NATIONAL TRAILS DAY on the Welch Mountain Trail

 Volunteers from the WVAIA [ the official Welch/Dickey Cooperator, in partnership with the United States Forest Service] and the Chiltern Mountain Club [trail "adopter"], joined forces to tackle the very difficult task of mucking out the water-bars and drainage ditches along the opening section of the Welch Mountain Trail. The trail, without question our busiest trail responsibility, and therefore, our most vulnerable trail, received the full treatment, as four members from the WVAIA, and four members from the Chiltern Mountain Club,  wielded four grub hoes and two fire rakes, a well as a shovel, some loppers, and two saws, to do the job. In an effort to curb the "walking" of the trail on the traverse below the Welch Ledges, volunteers also did extensive scree work. At the day's end, there were muddy boots and tired bones, as well as the pleasure of renewed friendships and the feeling of a job well done.

Our next trails Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 16. We meet at the Town Square gazebo in Waterville Valley at 8AM. If you want to come along, send us an email at wvaiatrails@gmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

Goodrich Rock

Undaunted by cloudy skies, humidity, rapacious bugs, and the threat of thunderstorms, ten hikers started their Memorial Day weekend at Waterville Valley with a hike to Goodrich Rock.    In addition to having a really cool ladder (yes, everyone climbed the ladder), this hike is of geologic interest because the Davis Boulders and Goodrich Rock, itself, are among the largest glacial erratics in New England.                                                                                                                                                                      

Pictured, from left to right are Brenda Concklin, Cheryl Moak, Roy Loiselle, Matt Adams, Ellen Adams, Marilyn Clarkson, Bill Weeks, Susan Wood, and John Bibas.  Not pictured is hike leader Gary Moak. 

It didn't rain, and the trail was totally dry, thanks to the great work done by the WVAIA trail crew earlier in the month.  Despite the overcast, the valley view from the top of Goodrich Rock (2250') was spectacular.