PCTA Work Trip Near Big Crow Basin
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There were five of us volunteers on this trail work trip. We set off with Bill Hawley, who is the regional PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) manager. This trip was a part of many local PCTA trail crews through the North 350 Blades, which does its best at covering the North 350 miles of the PCT in Washington to the Canadian border.
The trail into our base camp was up, but not too tough. Our horse support passed us on the way up and was waiting in camp when we arrivedp4[31o[o[kdoe[kdo[p. It was a special connection being able to chat with the cowboys who do a lot to help keep trails in top shape. They were with a local chapter of BCH (Back Country Horsemen), which is always looking for new members!
After we got our camp set up, we set out and fixed a major creek crossing along the PCT feeder trail that we were camped on. It was nice to get that out of the way and head to the actual PCT the next two days.
Our group of five volunteers were able clean, clear, and fix a full mile of the trail in two days. It really makes me think about how much more work could be done with more help. We replaced an old sign, fixed three drainage spots, and mostly scraped shale off of the trail.
PCTA really knows how to support it's volunteers. There was no cost to us, and we had a full camp hauled in. Our camp had a propane double burner stove, meals, Gatorade, coffee, tables, and a pop up camp tent. It is amenities like this that make it easy to go out and give back to the trails.
For more information on joining a volunteer work trip or day trip in the North 350 area, email Jim or Barry at- North350Blades@pcta.org
By: Rudy Giecek
