Seven people will be working on the walkway until December. Supervisor Shawnda Farrell thinks they’ll be able to complete the walkway by that time.
The old walkway mainly used tarred four-by-fours as a base through the bog, with two-by-four lumber stretched across the walkway. The original plan to rebuild involved mostly using gravel, but the workers have found the boggy ground just doesn’t allow for gravel.
We’re reusing what we can,” said Mrs. Farrell of the tarred four-by-fours that were left behind and are largely in good condition. This time they are using pressure treated lumber for the boardwalk itself, which should last much longer.
The team is also re-routing the trail in some areas. Mrs. Farrell said the old trail goes through much low bog, when higher routes are just as easy to take. That should cut down on damage from flooding in the spring.
The team has a makeshift lunchroom set up for the workers, and an outhouse not far away. Mrs. Farrell joked there aren’t many trees to hide behind on the coastal barrens when nature calls.
As they work, the crew must make way for the tourists, who continue to flock to the waterfall, despite the poor condition of the old walkway.
On one day the crew counted thirty people who made the 15-minute trek to the waterfall.
“They come in the rain, they come in the fog. It doesn’t matter,” said Mrs. Farrell.
“We had one lady come through, she was just amazed. She said, ‘I don’t know why you don’t charge money.’”
There are no plans to charge admission for passage to the natural wonder. The waterfall will remain a freebie for tourists and visitors who spot it from the road on their way to Rose Blanche.
