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The United States is home to nearly 60 million hikers. An additional 10.3 million individuals enjoy backpacking. While there is a considerable deal of overlap between hiking and backpacking, the latter can be viewed as not just exercise and outdoor exploration but as an efficient, affordable approach to travel. Backpackers fit everything they need to survive in a single pack and spend nights outside or in cheap hostels and Airbnbs. There are numerous trail systems throughout the US for backpackers to enjoy.
The two longest hiking trails in America both clock in at about 6,800 miles. The American Discovery Trail is a favorite among American backpackers, as it is the only trail that links the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. The trail moves through 15 states and Washington, DC, with trailheads in California and Delaware. Additional sites along with the way range from a combined 20 National Forests and Parks to more than 10,000 registered historical sites, not to mention countless wilderness areas. The Great Western Loop also measures approximately 6,800 miles. As the name suggests, the trail does not traverse coast to coast but instead makes a large, circular pass of nine states, from New Mexico up to Montana, west to Washington, then south down California to Arizona. It is a grueling journey that includes both the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. In 2022, Nick Gagnon became the third hiker to chronicle a successful circumnavigation of the Great Western Loop. Gagnon did so in record time, working through 13 pairs of hiking boots over the course of 197 days and 11 hours. His journey included 25 stays at backpacker hostels. The Eastern Continental Trail is roughly 1,400 miles shorter than the longest backpacking trails in America. Still, the 5,400-mile trail provides backpackers with diverse challenges and environments to navigate. Backpackers interested in completing the loop must bring their passports, as the trail spans from Key West, Florida, in the south to Canada’s Belle Isle of the Newfoundland and Labrador province in the north. The route is littered with hostels and campgrounds for travelers. The North Country Trail measures 4,600 miles in length, heading from New York state to North Dakota. Backpackers need not fear access to important materials and services, with numerous trail towns found along the route, which passes through 12 national forests in seven states. The North Country Trail allows travelers to see some of the nation’s most impressive geological features, including the Great Lakes. The Great Western Trail, meanwhile, is a comparable 4,455-mile track from Canada to Mexico which includes five American states along the way. The trail is truly evocative of old pioneering journeys of the nation’s early days, passing along the Mormon Honeymoon trail and Beale’s Wagon Road, among other historical sites. Finally, the Continental Divide Trail is the shortest of the nation’s six trails exceeding 3,000 miles. At 3,100 miles, it also bridges Canada and Mexico with five states. Travelers can see a variety of natural environment along the trail, from deserts to tundras. Other extensive hiking trails in the US include the Pacific Crest Trail, at 2,638 miles, and the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail.
I published Backpacking Tips for Beginners
via WordPress https://ift.tt/9sTYUxD Grading, also known as site grading, involves preparing a piece of land for construction by leveling the surface or getting the desired slope. Civil engineers oversee this process of reshaping land by guiding the construction team on raising and lowering ground levels or adding and removing slopes to meet the structural needs of a project.
Grading is important since it improves drainage. Uneven surfaces do not drain water properly and may result in pooling, where puddles of water accumulate around buildings and on lawns. This can attract mosquitoes, destroy lawns, draw criticism from neighbors, and in extreme cases, lead to costly structural damages. Grading directs water away from sites and ensures it drains to the proper and safe channels. Site grading guarantees structural integrity, aligning with zoning and construction regulations and authorities. These officials require a detailed grading plan before approving construction to ensure a structure’s base is steady and can be supported in the long term. Safety issues and costly structural damages are effectively mitigated after proper and approved site preparation. The aesthetics of a construction site improve significantly after grading. A smooth and even construction site creates a visual appeal for the finished structures, a factor that can considerably improve a building’s value. Civil engineers can advise on various types of grading for clients depending on the type of proposed project. These include landscape grading, regrading, architectural grading, rough grading, finish grading, and final grading. Landscape grading involves reshaping land to accommodate grass, planters, and water fixtures. It involves removing the topsoil, altering slopes, installing irrigation systems to water the grass and other plants, smoothing the soil to prepare for planting, and leveling or sloping the surface to promote proper drainage. Regrading is lowering or raising a piece of land to ensure structures sit on level ground. This process is suitable for both small and large projects requiring a level surface for proper water drainage and structural stability. The outcome of regrading, however, can include steep areas adjacent to the site, which are prone to erosion. Architectural grading prepares land for the construction of homes and commercial properties by altering the entire contour. Civil engineers oversee the leveling of the construction site, removing unwanted slopes, digging level holes for the structure’s foundation, and filling in specific areas to achieve the desired landscape. Rough grading is done at the start of a project to achieve the desired shapes and elevation. It involves using heavy machinery, such as mini excavators, to remove large chunks of land or adding and removing the topsoil to create level surfaces. Rough grading alters an area’s natural shape and can set new slopes if needed. Finished grading involves removing rocks and debris from a site’s surface to promote plant growth and achieve an even surface. This process creates a uniform layer of materials necessary for hardening and flattening the site using a roller. Final grading involves adding a layer of topsoil or sand to promote the site’s intended use. After deciding which type of grading to settle for, civil engineers design and present a grading plan to the relevant zoning and construction officials for approval. This document identifies the name and addresses of the project owners, the intended use of the land, existing structures and utilities around the site, property lines demarcating the site, existing and proposed contours, existing and proposed drainage features, and an erosion control plan. These officials analyze the size of the proposed structure in relation to the lot size to determine if it complies with the relevant laws, the estimated cut and fill work the site requires, how well the project fits on the lot’s boundaries, and if the project interferes with existing utilities, such as gas and sewerage systems. After confirming and approving the grading plan, application for grading permits can begin, followed by construction. |
AuthorJoshua Pratchard – Serving California Through Quality Construction Archives
November 2023
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