I went on a recon ride yesterday with SuperBlinky to check out some of the wind and flooding damage. We had intentions of trying to clean up what we could so snowbike riding would be possible. I carried a handsaw and we cleared quite a bit in the Mirkwood area, although there's still some larger downed trees remaining that will require some chainsaw action.
With all the flooding advisories in the area lately our curiosity triggered a ride onto Blue Dot. We entered from Moose Track and made our way north, trimming with the handsaw as we went. Yesterday the bridge was intact, although under water.
We returned today with a chainsaw to clear out the larger downfall, only to find that once we made it to the creek the bridge had washed downstream, and parallel to the northern bank.
Here's a shot of the original placement of the bridge. It used to span from the left of that large splintered trunk on the far bank, to just left of the near trunk. You can see the bridge now resting on the far bank. It appears it broke loose from the southern bank and pivoted.
Another view, from further downstream.
We'll get out there soon and take a look at the Blue Dot section north of the creek and bridge.
Randy, Do you tink we could pull it back into place with a come along once the water goes down? That is one of my favorite winter trails and I'd hate to not be able to cross the creek reliably. Steve
Randy, Do you tink we could pull it back into place with a come along once the water goes down?
Very doubtful Steve. It's tough to definitely assess right now with the water so high, but it would take a major effort. Once the water drops to usual levels I'd be glad to give it another view and see just how the bridge has settled.
Went in today from the Tour trail with a handsaw. There's a large birch cluster just as you enter that was way too much for my packable saw, but managed to clear out the rest up to the spot where Blue Dot makes that last steep drop approaching the bridge. Chainsaw definitely needed for the birches still there.....unless someone wants to make a ramp
Jordy, sorry but haven't made it over to Speedway to check.
Speedway is surprisingly good. There are a lot of downed birches in the wind tunnel aka "firebreak" but none fell across the trail. Don't even try Rover's. Went in up to the hubs.
Can we organize a Blue Dot bridge construction and installation? Before winter? If we can't get the old bridge back in place, maybe we could construct a new one?
It would be a shame to lose that trail for the winter...
Can we organize a Blue Dot bridge construction and installation? Before winter?
Somebody else might have more information, but I think the BLM and/or muni have been talking about replacing that old bridge anyway. Maybe this will force their hand and make them do the work next summer?
Once the stream freezes up, we should be able to cross it anyway. (After Rando goes first to make sure the ice is solid. )
Enjoying the meaningful pursuit of meaningless fun.
Somebody else might have more information, but I think the BLM and/or muni have been talking about replacing that old bridge anyway. Maybe this will force their hand and make them do the work next summer?
Once the stream freezes up, we should be able to cross it anyway. (After Rando goes first to make sure the ice is solid. )
I'm meeting with Parks and Rec this week. I'll ask.
I tried to "Pos Rep" JordyB and I hit the wrong button and "Neg repped" him. I feel like a tool, could somebody pos rep him to even it out! Sorry JordyB.
I tried to "Pos Rep" JordyB and I hit the wrong button and "Neg repped" him. I feel like a tool, could somebody pos rep him to even it out! Sorry JordyB.
Done
Enjoying the meaningful pursuit of meaningless fun.
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Originally Posted by sryanak
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