The Fellowship includes all who are given, grasp, and use a tool having a large, hoe-like blade on one end and a tined blade on the other, to grub out duff and grade the underlying mineral soil to create…the treadway for a hiking trail.
…
the highest point or stage; also : one that represents perfection of the thing expressed
Are we conceited or what? Actually, there’s a story behind this name, one that involves much, much more than simple (minded) arrogance (we hope). And, that story unfolds here…
Ours is a very select group—We welcome everyone who hikes and can carry and use digging tools. You don’t have to be a member of PATC to volunteer your time and help us.
We don’t care about your gender or your age—so long as you can vote or have your parent or guardian present—or any other social or political status. It doesn’t matter to us if you’re in favor of or opposed to:
Universal health coverage
Meat
Vegetables
Black helicopters
Flouride in public water systems
Public water systems (period)
All that matters is that you like to hike trails and enjoy being in the backcountry with others.
The short answer is: we dig. For new trails or trail sections, including relocations of existing trails, we first conduct a site survey to learn the terrain and natural features. We set out an initial flag line for the new path and follow that up later with the specific cut-line, marked by pin flags. From that point, we put tools to hands and dig. Where we reconstruct, or rehabilitate, badly worn sections of existing trails, we survey the area to identify the techniques we need to use in order to accomplish the work.
You should always wear clothing appropriate for the weather and season. Additionally, you must wear sturdy hiking boots while working. That means: no walkers, running shoes, tennis shoes, or sandals of any variety.