Sunfish Pond - dont let a boy do a man's job

[lowviz]

We took the AT on the way back and I think that with the exception of the last half-mile, it's totally trekkable with equipment. That last section is going to be a tough haul because of those stones.

Yeah, been fretting about that. We can ford the stream no prob. The uphill loose rock stretch is nasty.

Progress:
The wheels are nailed! (See one of my previous posts), so is the frame. It looks like it will be something like a pulled rickshaw. Current problem is that attaching one to this rig and having it start descending (backwards) on its own is a serious problem. If I fix the wheels to the axle for forward only ratchet then they have to turn at exactly the same rate. OMG, exhausting on uneven ground! If I free-wheel them, I can't stop them from a runaway backward descent. Suggestions?

Getting there...

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

Amen.

What are you and Tom planning on? An AL 80 and a 19 each, I'm guessing...

Yes. Sorry just saw this now...

---------- Post added July 12th, 2015 at 10:03 PM ----------

If I free-wheel them, I can't stop them from a runaway backward descent. Suggestions?

A harness but then of course it could drag you with it...

If I understand the design - could you put an extra weight on the free end - thus driving the free end of the rig into the ground and stopping downward progress?
Like a plank and pivot - the end you are not pulling has the weight and would that be enough to push it into the ground and then stop the slide down the hill?

---------- Post added July 12th, 2015 at 10:06 PM ----------

Where did you guys enter?

From the bench we went left about 300 yards or so and entered on an open but rocky area. It is deceiving - looks clear but I would give it 8 to 10 foot viz at least when we dove it...

 

[lowviz]

If I understand the design - could you put an extra weight on the free end - thus driving the free end of the rig into the ground and stopping downward progress?
Like a plank and pivot - the end you are not pulling has the weight and would that be enough to push it into the ground and then stop the slide down the hill?

Yes, should work. I'm worried that just piking something into the ground would cause the cart to rotate wildly and you know what the sides of that trail look like in some places. There could be a new bronze marker on the AT. :shocked2:

I'm all wonked out on sprag clutches at the moment. See if anything comes of it...

 

[tridacna]

I assume that you're coming from the Dunnfield Parking Lot. Some of the "steps" that they've built are quite steep. Specifically when ascending about a half mile after the DF-AT split. Pulling the barrow up some of them will be serious work. I guess, one in front and one lifting from behind will do it.

I still have no idea how to get a parking spot on the second and closer DF parking lot. We get there early and there are always orange cones blocking entry from Rt 80 after you pass the first lot. You will definitely need to park there to avoid clambering over the 'pass' from the first lot. Anyone have any ideas how to get to that lot?

As an aside, we saw two Copperheads on the DF on the final rocky climb to the trailhead. I was stupid enough to try and coax one from out of a rock with a trekking pole after it slithered underneath before I realized just how stupid I was. My friends were not amused.

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

As an aside, we saw two Copperheads on the DF on the final rocky climb to the trailhead. I was stupid enough to try and coax one from out of a rock with a trekking pole after it slithered underneath before I realized just how stupid I was. My friends were not amused.

I like stupid - lol - keeps things light and funny... We will get along just fine.

 

[oldschoolto]

Can you drop gear at the upper site.. Leave person with gear well the other goes back and parks car.. ?

Jim...

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

Can you drop gear at the upper site.. Leave person with gear well the other goes back and parks car.. ? Jim...

We could - but it takes at over an hour or so each way depending on the trail - could be up to 2 hours... That is a long wait or that could be 4 trips - 8 legs of the trail for someone(s) hauling gear - and I will guarantee they will be tired and sore the next day...

Or a Helo drop - what would it take to rent a Sikorsky?

 

[lowviz]

I assume that you're coming from the Dunnfield Parking Lot. Some of the "steps" that they've built are quite steep. Specifically when ascending about a half mile after the DF-AT split. Pulling the barrow up some of them will be serious work. I guess, one in front and one lifting from behind will do it.

Yeah, the barrow design needs to be spot on. Exactly that, two people for the rough spots. I have a mountain bike trail near me that allows for easy "field testing" of designs. This is def all about planning, testing, and logistics. I'm thinking that we will need to stow the cart and tanks in a tent for retrieval the next day.

I still have no idea how to get a parking spot on the second and closer DF parking lot. We get there early and there are always orange cones blocking entry from Rt 80 after you pass the first lot. You will definitely need to park there to avoid clambering over the 'pass' from the first lot. Anyone have any ideas how to get to that lot?

No idea, I'm just focusing on the AT access to the pond. Love to hear that somebody found something better.

As an aside, we saw two Copperheads on the DF on the final rocky climb to the trailhead. I was stupid enough to try and coax one from out of a rock with a trekking pole after it slithered underneath before I realized just how stupid I was. My friends were not amused.

Copperheads are big babies. Quite pretty. You really have to mess with them to get bitten.

I like stupid - lol - keeps things light and funny... We will get along just fine.

I wonder why we get along so well toghether?

We could - but it takes at over an hour or so each way depending on the trail - could be up to 2 hours... That is a long wait or that could be 4 trips - 8 legs of the trail for someone(s) hauling gear ...

This is a tough nut to crack. But I want a real dive after all this work. We all press on...

 

[tridacna]

Can you drop gear at the upper site.. Leave person with gear well the other goes back and parks car.. ?

Jim...

Which 'upper' site? I guess you could approach from Old Mine Road in PA. I think that way is shorter but I heard that it has a steep grade on last section.

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

Which 'upper' site? I guess you could approach from Old Mine Road in PA. I think that way is shorter but I heard that it has a steep grade on last section.

There are two trails from Old Mine Road and easy parking - Douglas and Garvey trails I believe - we took Douglas for our recon dive - it was a tad longer but the slope was not as steep I believe as Garvey. It was still steep but the shorter loop was enticing to me...