Jim (trail-name Sagebrush) codes audio software for Windows, Linux, Android, and embedded systems. When not working at sagebrush.com, he enjoys backpacking, which this blog is about.
I joined a small crew to do trash cleanup near Otero Park in the bosque (forest along a river) in Socorro, organized by Save Our Bosque Task Force SOBTF.
This location happens to be along the Socorro alternate of the Grand Enchantment Trail, hence my interest.
My two strangest finds were a hot water heater and an elk carcass. Ewww.
Lopped upper part of Apache Kid Trail between Springtime Campground and Shipman Trail junction, 0.3 miles
The night was cold, even at lower elevation of the campground, but sleeping inside the Subaru was comfy. Climbing up to the top of the ridge, I appreciated the fine views during the last day of my adventure.
I lop Gambel oak for a half-day where it is thickest, near the top of the ridge.
Lopped 0.5 miles Shipman Trail starting at the junction with Apache Kid, cleared 4 fresh blowdowns on Apache Kid Trail between the junction with Shipman Trail and the campground
What a cold windy night! The wind did not decrease in the evening, and I did not dare put up a tent, and instead cowboy-camped under clear skies. Steady cold wind continues all day, until I climb down to a lower altitude.
The north part of Shipman has Gambel oak, and lopping should make the trail easier to follow.
Before/After
In places the oak leaves have dropped off, making lopping easier.
When the sun gets low, I head towards the campground, clearing blowdowns along the way, Normally I skip leaners, but this one was an easy fix.