Sept 27 2020
The Upper
section of ERTS, from Duck to Ivydale, was the first 11 miles
to open to the public. It was gorgeous. Without much in the
way of publicity, people found out about the recreational
opportunity. On any given weekend, upwards of 50 bikers and
hikers used the facility. Commissioner Fran King reported
during a public meeting, on Saturday, Sept 19th, she counted
no less than 100 bikers using the Middle section of ERTS.
In August,
heavy rain wiped out portions of that Northern section. The
downpour, actually tow of em, washed away parts of the trail
when small culverts plugged up. In two areas, mileposts 44
thru 46, almost half the width of the trail was gone.
On Sept 27th, repairs had been completed. Here's a couple shots (above and below) around mile stick 44 where the culvert has been replaced after a big dig out and ditch repair.
On Sept 27th, repairs had been completed. Here's a couple shots (above and below) around mile stick 44 where the culvert has been replaced after a big dig out and ditch repair.
The smooth as a
baby's butt top coat has not been replaced but travel has been
restored.
Between mile
post 45 and 46, an even bigger repair has been completed.
Again, the top coat is not as smooth but for bikers, even
those with skinny wittle tires, passage has been restored.
Although volunteers had been summoned to do the repairs, we think the trail contractor, Greg Decal returned his equipment and did the heavy work.
Although volunteers had been summoned to do the repairs, we think the trail contractor, Greg Decal returned his equipment and did the heavy work.
Without a doubt,
Fall Foliage should be spectacular in Oct. Peak colors should
be around Oct 17th. Nearing the end of Sept, only a few leaves
are done and the yellows and browns of sycamore, ash,
popular are showing. As soon as the maples starting showing their
reds, the place should pop big time.
Mark your calendars for the second and third week of Oct for a great place to see West Virginia beauty at its best
Mark your calendars for the second and third week of Oct for a great place to see West Virginia beauty at its best
Cairns are popping
up here and there along the hiking, biking, and horseback
riding trail. Those rock stacked add a smile to those passing
by. On Sept 26th, that small Clay Rocks creek stone had been
added. So far, we've counted close to 50 Cairns in place.
There's plenty of room for more and we're encouraging travelers to leave their mark by building a Cairn. How about you.
There's plenty of room for more and we're encouraging travelers to leave their mark by building a Cairn. How about you.
A couple
notes.
On Sept 26th, we noticed something new. DNR Brown Shirt Badges were patrolling the 30 some mile long trail. Not one or two, but count em!, three cruisers were on duty on ERTS. Our guess, since it was the first day of bow season, they were looking for four wheelers running the trail in search of Bambi.
Secondly, with nearly 4 months of use recorded, something is going on. It's common to see users picking up litter as they walk and bike. So far, knock on wood, wrappers, bottles, cans, and other trash, it's non existent.
Third, Contractors are hard at work extending ERTS before cold weather halts the effort. As of this date, ERTS has its top coat on well below, down river, the Hartland bridge. In the community of Elkhurst, there's maybe 3 miles open. With crews and big trucks still running, week day use by bikers would be dangerous. Those workers are not working on Saturdays and Sundays.
Enjoy
AW
On Sept 26th, we noticed something new. DNR Brown Shirt Badges were patrolling the 30 some mile long trail. Not one or two, but count em!, three cruisers were on duty on ERTS. Our guess, since it was the first day of bow season, they were looking for four wheelers running the trail in search of Bambi.
Secondly, with nearly 4 months of use recorded, something is going on. It's common to see users picking up litter as they walk and bike. So far, knock on wood, wrappers, bottles, cans, and other trash, it's non existent.
Third, Contractors are hard at work extending ERTS before cold weather halts the effort. As of this date, ERTS has its top coat on well below, down river, the Hartland bridge. In the community of Elkhurst, there's maybe 3 miles open. With crews and big trucks still running, week day use by bikers would be dangerous. Those workers are not working on Saturdays and Sundays.
Enjoy
AW