Hiking Hut Sponsorship

[sugarloaf]

As the Cohos Trail's final miles are completed in 2010, and as we improve our Kamp Kirk hut site and Mt. Bungalow, moving to the next level is something to consider.

The next level is the improvement of Kamp Kirk to the point it can be used as a self-service hiking hut, and the embellishment of Mt. Bungalow so it has a bit more capacity. Both Kamp Kirk and Mt. Bungalow are hiking huts, or will be (in the case of Kamp Kirk). They are or will be the first in a possible chain of rustic, modest hiker hut structures spanning central and northern Coos County, running from Stark in the south to Pittsburg in the north.

We are seeking a sponsor or sponsors for the Kamp Kirk project in particular and some additional funds for materials for Mt. Bungalow. The budget (labor and materials) to complete Kamp Kirk and add materials to Mt. Bungalow to increase its capacity is $15,000.

At that level, we should be able to fully restore the historic work camp structure that is Kamp Kirk, provide bunks for up to 14 people, create a kitchen with cooking burners, install safety equipment (smoke alarms and LED solar lighting), restore the storage shed, add fill to the parking spots, improve the driveway, and remove metal trash from the area.

At Mt. Bungalow we could add bunks and some interior finishing, plus smoke alarms and LED solar lighting.

In the future, identifying sponsors who might underwrite the construction of well designed but simple and rustic hiker huts might make the concept of a hiker hut system a reality. Ideas range from tent buildings with metal roofs and doors and windows to rugged, fully sided and even heated (wood stove) structures built on concrete piers. Costs for such structures might range from $15,000 to $40,000 or more depending on type, location, and size.

Your thoughts about such a thing are welcome, always.

sugarloaf

[MtnMagic]

One of the more important details of the Cohos Trail is shelter for the hikers. The last two years were proof, due to more than normal rainfall, with hikers turning back. Shelters are needed so hikers may fully dry their gear. Perhaps to let the rain pass, while standing up.

Hikers could also have several day or weekend trips to section hike by themselves, their families, or with their friends without the need of the added weight of of a tent. Lots of spectacular, stunning summit views on the Cohos Trail that most have not previously witnessed or explored. As well as enjoy the distinguished ease of grassy, remote trails, and the secluded serenity that our Cohos Trail offers to everyone!

Let us proceed!

[pedxing]

I think sponsorship is a great idea - both for businesses and individuals. Personally, if I am fortunate enough to be in a position to do so at some point in the future - funding a shelter would be a great way to be out on the trails and lending a hand to my fellow hikers long after this life is over. It certainly wouldn't hurt to look for people who would be in a position to do this now. Perhaps there would be a way for people to endow a shelter - by providing an endowment for building and maintaining a shelter, it (and future shelters on that site) might bear the donors name.

I agree with Magic on the importance of a place to dry one's self and one's things. During a prolonged rainy spell, not having to set up in the rain and being able to air and dry my things a bit provide welcome relief. A three sided lean-to accomplished most of this (and I enjoyed both CT lean-tos) - a fourth wall is probably the most desirable "extra." Other things like - kitchens, a heat source, running water... are all nice to have and definitely have a place in the mix.

Fire is a problem - unless you have a structure built of stone, having a home for fire in a shelter increases the chance of it burning down. Wood stoves and fire places increase the risk of fire, as does any set up which encorages people to use camping/backpacking stoves in the structure. I know this has been a problem on the Long Trail.

[percypeaks]

Hello Pedxing,

Thanks for your words regarding hut sponsorship.

We've been working on the concept quite a bit and have come up with a very basic shelter that sleeps 12 to 14 people and costs about $7,000 in materials (plus donated windows and doors, most of which we have). This would be a three-room shelter with one 16x22 foot main social room and considerably smaller bunk rooms tucked under a caretaker's loft. The foundation would be concrete piers. There would be a porch along one shorter wall.

Siding would be shiplap. The roofing would be steel over boards. Flooring would be planking. The interior would be sheetrock and board trim. Several long tables and benches and a counter would round out the interior.

The kitchen area might have two countertop gas burners for cooking, or those burners could be outside under a simple log upright and roofed over pavilion that shelters people who cook and eat under the pavilion roof.

No need for heat (stove) unless the basic hut was to be insulated and utilized in other season. I agree, the chance of fire might be too much to cope with.

Such a hut could be built in three days, provided we had a hut raising and had 16 to 20 people on hand to get it done. We might provide a stipend of $100 per day, perhaps, as an incentive to come and work long days.

Total cost for materials and a hut-raising party would be in the $10,000 to $11,000 range for a basic unit. That might be doable and doable more than once.

percy peaks