EAST PEAK OSCEOLA TRAIL MAINTENANCE DAY

Stewards of the mountain life.  There is always more work to do, and the stakes are high, but we are proud to share our progress as we work together to protect and improve the planet for future generations.  Making a difference and contributing to an ethos of giving time, effort and a desire to give back some love to the trails in the NH White Mouintain National forest.

The volunteer crew arrived Saturday afternoon with cheer and enthusiasm in Thornton, NH.  It was raining but that did not dampen the positive vibe of everyone.  Wine was uncorked and tea brewed while appetizers appeared as everyone shared stories, life updates and commentaries on current events.  

Jon whipped up an Asian inspired menu for dinner while everyone laughed and shared a hope for a better world.  GInger, sesame oil and garlic scents of culinary joy filled the air inticing anticipation of a great meal.  Thai noodles, bok choy and carrot fried rice, vegetable eggrolls and chicken dumplings with a home made matcha green tea infused sponge cake topped with a fresh matcha tea creama and fresh strawberries where enjoyed by all.

The next day began at 6 am with plenty of coffee, bagels, banana cheesecake blueberry muffins, fresh fruit and greek yogurt.  HIghly caffienated and fortified the Gay Outdoors crew drove 45 mintues to the trail head for East Peak Osceola.  It was now sunny, breezey, warm and bug free.   The perfect start to a fantastic day while hiking steeply up the trail -- cutting, lopping, sawing and cutting encroacing vegetation, fallen trees and over hanging pine limbs.  

It was an unrelenting heart pounding ascent!   The group kept its focus with encouragement, a watchful eye to member safety and trail improvement.  The ridgeline was finally breached!  We were rewarded with stupendous infinite views to other peaks, puffy billowy clouds and a million shades of green in the valley below.  Happily, a short time later lunch taken on the pile of rocks marking the East Peak Osceola Summit.

Living and playing in the mountains, we each discover our own ways of becoming immersed in the outdoors.  WIth a warm sun on your back and countless, uncharted miles ahead, what mountain perspective will you find when you let the outdoors in?

Thank you to the crew for your boundless energy, laughter, love, friendship, enthusiasm and desire to make a positive impact!!  hugs - Jon

With the peak of summer fast approaching, where will you go and who will you go with to find your mountain perspective?  Partner with me for a unique experience in mountain stewardship.  The trail needs some love and this is a day of giving back. 

We are hopeful that GayOutdoors has enough energetic, ambitious members to keep our adopted trail in top condition. The work itself, cleaning out waterbars, clearing small to medium blowdowns, clipping brush and painting blazes, is fairly easy. We are fortunate to be part of a club of gay men that have the opportunity to go hiking regularly in various places to take in the beauty of the White Mountains. We often oooh and awwwwe at some of the things we see. Now we have the opportunity to be a part of doing something to give back to the hiking community, while working on something we love...hiking trails...and helping make them a place where both ourselves and others can enjoy. We are looking forward to fun, hard work, comaraderie, new skills and friendships! 

We will starting from the Kancamagus Highway at 8:30 am on Sunday June 30th. This section up to East Peak had a couple of steep/scrambling sections to the wooded summit however there are a few outlooks during the way providing some nice views!  It's popular being on the NH four thousand footer list at 4,156-feet. 

For this section, there are not any waterbars to clean; our focus will be clearing small to medium blowdowns and clipping brush. You don't have to be an expert to help and we can easily train you.  All tools are provided. We'll let you in on one of the best kept secrets in the mountains: trail work is fun! A trail that you have worked on belongs to you in a way after putting in sweat equity, passion and your attention.

This is a rain or shine event, so watch the sky, and bring appropriate clothing. Bring work gloves, bug spray and a head net. While the gloves are important hopefully we don't need the head net.  Please dress for all weather conditions - be prepared for a mountain rain shower with a rain shell stowed in the pack.   Bring plenty of water, daypack, and lunch. Hiking boots are recommended - no sandals, flip flops, high heels or bare feet -- lol.  

Let's show everyone that GayOutdoors is serious about giving back to the hiking community, and let's show them what gay men can do! Will you come help us on this day? It's a full day and we expect to finish at the latest around 4pm. Water and snack breaks are taken throughout the day. Lunch may be occur on the trail itself.  

Arrive Saturday 4 pm for Saturday dinner, lodging & Sunday breakfast 

(Option 2 - meet us Sunday at the trail head on the Kancamagus)

Trail Head Meet up and Work Day ----- 8:30 am on Sunday

Lodging/Meals and Deck Appetizers -   as a thank you for help -- lodging and meals complimentary

Arrive Saturday 6/29th at my house at 4 pm for beverages and appetizers on the deck with mountain views.  Directions direct to participants after contacting me.  Dinner will be Asian themed with Veggie Lomein,  eggrolls and dumplings with a mango sorbet for dessert.  (Please let me know if you'll be arriving Saturday or planning to join me just on Sunday)

As part of GayOutdoors' philosophy, we believe in doing our part to give back to the community. We live and love the mountains and environment.  Lets enjoy summer's sun-soaked trails, star-flecked nights and invigorating times.  This is a great opportunity to give some love back to the mountain and participate in a truly special way!!  The work will inspire and on reflection be a great memory for life.

Namaste and Happy Trails!
Jon