Edited for corrections based on Mike's later post.After James and I finished walking the line yesterday measuring culvert locations, we continued walking past end of track all the way to Route 218. Here are some pictures I took of the route down the mountain. Mike and others can correct any mistakes I make in the photo descriptions. Many of the pictures have location markers set out in 300-foot intervals. I believe the starting point for these markers was the end of track at Top of Mountain before about 900 feet of track was added to bring equipment to the edge of the first washout. The first washout, where Mike has set the 4-foot steel culvert, falls somewhere in the 1000-foot range.
1. View looking south toward the first washout where Mike has set the first culvert (the right-of-way in shadows in the distance). Barely visible in the distance is the current end of track, not yet in service. The back of the 1200 FT sign can be seen on the right.
2. At 1500 FT, there's a minor washout. Mike has set a culvert several feet to the south, about where the surveyor's stake is on the right. Jeff will bring in material to fill in the washout. In the far distance, Mike can barely been seen walking toward the Kubota setting a relief culvert 200 feet north of this location
at the next washout .
3. Yesterday, Mike set the relief culvert at the north end of this year's permitted work zone
next and last washout to be addressed this season. Just beyond is the area where a portion of the right-of-way has slid.
4. Mike finishing up work
at the last washout on the relief culvert as James P. looks on.
5. Turning 180 degrees and walking a few steps north, here is the section where a portion of the right-of-way slid. Just beyond is the 1800 FT marker.
6. The view south from the opposite end of the slide. Note Mike and the Kubota in the distance.
7. Turning 180 degrees again, here is the 1800 FT marker, looking north toward Head Tide.
8. It seems there's a washout every 300 feet or so through this section. Here's the view at the 2100 FT marker. In the distance is a small washout.
9. The washout just north of the 2100 FT marker.
10. The most substantial washout north of the slide looks to be just north of the 2400 FT marker.
11. The washout just north of the 2400 FT marker.
12. At the 2700 FT marker, another small washout.
13. 3000 FT is the last marker that has been set out. Here is the first spot where we break out into a sunny area, with the expected thicket of goldenrod, raspberry, etc.
14. The Trout Brook bridge site, looking north toward Head Tide. My best guess walking from the 3000 FT marker is that it's at least 600 feet from the marker, but I'm sure someone has measured it and knows better.
15. The view looking south from the opposite side of the brook. It's been dry in Maine, so we could easily cross while keeping our boots dry. Note the evidence of drilling to check the soil conditions in preparation for the "new" bridge.
16. North of the bridge site, the right-of-way has recently been cleared up to Route 218 so the drilling equipment could be brought in. In this view, we looking south toward the bridge site at a location where the Midcoast Conservancy trails connect with the right-of-way. If we turn 180 degrees, Route 218 is to the north, roughly the same distance away as the bridge site.
