Overcast skies with a smattering of rain greeted the volunteers this day as we assembled on the western edge of Riverside State Park. This was another hybrid team of trail workers consisting of Washington Trails Association, Boy Scouts of America, and Riverside State Park Foundation participants. An REI Representative was on site with hot beverages, trail snacks, and t-shirts.
The job today was to repair a section of trail #25. Multiple Assistant Crew Leaders were on hand to direct smaller teams of 4-5 members. Safety briefing ensued with the addition of a few new tool descriptions not in the normal repertoire, along with the enticement of post work party food offerings provided by the Riverside State Park Foundation.
We entered the trail and several members began working on the inclusion of gravel at a junction point. This gravel would provide a stable platform once tamped into place. With the gravel haulers and tampers positioned, the remaining members spread out along a quarter + mile stretch of trail needing some TLC. The primary effort was to re-grade the slope in order to reduce puddling and ruts from run off, and to provide ample room at designated passing zones for horse traffic. As the day progressed the sun peaked through the clouds resulting in the removing of early morning jackets and scarves. The weather was perfect and the team moved quickly accomplishing an impressive looking stretch of tread.
Post event culinary fare included both meat and vegetarian options. This offered the volunteers time to sit and get better acquainted. Lots of smiling faces and new friends.
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