Poto: Hewens Creek

[BikeHewensCreek]

I have been pondering a map box created from pressure treated 2x boards and a hinged lid. Should be pretty bomb proof. I have some scrap untreated 2x laying around that I could build a prototype this week.

The last wooden one I put up was made of 1" boards, but somebody just ripped it from the tree and tossed it in the pond. Someone is also prying the markers off now, too. If it won't cost you to make it, go for it and we'll give it a try. We just need to anchor it to a tree really well to keep that from happening again. Thanks parttime.

[hotspurr]

Maybe we should mount a motion-operated game camera aimed at any new mapbox we put up to capture a picture of the scofflaw(s).

Happy Holidays to all my trail work buddies!

Norm

[AJG]

Sorry guys, was laying on my phone and somehow posted in this thread. Great idea on the motion detector.

[BikeHewensCreek]

Yep, Happy Holidays to you all too! Whatever we make we just have to be prepared for it to be destroyed again. Nobody seems to be messing with the new township park signs, so maybe something more official from the township might be accepted. Any ideas?

[BikeHewensCreek]

With the falling temps the muddy surface has frozen in most sections of the trail, even the wooded section with the walkways and the orange loop.

[BikeHewensCreek]

The big tree after Y3 is down blocking the trail with 3 large trunks that will take some serious effort to remove. Surface muddy again too.

[parttime]

Maybe we should mount a motion-operated game camera aimed at any new mapbox we put up to capture a picture of the scofflaw(s).

Happy Holidays to all my trail work buddies!

Norm

Great idea Norm! A camera in the parking lot would be nice also. Happy (late) Holidays!

Yep, Happy Holidays to you all too! Whatever we make we just have to be prepared for it to be destroyed again. Nobody seems to be messing with the new township park signs, so maybe something more official from the township might be accepted. Any ideas?

I've got some 2x and 1x picked out, just need to find a hinge, cut the wood and put it together for the map box. I'm thinking lag bolts to the parks main sign up front. Should be pretty solid!

The big tree after Y3 is down blocking the trail with 3 large trunks that will take some serious effort to remove. Surface muddy again too.

Do you have an idea of the diameter of these trunks? I may head out there with a bow saw and give it a whirl.

[BikeHewensCreek]

The trunks are really big, maybe 18+ inches. I'm thinking they are chain-saw only candidates!

[jeepskate]

if there is interest in a metal box, im sure I can figure something out.

Took the dogs out there the other day, liking the improvements. Great job to all.

[BikeHewensCreek]

Thanks jeepskate, but let's first see if parttime's box will stand the abuse. =^]

[lovesierra]

I'm sure Hewens is a sludge-pit at this point. No ride for me for awhile. It really chaps my butt to hear about the vandalizing though. Like, I see a bunch of drunk 17-year-olds high-fiving each other on the defeat of the Big Bad Mapbox. Seriously, kids...get a life.
My husband and I (and our two-year-old!) love Hewens...it's a fantastic laid-back ride for those days there isn't time for RH, and only an eight minute ride from our house! We really do appreciate everyone's hard work. If there's ever a weekend trail work day, we'll try our best to make it.

[parttime]

Trail is in good shape for the most part, but is still wet in the usual places: after Y3 in the woods, at mounds in the central loop, and near the rocks in the western loop. I was surprised that it was not frozen at each place, and attempted to fix any ruts I created. As stated previously, there is also a huge tree down at Y3, and a large chainsaw is definitely needed. Anyone reading this have access to a good saw? I'm willing to help, but don't have a decent saw, or the chops to take down these trees myself. A reroute may be possible, but these trees are long, and one more trunk goes the opposite direction, block that possible path.

The trunks are really big, maybe 18+ inches. I'm thinking they are chain-saw only candidates!

Holy crap, these are big!

This tree is about 24" in diameter and is hanging over the trail. My 19" 29er is directly underneath this trunk for size comparison.


There are three trunks in this bunch, the largest about 18" diameter.

if there is interest in a metal box, im sure I can figure something out.

Took the dogs out there the other day, liking the improvements. Great job to all.

It may actually come to this... we'll let you know.

[hotspurr]

Hi All,

I have a saw that can do the job. Tell me: Are the trees on the ground or suspended over the trail, or both? If suspended, I'd rather wait until the snow melts and good footing is available. In the meanwhile it would be useful to clear away the tangled vines and branches to improve access. Maybe even provide a path under the what looks like a suspended tree? I'll sharpen the chain on the saw to get ready.

Cheers, Norm

[parttime]

Hi All,

I have a saw that can do the job. Tell me: Are the trees on the ground or suspended over the trail, or both? If suspended, I'd rather wait until the snow melts and good footing is available. In the meanwhile it would be useful to clear away the tangled vines and branches to improve access. Maybe even provide a path under the what looks like a suspended tree? I'll sharpen the chain on the saw to get ready.

Cheers, Norm

The largest tree is suspended, and one can get underneath it. I don't think it's going anywhere, and can probably be left alone 'til spring. The other trunks (3 of them) I believe are all touching the ground at both ends, but suspended slightly above the trail. These are really tough to get over, and I didn't see an obvious path for a potential temporary reroute, but it might be wise to bring macleod and pulaski. I can bring rakes, loppers, small hand saws.

Let me know when you want to head out there, I'm willing to help/spot/labor, whatever is needed. PM me if you need my number.

Patrick

[BikeHewensCreek]

I can help but unfortunately only on the weekends. If that is the plan let me know and I'll be there too.