FAILED RAILS UNVEILED
Weather, time, and fungus growth have taken their toll on many of the rails on our fence line along the Silent Waters dam, creating a potential hazard. To prevent fence-sitters and aerial artists from plunging into the abyss below, members of the Trails Committee tackled the worst of the offending rails, replacing them with new treated stock.

Click on photos to enlarge

Jim and Terry struggle to remove a damaged rail. Most difficult was trying to remove and replace 11 ft. rails between 10 ft. spaced posts. 

 A broken rail can lead to a serious fall. "It's a loooong way down!"

Using leverage helped move the posts just enough to insert the new rails

"Hmmm! This worked on my fingernails!"

"Now when I nod my head, you hit it with the sledge"

Jim, Sandie, and Terry fit a new rail

 

Sandie shows the men how it's done

Richard sees a photo op and gets into the picture

 Some of the new rails in place

In all, 12 of the rails in questionable condition were replaced, with more scheduled for future work parties. It goes without saying that even with newer, sturdier rails, one should not lean on, stand on, or even sit on this fence.