Trail Work 101

View from our camp

Artistic creation is an interesting process.  It starts with a blank medium, utensils and a vivid image of what is trying to be created.  Each stroke builds excitement taking oneself closer to the finished product.  Inspiration fosters an appreciation for the steps taken each day to finish the masterpiece.

These past two weeks my medium was the unfinished portion of the Arizona Trail, which runs for over 800 miles connecting Mexico to Utah.  Some of our utensils included a pick mattock, shovel, and an ax.  My cohorts and I chiseled our way from an expanse of rolling desert to a beautifully manicured desert trail that balances functional use by humans and the preservation of the natural environment.   Along the way several facts became apparent:

Em and I

1.      Dust boogers are inevitable

      Believe it or not when cutting bench tread (a flat walkable surface cut into a hill or mountain side) a lot of dirt will be flying around.  Breathing it in is part of the gig, so not only will you look like a dirt ball on the outside, but your boogers will join you in the dust bath.

2.     

      Glochids suck

      Glochids are tiny hairs accompanied by the large spines on the prickly pear cactus.  They may look soft and supple but they are very irritating...especially when you find them in random spots that you wish never to be irritated.

3.     

      Hantavirus would be a terrible way to die

      This is a disease spread by rodents.  They carry the virus in their feces and urine.  Contamination is through respiratory contact.  Symptoms are similar to the flu and then lead to respiratory failure.  I don't know about you but I don't want to die because of rat poo. 

Trail time!

4.     

      There is no room to be modest in these conditions Losing balance in the desert is extremely dangerous.  Yes, I tried to pick up a very large rock, ended up dropping it, went flying backwards and landed on a piece of cholla cactus that securely wedged itself into my right butt cheek.  Their spines are about an inch long with barbed ends so they hang on very well.  Screaming and dropping my pants immediately, Kristen came to my rescue by freeing me of its grip in my flesh.

5.     

      Trail work is rewarding 

      Its physically demanding working 10 hour days in the hot sun swinging a heavy tool, but having the ability to walk the route you’ve just created knowing it will be there for many years to come is worth every swing.

      By the end of the two weeks I was caked with dirt and prickers.  We had blazed our way through about a mile of the Arizona trail within Saguaro National Park.  Having fun and taking care of business at the same time.  With each day and every cactus removal we took part in the creation of something beautiful.  Watching it unfold slowly and come together perfectly at the end of the two weeks.  Our masterpiece molded and scratched out from Los Hobos hands and tools.  A good hitch, I’ve learned to appreciate much.  Until next time.

Triple piggy back on our rec day

                                                      Danielle