Josh Reyes gathered the large group out on the deck pavilion and got everyone organized for what would be a hugely successful trail day. The groups split up to tackle major restoration and preservation projects throughout the boulderfield. Up front the Mulletino Boulder was the main focus; in the middle area the Millipede boulder and adjacent corridors received much attention; and in the back area an overhaul was done on the Circumcision, High Life and Crown areas. Many other areas between these were touched up as well, giving Horse Pens 40 its first full make over. All of the groups were matched up with Mentors working with other younger climbers to help show them how to care for their home crags.

At the Mulletino boulder, Brad McLeod, Johnny Connell, Gene Hood and Chris Sierzant all matched up with 6 members of The University of Alabama climbing team to work on the erosion area below the boulder. The group had to be very careful working in this area as arrowheads and small pottery had previously been found after large rains. A small area was dug near the downhill slope of the big boulder to install a sandstone rock wall. The wall was then backfilled with the excess dirt and small rocks. A full load of mulch was spread all around the boulder to help protect the valuable top soil from eroding any further. This area was finished in about 1 hour. The group then moved on to work on the main trail that leads down the hill just past the Front Slabs. They installed 3 sets of flat sandstone rocks to act as a grade control and keep the area from washing. Although there was no mulch left over to cover the trail, the area was much improved and will be worked on more in the future to keep the topsoil and sand from washing away when it rains. Other rogue volunteers armed with brushes cleaned holds on problems that don’t get the luxury of a regular rain bath.

At the Middle area some UA climbers, the Killough Family, Paul Morley and others moved and spread mulch from the Millipede boulder through the corridor, and up to The Flow area in order to help limit the impact caused by heavy traffic and multiple crash pads. Work was finished in less than an hour. A recently cut down dead tree was also packed out, with some parts used to mark out main trails more clearly, and the rest of it hauled out to be used as firewood for campers.

Towards the Point, Adam Henry banded a motivated group of UA climbers and other volunteers to complete some major projects. He led the charge by helping install many of the cross ties while still keeping the group focused to complete the enormous amount of work. Erosion control at the High Life area will be a work in progress, but a solid foundation was laid that should produce an immediately noticeable effect, as well as a gradual improvement as time passes and the area receives more attention. Mulch was slung in all directions to keep with the theme at the Mulletino boulder—topsoil preservation.

Lunch was graciously provided by Brad Lee, owner of Guthrie’s restaurant in Jacksonville, AL. Chicken finger sandwiches, chips and sweet tea were the perfect combination for the ravenous group that was more than ready to test if Brad had brought enough. He proved to pass that test, as there was just enough left over to show that everyone got their fill. Once it was apparent everyone was ready to slip into a food coma, the organizers kicked off the prize raffle. There was so much gear and clothing donated by the sponsors that every person should have left with at least a new clean shirt (which some put to use immediately); and several of the volunteers made out like bandits from winning multiple times in the raffle. Extra raffle tickets that were sold raised an additional $134.

After lunch Adam couldn’t get enough, so he recruited a few hard core volunteers to go back for round two. At the Genesis area, Paul Morley, Ben Henson, and several UA climbers mulched the area and encircled the boulder with an erosion wall. When that was completed Adam, Paul, Jay Watson, Nate, and one other fellow pounding rebar continued to work on additional projects installing cross ties at various boulders to minimize erosion on the sloped areas.

A total of 50 registered volunteers worked for 3 hours for 150 total volunteer hours. Trail day supplies cost $540.00 and were paid for out of the REI grant funds for SCC trail days. THATS PROGRESS!!!!!

Me and josh met at the HP40 half of the triple crown 07. He's a really cool dude...

Josh is allright for an old Navy guy, haha! Just kidding, Josh is a stand up great guy~