Trail Mix

by Larry Scott, Trails Chair

“Port Ludlow – A Destination Hiking Village”

Contributors to the Voice must submit their articles weeks in advance of publication, it’s just the nature of the publishing business. So, writers that submit articles with a timely element to it as opposed to authoring a piece with a general topic, always run the risk of either being out of date or flat out incorrect due to some outside timing circumstance.

Having made that CYA disclaimer, here we go with what’s been done since the last Voice article and what’s coming Port Ludlow’s way soon.

Tom Lindow, Chris Vogl, and Geoff Lang refreshing the Montgomery Loop Trail. Photo Credit: Larry Scott

DONE: Montgomery Loop has had its little, short section between Condon Lane and Libby Court refreshed with 2 tons of ¼ minus basalt, but came up about six buckets short of finishing. Then the Golf Course maintenance staff rescued Trails. They had a small stock of matching material that they allowed us to tap into. Many thanks for their continued support, as they also provide a secure location for us to park our Carryall.

DONE: Two steps on the Around the Bay Trail (ABT) near Waterhouse had aged out, becoming spongy to the point of concern. These were 8-inch x 8-inch x 8-foot, pressure treated, rough cut timbers (a 4-person carry maneuver). During the removal/replace operation, we found some attached railroad spikes which fueled speculation that they may have originally been part of the old McCormick Railroad bed. We don’t know when the ABT, or this segment was built, but we believe it was part of the original Port Ludlow master planned resort (MPR) when developers provided a hiking trail as part of the original promotion. We still understand (don’t we?) how hiking trails can be a significant amenity to a community.

DONE: We have received approval to complete the last planned segment of the Oak Bay Trail (OBT). This will go from Walker Way heading south to connect to the ABT at the northernmost crossing, passing the Port Ludlow Historical Cemetery along the way.

DONE: The long promised New Trail Maps that include all of our latest trails have been printed and are out for distribution and circulation.

COMING UP (maybe before you read this, and where the author gets in trouble):

1. Build two short sections of corduroy trail on the Interpretive – Creek View Loop connector to correct for muddy seepage we have not been able to mitigate any other way.

2. Add additional step to the same location rising from the bridge towards the muddy location.

3. Begin to build the last OBT section approved from Walker Way.

As always, we try to live up to our motto, so there’s constantly something to do, especially when the weather cooperates. Spring is coming so our efforts will also be guided by some of Ma Nature’s determined growth, especially the salmon berries and those Himalayan blackberry grabbers.

If you want to come out for a fun day of camaraderie while helping to improve our community, send me an email at mclgscott@cablespeed.com, and let’s keep improving our trails.