From Jeff Kruse: I am very excited to report that the trail we made on Mike Sonnenberg's property last spring from the top of the hill off the gravel road to the bottom of the hill off the blacktop road has been cleared and widened from top to bottom. There are a few small stumps and some small to medium size rocks we should still clear from the trail but much of the work is complete.
Once we do the stump and rock clearing we will have an AWESOME mountain bike downhill single track path. As it is, we have a nice walking path to forts, tent areas, etc. I am really eager of course to try the bike on the path. "Whoop-dees", perhaps?
First year Scouts, one of your requirements is to find evidence of ten kinds of animals in the wild. I found some yellow jackets when I accidentally stuck a weed trimmer going full speed into two of their nests. It is very evident that they are there when they bite you. Ha. While it is not fun to be attacked, I can't help but admire them-they are tough looking and pack a lot of sting in a small package. One of their nests is right next to the trail at the bottom so if you go to see the property be forewarned.
A road has been cut onto the property and graveled. The entrance is just past the turn to the "Black Bear" road immediately after the mailboxes. The campsite clearing has been graded and mulched (it had become overrun with poison oak so we just scraped off the top and covered it), a nice picnic table has been purchased, and some weeding and trimming has been done.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Mike Sonnenberg for his generosity in allowing us to use this property. Mike, it has already been a real blessing and we are looking forward to great times this year as well. Thank you very much. We will keep our footprint light.
Many of you have expressed a desire to transition as much of the program as possible to the property. Discussions are ongoing regarding next steps. There is consensus that we want to have a set up we can use and enjoy but also retains the rustic feel that makes it special. And yes, guys, your forts will stay. The form our improvements should take is an issue. Budget of course is an issue as well. I am confident we will ultimately have a nice "base camp" setup whatever form that takes. This fall should be great fun.
.JPG)
