All Trails are OPEN today 8-16-23

 All Trails are OPEN for use

as of today 8-16-23

Go enjoy the nice weather while it lasts!

The weather is to get very hot again on the weekend.  Be very mindful of your animal's and your hydration.

Kathy's Tid Bits:

Each one of us leaves camp with the intention of having an uneventful ride.  It includes pleasant conversation with a riding buddy or just a quick ride through the forest.

Are you prepared for an unexpected event?

What is the one item you always have while riding? 

I am going to guess that most everyone feels their cell phone is the best tool in the box.  It sure would be handy to make that 911 call if needed.  

But what if you are bleeding?  What if you come off your animal and break an arm, leg, ankle, -you get the picture. Let's just say your cell phone isn't working for whatever reason.  Now what?

No, it is not easy to pack a first aid kit, because, let's face it, nothing is going to happen. Right??

What about a simple roll of Vet Wrap?  Try to make a mental note of all the uses just vet wrap can fix.  A quick wrap for a cut, a way to secure a couple branches for a simple splint, it could even attach a broken rein if you get creative.  I am sure you can come up with other helpful ways to use a roll of vet wrap.  It can easily be attached to your saddle to have handy for any unexpected event.

Friends, let's be safe out there and be helpful to someone else that may need assistance.

Have a safe ride, enjoy your time spent with your animal, and be mindful of fellow riders.

Smile because it looks good on you!!!

Kathy

President/Editor

Dirt Trails are CLOSED - Wet Weather Trails are OPEN 8-11-23

 

Due to more rainfall----

We will let you know when the dirt trails are open for use.

Stay safe and stay dry!

Kathy

President/Editor

Trail Work Day for Wednesday, August 9, 2023 is CANCELLED

 FOS WORK DAY 8/9/23 CANCELLED

Due to recent amounts of rainfall combined with the very high probability of more rain tomorrow morning, the FOS Workday is cancelled. However, progress on the three trail side mounting blocks for the trails continues. Materials have been purchased and Board Member Sonny Gipe will have them constructed soon. They can then be put out when the trails are in better shape for equipment to move on them without damage since they will need to be transported and the rock to fill them will also need to be transported to the three sites.

Friends who can pick up trash and cans along the trails are much encouraged to do so at their convenience. If bags are filled, please let DNR personnel know where any full bags have been left for pickup. Leave a message at 319-878-3811.

Thanks to all who planned to come. Hope to see you later on the trails or at a work day.

Kathy

President/Editor

Trail Work Day Wednesday August 9, 2023

 

Are you able to lend a helping hand?

The next FOS Group Work Day will be held on Wednesday August 9, 2023 and will be a day especially for work on the trails. Volunteers should meet with Forester John Byrd at 8:30 AM in the Lick Creek Lower Campground. Forester Byrd will give assignments for the day. There are three major priorities for the day. First of all, volunteers will be constructing three trail side mounting blocks. Board member Sonny Gipe will lead the construction of the mounting blocks, using the same design as now installed in the campgrounds. The Shimek crew and volunteers will place the mounting blocks at suitable locations along the wet weather trail for riders to dismount and give their horses a break. The Shimek crew and volunteers will fill them with rock. If you can help with this, please bring a battery operated drill or driver for installing screws as well as a saw for cutting the wood, if you have these. Bring a shovel for off-loading and smoothing out rock. A generator will be provided to charge cordless tools. All materials will be provided by FOS.

The second priority will be clearing trails where downed trees are. John Byrd will assign areas to those doing this. (Bring ATV's, chain saws, and safety gear. Note: ATV's are not allowed on the trails except on Shimek Forester approved work days such as this.)

Lastly, trash pickup along the trails, especially the Wet Weather Trails is very much needed. If you can help with this, trash bags will be provided. You can hike, ride horseback or use an ATV in order to pick up the cans and bottles and any other trash beside the trails. Trash bags will be provided. Please bring gloves to do this.

After a morning of work, all will return to the Lower Campground at noon to report back on progress, discuss upcoming activities, then rest a while with friends. Bring a sack lunch (if you like), water provided. Don't forget your blaze orange Friends of Shimek work vest if you have one. There will be some loaners available to identify all of us as volunteers. Remember—no previous volunteer experience necessary.

We will post on Facebook and the FOS blog if rained out or postponed due to heat. NOTE: If you let us know you are coming by an e-mail to FOShimek@gmail.com, we will call (if phone number is given) or e-mail you if changed.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the trail.

Thanks in advance for any and all help with this project.

May the trails you ride be filled with laughter and joy.

As always, be kind, be courteous, be patient, and be happy.

Kathy

President/Editor