Athens Big Fork Trail Maintenance

Athens-Big Fork Trail Maintenance, November 5th   WHAT:   Routine (light) maintenance on north extension of A-BF Trail (Blaylock Creek north to FR25 trailhead/intersection with Little Missouri Trail) WHEN:  Be ready to meet at 8:30 Saturday morning at paviion (near campground entrance) to organize into work groups. The section of trail we'll be working is 5 miles long, so probably won't be off the trail til late afternoon. WHERE:  We'll be camping at Shady Lake campground (about 5 miles north of Athens, AR). Take 246 north off Hwy. 84. We can stay free Friday and Saturday nights, BUT THERE ARE NO RESERVATIONS. First come/first served. We traditionally stay in Loop D, and overflow to Loop A or B if needed. (I believe maximum length for RV is 32'.)  My understanding is Loop C is tent camping only and may not have water.   If you don't plan to be on the trail Saturday, you're still welcome to come up and enjoy the weekend with us. There will be a potluck dinner Saturday night. All other meals are on your own. If you DO plan to be on the trail, be aware this can be demanding if you have any physical/medical challenges. A good portion of this section has some fairly short, but relatively steep, climbs. On the south end, as you enter at Blaylock Creek, there is a long, fairly steep climb right off the bat. The trail is also rocky in some places. For these reasons, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND: 1. Participants be at least 12-13 years of age. 2. Wear sturdy shoes/hiking boots. (Yeah, you could probably do this in tennis shoes, but that might not be a prudent choice.) 3. Bring plenty of fluids/calories to fuel your body for the day. 4. Be prepared for a possible creek crossing. Blaylock Creek has rocks for crossing at low levels. A slightly higher level might get your feet wet. If the water level is    REALLY high, we might have a water safety clinic instead of working the trail. 5. As always, Forest Service tools will be on loan for our use, but feel free to bring any personal tools you might with to use. Loppers are always put to good use (long-handle loppers are probably more comfortable and practical to use than short handle versions).   Hunting season sill still be in effect on the 5th. While hunting is not allowed on public lands, you should consider whether you want to bring an orange vest to wear. Also, be aware we may be competing with hunters and other visitors for camp sites.   These outings are always a lot of fun, so I hope to see a lot of old and new friends there. Feel free to call/text me (318-464-1114) or email me (kramerhill@suddenlink.net) with any questions or concerns.  See you on the trail.