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(Walter Anderson & John Herter take a break while re-roofing - See slide shows for more photos)
Our Maine IAT/SIA maintenance crew met on Mars Hill tasked for camp maintenance and trail definition. Crew members Dave Rand, Earl Raymond, Bill Duffy, John Herter and Walter Anderson gathered at the Mars Hill office of UPC Wind Management, LLC (Evergreen Power) where we met with Ryan Fonbuena, Operations Manager and outlined our tasks of redefining the IAT trail from the our camp site near wind tower #28 to the East Ridge Rd., a distance of approximately 4 miles; and to install a new metal roof over the existing metal camp roof. Construction and roofing material had been previously and thankfully stored on site by two of our Aroostook County contingent, Torrey Sylvester and Dave Rand.
Work began at the Mars Hill camp site, where Dave Rand and Earl Raymond, both equipped with GPS technology, began an accurate survey and signing of the trail with IAT/SIA blazes. The roofing crew was Bill Duffy, John Herter and Walter Anderson. Upon our arrival at the camp site we encountered officers and members of the Central Aroostook Snowmobile Club and the Big 13 ATV Club who were preparing for an annual picnic the following day. They had graciously repaired the floor of the camp, built two very nice picnic tables, established trash barrels and had generally cleaned up around the site. We discussed mutual cooperation and we all pledged to police and keep site trash free.
Our tasks mostly complete for the day (7-28-07) we re- met at the camp site to receive an annual corporate IAT membership of $500 on behalf of Evergreen Power from Mr. Ryan Fonbuena and Mr. David Cowan, Environmental Manager.
The following day (7-29-07) after a pleasant night at the Bear Paw Motel and substantial breakfast at Al’s Diner we returned to the mountain to finish our respective tasks. As we were putting the final touches on the roof, the Snowmobile and ATV group arrived with mountains of food in preparation for their picnic and we were graciously invited to join them for hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks(soft),etc. Adhering (fearing) to Dick Anderson’s strong admonition (intimidation) on getting our work completed, we declined with many thanks and proceeded down the trail to meet up with Dave and Earl.
Dave, Earl and Bill all surveyed the trail with GPS and all data was sent to Bill who generated an updated map for review by Wind Power folks. Earl has a very detailed survey of 4.4 miles of Mars Hill trail from the camp to the East Ridge Rd. with 3.2 miles off road and 1.2 miles on road. Dave Rand, our designated Aroostook County point man will walk trail with Wind Power folks and confirm trail and map. Bill will compile final map upon completion.
We had a chance and pleasant meeting with Mr. Charles Radell (Tel. 429-9382) at the intersection of trail and East Ridge Rd. Mr. Radell has a farm located very near the intersection and offered free lodging and water for all hikers.
Work was completed and work crews departed Sunday at noon (7-29-07).
Cheers-Walter Anderson
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