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View of the Shawangunk Ridge from the Mohonk Preserve in Gardiner, NY

Ready for an Adventure?

Teddy and Terrie don't get out enough - and we hope you'll help us change that, by supporting our project - the Teddy and Terrie Trailwork Tour.

The T/T(Trailwork Tour) is a two year road trip around America, beginning in January of 2009, where we will volunteer with various trail crews as they create, maintain and rehabilitate the access and hiking trails that provide the literal foundation for the outdoor recreationist.

Without these trails, the beauty, function and ecological soundness of many popular destinations would suffer, and in some cases be damaged beyond repair. Are you aware that nearly all parks and nature preserves depend on teams of people who volunteer their time and energy to keep trails safe and in good repair? Do you know why this work is so important in the conservation of our natural landscapes? That without these valuable donations of labor, love and time, many of our most cherished nature centers would simply be unable to handle our impact?

Most likely you do have some idea as to how trailwork preserves our beautiful natural landscapes, not only for current users but for the generations to come. Even so, I hope you'll join us here online as we travel the land and work with the many crews we meet along the way. We'll find out what they do, how they do it, and why. The answers may surprise you!

Overview

When I began rock climbing in 2004, it was as if I had found something I'd been searching for my entire life. The level of consciousness necessary to unlock the vertical puzzles I encountered on each route was intense. As I succeeded, whether it was in making a single transitional move or climbing the line cleanly with no falls, my self-esteem level rose and I became more confident in my abilities and in feeling my place in the world.

Soon enough, I was meeting others who shared my passion, and visiting climbing destinations around the United States. On one of those early trips, my partner and I thrashed our way over terrain on a steep mountainside- bushwacking, as it is called when there is no established path. I was pretty nervous, as I had never really been on a mountain before, much less one that appeared, to my untrained eyes, to have never seen foot traffic before.

My friend told me we actually "were" on a trail, and showed me the vaguest of clues to support his statement. I had to take his word for it, but a few days later we went back along the route and he explained some basic techniques in what as known as "trailbuilding."

This was the start of what has become a very important component in my outdoors recreation. In addition to the fun exercise in climbing and the warm camaraderie found in camping sites around the country, trailwork has enabled me to provide a valuable service for our community.

For more on the story, click here.

NOTE: When viewing Past Posts or other links within the site, please scroll down after the page refreshes. The "Ready for Adventure?" and "Overview" sections are permanently placed on each page.



Monday, September 15, 2008

Planning UPdate - Monday, September 15, 2008

This last two weeks have been low key in regards to the Trailwork Tour, unfortunately. My worklife intervened and required my focus, leaving little time to do much else. Luckily, things have settled down on that front as I have taken care of the items needing addressing.

However - on Saturday I will be heading to Yosemite(my first time there) for the Yosemite Facelift Cleanup and so I will again be doing little on the home front to further this project. It is a great chance to network with other volunteers, though, and I will be gathering information about local trailwork groups from people I meet there.

I have sent out a few more sponsorship proposals, but the truth is, I had better get cracking on this facet of the project. Without support, obviously, I cannot succeed. I do expect to be hearing from some of the companies who I first sent proposals to in the near future though, and am trying to send "say Yes!" vibes their way....hahaha.

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