Bridging the Gap

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Scouts and parents representing Troop 55 pitched in to assist Nick Shigo in completing a Shelton Trails project, undertaken as part of Nick's requirements toward achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The work party today was split into two groups, one working on clearing and leveling a biking and hiking bypass that will avoid the current steep and rocky hillside trail, while the others constructed a replacement bridge designed by Nick over a muddy and sometimes flowing gully. The Shelton Trails Committee assisted by providing their utility vehicle, a John Deere Gator, to haul lumber and tools through the woods to the work site.

Unloading the Gator

The old bridge was unsafe (no kidding?)

It was cut up and parts were used as a temporary work platform

The new base is framed and set on each bank

Now's a good time for the crew to pose for posterity! Nick Shigo holds the "cornerstone" crediting Troop 55's Eagle project

Back to work! Scouts build a retaining wall on the high side of the new path

It's a team effort

Nick nails in the last board of his new bridge. The scouts and the adults did a great job, and due to good advance planning and preparation the bridge was completed ahead of schedule and the trail, though not yet complete, also seems to be progressing faster than anticipated.