People don’t usually appreciate how hard it is to build a good trail. Often, the process begins by removing fallen trees. This is particularly taxing if they weigh over ten tons, which many of them do. I strained my knee on this one.
But I was able to stand this one back up, luckily.
And I was able to push these apart so they wouldn’t fall. This is the best strategy, but you might have to hold them for a few years while they adjust.
Sometimes you can just bend them down and out of the way.
Some people cut them and push the halves to either side of the trail, like I’m doing here.
Other times, a flying kick move is necessary to make the logs move.
And this is to say nothing of the rocks. OMG, some of them require enormous strength to move off the trail. Luckily, I’m up to it, although I shook the ground with this one, which blurred the photograph slightly. Sorry.
I had to pull and slide this one across another rock. Very hard. Tremendously hard.
And on rare occasions, you have to use a karate chop. Can you see my black belt?
I once gave this lecture at the high school where I taught for many years, during Morning Meeting on Monday. I ran the projector from the back of the auditorium, speaking into a mike, and I could hear the freshmen saying, “Oh, give me a break. Who is he kidding? He couldn’t move those things!” So I added to my monologue. “Some people doubt my ability to do these amazing things, but here it is, before your very eyes.” Thanks to Katie for taking these photos while offering encouragement while I worked.
mountainbreakfast 
Sam I think it’s time to be honest with yourself and your readership. That last picture is clearly a fake.
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No, I swear to God, it was laying across the road, and I reeled off a mighty karate chop and it shattered. I still have bruises on my hands from the crushing power of the blow. You have to believe me. It was a huge blow. Tremendous blow.
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