Saddle Mountain Lookout Hike
Simone H. led a spectacular hike to the Saddle Mountain lookout on September 7th. An amazing group of 16 hikers and 1 dog made their way up the mountain, with 14 reaching the summit just in time for a lunch break. Thank you to the hikers (both local & visitors) for joining us, you were all a pleasure to hike with!
Kimbol Lake Connector Survey Sept 5
Jamie D and Bob T hiked and bushwhacked the old trail connecting the cabin at the south west end of Kimbol Lake to an intersection with the trail from the trail from the Hot Springs at the north end of the lake. This trail is overgrown with numerous deadfall, but still passable. We took photos, noted the location of places that need clearing, brushing or grading in order to prepare a proposal to the Society Board for adding this section of the trail to our inventory if curated trails. It will give hikers the option of exploring the lake from either direction, from the Hot Sorings or Horseshoe Lake.
Kuskanax Mountain Dedication Sept 3
Last Tuesday was a special day for our Trails Society…directors and invited VIPs flew and hiked to the Summit of Kuskanax Mountain to dedicate a bench in honour of two of the Society Founders, Barb Chwachka (past Chair and current Secretary) and Bianca Neidhardt (past Treasurer). Sadly, Bianca passed two years ago, but was represented by her loving partner Joe Braucks. Joe brought a picture of Bianca and a small flower bouquet in her memory. Jamie D installed a plaque on the bench which you can read on your next hike to the summit! Following speeches and sharing memories we enjoyed a lunch of turkey black bean chilli with all the fixings, and chocolate cake catered by Bob & Corinne. Attending were Barb C, Joe B, Jan from the Valley Voice, current directors Bob T, Michele N, and Simone H, and dedicated volunteer Jamie D. Mark H with High Terrain helicopters expertly shuttled people to the summit and back, with the NACTS directors and Jamie sharing the thrill. Some hiked up or down, with Bob doing it both ways. He has had all the helicopter flights he needs!
Hot Springs Trail Maintenance Sept 1
Bob and Corinne T spent part of a sunny Sunday installing non-slip mesh on the lower Hot Springs Trail log crossings and boardwalks, or about ⅓ of the total. Another 2 days of nailing mesh to every second or third tread log of the remaining crossings will get the job done, and make the trail safer in wet and slippery conditions. We also installed a dedication plaque at the timber crossing we built last fall with support from NACFOR, Stella Jones and The Columbia Basin Trust. Numerous deadfall need to be removed following high winds last month. Most will be removed in the next couple of weeks.
