Raven
Well-known member
20 July 2012
Trail Conditions: At this point the trail is in good shape. It is well brushed throughout, water bars are in good shape, and the trail is generally dry even in the usual muddy spots down low. The first crossing may be in need of a blaze in both directions as they have faded - this will be more of a winter issue but there is a herd path to avoid at this point that leads downstream and back to the road. The crossing at gem pool may need one as well. The rest of the trail is overblazed IMO. No blowdowns on the trail.
Special Equipment Required: sunscreen and bug spray although the bugs were not terrible.
Comments: I worked for a number of hours before reaching Gem Pool where I decided to pack the tools for awhile and hike up Monroe and Little Monroe and loop back to LOTC Hut by way of the Crawford Path to do some more work on the descent. As I switched from work to play, one of the mantras of Ed Abbey came to mind: be a "half-assed crusader," in other words, fight to protect nature but don't forget to enjoy it while it is still here. Great day to be out - tons of people heading up. Watched a glider for awhile in the area.
Trail Conditions: At this point the trail is in good shape. It is well brushed throughout, water bars are in good shape, and the trail is generally dry even in the usual muddy spots down low. The first crossing may be in need of a blaze in both directions as they have faded - this will be more of a winter issue but there is a herd path to avoid at this point that leads downstream and back to the road. The crossing at gem pool may need one as well. The rest of the trail is overblazed IMO. No blowdowns on the trail.
Special Equipment Required: sunscreen and bug spray although the bugs were not terrible.
Comments: I worked for a number of hours before reaching Gem Pool where I decided to pack the tools for awhile and hike up Monroe and Little Monroe and loop back to LOTC Hut by way of the Crawford Path to do some more work on the descent. As I switched from work to play, one of the mantras of Ed Abbey came to mind: be a "half-assed crusader," in other words, fight to protect nature but don't forget to enjoy it while it is still here. Great day to be out - tons of people heading up. Watched a glider for awhile in the area.
