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[at-l] What I did on my vacation

Back from two weeks with the Konnarock Crew in northern Georgia.  We
spent that time rearranging some of the rocks on the north face of Blood
Mtn.  Very rewarding.

Had the benefit of wonderful companionship, a conspiracy of souls led by
Dana (crew leader) & Davey Ray (assistant).  In addition to our grungy
bunch of 9 K-rockers, was able to meet & sweat with numerous members of
the Georgia AT Club, who showed their appreciation for our company with
good spirits, a cookout/feast, and lovely parting gifts.

Other highlights of the week:  felled a tree w/ a crosscut saw (belonged
to Davey's great grandfather), and no one was hurt!  Hung it, of course,
and had to drag it out of the top of the smaller tree with a griphoist.
Which was also a very fun toy for levitating 600 pound rocks for step
construction.  Don't try this at home, and always wear your hardhat &
shinguards.

Seriously, this is a very heavily traveled section of trail, because it
provides big views & the highest point on the AT in GA two miles from a
major road crossing at Neels Gap.  The result is a trail that is badly
worn, widened by hikers searching for an easier way, and with frequent
cutoffs of switchbacks.  Our work was in the nature of "hardening" the
trail in an effort to direct foot traffic on a narrow path, and to
repair earlier damage.  We had much conversation about the volume of
traffic (200 - 400 hikers/week), and what could/should be done about
that.

As always, it was a wonderful time.  I recommend it to anyone who thinks
that hard physical labor is a great vacation.  If you are afflicted with
that delusion, see the ATC web page at http://www.atconf.org for more
information.

- Priest

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