click here for the full article!

A delegation from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation came down for a site inspection to see how some of the grant money was being utilized. I must say this group made me look very good in front of this state department! A glowing letter was sent to the state commissioner and to the city the next day lauding the local efforts and those of YouthWorks. The letter addressed to Jason Gibbs, the State Commissioner of Forest, Parks, and Recreation can be Downloaded Here.

(Thanks for making me look so good!)

The rain began sprinkling down in the final half hour of the final day, but it felt nice on the forehead as the finishing touches were put on the 270º banked corner.

The work being finished we all hiked back down the mountain together. Augie’s mom provided some more ice cream sandwiches and the group said their goodbyes.

A big thanks for all the wonderful hard work, for impressing the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, but mostly for all the people from this community and beyond who will enjoy this trail as they make their way up to back recesses of the park for many many years to come.

Deeply Appreciated

-Michael Smith