Trails

National Trails Day, June 5, 2010

Report From Bonnie Hammer

Bright and early, 11 GVBCH members met on National Trails Day to clear our designated trail at Spanish Creek. Under the Guidance of Larry Thomas, Don from Whitehall and his pack horse, Dan Marsh and his packhorse, Dan Porter, Wally Becker, Billie Thomas, Bonnie Hammer, Ken Kanadarude with his two sons, and Rich Inman headed up the trail at 9:30. About a mile out of camp Larry spotted a bear on the side hill and don saw a Mountain goat. It was a quick sighting but verified by others in the party. Rich Inman walked and cleared a lot of water bars and we sawed two logs. At the Falls Creek ‘Y’ we split into groups and some worked on a boggy area near the trail head while others went up past the falls and sawed a tree out. Lunch time found us all together at the “Y”.

After Lunch we all continued up the trail toward Mirror Lake ‘Y’. We sawed a few more trees, then a group with Larry headed back down the trail walking and clearing water bars, while the other group went on past the Mirror Lake Trail and cut a few more logs. Both groups did some major water diversion all along the trail and by the time we headed home the trail showed considerable improvement from draining and was almost completely dry. We returned about 5:00, totaling 13 trail miles and 13 trees cleared from the trail.

Trail clearing: South Cottonwood Trail Head, June 9, 2010,

Seven hardy members of Larry’s Trail clearing group met and began working our way south. Kay Tate, Ronnie Rassley, Wally Becker, Beth Merrick, Rich Inman, Bonnie Hammer, and Larry Thomas, worked from 9:30 till 5:00, getting quite wet from a rainstorm about 4:30. We cleared 32 trees and did major water bar construction on three creek spill overs. A moose was spotted, and the trail has been cleared to about a mile past the cabin on toward History Rock. Sixteen miles total for the day. (submitted by Bonnie Hammer)

On Saturday, JUNE 19th, Walt Becker and I rode up the South Cottonwood Trail to scout out the Wheeler Gulch trail towards Little Bear. This trail becomes hidden by Thimble Berries in the summer where it passes thru a long narrow meadow in the gulch. Walt said years ago when cattle were grazed in the area there were trails everywhere. he thought the trail went up the right side of the gulch so we bushwhacked up the right side and found it midway up. At the top of the meadow we were stopped by deep snow so we retreated part way down and ate lunch before returning. Midway down the trail we were now following switched to the south side of the meadow . We found and replaced two fiberglass Forest Service trail markers which stand above the Thimble berries and should help users to find the trail later in the year.

On June 26, Saturday, Walt Becker, Kent Knatterrud, and I rode in the Spanish Creek Trail and took the right fork following Falls Creek towards the upper lakes. We cleared deadfall until about 2 pm and reached the first stream crossing where deep snow prevented crossing. We returned safely and had a nice ride.

Mark your calendar for these Wednesday Crew July trail dates. Call Larry at 586-6878 ahead of time if you plan to go. For those who may not have been on trail clearing rides. It is not all work. Much of the time is spent riding the trail between obstructions and enjoying the scenery.

Larry’s Schedule: (Wesnesdays)

7-7 Falls creek…. Spanish creek
7-14 South Cottonwood
7-21 Spanish Lakes
7-28 Yellow Mule

Below is the planned schedule for trail clearing by the Monday Bridger Crew. If you would like to help on any of these days be sure to call Dick Haines, crew leader, ahead of time.

Phone number: 586-3335

June 28: South Bridger Trail-    leave Bridger bowl parking lot
July 5:   North Bridger trail       leave Bridger bowl parking lot
July 9 : South Bridger Trail      this is an optional Friday ride to clear and flag the poker ride
July 12,13,14: Porcupine trails ; the Monday group and Wednesday group are combining to cover all of these. you are welcome to camp and work all 3 days or join on the days you can.
July 19:          Shafthouse Trail        Ron Rassley will be leading this one since i will be in the Bob Marshall. it will leave from the shafthouse trail head with some one leaving a shuttle vehicle at the brackett creek Y so you can come out the fairly lake trail.
July 26,27:     Spanish Creek          this will be another campout. we will do 401 on one day and Little Hellroaring on another
August 2 :      Indian Ridge            Indian Ridge trail head off 191
August 9:      Blackmore Trail        this will leave from the new trailhead up hyalite canyon
August 16,17: Sage Creek            another camping opportunity. we will do Big Sage and Little Sage.

**** we leave the trail head at 9:00. as always, these dates or locations could possibly change due to weather or requests from the forest service. get those horses and arms in shape and we'll all have fun. thanks for your help in keeping the forests open for horse use. ( Submitted by Dick Haines)

WEDNESDAY June 23: Trail Clearing

Larry’s trail crew: Hellroaring Trail

Kay Tate, Ronnie Rassley, Wally Becker, Beth Merrick, Larry Thomas and Bonnie Hammer, left Hellroaring Trail Head about 9:30. We had a nice leisurely ride for about 2 hours, clearing a few overhanging branches and a few small snags that seemed in the way. We got to the Junction and then decided to have lunch early, unsuspecting of what lay ahead. At 12:15, we headed up the trail towards Thompson Lake and within a half mile met the ‘Grandmother” of all fir trees. This royal monarch fell right across a switch back so we had to cut her three times. It took us two hours of sawing and then 10 minutes of pulling on ropes and prying with pry bar logs, and a great engineering job of filling in holes with scrap logs, by Kay, and the ‘old lady’ gracefully rolled down the hill enough to clear the trail. She had over 200 rings, and was more than 30 inches across, and our two biggest saws were 36 inches long. Needless to say, we drank all our water, mounted our horses and headed for home, daring not to challenge any more trail for fear of what we might find.

(submitted by: Bonnie Hammer)

MONDAY Trail Crew Report:JUNE 28:

( Submitted by Dick Haines)

The Bridger Monday clearing group kicked off the season on JUNE 28 by clearing the Bridger trail South. They were 11 riders, 4 of whom had pack horses and chain saws: Ruth Hall, Colleeen Carnine, Henry Glenn, Kay Tate, Ron, Rassley, Jim Neslon, Ron and Sherrie White, Dick Haines, Jane Huffine and our newest Monday addition– Kellie Corriveau.

Weather was warm. Ruth and Kay were using their new horses and Dick was breaking in a new pack horse. All acquitted themselves very well: Okay, very well about 90% of the time! We cleared about 16 miles with a small amount of dirt work and snow shoveling in one area.

If you are interested in helping on Mondays and have not received the schedule, please contact Dick Haines at 586-335 or barbwire2@earthlink.net

Mark your calendar for these Wednesday Crew July trail dates. Call Larry at 586-6878 ahead of time if you plan to go. For those who may not have been on trail clearing rides. It is not all work. Much of the time is spent riding the trail between obstructions and enjoying the scenery.

Preparation for the poker ride, started June 28, when the Monday clearing group removed a few down trees and made some improvements to the trail. Below, a crew widens an area that had been washed out

Snow shovels would have been helpful but the crew used what they had to clear snow from the trail. (below)

Friday, July 9, a crew of 12 flagged the trail, breaking into two groups: The first group of Dick Haines (and pack horse), Jane Huffine, Ron Rassley, Sherrie White, Ron White (pictured next) and Bonnie Hammer flagged the long route

The second group of Kay Tate, Janice Cartwright, Jessica Cartwright, Monica Robinson, Deann Hainsworth and Margaret Burns Vapp flagged the shortcut. Both groups paused at Pop Stop #1 to celebrate Janice and Kay's July birthdays with a song, a sign and homemade brownies

Part of the flagging crew stopped to do some more work on the wash area by widening and reinforcing the trail. After flagging Friday, a group gathered to set up the base camp and shared a potluck dinner.

July has been busy for the trail crews: Following are some pictures and notes from crews busy working.

July 5/ 2010 (Dick Haines) reports : Seven riders , including our newest member, Marsha Powell from Big Timber, cleared the Bridger trail from the ski area to Ross Pass road. Trail was in good shape with few trees down but it was cold and windy most of the day. Kay Tate did her usual great job of showing us new trails back to the ski area after the main trail was cleared.

From Dick Haines: July 6/2010: Wayne Frederickson and Liz Lewis cleared the North Cottonwood trail recently. They removed 5 large trees. Thanks a lot to both of them. Those are some of the most difficult and rocky trails that we ride.

July 14/ 2010 , Wednesday Crew had six people( Wayne Federickson , Rich Inman, Brenda Kessler, Jim Allbright, Wally Becker and Kent Knatterud ), along with 7 horses and Rich’s sweet mule. It was Palomino day according to Wally. The palominos included Jim’s new horse, Brenda’s Sunny and Wally riding Kent’s palomino. Wally coined this expression .

The day was spent working on the-South Cotton wood trail—lots of bikers and hikers. All were very courteous and acted very respectful of the horses. It was most impressive. Several also expressed appreciation of the Back Country Horsemen services. It may have helped to have the big sign in Rich’s window that mentioned the Back Country Horsemen maintaining the trails. According to Jim, the crew made about 15 to 20 cuts and cleared about 10 to 12 trees. Beautiful weather, cool in the morning requiring coats with shirtsleeve time in the afternoon. Some flies but the horses were all Coggins tested which made for great comfort. It was a great day.

Jim cutting logs in South Cottonwood (Wheeler Gulch) Wednesday July 28/ 2010: Claimed 8small logs and 6 cuts-(beautiful day-beautiful area)

JULY 12 , 2010—From Dick Haines

Porcupine Clearing

The attendance at the two day Porcupine clearing was low but the effort wasn't. Bonnie Hammer, Jane Huffine and I worked the two days.

Sandy McManus joined us on Monday for her first Monday clearing adventure and jumped right in to a 22 mile ride to clear the lower porcupine upper loop and then all the way to Ramshorn lake. On Tuesday, we rode 19 miles and cleared the first creek loop and then up to Onion Basin. weather, views, wildlife and food ( ok and the wine) were all as good as ever.

WED July 21—Spanish creek trail head @ 8:30 and it was full of horse trailers, Lee Hart’s Dudes ( six or seven people), another group (about four horses+ pack horse). Jim and Brenda’s 3 horse trailer, Colleen Carnine’s living quarters trailer, Sherri and T White’s, (they both were there the night before) Larry Thomas’s stock trailer, Brenda and Swep Davis’ trailer , and Rich Inman’s trailer. The other people hitching a ride were Wally Becker and Ron Rohletter. It was a busy site. And lots of excitement but that is another story for another time. However, the excitement revolved around Kazy Kenny, the mule. The part that was most entertaining was when Kenny decided to sing to us as we went up the trail.

(It seems that his pasture mate had returned to the trailer) What a singer he was, sounding almost prehistoric as his honking, shrill, grating noises that mules make echoed around the canyons. As Larry said: “It scares away the bears!”

It was an exciting day to say the least. The group made it to the Spanish Lakes—had a beautiful ride, hiked around the lakes and managed to clear about five trees from the trail coming up, using cross saws, making about 6 cuts. And during their hike clearing several more. Coming back, we raced a rain storm, getting only slightly wet. Watermelon, brownies, drinks were served by Sherrie and Colleen

(Brenda Davis using the cross saw with encouragement (?)from Larry and Swep—-picture by Sherrie White)

July 26: Spanish Creek trail (report from Dick Haines) This was our second campout/ trail clearing. We are trying this out this season for several reasons: (1)It reduces the travel time and miles for members who live out of the immediate Bozeman area. (2)It gives members with scheduling conflicts a choice of two different days to participate. Also, some of us enjoy camping and this provides a chance for fun, work and riding.

Ron and Sherrie White, Nolan and Marsha Powell and Jane Huffine spent Sunday and Monday night and cleared both days. We were joined by Larry, Wally, Sandy Mcmannus and Wayne Frederickson on Monday, then Kay and Ron on Tuesday. On Monday, we cleared Little Hell Roaring trail and then dropped down to Indian Ridge to the parking lot. (I had left a car there on Sunday night. We shuttled back to Spanish Creek and got our rigs, on Tuesday. ) We cleared 401 and then branched off to the North Fork trail since members had told us 401 was clear to Placer creek. The North Fork trail did have some work to do. In fact, a full 8 hour day with about an hour in the rain.

JULY 19, 2010 : as reported by Dick Haines 10 riders and two pack horses left Brackett creek trailhead and cleared up to Fairy lake for lunch. After lunch, most of the group continued on and cleared the Shafthouse trail. Henry Glenn lives near the Shafthouse trail head so he shuttled everyone back to their rigs. Then, in a gesture of typical southern hospitality, he treated everyone to a barbecue at his house.

August 9, 2010 (reports Dick Haines) Another 8 hour and 20 mile plus day for the Monday trail clearing group. Swep and Brenda Davis,Ron Rassley, Larry Thomas, Bonnie Hammer, Jane Huffine,Michael Harney, Colleen Carnine and I left the Blackmore trailhead at 9:00 and crossed over Blackmore. From there we went down South Cottonwood and then up History Rock trail. We were back to the trucks at 5:20. Several trees were cut with a few over 24 inches. few showers and a little hail but we got very lucky on the weather. Swep and Brenda and Michael are new participants with the Monday group this year and we welcome their help.

August 16 & 17 2010 The Monday trail crew was scheduled to work at Sage Creek Monday and Tuesday, 8/16 and 17, (no report)

WED Aug 4 Swan Creek trail met 8:30 Kay Tate, Ron R. Larry, Wally ,Colleen, Rich ,Jim, Brenda andBeth Merrick—gathered into two groups, leap froging with the work Rich’s team did about eight logs while Larry’s came behind catching what was missed, By 1:00 some very tired horses after a very steep trail going towards the Gallatin Crest and passing several snow mobile trails and a 4 wheel trail (separate trails) After eating lunch, Rich’s group turned back . Larry’s group went on up to the bog and Ron walked across it. After which Ron advised that the horses should not go across, so they turned back. During the refreshments at the end of the trail ride, about 4:00, the talk centered around some day, someone may need to build some sort of a culvert so that horses could go on safely. It’s fun to think about future projects.

WED Aug 11, Porcupine creek: Report from Jim: A full day of Riding and about 35 cuts.

Wed 18, Elk Horn; The crew of 7 ( Rich, Betty McCoy, Larry, Brenda, Jim, Mike Harney and Wally) started at the trailhead at the end of the Red Cliff campground. The group met about 8:30 and started off about nine. Rich brought Mandy his sweet mule who had the new sign made by Beth Merrick. ( See picture below) This sign caused several tourists from the campground to walk over and questions us about the Back Country Horsemen. After the tourist expressed their appreciation, the group started off encountering ( in minutes) several logs across the trail. One interesting tree had roots across the trail and was slowly pulling the trail down to the creek, 100’s of feet below. By cutting this and filling the cracks, the crew felt that this would definitely shore up this part of the trail. During the start of the ride it was cool but soon the sun let us know that it was going to get warm. But the work continued to present itself. By the time the day was over, it was estimated about 6o logs were cut (of various sizes) One great jumble, presented itself of about 10 logs as we started down and upon riding through the cut away logs it was like riding through a corridor of tree branches and cut logs lining the sides. It was most impressive and represented a lot of cutting and stacking. Thanks for chain saw, however, it was voiced several times, it would have been nice to have had two chain saws. Some very tired sawyers settled into the end of the trail behind the Rainbow ranch. There they loaded into Rich’s truck to ride up the canyon to retrieve the other rigs since we had started at another trailhead.

Weds, Aug 25, New World Gulch/Bear Canyon: report by Kay Tate A group of 8 (Bonnie, Kay, Ron, Wally, Larry, Brenda, Jim and Michael) started up New World Gulch at 9 and after 19 miles and sawing many trees we returned to the trailers @ 5:30 to some welcome refreshment. It was a hot day, 90's in the valley. We leapfrogged wherever possible and Brenda and Jim came back looking for the Kay, Ron & Wally group. We 3 rode the west trail to the cabin at Mystic Lake, ate lunch and continued on, catching the larger group just past the lake where Bonnie was successfully fishing. Larry had continued with Harriet and got the trees cut to the top of the hill. All together again we still found trees to clear as we came down to the Bear Canyon trail and out…..

September 15: Hell Roaring Creek—Wednesday crew of Larry, Rich, Bonnie, Michael Jim and Brenda met at the trail head on Highway 191 at about 9:00. Rich brought his mule Mandy with the new sign. It was a chilly morning and everyone had the their heavy coats out and on. But what a beautiful day it became. And there were logs to cut, however, not many. It was estimated at the end of the day around 10 and that included only two large ones. It should be noted that the sun was out and it was appreciated when a stop was negotiated in the sunlight. Michael’s horse lost a shoe so he and Larry left the group shortly after lunch and returned to the parking lot. The rest of the crew went to the clearing on the top, about 12 miles. Bonnie was hoping to get to Thompson Lake so she could fish a bit. However, Rich reminded her that was another hour’s ride and we had been on the trail for 3 hours. It was agreed that we needed to return to camp. The trail was rocky, of course, and now steeply down. It was nice to get back to the trailhead about 5 and home into the shower at 6:30, tired, but with feelings of “a great day”.

September 25 Saturday Bridger Bowl Work Report by Dan Porter; photos by Marianne Saturday, we went up to work on trail at Bridger Bowl. Rich drove a 4 wheeler with chainsaw and tools, Marianne mostly walked, and Jim ,Brenda, Walt , and I rode in on our horses. We built numerous new water bars and filled in gullys with branches and logs. For those who missed the day, Rich Inman gave an excellent demonstration on how to build a water bar with a mattock. It was truly a thing of beauty to watch him work. Hopefully next spring, we can schedule a water bar training field session so that Rich can teach some of us the why, what, where, and how of installing a water bar correctly. Everyone worked hard and we accomplished much on the southern route of the poker ride. Rich also checked the work we did last year with the mt. bike club at Bridger Bowl on the north route and reported that it is holding up well and working great. He also, cleaned water bars while he was there, by his lonesome.(Additional comments by Brenda:) It was noted that it was a busy day at Bridger as the bicycle club was holding a race and the bow hunters were out in numbers. Most were walking but we met some on horses. It was a wonderful Fall day to be out. See following pictures

Friday, October 1st, Hyalite trail head to Hyalite lake at about 9:00 found Larry and Billie Thomas with their pack horse Harriet ready to go to work. There, they joined Walt, Brenda and Jim. Once on the trail, they soon found the big trees that Stacy had mentioned down across the trail. Under Larry’s and Jim’s control, the chain saw made quick work of the tree that was down. However, several cuts were made and with Walt’s help the pieces were moved off the trail. (see picture-President’s Report} On, up to the lake, other branches and trees were removed. Lunch was eaten by the lake and the group returned to the trail head around 4:00. It was a lovely day. Cool in the morning but warm in the afternoon. Numerous people (hikers and bicyclists) on the trail noted our work and thanked us profusely. Made for good feelings

Wednesday October 6, 2010 Meeting at the Moose Creek trail head road was Larry, rich Walt, Jim and Brenda at 9:00. From there up the road about 5 miles to the trail to Tamphery creek. Started sawing immediately. By noon had counted over 50 cuts and the two chain saws were running constantly. It was nice to stop at 1 o’clock for lunch. Cut for another hour after lunch and as we started to drop down, the group decided to call it a day. We were down at the trailers by 4, actually only clearing about 4 miles but a hard four miles. Estimation: 100 cuts Below are pictures of the day.

Friday October 22 2010 Working on the Bridger Bowl Bog: Ron Rassley, Kay Tate, Larry Thomas and Walt Becker drove to the south fork of Brackett Creek Trail head at 11:00 (waiting for it to warm up). Packing "Sport" with tools, (Ron’s horse) it was only a 30 minute ride to the bog. We started by cleaning out the log pieces that others had thrown in and discussing the best way to start the draining process. Larry and Walt dug two ditches from the spring that feeds the area into the one that Kay and Ron dug down to the fall line to disperse the water. They cut two logs to hold back the sidewalls of the ditch and pegged them into place. Because of the late time of year, it won't have time to dry out before snow so we'll revisit the problem in June and see how it looks then . Kay cut a small go around to keep people out of the mud as much as possible for the time being. One biker passed by and complimented BCH on all their hard work everywhere. (always nice to hear) Larry found he wore “too short” boots and poured water out at the end of the day. KT

Trails 2010

Gallatin Valley BCH