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On
a warm July afternoon, a team of volunteers
hiked up-creek for some heavy
lifting. |
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Two county agencies agreed in advance
to the boulder's removal and preservation. |
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But
first, this Banana Slug's right to eminent domain
had to be settled. (Slug
was relocated.) |
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Team
leader Mike Cox's removal strategy
included the use of nylon rope and 2"x4"s.
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| First,
the boulder was eased onto a web of loosely knotted rope. |
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| Next,
knots throughout the web were pulled tight. |
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| Ready
for the fun part, but first a commemorative photo. |
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| Mike's
initial estimate of the boulder's weight -- just tripled. |
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The
Team moved the boulder in stages,
resting before each change in terrain. |
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Removal
route followed a game trail
that angled precariously in places. |
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After
pausing to assess the footing ahead
(or lack thereof), the Team carefully
advanced. |
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At last the boulder is safely brought through the narrows. |
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| It's
uphill from here all the way! |
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| Bravo
Mike, Ed, Mark, Mike & Skip! You guys made it look easy! |
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| OK,
here we go! |
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| All
together now! |
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| Time
for a breather! |
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Here,
Mike imparts to the others the history
of the boulder's deep seabed formation. |
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| Removal
Team arriving at New
Almaden's Quicksilver Mining Museum. |
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| The
boulder removal phase nears successful completion. |
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| Now
the work will begin to prepare the boulder for eventual public display.
Well done Mike! |
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Special thanks to
Mid Peninsula Open Space District
for approving the boulder's removal
and loan to Santa
Clara County Parks & Recreation Department for preservation and
display. |
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