By Anthony
Thanks to an intrepid band of Hartsmilers working through a cold misty afternoon, the Far Loop Trail in the big southeast leg of our land is now passable all the way around. Margret M and Margaret A, Jeffry, George, Paul, Hope, Nell, and Anthony all helped to clear the last segment on the farthest southeast corner of the land — in what we used to call the Forbidden Territory because it is so far out and for so long seemed so impenetrable. There is more work to be done to make the pathway more commodious and level, but is still fully walkable now. I have yet to measure the length exactly, but my guess is about 2/3 mile. — that’s after about the 1/3+ mile hike from the village area to the trailhead.
Our crew celebrated this “Golden Spike” moment when we joined both sides of the loop trail. Lots of other people worked on this trail too at earlier workdays: I am sure I won’t remember everyone, but those I do remember include Vanessa and Lizel, Tara and Rick with their son John Michael, Virginia, John, Amy, Lisa, and Tami and Whit from Earth’s Turn. I’ll give myself credit for routing and blazing the trail and plugging away at clearing sometimes alone or with a few others, but it’s been the workday energy of crews like today’s that really made it happen. The hot chocolate at Hart’s Nest at the close of the day was a great treat too. Many thanks to you all!
Next steps will be continuing upgrades along the route, and this summer we have plans to build better access on a 100-foot boardwalk access along the downstream edge of the beaver pond (right now the access is a bit farther downstream and a bit muddy) — stay tuned, and get ready to come help build on future workdays!
Now, everyone please come and use the trails. The best way to maintain them is to walk them often! For a map of all the land’s trails, click here. Enjoy!
