End of 2024 Tally

 

Let's get the 2024 stats out of the way:

Miles hiked: 234.3

Litter: 407.5 lbs.

Fallen trees and branches removed from trails by chainsaw: 25

Visit #1511, Sunday 29 December 24, 8:00-10:25AM, 5.5 miles, 3.2 lbs. of litter.

Temps in the 40s, very cloudy/foggy with occasional light rain.

This week I had the pleasure to use up the second half of my Christmas gift from pal Elmer- his assistance on the trail. And boy, did I take advantage of it. I turned him into a sherpa, schlepping my chainsaw for some trail maintenance, and more.

But first, let's catch up on last week.

Last week I removed some graffiti from signage at the gate across the road, but was stymied trying to remove a stubbord sticker. I pondered the problem and visited Hubbard Park on Christmas Day morning with my solution.

The sticker and metal sign were too cold for the sticker adhesive to be pliable. So I added heat in the form of my pencil torch. I was concerned about the paint on the sign melting but watching carefully I didn't have to worry. The sticker was scraped off quickly and easily. A Christmas gift to me!

Finished with that brief task, I walked a lap around the playscape and picked up litter. Among the finds were a knit hat, and a virtually brand new insulated flask, both of which I'll clean and bring to Goodwill.

But the special find was this 30+ page Connecticut Traffic Incident Scene Management Field Guide, presumably lost by police or fire personnel. Pocket sized on heavy, waterproof stock and spiral bound, it will come in handy whenever I happen to investigate an accident! I doubt it would be a quick sale at Goodwill.

This morning, with Elmer lugging the chainsaw and getting a taste of what I do maintaining the trails in Hubbard Park, we hiked up to the south end of Merimere Reservoir with his first task; removing graffiti from the sign on the gate.

We walked around the reservoir and picked up the trail enroute to two fallen trees which I wanted to remove from the trail. But like a dog that refuses to get in the car to go to the vet, Elmer refused to man the chainsaw to cut the fallen trees and demanded I do some work.

Okay...

And like the last few weeks, I continue to find tchotchkes and junk from our park's current vandal in residence.

Done with our hike, and for the year 2024, Elmer unburdens himself of the chainsaw admitting that lugging it around is certainly a workout in itself.

Happy New Year!