The last stretch of road to the two upper Gray Eagle camps has gotten so rutted out it is getting difficult to get to the upper camp without sliding into a rut and making them deeper. Going downhill in the rain or snow is downright terrifying.
So a couple of weeks ago Sue and I got rained out while camping there and I decided to attempt to fix the problem. The problem with the road is that the drainage berms have lost their shape and don't drain to the side any more. The current from the rain just cuts deeper and deeper ruts the entire length of the last 300' or so.
Since we couldn't climb we dug out the sides of three berms and tried to shore up diversion drains with rocks. After a few heavy downpours they were really draining the road well especially the upper two. When we went back this last weekend they were in pretty good shape but clearly would need some maintenance over time. That and after a break in the rain during our previous visit, a truck came up the road and ran over all my work on the lowest drain and kinda screwed it up. I also had trouble finding rocks near the lowest drain and got exhausted from marching them up and down the road from nearby hillsides.
So where I am going with this is to suggest to people going up there might want to take a minute to add a rock or two to the drains if they have a minute to keep the drains working. Mud will also eventually build up on the sides of the road to the point that the drain will back up and will need to be re-dug out occasionally. The side drains should be at least level or tilted downhill. That and try to drive on the left side of the road as you head uphill so the drains don't get trampled. I know the ruts will smooth over after a season or so if the drains get a chance to do their job.
Thanks!
