| Author |
Message |
john_v
Member
Post Number: 26
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 4:18 pm: | 
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What is the proper way to blaze a trail?
I'm looking for all the details on this. Such as; how to pick which trees to blaze, how far apart should they be, what is the best tool to use, does one blaze as they go or only after establishing the correct route, can it be done without harming the tree... etc.
I realize much of this is governed by an individual's skill and comfort zone. But are there some tried and tested methods out there that you have used? |
brian
Moderator
Post Number: 427
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 5:57 pm: |
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Axe into the light-coloured heartwood. You want to blaze both sides of the tree, if you can, for travel both ways. You want to be able to see the next blaze with ease while carrying a load. Some portages have been blazed on every tree (overkill, no doubt) and others a respectable distance.
Winter blazes are the ones that seem a little high.
Blazes will stay so you really want to only blaze when the trail is set so you don't get confused before the treadway is formed.
Of course, there are people who are dead set against blazing for aesthetics and because you risk breaking a tree's natural defenses when you cut through to the heartwood. The latter only matters in sensitive areas, after all, if they are going to clearcut the forest you are blazing, does anyone hear the tree fall? |
john_v
Member
Post Number: 27
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 - 10:56 am: |
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Thanks Brian. Good info that I may use in the near future. |
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Temagami canoe routes & backcountry travel