Summer begins by patrolling for blowdowns,
Axe or saw, these trees we chop
So hikers can hop rock to rock without stop.
Shortly thereafter drainages must be clear.
Leaves and mud pushed to the side
So water may pass the trail with easy glide.
Digging for rocks, the hillsides fill with holes
To construct staircase and bar
On Ledge Trail and Israel Ridge, near or far.
Heavy loads drench our clothes and break our backs
Packboarding firewood and hiking up tools,
Randolphians ‘ought know, we are the new mules.
-Summer 2008-
c.p.
