A small crowd gathers at Sierra del Norte trailhead for Dale Ball Day 2015. Photo by Maria Espinosa.
A few dozen trail enthusiasts met at the Sierra del Norte trailhead to honor the man who inspired and implemented the wonderful Dale Ball Trails. Mr. Ball was unable to attend but was represented by his daughter and son-in-law, Portia and David Blackman. He sent the following statement which was read aloud to the group:
“I think it’s wonderful that the Dale Ball Day celebration will be continued.
Portia Blackman relayed her father’s enthusiasm and appreciation for the continued maintenance and enjoyment of the Dale Ball Trails. Photo by Maria Espinosa.
I am so glad that all of you continue to use and enjoy the trails, and that so many of you work to maintain their condition.
Thank you all so much!”
Dale’s daughter Portia also shared some words of thanks and appreciation for the work that is done to maintain our public trails. This was followed by a group hike on the loop directly north of the trail head, including a jaunt on to part of the La Piedra Trail with a visit to the location of an interpretive sign developed by the County and SFCT which will soon be placed alongside the trail.
SFCT’s Trail Program Manager shows hikers the future location of an interpretive sign on the La Piedra Trail, a collaboration between SFCT and Santa Fe County. Photo by Maria Espinosa.