Madrid TWP – On August 21st and 28th the High Peaks Alliance hosted two volunteer work days to start construction of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail, a new heritage trail that will eventually stretch 35-40 miles from Strong to Oquossoc in the Western Mountains of Maine. About twenty people showed up over two days and built approximately two miles of trail along the western bank of the Orbeton Stream. Volunteers cut a corridor for the trail, built 2 switchbacks up a steep hill, and constructed a section of bog bridging (elevated cedar planks to keep hikers out of the mud) through an, especially wet area.
There will be another work day coming up on October 2 and more to follow next season until this first segment 3.5-mile segment is finished. This was chosen as the first piece of the trail to be built because it will both ease traffic on a heavily used multi-use trail on the other side of the river and, once completed, allow for a nice loop option utilizing both trails.
Local businesses chipped in to help the volunteers. On the 28th, Edmunds Market generously provided burgers, hotdogs, and rolls for a cookout at the end of the day. The Carrabassett Coffee Company provided free coffee and a percolator to get everybody going first thing in the morning. David and Virginia Robie, owners of the Star Barn Bed and Breakfast provided the grill and came out to do some trail work. Organizers would like to thank, everyone who came for a great couple of days of trail work and to Edmunds Market and the Carrabassett Coffee Company for supporting the construction of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail.
