Jackhammer on Fuller Ridge?!

[Sally]

Yesterday, for my weekly Wednesday trek, I chose to do the Fuller Ridge Trail. I spent almost an hour driving the dirt road to the trailhead. I went real slow because I love my car. Thank you, Dug, for the words of encouragement that my car could do it. The road is not that bad, just 8 miles long.

I started hiking at 7:20. As I began to get up high it was really pretty looking down at a sea of clouds. I enjoyed being able to alternately view the desert and the other side of the ridge. There are some great boulders, too.

Well, as I was nearing the spot where the San Jacinto river crosses the trail, I heard what sounded like someone trying to start up a chainsaw. But when the machine finally turned over I thought,"What the heck is that?" I rounded the bend and there was a guy pulverizing rocks on the trail with -I kid you not - a jackhammer! There was a large trail crew, and I had a brief conversation with one of them. He said that they were working on a 3 year project. They stay at the tent city on the Deer Springs Trail, work 10 days, and get 4 days off.

So I continued on my merry way. I saw 2 deer in Little Round Valley. I had the summit to myself again. I didn't see my groundsquirrel friends this time.

On my return down Fuller Ridge the crew was shovelling dirt over the broken rocks on the trail. Right after being admonished to watch my step I slipped on some loose dirt and landed on my rear end right in front of all those guys. Way to go, Sally!

I managed to stay on my feet for the rest of the trip. Another great day!

[zippetydude]

Hi Sally. I've taken lots of falls like that myself! I look at it like I have added just a little bit more humor to the world....there's my contribution to the universe!

I hope their 3 year project includes something simple, like pulling out the bushes that are growing over the whole trail from there down to Snow Creek. Destroying bolders is just fine, but I can step on a bolder and keep going. Now, those nasty, scratchy bushes are another thing altogether!

Good job on your hike, and I know what you mean about that drive! It takes forever! See you on the trail soon...

z

[Norris]

Hey, I have no problem with the occasional jackhammer for trail maintenance. I recently hiked a "trail" in the White mountains (Huntington ravine "trail") and you would not believe what passes for a trail around there. It's the opposite end of the spectrum.

[bluerail]

I can attest to zip falling....actually, even diving down the trail. definetly funny stuff..as long as your laughing when your getting up.

sounds like your having fun Norris, glad to here it. Been wondering about you lately.