Ray Peale, Mary Croft, Joe and Joyce Maurizzi, Fred Norris, Mike Wolters, Stan Smith, Shawn Redfield and Garrett Ressing; front: George and Ellen Citron, Marilynn Smith; missing from photo Kathy Gish and Jeff Bridge. Photo by Elisabeth Wheeler.
Elisabeth Wheeler and Mary Croft
On March 16 twelve SaddleBrooke Hiking Club members along with Shawn Redfield (Arizona Trail Director), Jeff Bridge (Regional Steward) and Gary Faulkenberry (Oracle State Park) did significant work on the Arizona National Scenic Trail at the number 77 underpass going into Oracle State Park. Shawn Redfield delivered a permanent water storage box which was then cemented into place along with a re-supply box for through-hikers. Besides general clean-up of the trail north of number 77 to the Tiger Mine Trailhead, hardy hikers removed sand from the number 77 underpass down to the concrete. A three-foot wide, three-foot deep trench was carved through the sand towards the wash drainage. At least eight Gator loads and 20 wheel barrow loads were dug out and hauled away from the underpass. This was a strenuous effort and should help horse riders using the underpass. After the work everyone enjoyed a celebratory lunch at the Oracle Patio Cafe. The SaddleBrooke Hiking Club will resume Arizona Trail work days in October.