198.4 to 199 - Dec-13-2008

Sometime recently (Nov 2008) the huge tree at mile 199 fell down. This was the tree with the 199 Mile marker on it.

According to Bert Turner (FoOT), who was part of the trail crew who cleaned up the mess, it made for a complicated situation because a) the tree fell lengthwise on the trail, b) it took several other large trees with it and c) there were some dangerous 'tensions' between the fallen trees/branches.

In early December FoOT and Pinnacle Mountain State Park folks attacked the mess with chainsaws and re-opened the trail. This created a minor re-route, which is fine. In addition, the 199 mile marker is now missing and needs to be replaced.

Fortunately, the remarkable, old enormous cypress is still standing.

These photos are from an OT work trip with Steve B.; just cleaning, lopping, minor treadway fixes, etc.

Photography-wise... it was a gray day, overcast, with a 'dull' lighting most of the day. Shotguns firing could be heard very close by numerous times (across the river). This section of the OT looks wild, but it is really quite close to 'civilization'.