CATS at Hidden Hogback Trail

CATS at Mariana Butte – The Hidden Hogback Trail again 30 Aug 2018
Yes, back again and with a vengeance to get the crusher fines done and finished. Guess what? We got it done – except for about 30 feet of open trail. What a night! Especially for some of us that just got back from that huge trail adventure down in the Springs (Colorado Springs) on top of Cheyenne Mountain. We are still sore and tired, but yet we threw out crusher fines and hauled them up the trail in wheel barrows and canvas bags. The trail looks different now as it has a yellow glow to it. We hope this is the answer to the muddy issues in the winter time. We laid down about 2-3” base and thicker in some areas to pull up the trail. Also on the east corner coming into the river view, we put in a nice rubble turn to hold the corner in place. All good – but sweaty. Nice work for our dedicated CATS. Tough work and no joking around – this took muscle power to get it done. Heck, Scott forced (I mean) brought out his brother Randy from San Antonio TX to do forced labor. He was great by the way. Leigh and Andy were there as usual and Connie and Lynn came out as work allowed them. Great crew and shorter hours too as we started at 330 pm due to the heat. Party time at the Wapiti outside on the patio and we were joined by all the James wives to celebrate our small but noteworthy victories each time we go out.


Members:   Bobcat, Connie, Leigh, Andy, Lynn, Scott, Special guest: Randy Hours:   4
RESULTS:   Approximately 300’ of crusher fines delivered and placed properly in trail, 1 corner cribbing structure
ROSES:
o  Scott brought out his younger brother who works like a horse
o  City provided two great piles of crush – strategically placed for our convenience
o  Great weather, hot – but cooled down as the evening rolled in
o  Rock cribbed corner looks real nice
o  Several customers came and offered us thanks
o  Lynn made it out and put in some good work despite thinking she was totally late – remember any amount of work with CATS is good and we love you for it
o  No injuries
o  Project complete
THORNS:
§  30’ Short to finish
§  Ran out of crush again – rats
§  Hauling canvas bags down spiral staircase
§  Hot – sweaty – lots of water consumption
BUDS:  I might have said this before, but some days you are the fly, not the windshield. We cannot always have the most perfect trail whack and produce the most spectacular rock wall ever. CATS was started on just maintenance projects and we never saw new trail. So in essence, we are blessed here in the place and time. I don’t apologize for this work as it is given to us to do and we accept the challenge and bring it to closure. I do want to credit those that come out and share the burden of the task and do it gleefully (well maybe not so happy face) and work it. Crusher fines moving from one place to another is not easy work or exciting. What is exciting is seeing the photos of the finished product or even walking the trail afterwards. We are stabilizing this trail for the citizens of the area and Loveland. This trail is one of our finest pieces of work with that stunning spiral staircase made of natural stone. We have a vested interest in keeping this trail safe. We are CATS, dirty, tired, sore, and vested with trail blood that flows through our veins. Bring on the work, the challenges before we hide in our homes for the winter. Huzzah!

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