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Saturday, September 24, 2011

North Country Trail Boardwalk Celebration


Today was the official opening celebration for that boardwalk you've been seeing pictures of for a couple of years. The last piece was completed in August, and the Forest Service threw a party today. 37 people came! Quite a few representatives of the Forest were there, and people from our chapter. Also, the (relatively) new National Park Service Trail Manager came.

Sterling Marsh boardwalk opening

The picture above shows Dave Jaunese (Forest Service) welcoming everyone and explaining a bit about the project. Just to remind you, or for new readers, this has been a three-year project to build over a half-mile of raised boardwalk through a wetland area known as Sterling Marsh. This is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

The Forest Service brought most of the food, and the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association brought some. The Forest Service created some nice displays with collages of scenes from the project. In this picture, Maggie is apparently checking out the displays. A couple of folks are looking at the power wagon, which was a big help in moving materials to the work sites. The other people seem to be looking at Maggie!

Sterling Marsh boardwalk opening

Ah! Finally (not too long really), we took a hike to check out all thirteen sections of the boardwalk. They all have their approaches done, and have been neatly numbered!

Sterling Marsh boardwalk opening

Meanwhile... there is always that last-minute scrambling behind the scenes. No one brought a can opener to get into the beans.

opening cans with a screwdriver and pliers

Never fear! Trail folks are always resourceful, and I always have a tool box in my car. In a pinch, a screwdriver and pliers will do the trick. Maybe I'll stick a can opener in the glove box, too!

See Ed Chappel Boardwalk Completed Through Sterling Marsh

See American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation

See More Food and Those Who are Enjoying It
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11 comments:

Loretta said...

Congrats to all...can't wait to see it in person. Opening those cans looks a little dangerous...

Ann said...

So did the displays pass Maggie's inspection?
Even without the can opener you guys did good at getting in to those beans

RNSANE said...

Maggie is such a sweetheart..no wonder folks are watching her.

That accomplishment certainly deserves a celebration! How exciting. Glad you all got to eat the beans. You are always resourceful!

gallerydarrow said...

I like those interpretive boardwalk trails I always lear something new.

We keep a leatherman handy, it has all the gadgets :)

Looks like a nice day.

swirlyagelessmind said...

that was a seriously great project. here in the philippines, nobody really bothers with boardwalks for purposes of convenience, they're often used for their aesthetic contribution instead.
btw, a small knife is a great can opener but i'm guessing you guys also didn't have one.:)

Secondary Roads said...

That looks like so much fun! Well, frustration for me. Now that I have the time, the arthritis is so bad I'm not able to enjoy those kind of activities. :(

john bain said...

I'd love to take a walk there. Here in England we have ring pulls on our bean cans. Very progressive.

Lin said...

That looks really nice now that they have the boardwalk! And it looks like a nice turnout too.

I like your determination in getting to those beans!

rainfield61 said...

That must be a great day.

Ferd said...

Ooh! What a great project!
I hope we get to see more pictures of the boardwalk!

TopIn24 said...

Very Interesting
TopIn24