Summer Work: Trim the Trains!

[Ed Lecuyer]

On June 30 through July 3 I will be leading a "Trim the Tree Trains" crew.

The idea will be to have a string/blade crew go out to tackle some of the worst areas along the ROW.

A tentative schedule. The idea is not work during the hottest part of the day.
Sunday, June 30: Lv Sheepscot at 3:00pm - trim ROW until around 4:30pm (or later, depending on crew)

Monday, July 1: Lv Sheepscot at 8:15am - trim ROW until 11:15am. Break for lunch. Cool off.
Monday, July 1: Lv Sheepscot at 3:00pm - trim ROW until around 6pm.

Tuesday, July 2: Lv Sheepscot at 8:15am - trim ROW until 11:15am. Break for lunch. Cool off.
Tuesday, July 2: Lv Sheepscot at 3:00pm - trim ROW until around 6pm.

Wednesday, July 3: Lv Sheepscot at 8:15am - trim ROW until 11:15am. Break for lunch. Cool off.
Wednesday, July 3: Lv Sheepscot at 3:00pm - trim ROW until around 6pm.

Anyone interested can contact me at 603-486-4333 (cell/text) or ed.lecuyer@wwfry.org
Of course, anyone is welcome to show up the day of. All work is weather permitting.

[John McNamara]

Please look out for the phone wire!

[Paul Uhland]

Weren''t the phone wires being buried?

[Mike Fox]

Prepare for ticks. I picked and killed 39 off of me last Saturday.

Phone line will be buried as time permits. Lots of other important projects going on too.

[James Patten]

Pemetherin for your clothing and picaridin for the rest of you is supposed to keep the ticks off, or at least make it so they don't want to stay long.  Picaridin spray is good for 12 hours, pemetherin spray is good for 45 days, apply liberally well before you plan to wear the clothing.

[Bill Reidy]

I'm on vacation next week, so I expect to make one of the days (most likely the 2nd).

Any specific sections you want to hit, Ed?

[Ed Lecuyer]

Hi Bill,

I'm most concerned about areas near Sheepscot Mills/ML&M and Davis Curve. There are others.

There is a chance that I will not be heading up on Sunday 6/30, but will definitely be there on Monday 7/1 - Wednesday 7/3 to lead crews each day.

-Ed

[Ed Lecuyer]

Work report, day 1:
Fred had all the trimmers ready to go.

I ended up by myself, and cut all the saplings growing near the ROW along Albee's field. In the early evening I cut the saplings growing around Davis curve and the turtle pond.

I'm here tomorrow, Wednesday, AND Thursday July 4th. All are welcome to cut in on the fun.

[Bob Holmes]

Great job, Ed!  How bad are the ticks?

[Ed Lecuyer]

I took James' advice and treated most of my "RR clothes" with Pemetherin. I also doused myself with picaridin and deet...

I only picked off one tic.

I have the picaridin spray with me if anyone needs it this week.

[Joe Fox]

Great job Ed. Stay hydrated and safe in this heat.

[Ed Lecuyer]

Day 2 Report:
Crew size doubled with the addition of Bill Reidy.

In the morning, we cut all around Brian's Maine Locomotive and Machine Works, removing a small forest of saplings and clearing sight lines at the crossing. Brian's pumpkin vine was left undisturbed.

In the afternoon we tackled Trask's crossing. Halfway through that effort, one of the trimmers would not start, so manual loppers were used to remove the saplings.

Tomorrow, we may tackle areas near Top of the Mountain.

Tic count - One on a person. One was spotted walking the railhead. Clearly, they are attracted to the narrow gauge.

[Wayne Laepple]

I trust you thoroughly mashed the one on the rail head. This morning, we smushed a field mouse with a steam locomotive at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. It appeared to have tried to cross the track at the wrong moment.

[Bill Reidy]

Brian's pumpkin vine was left undisturbed...

As was the magneto phone line.

Tic count - One on a person. One was spotted walking the railhead. Clearly, they are attracted to the narrow gauge.

I treated my clothes yesterday with Pemetherin.  Saturday I had 16 ticks -- today none.  So I'd say it works.

[John McNamara]

Brian's pumpkin vine was left undisturbed...

As was the magneto phone line.

Thanks!
-John M