REDWOOD NEEDLES

Presented by the Sierra Club Redwood Chapter Newsletter, The REDWOOD NEEDLES

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From the Outings Chair

By Carol Vellutini

Our Benson Hut high in the Sierra by Mt. Anderson is now ready for the winter. The first work party was spent cutting down a large tree, splitting the rounds into logs, and hauling them up the hill. We also cleaned out the cupboards and tidied up. Helping were Ed Schreiber, Jolayne Eggers, Leo Copper, Robert Burns, June Smith, Ken Thatcher, Eugene Miya, Rollye Wiskerson, and your outings chair.

The second work party was the weekend after the big snow. It certainly felt like fall. Jolayne had packed the hut sign out because it needed painting. She did a great job of repainting and lettering. We carried it back in.

Plan a hike to Benson to check it out.

Helping this time were Jane Bogner, Lori Devin, Rollye Wiskerson, Ed Schreiber, Ken Thatcher, John and Mary Korzich, and yours truly. The weather was perfect. We made plans for next year's projects: new roof; new countertop; new tabletop and of course the usual woodcutting. We had to dig out the spring, our only water source. A huge avalanche had hurled enormous boulders down the mountain and smashed the rock by our spring. Luckily we found a way to dig a new opening so we can continue to fill up our gallon containers. It's a steep trail back to the hut!

Check our schedule for this years winter backpack trips. Thanks to all of you who helped clean up our rivers, creeks, lakes and beaches. It was a success.

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors stalled the Sonoma County Recreation Master plan at Mike Cale's request. It looks like a long road ahead for our trail system. Please write to your supervisor urging them to go forward with the plan.

We have a great outings schedule for you. Please support our leaders.

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