Where Does Cribbing Come From?

Readers will be aware of the huge amount of cribbing we have had to use in one 1/2 mile stretch along the BRP. We always try to use locust logs for the hardness of the wood and the longevity of support it provides the trail.
When ever possible we cut trees that are on the ground or standing dead. We do not use any green or living cut timber.

The typical gear we must carry in includes the saw, fuel, and related tools for the operation of the saw. Then from within our wood cutting backpack we carry helmets, chaps, gloves, goggles, ear guards, and work boots or steel toes.

And of course a first aide kit.

This was a large downed locust tree. On this day we needed 10 foot lengths for our cribbing. Shelton is shown standing above the log making the cut.

Putting safety first is important and experienced saw men always think ahead and try to anticipate all aspects of success and mistakes that could be encountered.

Locust is hard wood. It is not unusual to only make a couple of dozen cross cuts before it is necessary to sharpen the chain.

But, done safely and working as a team (never alone) the cutting of cribbing provides resources for trail building in the wild.

On this day we cut 10 pieces of 10 foot locust and a number of smaller sections.

Then they were lined up for the down hill drag.

Many thanks to our volunteers, Gary for helping with the cutting, to Shelton for the chainsawing, and to John for dragging the sections down to the trail from above!

After the work in a light moment Gary is gathering our gear and our measuring string. There is a great pleasure found in doing good work for others.