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Trip Report

Guillemot Cove — Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023

Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula
WTA crew preparing to remove a tree overhanging the Sawmill Trail

My first time in the area, attending a WTA training class for crosscut sawyers. There were two crews working in different parts of the nature preserve. The crew I was with worked on Sawmill Trail and Margaret's Trail, clearing downed logs from the trail corridor. There were really only two that were somewhat blocking the trails, the first in the photo that most hikers could probably pass underneath with no issue, but still a bit low. And a good practice for our saw team! The second was a madrona tree down on Margaret's Trail above the switchback. That wood is extremely hard and dense, so even the relatively small diameter took the crew a while to clear.

Afterwards we visited the meadow with a wonderful view of the Hood canal, and then crossed the boardwalk to see the famous Stump House. After crossing the creek, the Stump House Trail to the east is very muddy. An inch or more of loose mud in places, which can be very slippery. It's tempting to step to the side on the grass, but that's not recommended, as over time it'll cause the trail to widen or braid. So bring your boots!

WTA sawyers practicing with a crosscut saw
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