Latest Tree Clearing at G'Burg

[showmegal]

What's the latest on the tree clearing. I really appreciate seeing the pictures and would love to see more! hint hint!!! Is that Willards marker in the Codori group?

[tomh]

showmegal,

I'll try to get some new photos this week, not much in drastic changes. They planted 600 new trees on the eastern slope of Oak Ridge right at Mummasburg Rd to replace a historical orchard.

Yes that is Willard's marker, visible for the first time in a really long time.

Later,
TomH

[showmegal]

Thanks, TomH! Anything going on with the Triangular Field area? Also, when I was there in March 2004 they had cut quite a bit on Culp's Hill but left them lay there. Are they being hauled off now? Walked 1st Minnesota route then, too, but must look so different now. Can't wait to get back.

[tomh]

showmegal,

From what I understand the south side of the triangular field will be cleared all the way to the Timbers and Slyder farms. You should be able to see all the way to where Hood was wounded. I don't know what the schedule for that project is.

Most of Culp's Hill is getting the "health cut" approach and, from what I have seen, they tend to leave the cuttings in the area for a longer time. I walked around in the area of the CS assault last week and even with the trees filling out you can still get a much better feeling for the terrain obstacles.

TomH

[showmegal]

Anyone have any recent pictures of tree clearing? Would love to see what's going on. Thanks!

[8thvacav]

showmegal,
Did you see tomh's post 3-25-05?
www.baymediapro.com/clearing

[tomh]

showmegal/8thvacav

Sorry for the delay in updating the photos of the clearing project, it has been insanely busy here. I have out of town company coming in this weekend and will be spending a bunch of time on the park. I'll take some new photos and post them.

The biggest changes have been that the low growth shrubs are filling in the cleared areas so they don't seem as stark as when first cleared. Some of the "health" cuts have been done on Culp's hill, especially on the eastern slope and you can now get a better feel for the density of the woods in that area. When you walk the path of the CS assault you can now see how formidable a defense they were up against, firing lanes are clearer and the view from the US breastworks really gives you an appreciation for the courage of the CS assaulting force.

The top of Houck's Ridge/Devil's Den is like an oven with the current temps. I have never felt so exposed, or so uncomfortable, standing on the top of the ridge and now understand why Hood called it "the worst ground" he ever saw. Again, my respect for both sides that alternately held and assaulted that position has increased tenfold.

Later,
TomH

[maryingettysburg]

Speaking of the temps, Tom, it's been an awfully hot summer here, has it not? Went bike riding up the Culp's Hill area last week, and it was SO humid and hot, I thought for a moment I was going to have a heart attack. It was one of those "Even though my clothes are soaked with sweat, I don't feel a darn bit cooler" days. Still, we keep biking....determined NOT to let this weather keep us housebound. Heat advisories or not...

[tomh]

maryingettysburg,

We have only lived here for two years and visited frequently for about ten years and this is the hottest we have seen. Last week was like being back in Houston. My lawn looks like a burned out section of the Serenghetti and my trips to the park have involved lots of bottled water, both to drink and to pour over my head <grin>.

Drop me line at tomh@baymediapro.com if you ever want to get together on the park for a stroll.

TomH

[maryingettysburg]

Tomh,
LOVE the analogies...... You ever notice how the weather forecasters keep promising us thunderstorms that never come??? Today was the best day in a long while.....hardly any sun!!!


Hey, thanks for the offer. I'll be dropping you a line shortly.