Bill Stowell reporting
Adapted from The Georgia Mountaineer
"Well, I've been so busy
that I just haven't been able to get up to my section..." is an often-heard
excuse from our trail teams. Certainly, it's a true statement. We
are all more than busy at work, and with the family running errands and tending
to business. But think for a moment. When was the last time you made
a work trip to your section? If you think that your work trips are not
important, consider this. If you don't make your work trips each year, who
will?
Our special project team, for all its' hard work, cannot maintain
the entire 127 miles of trail. Third Saturday work trips alone cannot
maintain the Trail. The job is just too big. If you are not
maintaining your section, it is not being maintained.
You, however, the
section teams and leaders or adopters, can maintain the Trail, one section at a
time, one work trip at a time, several times a year. That is how the TEHCC
sections of the Appalachian Trail are maintained. It is the only way it
can be maintained. Yes, special crews and Third Saturday trips can
help. If you need help with a problem on your section, contact the
maintenance coordinator or the A.T. Committee Chair. They can provide
assistance in the form of advice, expertise, tools, and some additional
workers. Our efforts together can result in a Trail of which we can all be
proud. Never think that your work as an individual team is not
important. It is the cornerstone of our trail maintenance. And trail
maintenance is one of the reasons that TEHCC exists.
Those trail teams who
fulfill their commitment by keeping their sections maintained can see how
important these trips are and what a difference they make. They can be
justifiably proud of their sections. And their efforts are greatly
appreciated by TEHCC and most importantly, by HIKERS. See you on the
Trail!
