With the last layer of gravel put down we have restored one of the roads on my property that was unused for a long time. I suspect it was an old logging road, but with years of rains it rutted it out so bad it could only be walked across. But using some large rocks called rip rap, and then a layer of smaller rocks on top we have fixed up the road and it can be driven on without issue.
Wondering what this road looked like when it was first formed by loggers, I think they just clear cut and pulled out stumps but I have never seen any signs of gravel in the area so I think it was quite basic just to get logging trucks back there. The previous owner clear cut some areas so that would make sense how they got back there with their logging trucks.
I take my truck through the area after the dump truck dropped a few loads of number 57 limestone. This will hold well on top of the rip rap rock. Its quite noticeable the change. I can drive down the road much more easily without worrying about avoiding ruts and potholes.
The truck they use is large, but it drops lots of rock at a time. All collected from a local limestone quarry.
In the morning I show up at my gate to the entrance to my property where this old forest road is. Unlocking it for the dump truck to come through and drop gravel.
Coming back later after he dropped a few loads we can see the fresh limestone.
It is good we did some tree clearing on both sides last year, its already growing back and branches touch the mirrors on both sides. Amazing that dump truck can get back here.
Driving down the road a few hundred feet to see if any more gravel needs to be added.
By having this gravel, it should hopefully stop further erosion. Though I will need to monitor the area and possibly add more rock once the rains help settle the area more.
Looking back at how this road was when I started it looks completely different.
We can see the gate way up ahead. Really glad to have it installed now, give me more peace of mind strangers are not roaming the woods.
If I ever bring back my trailer it will make it easy to unload and load with this level ground to work on.
The forest road keeps going through there, but its all on foot at that point. A good walk through, enjoyed it many times.
My truck has done great all throughout this road project. It is quite capable.
Just hanging out for a few minutes enjoying the nature all around.
I get back in my truck and head back towards the gate.
Looks good! Time to lock up the gate and head back home.
Got to lock up. I have found horse prints back there so we do not want uninvited people walking around.
We use a steel cord lock, works well.. no issues with tampering.
Driving back down the forest road, its been great seeing all the progress made back there.
We shall see how often we need to reapply rock back there, but I think it will be at least a year or two. In the mean time should turn out to be a nice road.
I am wrapping up on a second road as well, though with the recent rains the dump truck had to wait on that area until it dried more. But soon I will also be wrapping up on another area of road conditioning. Bringing more access to the surrounding woods, making it possible to reach areas otherwise I had to do on foot.
Looking back at how this road was when I moved here, and now its current state its unrecognizable. Roads that lead into the forest give us opportunities for hunting, camping and other activities. And previously much of it would have to be walked by foot. So having the ability to drive it really changes the experience of the outdoors.
Previous posts on this project:
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