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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:08:04 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:08:03 -0800

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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:07:59 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:08:10 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:08:15 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:08:20 -0800

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

After a short break we head for Pickerel Bay.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:08:31 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:08:33 -0800

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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 ...

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:08:30 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:08:44 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:08:53 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:09:00 -0800

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More of the break.

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

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:09:01 -0800

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

Crossing is going smoothly.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:09:15 -0800

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Crossing is going smoothly.

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

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:09:09 -0800

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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 ...

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:09:19 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:09:25 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:09:38 -0800

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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).

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:09:30 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:09:53 -0800

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

Problem eliminated and trail is clear.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:09:57 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:10:00 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:10:14 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:10:16 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:10:29 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:10:36 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:10:50 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:10:39 -0800

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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 ...

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:10:48 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:11:06 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:11:09 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:11:07 -0800

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Nearby, Luke and Shawn dispatch another pesky poplar.

My favored Patagonia R1 top.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:11:11 -0800

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My favored Patagonia R1 top.

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

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:11:28 -0800

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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)

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:11:28 -0800

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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:11:39 -0800

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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:11:36 -0800

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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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:11:58 -0800

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

Before.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:12:15 -0800

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Before.

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

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:11:49 -0800

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

And After photo.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:12:05 -0800

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And After photo.

A distinct segment of the Kek.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:12:22 -0800

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A distinct segment of the Kek.

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

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:12:16 -0800

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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

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:12:30 -0800

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.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:12:29 -0800

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

Last cut of the day.

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:12:34 -0800

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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 ...

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:12:40 -0800

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 ...

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:08:09 -0800

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 ...

nobody@smugmug.com (BWAC) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:30:07 -0800

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 ...