If I Only Had a Chain(saw)

 

I thought of this week's title while humming the tune, and hearing Ray Bolger's voice.

Visit #1560, Sunday 2 November 25, 7:05-9:25AM, 5.2 miles, 1.0 lbs. of litter.

Temps in the upper 30s/low 40s, sunny.

Week Number Two without my chainsaw.

Those of you that are following my escapades in Hubbard Park know that my chainsaw is in the hospital.

While I borrowed a chainsaw last week, I promptly returned it which was a foolish move, although considerate to the owners.

In preparation for next week's Three Peaks Challenge, I wanted to ensure the trails were clear of fallen trees.

If I only had a chainsaw...

The stickers on the blackened birch tree continue unabated.

So does the popularity of posting stickers on this fence post.

It's tough to see but on the upper left edge of the sticker is handwritten, "Take it off". Obviously the poster knows the fate of this, at least as long as I'm around.

I hiked up the Blue Trail and found my first fallen tree. Although not on the route of the Three Peaks Challenge, it's close - it passes by on the road in the background.

Passing Castle Craig, or as Walter Hubbard called it merely, "The Tower", I picked up the Three Peaks Challenge route again and instantly encountered a second fallen tree.

And nearing the north end of the Blue Trail near Merimere Reservoir (I wonder if Walter Hubbard had another name for IT), yet another fallen tree.

Walking on the road around the reservoir, and back to the park, lo and behold, a tree has fallen across the road.

While I couldn't move it (IF I ONLY HAD MY CHAIN(SAW!)), I was able to clean it up a bit. Hopefully word will get passed on the either the parks or water department to remove this. Bring a broom!

Well that's it; things go to hell in a handbasket without my chainsaw. I can't get it back soon enough.