Starting near the Monument trailhead, just a hundred yards down the Mona Pole Rd.
Nettle-Leaf Giant Hyssop
This was our second trip down this trail. In total we cut out around 3 dozen trees.
Jodie does good work and keeps a smile.
Fir cone.
Time to sharpen up.
We came across two injured grouse on the Nebo Loop Rd. that had apparently been hit by a vehicle. After some discussion, we did the humane thing.
Drew begins work on a rock bar installation. Our crews have worked hard to throw all loose rock from this portion of trail over the past 2 years only to see all of the fine sediment washed out of the trail this season, exposing new rock that was previously buried. Lesson? Pay attention to drainage.
Each year new rock is deposited at stream crossings. Here we are consolidating the rock to reestablish the trail through the stream bed.
The stream, which previously ran to my left in the picture, now runs to my right...where the trail used to be. For now the water is low enough that it won't be an issue. In high water years such as this was, it is somewhat common to see streams and trails migrate 15-20 feet here and there.
I have never seen such a quantity and diversity of mushrooms as I have this summer. Lots of water...lots of cows...lots of mushrooms.
I have also seen more snakes this summer than all others combined. Jodie somehow noticed this tree climber as we hiked up the trail.
Clouds rolling through above the work site in Spanish Fork.
These old CCC erosion control terraces act as the trail in one or two spots and are prone to ponding. With just a small nick we were able to remove a substantial amount of water from the trail.
Drew looks to the storm forming in the distance.
These mushrooms are an indicator that the tree is on its way out. Eventually the fungus will spread to neighboring trees.
Hiking the switchbacks on the North Peak trail with Loafer Mountain visible in the distance.
Approaching the ridge that will look down into the valley to the West.
Taking it all in.
An old fence post for cattle.
Jacob's Ladder
Adam uses the pole saw to remove any branches that may interfere with a person sitting on a horse.
Jodie targets the chokecherry and aspen.
Bees in the trees.
Chokecherry blossoms.
A "blaze" that was cut into the tree years ago to mark the trail.
It's all in how you hold your tongue when you sharpen a saw.
One of the bigger trees I've cut from a trail.
"Whatta ya do?" What will we do, to get this river off of this trail?
If you stand in cold water long enough, the foot freeze will eventually travel all the way up and lead to brain freeze.
It's fun to try and keep your boots dry but once you feel the water pour in...there is something liberating about knowing it can't get any worse.
This musta been one tall beaver.
This was the end of day 1 on Calkens Hollow. Jodie and I would return the next day, with hip boots, to complete the trail.
This area has not been so wet in past years and I hope it dries out next year.
Jodie stands with White Pine Hollow and Mount Nebo behind her.
Pollinators.
Black bear activity from earlier in the morning.
Dry feet...priceless.
