Adirondack Peeks Winter 2023

Due to incredible rain, the annual WOW (Women Only Weekend) was cancelled. There was so much rain in the area that on the evening before a brook washed out at the exit 28 exit ramps and flooded route 9. This was the same brook at which we were scheduled to install a wilderness bridge, so there was no way we could proceed safely. We spent three work weekends on Calamity Brook endeavors. Mud in the first 1.5 miles of trail is much less due to our efforts. The effort our volunteers put into this trail is remarkable. We also built a 12-foot bridge about 0.5 miles from the Upper Works trail head. We also removed all blue trail marker signs from the trail head to the flowed lands kiosk and installed red markers at proper locations as part of a DEC initiative to update the trail markings. Our annual Putnam Pond weekend (at Lake Harris) was another success, enjoyed by many. We were treated by a wonderful Thai-themed dinner by Pete Hickey. The amazing project of the year was the rehabilita tion of the Marcy Brook Lean-to. This involved clearing the site, setting four huge foundation rocks, demolishing

the existing site, carrying all logs, flooring and roofing material approximately one-third mile (uphill), and assem bling the structure in its new location. And the rain! With one exception, the seven visits made to this site were on a sloppy, rainy day. A huge task, this one—one that questioned our sanity several times, but this crew came through again, as always. Regardless of your size, strength, age, or ability, there is always something you can do on the trail crew. At the end of each day, we want every volunteer to feel like they did something useful and contributed to the improvement of Adirondack trails and lean-tos. Come join the crew in 2024! Your 2023 Trailmasters, Brian Hoody, Doug Varney Curt Snyder, Mary Lamb, Mi chelle McCall, and Mark Simpson

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