What happens when you’re hanging out with a couple of guys from Keurig Green Mountain? No, we didn’t end up mainlining K-Cups… but we did, coincidentally, talk a lot about good coffee and good food. Last Tuesday Amy and I met up with Matt Deluca and Mike Marotto for a day of trail work along section 18 in Warren. Keurig employees get up to 52 hours to volunteer each year and for the past few years have spent time working with us to clear various sections of the Catamount Trail. Matt and Mike decided to brave the trail once again for a day of sawing, branch trimming, log rolling, and discussion of the best places to dine in Burlington and beyond.
We set off from Lincoln Gap Road, hiking in 2 miles, where we turned around and spent the day clearing and widening the trail back to our cars. Now, I don’t know if it is a testament to the amount of coffee these guys (and Amy) ingested early that morning but dust was flying from their handsaws all day long. I’ll bet the blades were hot enough to warm hands chilled by the cool fall air. My skills with the loppers paled in comparison, but someone had to photo document such character building activities as this:
Even though the trail was actually uphill in both directions, the jovial group of four plus dog made quick work of it. As I trimmed away spruce branches strategically placed at eye level I often found myself chuckling at the Click and Clack-like banter between Matt and Mike. It didn’t slow them down at all. I actually think there might have been an unspoken contest to see who could remove the largest trail hindrance. But I won’t say who won….
Come check out Section 18 this winter and enjoy some good hills and smooth sailing thanks to help from our two friends at Keurig Green Mountain, and of course Sal’s great help moving sticks back onto the trail.
