Mapping the Sheltowee

jbd · Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2011 1:17 pm Post subject: NT to Dry Branch Rd???

Is there any current info on the trail condition from the northern terminus to Dry Branch Rd?

Tommy - The Tank · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 9:38 am Post subject:

I just hiked this area Monday June 26 there are some blowdowns at the first and about halfway through that area across the trail but passable. A few sunny spots with a few weeds but with long pants you should be fine. Other then that the trail is in good shape.

jbd · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:45 am Post subject:

Thanks. Maybe I can get to the blowdons in the next few weeks.

weeanme · in the stride Joined: 02 Feb 2011 Posts: 44

Finished Natural Bridge to Northern Terminus yesterday at noon. On this section there are about 5-6 down trees. This section is overgrown with areas on no visibility for snakes. Heard three rattlers but I couldn't hear the copperheads. The upside is that the blackberries are ripe! There is a small problem of a strange yellow-blaze trail that runs sometimes with and sometimes not with the ST. What is that? You can tell that the ST was once marked with well placed (and angled) blazes. Now there is this mystery OHV trail that comes up about where the Hunt Club property sign is and I was unsure of my path about five times. First time users would not be happy with this section. AND since its the first 10 miles it should be well groomed. I'll help you.

Traildust · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 8:52 am Post subject:

Thanks for the feedback. Yep, this section is a challenge when it comes to overgrowth. It is on our list to get started clearing this week.

The yellow marking are not a trail, they are boundary line markings - survey markings. Don't know about a OHV trail. The Sheltowee Trace runs along a barbed wire fence where the landowners have a trail for hunting but that section was well marked by me a year ago.

Watch for word on the next Ridge Runner work crew this month.

weeanme · in the stride Joined: 02 Feb 2011 Posts: 44

Yep, you could tell is was marked rather well but the yellow blazes really can throw you off. So is it the boundary line of Lewis and Rowan or what? Oh...I wanted to say that the section from Dry Branch south to Big Perry/I-64 bridge is now a terrific path. Big thanks to all who did that job! Much hard work on that section but it sure makes the going worthwhile. I smiled at some of the creative creek bank step work.

Traildust · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 8:32 pm Post subject:

Yes county line which in most cases is also the property line. Going out tomorrow to clear from NT to as far as I can get with time and cut grass at NT. If anyone can help, meet about 1000. If I am not at parking lot head up the trail to the sound of old man grunting.

Yep those steps were a hasty solution but will need some more detailed work..

Traildust · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 10:14 pm Post subject:

Ok if you read this and have the time on Tuesday, July 5th from 1000 to whenver, we will meet at NT parking lot to cut grass, weeds, brush piles etc.... at least to the top of the hill and maybe down the trail. Mile or two.

jbd · Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 3:18 pm Post subject:

Traildust · Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 3:58 pm Post subject:

[size=18]Thanks to Tommy the Tank and son Derek diesel Davidson for helping today at the NT. Also welcome to weanme or Mike Campbell from over near Carrington Rock for joining our crew today. Sp[/size]

We clear the obstruction and weed wacked the trail from the parking lot to the top of the hill. Also, the grass around the perimeter for the lot is cleared back so it is visible and looks excellent.

Thanks also to Jim "I got no trail name yet" for giving a day to work more on the Trace north of Rt 32 in Morehead. Still lots to do but little by little.....

Thanks everyone.
traildust

Tommy - The Tank · Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 4:06 pm Post subject:

Thanks Steve we had a great time and the trail looks really good. And Derek loves the new trail name Very Happy

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jbd · Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 4:31 pm Post subject:

Glad to hear you had some good help with you. BTW for what ists worth I was named Sheltowee during my short section hike on the AT in June. jbd works fine for me also.

weeanme · in the stride Joined: 02 Feb 2011 Posts: 44

It looks like I might be able to make some time to go back to the NT to Dry Branch section within the next two weeks. Anybody working on it PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I'd love to get it cleared and I was soooo encouraged by what I saw today, human wise. Tank and Diesel and Mr. Dust, it was a pleasure to meet you. I used to hike, bike and camp this section. Its where I brought friends for an intro to the ST. We'd stay near Tom B's ridgetop bogs and listen to peepers in the spring. Its so different now, that was before the clear cuts and the storms. 20 years ago.

Mr. Dust, I got in another 4.5 hrs. at the US 60 Triplett Bridge and across Spurlock's fields. 2 hrs. were hazardous duty pay due to ragweed and other sneeze weeds and this incredibly vigorous vine that fought back against me as I made my way through. I was engulfed in it. With the work the STA had already done here, the trail is in great shape in this section, all the way to the Ranger Station, and I encourage its immediate use.
Mike Campbell, (weeanme)

Traildust · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 12:15 pm Post subject:

Thanks Mike for the extra effort at Tripplett.

Tommy - The Tank · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 6:42 pm Post subject:

LOL weeanme's new name should be bushed wacked or man of Stihl with as much weedeating that he done that day. Hope the back isn't hurting to bad weeanme Laughing

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