Topic: Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

[HEVAK]

Today was one of those EPIC days that come around every once in a while that is filled with a little bit of everything. I gained a lot today. I met some new friends, I spent time with some old friends, I spent time with my wife, I learned a bunch of things I didn't know, I was given the opportunity to give back to the trails I love, but most of all, I gained perspective. A whole bunch of perspective!! It was an incredible day, with some amazing people, doing the thing we love, and giving back to the trails we use.

Here are a few pictures:

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

John - Doing his part

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this great day

[BikersCage]

Awesome good photos, i wish i could of went!

[Ghost65]

Nice post Ray....cept' the pic of my shovel butt.

A great day indeed...one more of the group.

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

[Ghost65]

A few more photos from today's Adopt A Trail Orientation.

After a brief meeting in the parking lot of the Big Bear Discovery Center, Ranger Greg Hoffman took us behind the scenes of the Ranger Station.

Here he explains some the Adopt A Trail Program benefits

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Next, he took us to the area where the Forestry Service cultivates trees and shrubs for re-foresting projects...warm in there!!

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Then we got to check out the equipment shed.  Here Christiaan views the tool sign out sheet.

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

The inside of the shed revealed hand tools, chain saws, and a full host of trail markers and signs we will use to maintain 2N02.

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Here the group surveys one of the acclimation areas, where plants move outside to climatize to the cooler weather.

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Finally, ON THE TRAIL!

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

We spent the rest of the day viewing and learning all aspects of trail maintenance.  A very educational and revealing day, to say the least.

Typical litter seen near a legal shooting area within our trails boundaries.

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

As well as this huge piece of a shot up refrigerator.  We will be removing this soon.

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Another SCCX AAT project.

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Lunch!

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Here Greg reviews our maintenance plan and jots down a few notes for us.

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Finally, the group at the end of the trail.

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Thanks to all who participated...more on AAT to for SCCX very soon!

Stay tuned!

[HEVAK]

John, THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

[Ghost65]

Lol...my best side.

You are very welcome. 

[Pro4X-Gremlin]

Words cannot express...only to say that it is a privilege to be under the guidance of Ranger Greg Hoffman a man who has dedicated his life, since youth, to caring for our mountains and lands. I can only think of two words right now: extraordinary, inspirational   Thank you John for putting this into place for SCCX.   Pictures to follow:

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

[Pro4X-Gremlin]

and a few more pics:

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

[MaxPower]

Adopt A Trail Xcursion - Feb. 16, 2013

HOT HOT HOT!

And by that I mean great job John your efforts are appreciated.

[Ghost65]

I knew what you meant...

[Ghost65]

Thanks Michelle for the great pictures and nice words.

[RockinX]

I gained a lot today. ...  but most of all, I gained perspective. A whole bunch of perspective!!

Great photos everyone and thanks for the insight of what was missed by those of us who didn't make it.  SCCX was represented in fine form!  It looks like there is plenty of trail maintenance that sorely needs to be done.  Since this is a fairly easy trail, I suspect that it sees a lot of traffic and during the summer months the upkeep will increase.

Ray, I'm curious what perspective you are referring to.  Of the preservation efforts that go on behind the scene to keep our trails safe and clean and the surrounding areas thriving?  Or of the extent of abuse that the trails see from inconsiderate or negligent people?  Or maybe, after meeting new club members in person, that you found that they really are as cool as you thought they would be? 

Unfortunately, the experiences of an Xcursion or other SCCX activity can never be replicated in the same way.  So I know I really missed out.  I just wasn't able to find someone to cover for me at work before a long weekend.  But I am sure there will be more opportunities.

Anyways, well done SCCX!

[HEVAK]

Ray, I'm curious what perspective you are referring to.  Of the preservation efforts that go on behind the scene to keep our trails safe and clean and the surrounding areas thriving?  Or of the extent of abuse that the trails see from inconsiderate or negligent people?  Or maybe, after meeting new club members in person, that you found that they really are as cool as you thought they would be? 

As we stomp through the trail, crawling on rocks, sleeping under the stars, and just generally doing what we do out there, one rarely thinks about all the work it take to maintain and preserve the terrain we love so much. As we were driving through 2N02, listening to Ranger Greg describe, in detail, all that the park service does on a regular basis, it really opened my eyes. From general trail maintenance, to all the illegal activities out there, to all the ya-hoos that show a complete disregard to our planet, to the length some people go through to help our planet, to trail drainage and how important it is, and learning about the history of our great land. One of the best parts of my day, was when Ashley(my wife), asked me to stop the truck so she can run out and pick up a can. It doesn't take much, but a little bit of respect for our planet goes a long way. She got it, IT WAS AWESOME!!

The great thing is that SCCX is now a part of the solution, and we are a part of a new family. Little that I knew, that when I bought my beloved Xterra and joined this crew, I was going to be a part of something so grand. So if you missed the first meeting of the Adopt A Trail program, try and make the next one, it's good for the planet and it's good for your soul. If you cant make the next, don't worry about it, there will be another one around the corner. Hope to see you guys out there.

[RockinX]

As we stomp through the trail, crawling on rocks, sleeping under the stars, and just generally doing what we do out there, one rarely thinks about all the work it take to maintain and preserve the terrain we love so much. As we were driving through 2N02, listening to Ranger Greg describe, in detail, all that the park service does on a regular basis, it really opened my eyes. From general trail maintenance, to all the illegal activities out there, to all the ya-hoos that show a complete disregard to our planet, to the length some people go through to help our planet, to trail drainage and how important it is, and learning about the history of our great land. One of the best parts of my day, was when Ashley(my wife), asked me to stop the truck so she can run out and pick up a can. It doesn't take much, but a little bit of respect for our planet goes a long way. She got it, IT WAS AWESOME!!

The great thing is that SCCX is now a part of the solution, and we are a part of a new family. Little that I knew, that when I bought my beloved Xterra and joined this crew, I was going to be a part of something so grand. So if you missed the first meeting of the Adopt A Trail program, try and make the next one, it's good for the planet and it's good for your soul. If you cant make the next, don't worry about it, there will be another one around the corner. Hope to see you guys out there.

Well said sir, well said!

[Pro4X-Gremlin]

Well said sir, well said!

^^^^^^^^^
agreed