Kekekabic Winter Trail Clearing Dec 13 2008

BWA Committee trail crew members at the departure point on Snowbank Lake public landing. As on many trips, enthusiasm runs high early in the day. Will it persist later on? Let's find out.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
BWA Committee trail crew members at the departure point on Snowbank Lake public landing. As on many trips, enthusiasm runs high early in the day. Will it persist later on? Let's find out.

First, we conduct map and compass training session. Maps for BWA Committee crew were provided by McKenzie Maps www.bwcamaps.com. Luke is taking a bearing for Pickerel Bay on Snowbank Lake.

2008-12-14T13:29:49Z

BWAC
First, we conduct map and compass training session. Maps for BWA Committee crew were provided by McKenzie Maps www.bwcamaps.com. Luke is taking a bearing for Pickerel Bay on Snowbank Lake.

Karen is pulling a sled with emergency foam pad, rope, and the tool bag. The tool bag has cross cut saw, bow saw, and loppers.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Karen is pulling a sled with emergency foam pad, rope, and the tool bag. The tool bag has cross cut saw, bow saw, and loppers.

Soon the crew almost disappears in the vast space of Snowbank Lake.

2008-12-14T14:54:09Z

BWAC
Soon the crew almost disappears in the vast space of Snowbank Lake.

Pausing for the first water break at the narrows. Participants were encouraged to drink water frequently. Staying hydrated reduces the likelyhood of hyporthermia and fatigue.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Pausing for the first water break at the narrows. Participants were encouraged to drink water frequently. Staying hydrated reduces the likelyhood of hyporthermia and fatigue.

Tess recruited two other volunteers. Most of the participants come by word of mouth.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Tess recruited two other volunteers. Most of the participants come by word of mouth.

After a short break we head for Pickerel Bay.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
After a short break we head for Pickerel Bay.

Passing a pennisula. Humidity was very high and despite of near 30 degree temperature, it sent chills through our layers of clothes.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Passing a pennisula. Humidity was very high and despite of near 30 degree temperature, it sent chills through our layers of clothes.

Shawn was our leader for the way in. Shawn's job was to tap, tap-tap, with a hiking pole to sound for ice thickness. Earlier we chiseled a hole more than five inches deep in ice without hi ...

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Shawn was our leader for the way in. Shawn's job was to tap, tap-tap, with a hiking pole to sound for ice thickness. Earlier we chiseled a hole more than five inches deep in ice without hi ...

We reached Pickerel Bay.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
We reached Pickerel Bay.

Another water break. In cold weather, new partipants are less likely to drink enough water. We encourage developing healthy survival habits and turn them into instincts.

2008-12-14T14:24:33Z

BWAC
Another water break. In cold weather, new partipants are less likely to drink enough water. We encourage developing healthy survival habits and turn them into instincts.

More of the break.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
More of the break.

We depart onto the spur trail leading to the KEK and hope the wetland here is frozen.

2008-12-14T14:24:33Z

BWAC
We depart onto the spur trail leading to the KEK and hope the wetland here is frozen.

Crossing is going smoothly.

2008-12-14T13:47:50Z

BWAC
Crossing is going smoothly.

Luke with two water bottles and a cup. Inside the pack is additional clothing and two "Tim Curtis" sandwiches.

2009-01-19T13:07:11Z

BWAC
Luke with two water bottles and a cup. Inside the pack is additional clothing and two "Tim Curtis" sandwiches.

First "knee wrecker". Knee wrecker is any treefall either high off the ground and/or so thick that a backpacker has to twist his/her body when climbing over. This type of strain can lead t ...

2008-12-14T13:51:24Z

BWAC
First "knee wrecker". Knee wrecker is any treefall either high off the ground and/or so thick that a backpacker has to twist his/her body when climbing over. This type of strain can lead t ...

Cross cut saw supplied by the US Forest Service does a quick job on the big poplar tree here.

2008-12-14T13:52:35Z

BWAC
Cross cut saw supplied by the US Forest Service does a quick job on the big poplar tree here.

It may not be like opening a Faberge egg, but we marvel at the color patterns.

2008-12-14T13:53:13Z

BWAC
It may not be like opening a Faberge egg, but we marvel at the color patterns.

This cut treefall gives us a frowny face (some imagination required).

2008-12-14T14:50:18Z

BWAC
This cut treefall gives us a frowny face (some imagination required).

This treefall is two high to pass over, and too low to crawl under with a pack.

2008-12-14T14:24:33Z

BWAC
This treefall is two high to pass over, and too low to crawl under with a pack.

Problem eliminated and trail is clear.

2008-12-14T14:24:33Z

BWAC
Problem eliminated and trail is clear.

Backpacker's nightmare. Without tread and/or marking this clear cut would be extremely difficult (read: "impossible") to navigate. Thankfully, flagging points the way.

2008-12-14T14:51:18Z

BWAC
Backpacker's nightmare. Without tread and/or marking this clear cut would be extremely difficult (read: "impossible") to navigate. Thankfully, flagging points the way.

Halfway through the clear cut. This area is very wet in spring and late fall.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Halfway through the clear cut. This area is very wet in spring and late fall.

On the edge of the clear cut. Note the pink ribbons visible now. In summer they may be hidden by leaves growing on the brush.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
On the edge of the clear cut. Note the pink ribbons visible now. In summer they may be hidden by leaves growing on the brush.

Nature's little sculptures.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Nature's little sculptures.

We break for lunch at the edge of the clear cut. Luke enjoys a hot "Tim Curtis" sandwich, a secret MRE recipe provided by Tim Curtis couple years ago on winter clearing on Brule Lake Trail.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
We break for lunch at the edge of the clear cut. Luke enjoys a hot "Tim Curtis" sandwich, a secret MRE recipe provided by Tim Curtis couple years ago on winter clearing on Brule Lake Trail.

Karen carefully warming up the "Tim Curtis" MRE. Heated on edge of fire, "Tim Curtis" sandwich fortifies our resolve to clear more treefalls.

2008-12-14T14:15:03Z

BWAC
Karen carefully warming up the "Tim Curtis" MRE. Heated on edge of fire, "Tim Curtis" sandwich fortifies our resolve to clear more treefalls.

Tess drying her gloves. Regrettably, they did not pass the melt test.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Tess drying her gloves. Regrettably, they did not pass the melt test.

Shawn brought a Coleman Extreme two burner and melted snow for the crew. Karen is mixing Ramen soup, favored by winter campers for breakfast and lunch alike. Ramen soup: It's not just for ...

2008-12-14T14:54:09Z

BWAC
Shawn brought a Coleman Extreme two burner and melted snow for the crew. Karen is mixing Ramen soup, favored by winter campers for breakfast and lunch alike. Ramen soup: It's not just for ...

No more "Knee wreckers" here.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
No more "Knee wreckers" here.

The "Boardwalk." In addition of being 5 inches under water on my November 6-9 trip, branches make it difficult to pass through here with a backpack on.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
The "Boardwalk." In addition of being 5 inches under water on my November 6-9 trip, branches make it difficult to pass through here with a backpack on.

Nearby, Luke and Shawn dispatch another pesky poplar.

2008-12-14T14:54:09Z

BWAC
Nearby, Luke and Shawn dispatch another pesky poplar.

My favored Patagonia R1 top.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
My favored Patagonia R1 top.

After 25 minutes, the corridor is clear of brush. Raising the board walk will be more difficult.

2008-12-14T14:54:09Z

BWAC
After 25 minutes, the corridor is clear of brush. Raising the board walk will be more difficult.

Iced up board on the board walk. These were featured in the WCCO-TV report in November. www.wcco.com (search for Kekekabic Trail)

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Iced up board on the board walk. These were featured in the WCCO-TV report in November. www.wcco.com (search for Kekekabic Trail)

Besides cutting treefalls, we spend time pruning back balsam fir branches. Here, packs rest in snow while we work.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Besides cutting treefalls, we spend time pruning back balsam fir branches. Here, packs rest in snow while we work.

A waist high treefall is cut.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
A waist high treefall is cut.

A fairy tale Kekekabic is inviting. Being much narrower than the Superior Hiking Trail is one of the attributes of a wilderness trail.

2008-12-14T14:55:34Z

BWAC
A fairy tale Kekekabic is inviting. Being much narrower than the Superior Hiking Trail is one of the attributes of a wilderness trail.

Before.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Before.

Safely tucked in a sheath, the cross cut will be deposited in the sled for a ride.

2008-12-14T14:25:35Z

BWAC
Safely tucked in a sheath, the cross cut will be deposited in the sled for a ride.

And After photo.

2008-12-14T14:24:57Z

BWAC
And After photo.

A distinct segment of the Kek.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
A distinct segment of the Kek.

It is late in the afternoon and we are ready to get out before the storm arrives.

2008-12-14T14:56:48Z

BWAC
It is late in the afternoon and we are ready to get out before the storm arrives.

A less distinct segment of the Kek. For November scenery see http://www.youtube.com/wildtrails

2008-12-18T10:13:16Z

BWAC
A less distinct segment of the Kek. For November scenery see http://www.youtube.com/wildtrails

Less experienced hikers may get discouraged in dense balsam fir trail surroundings like these. Others may embrace it.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Less experienced hikers may get discouraged in dense balsam fir trail surroundings like these. Others may embrace it.

Last cut of the day.

2008-12-14T14:54:04Z

BWAC
Last cut of the day.

The BWA Committee crew is heading out. It will take us 2.5 hours of travelling in dark to reach the public landing on Snowbank. We took the Kubik "shortcut" to Parent Lake, and aiming-off ...

2008-12-14T14:57:58Z

BWAC
The BWA Committee crew is heading out. It will take us 2.5 hours of travelling in dark to reach the public landing on Snowbank. We took the Kubik "shortcut" to Parent Lake, and aiming-off ...

Back at Smitty's, Tess cooked noki with marinara sauce and parmesan. Every one was beat from the physically demanding trip, but felt exhilirated about the accomplishment and learning new ou ...

2009-01-19T13:08:28Z

BWAC
Back at Smitty's, Tess cooked noki with marinara sauce and parmesan. Every one was beat from the physically demanding trip, but felt exhilirated about the accomplishment and learning new ou ...

A card of thanks to our sponsors: Smitty's on Snowbank resort for generous discount to house volunteers, McKenzie Maps for maps, USFS for tools, Midwest Mountaineering for meeting room. Fo ...

2008-12-19T02:23:47Z

BWAC
A card of thanks to our sponsors: Smitty's on Snowbank resort for generous discount to house volunteers, McKenzie Maps for maps, USFS for tools, Midwest Mountaineering for meeting room. Fo ...