HIKE OF THE MONTH FRIDLEY GAP, SOUTH MASSANUTTEN

Transcription

The Newsletter of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
August 2010 Volume 39, Number 8
Fridley Run inside Fridley Gap
Photo by Lee Sheaffer
In this Issue
2 MAY 2010 Council Fire
2 In Memoriam
Charles F. Gieseking
3Lee’s Overlook
4 Appalachian Trail Museum
opens to a huge crowd
5 Celebrate Tuscarora
6 Cabin Nom de Plume
7 APPALACHIAN NATURE: An
Entree of Salamanders
8Welcome to the 2010
Ridgerunners
9Northwood Chesapeake Bay
Trail Project a Success
10Volunteer of the Month –
Alex Sanders
10Beyond the Trailhead—
National Trails Day in
Shenandoah National Park
11Restoring the Grassy Balds
of the Roan Highlands
12 Forecast
18Trailhead
21Help Wanted
21New Boots
118 Park Street, S.E.,
Vienna, VA 22180-4609
www.patc.net
ISSN 098-8l54
HIKE OF THE MONTH
FRIDLEY GAP, SOUTH MASSANUTTEN MOUNTAINS
(THE CAMP OVERLOOK LOOP)
With so many hiking opportunities available in the Shenandoah Valley, it is easy to overlook
the South Massanutten Mountains. That is a shame because they are no less outstanding
than the more heavily used trails to the east, north, and west. Being overlooked does mean
that even on busy weekends you are more likely to find solitude, or so I thought until I
found that the two camps in this area use the area for their hikes for young campers. This is
only temporary, in that most groups stop about half a mile in, and beyond that you have the
whole forest to yourself.
I have named this hike the Camp Overlook Loop for two reasons: First, that is what you are
looking for when you look for the trailhead; and second, as a child I spent a few summer
weeks at Camp Overlook. At that time the camp was new, and from the dorms there was an
overlook across the entire camp. Now it is heavily wooded, and you are lucky to see the next
building ahead of you.
To find the trailhead, look for the giant Camp Overlook sign and turn left toward the north
gate. At the next sign bear left again, and follow this well-maintained dirt road to the large
gravel parking lot. The trail begins at a sign just beyond this point and follows a rocky path
uphill. In a short while the trail joins another much wider path and proceeds into Fridley Gap.
The Fun Begins
Fridley Run has carved an impressive canyon through the imposing ridge known as Fourth
Mountain. This narrow canyon has a number of small waterfalls, pools, and rock slides. At
one point the canyon is so narrow that the trail and the stream are the same, and you rock
hop until the canyon has enough room for both trail and stream. After one more small
waterfall and a wonderful pool at its base, the trail emerges from the canyon and intersects
the South Massanutten Trail. Turn right here, and cross the stream.
After dramatic canyons come dramatic climbs, and this begins steeply and continues as a
steady climb for about a mile and a half. During your rest from this long climb, notice the
forest around you, which is thick and primordial. After a long steady climb a short side trail
leads to exposed rocks and an outstanding view. This is the overlook over Camp Overlook,
(continued on p. 23)
May 2010 Council Fire
The regularly scheduled Council
meeting was held at 7:00 p.m. May
11, 2010, with President Lee Sheaffer
presiding, at Club Headquaters. A preCouncil meeting celebration was held,
hosted by Jim Tomlin, to celebrate the
implementation of the first installment
of the iMIS computer system.
Lee presented a motion to Council for
PATC to submit a motion to the ATC
Regional Partnership Committee for
Harpers Ferry and Bolivar towns to
be included in the Appalachain Trail
Community. Council approved the
motion unanimously. Lee will present
the motion to the ATC Regional
Partnership Committee in October.
A second motion was introduced for
PATC to lease the Vining House in
Charlottesville for use as a rental cabin
for a minimum of two years. After much
discussion, Council approved
the motion.
The house sits on five acres of land
located on the edge of Charlottesville
close to Observatory Hill and hiking
trails. PATC will take over the cabin
in September 2010 and prepare it for
rental as soon as possible. The cabin will
be considered a members-only cabin,
and reservations will be handled through
PATC Headquarters in Vienna.
If the two-year trial period is successful,
then PATC will have the option to lease
the cabin for 10 years.
Lee announced that PATC was
presented an award from the Rock
Creek Park National Park Week 2010—
Recognizing 30 Years of Outstanding
Service.
Vice President of Operations Tom
Johnson informed Council of the U.S.
Department of the Interior’s launch
of a major youth initiative, Office of
Youth in the Great Outdoors, under the
direction of Secretary Ken Salazar. The
initiative is an expression of the Obama
administration’s encouragement and
support of engaging youth in outdoor
activities. The new initiative may offer
opportunities for PATC.
Supervisor of Marketing Karen Brown
announced a contest being conducted
by the Tick Key company, which is
inviting users of its product to send in a
video of someone using the tick key to
remove a tick from either themselves or
their pet. The video can be sent to the
company for a possible monetary prize.
To find out more, go to: Contest@
Tickkey.com.
The new chair of the Ski Touring
Section, Rob Swenson, introduced
himself and Jennifer Bine, the new vice
chair. Rob reported that the Ski Touring
Section had a very active 2010 winter
season, and they are looking forward to
an equally busy 2011 schedule.
Katrina Hedlesky, Trail Patrol,
announced that Ridgerunner Auggie
Buccheit took the GPS course with
Jim Tomlin and was provided a GPS
already loaded with topo maps. This
will be the first time a Ridgerunner will
be equipped with a GPS. In addition,
other Trail Patrol members also received
training on how to utilize a GPS.
Mel Merritt provided updates on the
following cabin repairs and renovation
work. At Bear Spring, a new moldering
privy box and other materials were
moved to the site. A troop of Boy
Scouts was just passing by at the right
time and helped move the privy and
other supplies. As the Boy Scout leader
said after the task was completed, it was
an “honor and a privy” to help out.
The renovations of the Highacre
barn have been completed. The Argo
Cabin work is progressing and should
be finished by the end of September.
Information regarding a dedication
ceremony will be forthcoming. And,
finally, Rosser Lamb is also scheduled to
be completed by the end of the summer.
—Submitted by, Secretary Anne Shimko
In Memoriam
Charles F. Gieseking
Member December 1958 –
April 2010
Charles Gieseking, or Chuck as he was
known to members, maintained the
Piney Ridge Trail for more than two
decades in the 1960s and the 1970s.
Chuck, who died on April 7 of this year,
also wrote reports on hiking trips for the
PATC Bulletin. He received a military
funeral, and his ashes were placed in
the mausoleum in Arlington National
Cemetery.
—Carol Niedzialek
2
August 2010 • Potomac Appalachian
Lee’s Overlook: LEADERSHIP AND REWARD
Any member in good standing can run
for any office, and I encourage you to
consider a position that would both
challenge you and enhance your skills.
This month we come up on a deadline,
and it is a time to start thinking about
what the future of the club should look
like. It is also not too early to reflect
on those volunteers who have done an
outstanding job for the club both over
the year and over a lifetime. The deadline
is August 15, and it is the day that all
nominations need to be in for candidates
for the club Executive Committee.
This committee sees to the day-to-day
operation of the club and helps the
president set the agenda for the club as
adopted by Council. There are 12 elected
officers in the Executive Committee
that oversee all areas of the club. I have
described these positions in past articles
and will not take the space to do that
again, but the list of officers is as follows:
President
Vice President of Operations
Vice President of Volunteerism
Treasurer
Secretary
Supervisor of Trails
Supervisor of Lands
Supervisor of Facilities
Supervisor of Membership
Supervisor of Marketing
Supervisor of Activities
Supervisor of Communications
OFFICERS
It is also a way to affect the direction
of the club as all officers get equal say
in the discussion on what direction the
club should take and how we should
get there. It is also a very rewarding
experience as you get to work with great
and committed people from all areas of
the club and all walks of life.
To declare yourself a candidate or to ask
questions, please send an e-mail to our
Elections Committee at [email protected].
Recognizing the Faithful
It is also not too early to think
about who has done an outstanding
volunteer job for the club and should
be recognized at our annual meeting in
November. There are two categories of
volunteer awards that we give out as an
entire club:
Honorary Life Member is given
to volunteers who have greatly
contributed to the club over a long
period of time. They have usually
been active in several areas of the club
or have pursued over a long period
of time one area or one project that
has changed the club significantly.
Honorary Life Member candidates
are reviewed by the Executive
Committee and voted on by the
full Council in October. There is
no limit on how many Honorary
Life Members can be awarded each
year, but in the past there have been
between one and four awardees.
The Myron Avery Award is given
to one member who has contributed
significantly to the club over the
past year. This individual has either
contributed greatly to many different
areas of the club or has been the
driving force behind a project which
has had a significant impact on the club
over the past year and into the future.
The award is given to a single volunteer
and is elected by the Executive
Committee at its meeting in October.
Any member may nominate volunteers
who they think are worthy of these
distinctions by e-mailing me with the
name and a statement why you think that
volunteer should be considered for this
award. Nominations should be sent to
[email protected].
PATC needs to continue its work as the
finest trail club anywhere, and in order to
do so, it needs volunteers who are willing
to step forward and help supervise the
club’s operations and think about what
direction the club should go in
the future.
It also needs to recognize the volunteers
who have significantly contributed to the
club in the past. For both of these the
club needs your help as a volunteer and
a member.
—Lee Sheaffer
for PATC EXCOM Sought
Any PATC member in good standing who would like to serve on PATC’s Executive Committee
should contact the Elections Committee at [email protected]. The Elections Committee is
looking for members who have the dedication and desire to lead our club for the next two years.
Any member in good standing can run for any office on the committee. The 12 positions, along
with a description of the duties and responsibilities for each, are in the March and April issues of
the PA under Lee’s Overlook or at PATC’s Web site, www.patc.net. The election will be held at
the Annual Meeting in November. We, the Election Committee, look forward to hearing from you.
—Pete Brown, Rush Williamson, Jennifer Chambers, Walter Smith and Tate Heuer
3
Emergency Response Training and
Trail Patrol presents
Basic Wilderness First Aid and
Wilderness First Aid
Basic Wilderness First Aid
(BWFA)
Day one of this two-day class covers
Adult CPR and AED and American
Heart Association First Aid. You will
receive a textbook and a certification
card good for two years. Day two is
American Safety and Health Institute
(ASHI) Basic Wilderness First Aid. You
will learn how to do bleeding control,
splinting, and other basic first aid skills
in the wilderness setting. Classes are
taught by paramedics with years of
backcountry experience and include
plenty of hands-ons activities.
Cost of the class is $130. Location is
PATC headquarters. Pre-registration
is required no later than the Friday
one week prior to the class. For
more information or to download
the registration form go to http://
patc.us/volunteer/trailpatrol/
Forms/1stAidRegForm.pdf
or contact Saleena DeVore at
[email protected] or 410/456-6861.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Join us for a 20-hour Wilderness
First Aid Class! In this class you
will learn how to get help, move and
transport patients, conduct patient
assessments, prepare documentation,
and handle medical and environmental
emergencies. The course also includes
injury prevention and care and much
more. The class is conducted inside
and outside on the trail with plenty of
hands-on practice time in a variety of
scenarios. Each student will receive
a certification card good for 2 years
through ECSI and a waterproof
field guide. Cost of the class is
$180. Location is Frederick, MD.
Pre-registration is required. Please
contact Saleena DeVore for more
information or registration forms. No
experience is required.
Upcoming Classes:
June 12-13 WFA
July 24-25 BWFA
Aug. 14-15 WFA
Sept. 25-26WFA
Nov. 6-7 BWFA
4
Appalachian Trail Museum opens to a huge crowd
(Above) Lucy Seeds (at podium) blows the
audience away with her recollections of her mother,
Grandma Gatewood
(Right) Larry, with the museum in the background
Photos By Tom Johnson
Imagine drawing 750 people for your National Trails Day event! That is the number
that showed up for the dedication of the new Appalachian Trail Museum on June 5.
Located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania, across the street from the
Half Gallon Challenge convenience store, it represents the history of the AT, from
Benton MacKaye’s idea in 1921 to today. The museum sits within sight of the AT
and is at the northern end of PATC’s section. It is the only museum in the world
dedicated to hiking.
The museum was the brainchild of writer and thru-hiker Larry Luxenberg. Larry
has been working on this for over a decade and established the Appalachian Trail
Museum Society to pursue his dream of having a museum dedicated to the history
of the AT and to hikers and hiking.
The dedication was preceded by a “Hike to History” with almost 100 people
participating in the six-mile walk from Kings Gap State Park to Pine Grove Furnace.
When hikers reached Pine Grove, they saw a large tent arranged on the lawn in front
of the old furnace and an audience that spilled out of the tent and across the lawn.
An hour’s worth of speeches began, highlighted by an inspiring speech by Lucy
Seeds, daughter of the famous Grandma Gatewood, the first woman to thru-hike
the trail. Larry Luxenberg was not listed as a speaker, but when he was introduced,
he got a long, long standing ovation. It didn’t matter who the speakers were—
everyone knew who had created the museum.
PATC played a central role in the dedication. The club worked closely with Larry
for two years to ensure that the building, which is on the national registry of
historic places, was converted from a grist mill to a museum. This entailed many
hours of planning by Jim Stauch and others, and once the architectural drawings
were finished, Al Black took over and headed the restoration crew. Bob Wise, the
president of North Chapter, also played a big role in publicizing the restoration
work. Many PATC members showed up for the work trips, and the North Chapter
was publicly recognized by the master of ceremonies.
The museum will be staffed entirely by volunteers and will be open every day from
noon to 4 p.m. through October.
—Tom Johnson, AT Museum Society Board member
Celebrate Tuscarora
The Central District of the Tuscarora Trail will hold its annual
“Celebrate Tuscarora” event this year in the vicinity of Spruce
Pine Hollow Park, W.Va. 9, west of Martinsburg, W.Va. The
four-day event, Sept. 23-26, will include short- and longdistance hikes in Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, in
PATC’s tract that includes the Dugan Hollow Shelter as well
as in the park and PATC-owned adjacent land. The Tuscarora
Shelter Crew will also be working on the new Spruce Pine
Hollow Shelter.
Camping is available in the park, and kids will be encouraged
to join the Saturday evening fireside marshmallow roast as well
as the Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning family hikes.
A gathering with refreshments will be held at 3:00 p.m.
Sunday to celebrate recent accomplishments, including the
relocations of the Tuscarora Trail, bridge, and shelter work.
Following the gathering, friends will be invited to take in
three stations: the fiberglass bridge over Meadow Branch
constructed by the Cadillac Crew, the 18th century Ramsey
Mill Ruins History, and construction of the new Spruce Pine
Hollow Shelter.
In addition to celebrating the work of the overseers, trail
and shelter crews, and other volunteers and friends of the
trail, the district will be acknowledging the Eagle Scout
Project work of three Boy Scout troops in the area: 31 of
Winchester (Kevin Pugh, Eagle Scout) for creating the Spruce
Pine Hollow Campsite; 165 of Charlestown (Jacob Grow,
Eagle Scout) for helping relocate the Tuscarora Trail near
the Meadow Branch Trail; and 16 of Falling Waters (Chris
Shaffer, Eagle Scout) for creating the cable bridge hikers will
use during the Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning hikes
to Dugan Hollow Shelter.
Further details can be found in this issue’s Forecast.
—Walt Smith
(Top) Bridge - rock steps created that will lead down to the bridge
(Above Left) Bridge - original crossing
(Above Right) Bridge - gabion basket and foundation
Photos By Walt Smith
5
Cabin Nom de Plume
Occasionally there will be drawing competitions among the cabin renters.
This page shows two different styles from Corbin Cabin in the central district
of Shenandoah National Park. The date is March 1981. The second sketch
asks, “Which is the Real Corbin Cabin?” They both look good to me.
—Pat Fankhauser, PATC Staff, and Ruth Durloo, PATC Volunteer
6
APPALACHIAN NATURE: An Entree of Salamanders
If you tend to lift rocks or logs in
our forests, you’ve undoubtedly
uncovered red-backed salamanders.
The Appalachians are known for their
salamanders, especially the red-backed
variety. Various studies have found
densities of red-backed salamanders
surpassing 1,000 per acre! Put another
way, one study revealed that the biomass
of red-backed salamanders was equal
to the biomass of all other study area
vertebrates (birds, reptiles, mammals,
fish, frogs, and toads), while another
study found their biomass equaled all
small mammals in its study area. Such
significant figures underline the strategic
role of red-backed salamanders in the
energy budget of our Appalachian forests.
There are five families of salamanders
that inhabit the Appalachian forests, all
of which are carnivorous. Three of these
families are represented by only one
species: the red-spotted newt (aka red
eft), the hellbender, and the mudpuppy.
What we normally find under rocks
are either the large mole salamanders
(usually spotted or marbled, with a
few rare localized Jefferson and tiger
populations) or, 19 out of 20 times, the
ubiquitous lungless salamanders, most
likely the red-backed.
A Slew of Salamanders
Certainly, the lungless salamanders can
be found in numbers and species not
equaled anywhere else in the world. In
fact, Great Smoky Mountains National
Park claims it contains the most varied
and abundant salamander fauna in the
world (including 24 species of lungless
salamanders). Of the world’s total of
586-odd species of salamanders, redbacked salamanders represent one of
the more than 395 species of lungless
salamanders in the Plethodontidae family.
Within the Appalachians, there are
nearly 50 species in the Plethodontidae
family, of which 18 are endemic
(live nowhere else in the world), and
within the Plethodon genus, there are
35 species and nine endemics (actual
numbers are subject to active scientific
discussion). Almost all Plethodontidae
species are restricted to southern Canada
south to Bolivia and Brazil (one genus
of six species exists in Europe, and one
species was recently found in Korea).
The Plethodon salamanders presumably
originated within the southern
Appalachians. The common ancestors
of today’s species go back 2 to 5 million
years (the Pliocene Epoch), when five
lineages formed the basis of four species
groups that constitute the current
population of eastern North American
Plethodons. The four species groups
include the red-backed salamander
group (P. cinereus—seven species), the
Weller’s salamander group (P. welleri—
four species), the Wehrle’s salamander
group (P. wehrlei—two species),
and the slimy salamander group (P.
glutinosus—22 species). Two of the five
ancestral lineages went into the Weller’s
salamander group.
While most Plethodontidae salamanders
are terrestrial, they occupy a great
diversity of adaptive zones ranging
from strictly aquatic ones to strictly
terrestrial and even arboreal ones. Being
amphibians, even the terrestrial species
(including the red-backed salamander)
must lay their eggs in water. However,
these terrestrial species have evolved the
ability to lay their eggs within a waterencapsulated case. Thus, the aquatic
larval stage develops in this watery
enclosure and undergoes metamorphosis
to adult form prior to emergence
from the direct-developing egg. Other
terrestrial species, such as the common
dusky salamander, lay their eggs on land
and create a trench leading to a water
source, so that the newly hatched larvae
can squirm down to it. Many others
simply go into the water to mate and
lay eggs.
What’s the Attraction?
So, what accounts for this Southern
Appalachian salamander hotspot?
For one, there are numerous valleys
and ridges with high peaks that tend
to isolate populations—the basis
of speciation. Also, as the regional
(continued on p. 8)
7
Continued from page 7
APPALACHIAN NATURE: An Entree of Salamanders
climate warmed and cooled during the
Pleistocene Epoch (the past 2 million
year glacial age), the variations in climate
isolated suitable habitats, enabling more
species diversity. Since the last glacial
maximum of 22,000 years ago, northern
spruce/fir forest habitats have become
isolated on numerous Appalachian
mountaintops. Such “relic” habitats
create refugium for boreal salamander
species, which, over hundreds of years
of breeding and mutational adaptations,
have become separate species.
Our own Shenandoah National Park is
home to the Shenandoah salamander,
known to exist nowhere in the world
but on the rocky northern talus
slopes of Stony Man, Hawksbill, and
Pinnacles Mountains. Two other
endemic Appalachian species, the
Cheat Mountain and Peaks of Otter
salamanders, are similarly limited
to high summits, penned in by the
encroachment of the ubiquitous redbacked salamander. Other endemics of
the Appalachians, such as the Hoffman’s
and ravine salamanders, have been able
to successfully compete with the redbacked and coexist sympatrically in
limited forest habitats.
While many plethodons have limited
habitats, the red-backed salamander
has been able to spread far and wide,
including much of the glaciated north,
up to Nova Scotia.
Losing Their Lungs
Science had widely accepted the
hypothesis that early ancestors of
today’s lungless salamanders were
lunged aquatic salamanders that, due
to the buoyancy of their lungs, found
it advantageous to evolve smaller lungs
to help maintain their position in
fast-moving waters, ultimately losing
their lungs completely. However, this
concept is now subject to competing
hypotheses. Nonetheless, lungless they
are, and with a need for all body cells
to access moisture and air through the
skin, a slimy skin surface, along with a
long, narrow tube-like body shape, have
evolved. Even the massive hellbenders
of the Ohio River basin that can reach
upwards of 27” in length survive only
because of substantial fleshy folds of skin
along their sides that aid in oxygen and
water absorption.
The taxonomy of the Plethodon genus
is highly debated due to the lack of
morphological differences along with
the common adoption of two or more
color morphs of the same species (for
example, the red-backed salamander has
a lead phase that looks quite different).
Only through nuclear and mitochondrial
DNA studies have many of the species
been isolated. Additionally, among
similar species with overlapping ranges,
many species have been known to
hybridize, further complicating the
identification of species.
—Bob Pickett
Welcome to the 2010 Ridgerunners
Left to right: from Vermont, Faren
MacDonald – Maryland long season
Ridgerunner, 1st year; from Indiana,
Darrel Decker – Michaux State ForestPennsylvania Ridgerunner, 2nd year;
from Pennsylvania, Robert Freeman –
Northern Virginia Ridgerunner, 4th
year; from Maryland, Augie Buchheit –
Shenandoah National Park Ridgerunner,
3rd year; and from North Carolina,
James Ellis – Maryland short season
Ridgerunner, 1st year.
The normal Ridgerunner season is from
Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends
with Maryland long season going to
the end of October. So, if you want
to hook up with them please contact
me, Christopher Firme, via e-mail at
[email protected], and I will get
phone numbers to you. Otherwise, if
you see them on the trail, give them a
big welcome/hello and maybe bring
them some food.
—Chris Firme
8
Northwood Chesapeake Bay Trail Project a Success
After eight months of work by 302
volunteers (246 of them students)
giving 778 hours of service, the
Northwood Chesapeake Bay Trail
Project is complete. On National Trails
Day, PATC, Northwood High School,
Friends of Sligo Creek, Neighbors of
Northwest Branch, and the Maryland
State Highway Administration
celebrated its completion and success
with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a
5K Bay Fun Run and Hike.
corridor and build it, finishing it by
the end of April. The Northwood
Chesapeake Bay Trail connects the
Northwood athletic fields to the
Northwest Branch Trail at the Loxford
Terrace trailhead. Along the threequarter mile trail are nine nature
interpretive signs educating users about
pervious and impervious surfaces, native
and invasive plants, and harmful effects
of trash and fertilizers on the watershed,
including its effects on oysters and crabs.
On a hot and humid morning,
150 students and people from the
community, including many elected
representatives, joined the partnering
organizations to officially open the
restored 15 acres of land adjacent
to the high school and the Kemp
Mill and Northwood Four Corners’
neighborhoods. Rep. Donna Edwards
and state Sen. Jamie Raskin each gave
a short speech about the importance of
creating green space in our communities
and maintaining a healthy watershed.
The five organizations were given
congressional proclamations and a
Maryland Senate Resolution for their
success and hard work.
In addition, volunteers built a kiosk that
provides information and data about
water quality adjacent to the vernal pool.
Along the wooded corridor is a narrow
section that used to be mowed; it is now
a native plant meadow. Two horticulture
classes planted 300 native seeds in a
You Wouldn’t Believe the Trash
Work began to in November when 58
volunteers worked to remove 10,580
pounds of trash from the land. Since
then, over 11,000 pounds have been
cleaned out. This huge land clean-up
allowed volunteers to clear the trail
greenhouse. One hundred sixty seeds
germinated and were planted by 10
volunteers in the meadow. Nine native
trees were also planted on the property
to fill in some bare areas. Lastly,
volunteers removed 500 square feet of
invasive plants, mainly garlic mustard.
The restoration of a once-unofficial
community landfill is now a healthy
wooded corridor connecting two stream
valley parks, Northwest Branch and
Sligo Creek. Here animals such as deer,
fox, box turtles, frogs, and chipmunks,
all of which have been sighted here, can
roam a healthy and preserved ecosystem,
and neighbors and students can relax,
run and hike, and find a peaceful place
to share their thoughts.
—Jennifer Chambers
(Top) Ribbon-cutting participants, left to right: Rick Cantor - PATC, Michael Vilpers Friends of Sligo Creek, Heather Phipps - Neighbors of Northwest Branch, Dr. Henry
Johnson - Northwood High School, and Dan Uebersax - Maryland State Highway
Administration.
( Above) Two Northwood Student Ambassadors
Photos by Jennifer Chambers
9
Volunteer of the Month – Alex Sanders
Alex came to PATC via a rather circuitous route. In 2000, he worked as a natural
resource ranger at George Washington Memorial Parkway. After spending countless
hours on a narrow trail along the Potomac, Alex decided to maintain a stretch of the
path after he left the Park Service. He eventually learned that PATC maintained that
narrow path—the Potomac Heritage Trail. Since he was already doing the work, he
decided to sign up and at least get a hat for his trouble.
Along the way, Alex has helped edit a PATC guide of Shenandoah National Park
hikes, chipped in on SNP trail crews, and has taken on the job of district manager of
the D.C. Metro District.
PATC thanks Alex for his work on our trails system (with and without the hat).
Alex Sanders in a cooler season
Photo by Stephanie Deckter
Beyond the Trailhead—National Trails Day in Shenandoah National Park
There’s nothing like a walk in the park.
That’s the message of Trail Patrol’s
annual Beyond the Trailhead National
Trails Day event at the Byrd Visitor
Center in SNP. By offering short guided
hikes lead by Trail Patrol volunteers we
hope to entice those visitors who may
not have put foot to trail to take the
opportunity to enjoy some of the park’s
marvelous features not reachable by car.
Volunteers started gathering on Friday
evening at Pinnacles Research Station,
which the park made available to us for
the weekend. After a pleasant evening
visiting over good food and drink and
the traditional Big Meadows Lodge
breakfast the following morning,
volunteers gathered outside of the
Byrd Visitor Center to erect the PATC
awning and set up the PATC display as
well as the Leave No Trace display, Scats
& Tracks game, and a hike registration
area. Saleena DeVore once again set
up her amazing wilderness first aid
education area, and the park’s traditional
tools team set up their display and had
two crosscut saws ready for visitors to
try a hand at.
Visitor interest was very high, but even
with the mild temps and light mountain
breezes the number of morning visitors
was fairly low. In all 28 visitors join in six
of the seven hikes we offered. The hikes
that went out visited: Rapidan Camp,
where a docent was giving tours; Dark
Hollow Falls; the Appalachian Trail; and
the interpretive Story of the Forest Trail.
About another 100 visitors stopped by
to talk with us at the PATC displays.
Randy “Windtalker” Motz and Georgia
“Mom” Harris gave two presentations
on their Appalachian Trail thru-hike and
subsequent book Solemates in the Byrd
Visitor Center. Randy and Georgia were
a big help setting up and breaking down
the PATC displays, and Randy graced
us with a bit of his tranquil Native
American flute in the afternoon.
Volunteers gathered again at Pinnacles
Research Station on Saturday evening
for a potluck dinner and to plan their
own hikes in the park the following day.
Our Trail Patrol volunteers were
Anniell Miller, Katrina Hedlesky, Rush
Williamson, Jeanne McSorley, Bob
Look, Saleena DeVore, Lou Tiner, Ron
Burger, Russ Lilley, John Bridges, and
Cindy Kelly, as well as Ridgerunner
Augie Buchheit and PATC members
Jonathan and Bridgette Kirschner, along
with help from Randy Motz and Georgia
Harris. Thanks to all for bringing
National Trails Day to the visitors in
Shenandoah National Park.
—Cindy Kelly, Trail Patrol National
Trails Day Event Coordinator
Park visitors at the PATC display with Trail Patrol Chair, Katrina Hedlesky at the center
Photo By Jonathan Kirschner
10
The following is abridged from an article originally appearing in A.T. Journeys, July/August 2009. –ed. Restoring the Grassy Balds of the Roan Highlands
By Jamey Donaldson
About grassy balds and Roan Mountain
Balds are mountain summits or crests covered primarily by thick vegetation of native
grasses or shrubs occurring in areas where heavy forest growth would be expected.
Grassy balds are relatively blunt summits covered by a dense sward of native
grasses. Two types have been identified: those completely covered by grasses and
those with a scattered overstory of mixed hardwoods with a grassy herbaceous layer.
The grass of a grassy bald is typically mountain oat grass (Danthonia compressa).
The Appalachian Trail crosses most of the Roan’s crest. The Roan High Knob
Shelter is the highest backcountry shelter on the entire 2,174-mile trail.
Most of the federally listed plant species (threatened or endangered) along the
Appalachian Trail are found in the high country of the southern Appalachians or
the alpine environments of northern New England. There are too many to list here,
but typical of those in the southern Appalachians is the spreading avens (Geum
radiatum), a plant with fan-shaped leaves and small, yellow flowers that grows in
rock crevices. Although bluets (Hedyotis) are common along the AT, a subspecies
called Roan Mountain bluet (Heydotis purpurea var. montana) is found in only nine
sites there—the only known sites in the world. Gray’s lily (Lilium grayi) is found
only on the high balds near Roan Mountain.
Jamey Donaldson tends Angoras on
Roan Mountain
Photo By Julie Judkins
The Southern Appalachian Grassy Balds
are globally rare, critically imperiled
plant communities with a global rank
of G1, the rarest ranking available.
They are unique, with only one to five
occurrences in the world, and Roan
has the world’s premier examples.
While their origins are enigmatic and
lost to antiquity, we know they were
here before Europeans settled the area.
They provide habitat for numerous rare
species and are aesthetically pleasing
to the thousands of visitors who come
for their great views, invigorating
air, wildlife watching, and dramatic
wildflower displays.
Roan’s grassy balds are dying due to a
variety of factors, including woody plant
invasion as well as changes in climate,
soils, and pollution. More than 75
percent of them have disappeared in less
than 100 years, with most of the loss
occurring in the past 50 years.
Researchers have proposed that large
herbivores were keystone species
maintaining the balds after the natural
tree line moved north, following the
The USDA Forest Service purchased 7,000 acres atop Roan Mountain in 1941,
putting an end to abusive logging practices. Between 1959 and 1974, the state of
Tennessee acquired just over 2,000 acres of land that would eventually comprise
Roan Mountain State Park.
last ice age.* This is currently being
field tested with donated Angora goats
in the Roan Highlands. It is hoped
the browsing habits of the goats will
help restore the natural process that is
thought to sustain the balds.
In the first year, 2008, the goats
browsed on the balds for 93 days. More
than half of these goats were donated
by a Virginia woman who preferred
giving her friends a retirement plan
rather than sending them to the market.
Todd Eastin, a partner in this project,
donated the remaining goats. Steps were
taken to minimize the impact of their
introduction to the balds.
Canada blackberry is the main target. It
is a deciduous, woody shrub with a very
extensive root system. While it is native
to other mountain habitats, it is not on
the list of plants recorded in the grassy
balds in the 1930s. We estimate it will
take three to five years of browsing in a
given area to reduce the blackberry to
acceptable levels. After that is achieved,
we will still be faced with maintaining
what is restored through a long-term
rotational browsing system. This system
would skip areas that were restored for a
few years in favor of treating new areas,
then return to the restored areas to beat
back the blackberry again.
Several studies in progress evaluate the
effectiveness of using goats for grassy
bald restoration. Permanent study plots
assess overall plant diversity and coverage
changes as well as effects on the rare
Gray’s lily. These plots also allow us to
make comparisons with data collected in
the 1930s and 1980s.
While this is a volunteer-led project,
it is a collaborative effort involving
numerous individuals, agencies, and
organizations due to the profound
significance of the mountain. Partners
include ATC, USDA Forest Service,
Friends of Roan Mountain, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, North Carolina
* Peter D. Weigl, Travis W. Knowles,
“Megaherbivores and Southern Appalachian
Grass Balds, Growth and Change,” 26.3
(2006) 365-382
11
Forecast
CHAPTERS
Charlottesville Chapter The Charlottesville
Chapter hikes every Saturday, summer, winter,
and in between. Hikes are usually 8 to 10 miles
with some shorter hikes. We usually maintain
trails on the last Saturday of the month. Meet
at Albemarle High School in Charlottesville at
9:00 AM with food and water for the day. The
majority of hikes are in the South and Central
Districts of SNP with some in the North District
and in George Washington National Forest. Our
Chapter hikes are posted at www.avenue.org/
patc/future_ hikes.htm. INFO: Lindsay Brown
434/973-2343 or [email protected].
North Chapter The North Chapter conducts
monthly trail work trips on the Maryland and
Pennsylvania sections of the AT and Tuscarora
Trail. We also lead hikes on these and other
trails. Maryland AT work trips are generally held
on the first and third Saturdays - contact Leonard
Keifer ([email protected]). Pennsylvania
work trips are generally held on the AT on the
first Saturday and on the Tuscarora on the third
Saturday - contact Pete Brown (peter.brown4@
worldnet.att.net) 410/343-1140. Pennsylvania
AT work trips also include an optional Saturday
dinner at the Gypsy Spring Cabin. For information
on upcoming hikes, contact Chris Firme
([email protected]) 717/765-4833. North
Chapter home page (www.north.patc.net).
Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter Bounded
by geography and the principles of the “Mother
Club,” the NSVC is much like the early PATC,
a group of friends joining together to hike and
have fun. The Chapter usually holds at least
one hike per month. Members organize hikes of
easy-to-moderate length and difficulty in SNP,
on the Massanutten Mountain, and elsewhere.
Quarterly post-hike potluck dinner meetings are
normally held at one of the club’s cabins with an
opportunity to stay overnight in the cabin. Events
may be found in the “Forecast” section of the
newsletter, or at www.PATC.net. All are invited.
INFO: Jack Reeder ([email protected]).
Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter See www.
ssvc.org or the link on the PATC Web site for
descriptions of hikes and work trips. We usually
hike in the Southern and Central Districts of the
SNP and in the GWNF. Contact the listed hike
leader for information about a specific event,
or contact Mark Gatewood at 540/248-0442, or
[email protected].
West Chapter The West Chapter meets twice
a year in March and September at various
locations within the chapter’s coverage area.
The chapter maintains the Black Locust Trail
and the southernmost section of the Catoctin
12
Trail in Gambrill State Park (MD). Trail work trips
and hikes are scheduled from March through
December. Day hikes, overnight weekend hiking
trips, and backpacking trips are occasionally
scheduled. All activities are listed on the
PATC Web site calendar and on the Chapter’s
Yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
PATCWest). This is open to anyone who is
interested; however only current PATC members
may post messages. Contact Dave Jordahl
([email protected]) 240/777-7741.
SPECIAL INTEREST SECTIONS
Ski Touring Section (STS) Since 1974 the STS
has served to provide cross-country skiing
experiences for beginners through experts. The
section sponsors winter weekend ski trips to
the mountains in Maryland, West Virginia, and
Pennsylvania; there are also more extensive trips
that travel west, north, and across the ocean.
Social events are scheduled throughout the year.
If you share a respect for nature, enjoy outdoor
exercise, peaceful scenic trails, and cheerful,
good-hearted companions - join STS. Contact:
Rob Swennes ([email protected]).
Mountaineering Section We’re a diverse
group of local DC area climbers. We also share
common interests in promoting safe climbing,
conserving the outdoors, developing new
climbers’ skills, representing the Washington
area climbing community, and having fun! We
provide instruction for those wanting to learn the
basics - we’re not a school, but we can get you
started. We go climbing, either locally or further
afield, nearly every weekend. In the winter we
organize rips for beginning and advanced ice
climbers. Please visit our Web site at www.
potomacmountainclub.org/. Contact Court Zabel
[email protected]) or 571/228-4365.
PATC Hikes PATC offers diverse organized hikes.
There are K-9 Hikes, which invite you to bring
your favorite dog; Family Hikes tailored to kids;
Natural History Hikes stalking the fascinating but
often elusive flora and fauna of the region; hikes
featuring varying levels of difficulty with the
Easy Hikers, In-Between Hikers, and Vigorous
Hikers; Birding Hikes with experts to help sight
and identify our avian neighbors; Historical Hikes
tracking little known structures in SNP; Series
Hikes tracing the entire length of the Tuscarora
Trail or the trails of Pennsylvania, section by
section; Backpacking Hikes traversing the tracts
of West Virginia and Southern Virginia; hikes
scheduled for weekends; ones scheduled for
weekdays; Geology Hikes led by experts from the
Smithsonian focused on the unique stratigraphy
of our area; Mushroom Hikes with mycologists;
Waterfall Hikes to beat the summer heat;
and Outreach Hikes to get together with the
members of area groups like the Sierra Club or
the Congressional Hikers. Check out the Forecast
calendar on the PATC website www.patc.net.
Other Clubs’ Hikes Capital (www.
capitalhikingclub.org) and Wanderbirds (www.
wanderbirds.org) hike on Saturdays and
Sundays, traveling by bus and leaving from
downtown, with suburban stops as well. Center
Club, Northern Virginia Hiking Club, and Sierra
Club hike on both Saturdays and Sundays
using carpools. Schedules are available at
PATC Headquarters and are published in area
newspapers on Fridays. West Virginia Highland
Conservancy outings information at www.
wvhighlands.org. Meetings at PATC HQ, 118 Park
Street, S.E., Vienna, VA unless otherwise noted.
New Members – Third Wednesday of
each Month Check Forecast schedule. Curious
about the club? Want to learn more? The best
way is to attend a New Members Meeting (both
current and non-members are welcome!).
Attend the meeting and find the mysteries
of PATC revealed in full. INFO: Alan Day
([email protected]) 877/746-4263
Mountaineering – Second Wednesday 8:00
PM – We meet every month on the second
Wednesday, except for August, unless
noted in the Forecast. INFO: Court Zabel
([email protected] or our Web site: www.
potomacmountainclub.org.
Shenandoah Mountain Rescue Group (SMRG) –
Last Tuesday Business meeting – Last Tuesday
of each month, 7:30 PM INFO: ([email protected])
or www.smrg.org.
PATC Council – Second Tuesday The council
meets at 7:00 PM sharp. The PATC Council
meets every month, except January and July,
to conduct business of the council and in
November for a dinner meeting. All members
are always welcome. Come see how we make
decisions about your council. INFO: Wilson Riley
([email protected]) 703/242-0693 X105.
Trail Patrol – First Tuesday 7:30 PM except
January. Trail Patrol volunteers are PATC’s
goodwill trail ambassadors to the hiking public.
They provide a visible, reassuring presence on
the trails, and strive to educate the public on
good hiking practices, minimum impact hiking,
and camping ethics. Patrol members are trained
in land navigation, emergency procedures,
radio communications, and personal equipment.
INFO: Katrina Hedlesky ([email protected])
703/533-3652, or see our Web site: www.patc.
us/volunteer/trailpatrol/
August
1 Sunday
DEADLINE – September Potomac Appalachian
Material due to editors 5:00 p.m.
All items for the next issue of the newsletter
due. Send Forecast events to PA-Forecast@
patc.net and all other articles to the editor at
[email protected]. NOTE: Do not send photos or
articles to headquarters. E-mail for address.
3 (Tuesday)
HIKE – Vigorous Hikers
Front Royal, VA
Great North Mountain. Starting at Bucktail
Parking, we will climb Bucktail Cutoff Trail
to Halfmoon Trail and over to Halfmoon
Lookout. Down German Wilson to Bucktail
Trail. Continue on Capon Trail to Waites Run
Road. Chance to cool your feet at Waites
Run. Return on Pond Run (Tuscarora Trail)
to Halfmoon Trail; and down Bucktail Cutoff.
Length 17 miles, elevation gain 3500 feet.
Very fast pace. INFO: Leader Mike Moran
3 (Tuesday)
MEETING - Trail Patrol, 7:30 p.m.
Vienna, VA
TP volunteers are PATC’s good will trail
ambassadors to the hiking public. They provide
a visible, reassuring presence on the trails,
and strive to educate the public on good
hiking practices, minimum impact hiking, and
outdoor ethics. TP members report back to trail
maintainers on the conditions of the trails they
hike; educate/train the public on hike leadership,
backpacking, leave no trace, and CPR and first
aid; assist Federal and State partners with
various activities; and are responsible for the
PATC’s Ridgerunner program. Visitors are
welcome to attend our meetings to learn about
becoming involved in TP efforts. INFO: Katrina
Hedlesky ([email protected]).
4 (Wednesday)
HIKE - Midweek Hikers
Location to be determined
The PATC Midweek Hikers carpool each
Wednesday from the Washington, DC area to
various trailheads. Hikes are at a moderate
pace and about 8 to 12 miles in length with
varied elevations. Current information,
including meeting place, time, leader’s name
and phone number, and a detailed description
of the hike are available on the PATC calendar
at http://potomacappalachian.org.
6 - 8 (Friday - Sunday)
BACKPACKING TRIP - Family Backpacking Trip
Dolly Sods, WV
9th Annual PATC Family Backpacking Trip to
Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia. Come
join us for this family-friendly backpacking
trip, designed for families with young children.
(All ages welcome). We’ll hike in about 3 miles
on Friday, and set up camp. On Saturday we
will day hike and play in the waterfalls along
Red Creek. Sunday we’ll play a bit more,
then pack up and head back out to the cars.
Families provide their own food, cooking, and
sleeping gear. Space is limited, so sign up
early. INFO: Lauren Lang (outdoorLangs@
gmail.com) 571/242-3950.
7 (Saturday)
HIKE - Great Eastern Trail Series #4
Columbia Furnace, VA
Come with us on the fourth in the series
on the Great Eastern Trail link between the
Tuscarora and the Allegheny Trails. Hike the
summit of North Mountain in Northern Virginia
from SR 720 to Hunkerson Gap and descend
the ridgeline on the Snyder Trail. Beautiful
overlooks to both east and west along the top
of the mountain. Length, 6.25 miles, elevation
gain, 300 feet. Moderate pace. Be the first
to hike the entire 150-mile link. INFO: Tom
Johnson ([email protected]) 540/622-6422.
7 (Saturday)
HIKE - Natural History Hike
Central District, Shenandoah National Park, VA
Bob Pickett and Jane Thompson do an easy
6.3-mile hike through the Hazel Country
area of SNP. Join us as we explore the old
mountain roads of the Hazel River and Sam’s
Ridge Trails. There are numerous stream
crossings along Hazel River, but none too
intimidating unless we’ve had rain within the
last 24 hours. Let’s see what we can find in
this formerly busy neighborhood. INFO: Bob
Pickett 301/349-2496.
7 (Saturday)
SPECIAL EVENT - Conrad Anker on Everest (REI)
Bailey’s Crossroads, VA
2:00 p.m. Join American mountaineer Conrad
Anker for a rare behind-the-scenes look at
the story which inspired The Wildest Dream:
Conquest of Everest, the new National
Geographic film in which he stars. Conrad will
share his experiences on Everest, ranging
from his discovery of the body of legendary
climber George Mallory in 1999, to making his
new film–a compelling account of adventure
and courage on his recent climb to the top.
With spectacular film footage, stunning
photos, and thrilling stories, Conrad will show
you how he retraced George Mallory’s steps
to the summit of Everest in an attempt to
provide new clues to the enduring mystery of
Mallory’s disappearance. Register at http://
www.rei.com/stores/34. Free. INFO: Mark
Nelson ([email protected]) 703/379-9400.
7 (Saturday)
SPECIAL EVENT - North Chapter Corn Roast
Contact for Location
The North Chapter is sponsoring Charlie’s
annual corn roast, which follows the August
AT work trip at Gypsy Spring Cabin. INFO: Bob
Wise ([email protected]).
7 (Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers
Appalachian Trail, MD
Humiturefest, the anniversary date of the
South Mountaineers, now 17 years old. If it
is hot, we will work and quit early. Please
bring plenty of water, lunch, gloves and
boots. Celebrate another fine year of
stewardship with us. INFO: Leonard Keifer
7 (Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Yankee Clippers
Appalachian Trail, PA
INFO: Pete Brown ([email protected])
410/343-1140.
7 - 8 (Saturday - Sunday)
CLASS - South District Trails Management
Workshop
Make plans now to participate in the 2010
South District Trails Management Workshop!
You can select from these workshop topics:
Trail Management Guidelines & Rules in
SNP, Tool maintenance Trail maintenance,
Treadway maintenance, Group Management
Project Reporting. The workshop will be
conducted on the Cliff Firestone Tract. This
200-acre area is owned by PATC and sits
above Eaton Hollow on the western face
of the Blue Ridge. You’ll park at the Eaton
Hollow Overlook off of Skyline Drive, about
6 miles south of the Thornton Gap Entrance
Station. Parking is limited, though. The Trail
Center comfortably sleeps up to 12 inside, and
there’s plenty of room for tenting, too. Your
registration costs $15.00; this includes your
supper on Saturday evening and breakfast and
lunch on Sunday. INFO: Don White (trlbldr@
southshenandoah.net).
8 - 13 (Sunday - Friday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Shenandoah South
District Crew
South District, Shenandoah National Park, VA
13
Forecast
Crews will be housed at the Schairer Trail
Center in the South District. Crewmembers
will park their vehicles at Eaton Hollow
Overlook and hike a mile to the cabin.
Crewmembers will pack their own lunches,
and breakfast will be self-serve at the cabin.
The crew will eat out for dinner into Elkton or
Luray. A PATC member will act as crew leader
and drive a park-provided vehicle to and
from the work site. The crew leader and trail
crew will perform trail work together under
the supervision of a Park Ranger. INFO: Heidi
Forrest ([email protected]) 703/242-0315.
10 (Tuesday)
North District, Shenandoah National Park, VA
Vigorous, fast, Hike Rated H - North SNP,
PACT Map 9. Starting at the end Rt. 612 we will
go up to the AT via Thornton River, Hull School,
Fork Mtn., Piney Ridge and Piney Branch
trails. After lunch and ice cream at Elkwallow
Wayside we will return using the full length
of the Thornton River Trail. Length, 18 miles,
elevation gain, 3500 feet. There are short-cut
options and a 21-mile long-cut option. INFO:
Gene Whitaker ([email protected]).
10 (Tuesday)
MEETING - PATC Council, 7:00 p.m.
11 (Wednesday)
CLASS - Backpacking Basics (REI)
7:30 p.m. In this show-and-tell session REI
will take the mystery out of backpacking. We
will cover the basics of backpacking gear,
including how to choose the right pack and
select the proper clothing and footwear to
keep you comfortable. Come and learn how to
get started in this fun activity. No experience
necessary! Register at: http://www.rei.
com/stores/34. Free. INFO: Mark Nelson
11 (Wednesday)
See Aug. 4 event for more information.
12 (Thursday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Thursday Morning Group
McLean, VA
10:00 a.m. Need some weekday morning
exercise in the DC area? The Trail from
the Beltway Bridge to Theodore Roosevelt
Island along the Potomac River needs your
help. Work less than three hours and get
sodas and snacks provided afterwards. All
beginners welcome. Get on the email list to
14
find that perfect learning project. INFO: Bruce
Glendening ([email protected])
703/532-9093.
14 (Saturday)
CLASS - Backpacking for Women (REI)
Timonium, MD
10:30 a.m. This is for the outdoorswoman in
you. Whether you’ve been out a few times or
are new to backpacking, we’d love to have you!
Our female instructor will discuss coping with
challenges in the back country. She’ll discuss
women specific gear, clothing, personal
hygiene and safety. Learn where you can go to
participate in women only adventures. Limited
to women only. Register at http://www.rei.
com/stores/62. Free. INFO: Vernon Kreisel
14 (Saturday)
HIKE - Long Distance
South District, Shenandoah National Park, VA
This 17-mile circuit hike will start at MP 77
on Skyline Drive and proceed down Brown
Mountain Trail to Big Run for lunch along the
water. Continuing on Rockytop Trail, the hike
will then proceed down the Big Run Portal
Trail to Rocky Mountain Run Trail to return
to skyline drive. Moderate pace with stops
for fungi and flora of interest. INFO: William
Needham ([email protected]) 410/884-9127.
14 (Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Roaring Tuskers
Martinsburg, WV
The Tuscarora Trail Central District’s Roaring
Tuskers will be working on trails in the Sleepy
Creek Wildlife Management Area, near
Martinsburg. Join us, no experience needed.
Bring work gloves, water and lunch, and
we’ll provide the atmosphere. INFO: Steve
or Kathy Sharp ([email protected])
240/338-3655.
CLASS - Wilderness First Aid
Frederick, MD
8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. both days. Join us for a
20-hour Wilderness First Aid Class! In this
class you will learn how to get help, move
and transport patients, conduct patient
assessments, documentation, how to handle
medical and environmental emergencies,
injury prevention and care and much more.
There is plenty of hands-on practice time as
well as scenarios. This class is conducted
inside and outside on the trail. Each student
will receive a certification card good for 2
years through ECSI and a waterproof field
guide. Cost of this class is $180 and pre-
registration is required. INFO: Saleena DeVore
15 (Sunday)
HIKE - West Chapter
A 13 km (8 mile) point to point hike, north
to south, from Turners Gap (US Alt Rte 40
) to Gathland State Park. Car shuttle will
need to be set up prior to the hike which
will start at 10:00 a.m. INFO: Beth Lipford
([email protected]).
15 (Sunday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Maryland Metro
Great Falls, MD
Help continue construction of an extension
to the Ford Mine trail in the Great Falls area
of C&O NHP. Meet at 8:30 a.m. in the upper
section of the Tavern parking lot by the
entrance to the maintenance area. INFO:
Catherine Kelleher ([email protected]). 15 - 20 (Sunday - Friday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Shenandoah Trail Crew
Crews will be housed at the Pinnacle Research
Center near the Pinnacle Picnic Area in the
Central District. Vehicles may be driven to the
Center. Crewmembers will pack their own
lunches, and breakfast will be self-serve at the
cabin. The crew will eat out for dinner. A PATC
Manager will stay with the crew & work together
under the supervision of a Park Ranger. INFO:
Heidi Forrest ([email protected]) 703/242-0315.
17 (Tuesday)
CLASS - Backpacking Basics and Beyond (REI)
Fairfax, VA
7:00 p.m. Get ready for backcountry adventure
and leave the crowded campground behind. A
journey into pristine, undeveloped wilderness
can be transformative and enlightening.
Whether it’s an overnight or an expedition,
we’ll get you started with a review of what to
take, how to choose a destination, when to
go, and how to pick a partner. Plus we’ll have
advice for the experienced backpacker on
how to lighten your load. Register at: http://
www.rei.com/stores/84. Free. INFO: Rhonda
Krafchin ([email protected]) 571/522-6568.
17 (Tuesday)
Front Royal, VA
Great Views on Massanutten North. Visit
Buzzard Rock, Buzzard Rock and Fort Valley
Overlooks and Signal Knob via the Buzzard
Rock, Massanutten, and Tuscarora Trails. A
short, easy shuttle will be used. Length, 16
miles, elevation gain, 3500 feet. PATC Map
G. INFO: Bob Livezey ([email protected])
301/320-4679.
18 (Wednesday)
18 (Wednesday)
MEETING - New Members Meeting
Vienna, VA
Come meet other new members, see PATC
HQs, & get questions answered. Address is:
118 Park Street, SE Vienna, Va. INFO: Alan Day
19 (Thursday)
Rockville, MD
com/stores/34. Free. INFO: Keith Kuhnsman
20 (Friday)
Timonium, MD
com/stores/34. Free. INFO: Vernon Kreisel
21 (Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - DC Crew
Washington, DC
Join us for a summer morning of trail work in
Rock Creek Park. We will meet at the Nature
Center (just south of Military Road) in DC at
8:20 a.m. and carpool over to the worksite.
No experience necessary. PATC and NPS will
provide all tools and instruction. Please bring
gloves and wear appropriate clothing for a few
hours of outdoor work. INFO: Alex Sanders
21 (Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - North District Hoodlums
Pass the jerked chicken! Join with the
Hoodlums in their annual Jamaican work trip.
The Hoodlums Trail Crew works on the AT
and blue-blazed trails in the North District
(Front Royal Entrance Station to Thornton
Gap) of SNP. After a day of hard work, we
will enjoy the camaraderie of fellow trail
workers with a Jamaican theme meal at
Indian Run maintenance hut. Come for the
day, stay for dinner, and camp overnight if you
wish. Or just come out and work with us for
the day. Newcomers are always welcome!
We will meet at Piney River Ranger Station,
milepost 22 on Skyline Drive just across from
Matthews Arm Campground at 9:00 a.m. on
Saturday. INFO: Wayne Limberg (wplimberg@
aol.com) 703/533-8639.
21 (Saturday)
Tuscarora Trail, PA
410/343-1140.
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Acne Treadway Company
Gore, VA
We’re getting closer to the Tuscarora Trail
and the end of the Biby Wilderness Trail! This
may be one of the last opportunities you have
to work on this challenging and rewarding
project in western Virginia. Besides, how can
you pass up the opportunity to rest and shoot
the bull with the rest of us at the famed Crew’s
Rest bunkhouse? Or to sample the fine fare at
the Hayfield Family Restaurant? Put aside the
excuses and stop procrastinating! Register
now to participate with us in this project. You
shall not regret it. INFO: Don White (trlbldr@
acmetreadway.net).
24 (Tuesday)
We’ll hike 16-17 miles in Michaux State
Forest in Pennsylvania on the AT north from
Shippensburg Road and various marked
and unmarked side trails. Scrambling on
the Sunset Rocks Trail and Lewis Rocks.
PATC Map 2-3. INFO: Duncan Thompson
25 (Wednesday)
26 (Thursday)
McLean, VA
703/532-9093.
28 - 29
CABIN WORK TRIP - Lambert Cabin Grounds
Weekend
Luray, VA
Join Bob Pickett, Jane Thompson, and
all their friends for a weekend of grounds
maintenance, making steps, making a picnic
table, cleaning out the frog pond, and just
having fun! We’ll share community dinners
and breakfasts. If you’re interested in seeing
the new cabin and doing a little yard work,
here’s your chance. No charge for cabin use,
nominal (approx. $15/person) for food. We’ll
be at the cabin this weekend and the next!
INFO: Bob Pickett 301/349-2496.
31 (Tuesday)
Knob Mountain - Neighbor Mountain Circuit
- PATC Map 9. Starting at Jeremy’s Run
parking, hikers will take Jeremy’s Run to Knob
Mountain and do a clockwise circuit at Knob
Mountain Cutoff Trail, the AT, and Neighbor
Mountain with a stopover at Elkwallow for
lunch. Splashdown on the return at Jeremy’s
Run. Distance 18 miles, elevation gain, 4000
feet. INFO: Leader David Saah (davidm.saah@
gmail.com) 703/352-4685.
31 (Tuesday)
MEETING - Shenandoah Mountain Rescue
Group (Business meeting), 7:30 p.m.
September
1 (Wednesday)
DEADLINE – October Potomac Appalachian
Material due to editors 5:00 p.m.
All items for the next issue of the newsletter
due. Send Forecast events to PA-Forecast@
patc.net and all other articles to the editor at
[email protected]. NOTE: Do not send photos or
articles to headquarters. E-mail for address.
15
Forecast
1 (Wednesday)
HIKE - Easy Hikers
Germantown, MD
A 5+ circuit walk in Black Hill Regional
Park, mostly flat with some paved surfaces.
Meet at 10:15 a.m. on Crystal Rock Drive in
Germantown Md. Directions: From I-495 take
I-270 north to Exit 16, MD 109 (Father Hurley
Blvd.). Go west (left) at stop sign at end of
ramp towards Germantown. Go 0.4 mi to light
at Crystal Rock Drive. Turn right and go 0.5
mi to trailhead on left (road ends a little past
trailhead). Park on both sides of road. Bring
lunch. Dogs on leash welcomed. Bathrooms on
walk. Lunch at pavilion near visitor’s center about 1-2 miles before end of walk. INFO: Pat
Christopher ([email protected]).
1 (Wednesday)
1 (Wednesday)
MEETING - New Members Meeting
Vienna, VA
Come meet other new members, see PATC
HQs, & get questions answered. At PATC - 118
Park Street, SE Vienna, VA 22180. INFO: Alan
Day ([email protected]). 3 - 6 (Friday - Monday)
SPECIAL EVENT - Acme Treadway Co. Annual
Crew Picnic
Little Orleans, MD
Have you joined us on at least one of our
projects in 2010? Yes?! Well, congratulations!
You’re eligible to join with your fellow crew
members and families on our annual Crew
Picnic & Boondoggle!! This year, as before,
we will meet and stay at Little Orleans Cabin
for a weekend of fun, rest, and relaxation.
Anything (legal) is permitted (within some
bounds, of course). Bring your bicycles, hiking
boots, fishing poles, books, board games;
whatever you wish to do, the time is yours.
As always, there will be great food, and
plenty of it. Make your plans now and register
to participate! INFO: Don White (trlbldr@
acmetreadway.net).
4 (Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Stonewall Brigade
Columbia Furnace, VA
Join us for an enjoyable day of trail work in
the Great North Mountain district. Meet at
9:00 a.m. in the parking area of Wolf Gap
Recreation Area, on Wolf Gap Road (VA
675) west of Columbia Furnace, Va. For
directions and a map visit http://www.patc.
us/volunteer/trails/stonewall/map_wolf_gap.
16
html. Please let Lee Manning know if you plan
to attend. INFO: Lee Manning (lee.manning@
cox.net) 703/560-0960.
4 (Saturday)
410/343-1140.
CABIN WORK TRIP - Lambert Cabin
Luray, VA
Join Bob Pickett, Jane Thompson, and
all their friends for a weekend of grounds
maintenance, making steps, making a picnic
table, cleaning out the frog pond, and just
having fun! We’ll share community dinners
and breakfasts. If you’re interested in seeing
the new cabin and doing a little yard work,
here’s your chance. No charge for cabin use,
nominal (approx. $15/person) for food. INFO:
Bob Pickett 301/349-2496.
7 (Tuesday)
Location given on web site
Fast-paced, strenuous hikes, 15-20 miles
distant with elevation gains of 2-5000 feet. See the schedule at http://groups.google.
com/group/Vigorous-Hikers.
7 (Tuesday)
MEETING - Trail Patrol, 7:30 p.m.
Vienna, VA
TP volunteers are PATC’s good will trail
ambassadors to the hiking public. They
provide a visible, reassuring presence on
the trails, and strive to educate the public on
good hiking practices, minimum impact hiking,
and outdoor ethics. TP members report back
to trail maintainers on the conditions of the
trails they hike; educate/train the public on
hike leadership, backpacking, leave no trace,
and CPR and first aid; assist Federal and
State partners with various activities; and
are responsible for the PATC’s Ridgerunner
program. Visitors are welcome to attend our
meetings to learn about becoming involved
in TP efforts. INFO: Katrina Hedlesky
8 (Wednesday)
8 (Wednesday) (2nd Wednesday, EXCEPT AUGUST)
MEETING - Mountaineering Section, 8:00 p.m.
9 (Thursday)
McLean, VA
703/532-9093.
10 - 11 (Friday - Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Blue & White Crew
Join the crew for a weekend of trail work
in the Central District of Shenandoah. New
volunteers welcome! INFO: Patrick Wilson
([email protected]). 11 (Saturday)
HIKE - Great Eastern Trail Hike Series #5
Criders, VA
Come with us on the Carr Mountain hike, part
of the Great Eastern Trail series between the
Tuscarora Trail and the Allegheny Trail. Carr
Mountain is a remote roadless area west of
North Mountain. A new trail (it is still being
built) linking North Mountain and Shenandoah
Mountain. The hike is 7 miles at a moderate
pace with a 900 foot elevation gain through
pristine forest. Want to know more about
the Great Eastern Trail? Go to http://www.
greateasterntrail.net, or call Tom. Reference:
National Geographic Society Trails Illustrated
Map 792. INFO: Tom Johnson (johnts25@
gmail.com) 540/622-6422.
11 (Saturday)
SPECIAL EVENT - Heritage Day
Triangle, VA
Heritage Day event in Prince William National
Forest. INFO: Randy Motz ([email protected]).
11 (Saturday)
SPECIAL EVENT - In the Streets Festival
Frederick, MD
Frederick’s longest running and biggest
community event is the place to be for fun,
food, games, vendors and community activity
information. Over 50,000 people attend this
street party each year so do not miss the
chance to be part of the excitement. PATC will
have its information tent in front of The Trail
House outfitters on Market Street. Stop by
and spend time with our knowledgeable Trail
Talkers. Find out why PATC is the greatest trail
club in the country and get information about
the many trails in our region. INFO: Randy
Motz ([email protected]).
11 (Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - DC Crew
Washington, DC
Join us for a summer morning of trail work in
Rock Creek Park. We will meet at the Nature
Center (just south of Military Road) in DC at
8:20 a.m. and carpool over to the worksite.
No experience necessary. PATC and NPS will
provide all tools and instruction. Please bring
gloves and wear appropriate clothing for a few
hours of outdoor work. INFO: Alex Sanders
11 (Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Roaring Tuskers
Martinsburg, WV
The Tuscarora Trail Central District’s Roaring
Tuskers will be working on trails in the Sleepy
Creek Wildlife Management Area, near
Martinsburg, W.Va. Join us, no experience
needed. Bring work gloves, water and lunch,
and we’ll provide the atmosphere. INFO: Steve
or Kathy Sharp ([email protected])
240/338-3655.
11 (Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers
Please bring water, lunch and gloves. Expect to
hike 2-5 miles. Tools and training provided. Enjoy
comradeship of fellow volunteers and the peace
of the woods. We meet near Frederick, MD at
9:00 a.m. and go home happy and tired in the
afternoon. INFO: Leonard Keifer (mdtrail@
yahoo.com) 301/330-3388.
11 (Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Spooky Beaver Trail Crew
Triangle, VA
Come join the Spooky Beaver Trail Crew in
Prince William Forest Park (PWFP). This
national park is close to the metro area off
I-95, exit 150B. We meet at 9:00 a.m. in the
Pine Grove Picnic Area parking lot, near the
Visitors Center. Look for the Spooky Beaver
sign. Wear boots, bring water and a small
lunch snack, and dress appropriately for the
weather. INFO: Liles Creighton 410/573-0067
or Mark Ellis 703/376-4150.
CLASS - Wilderness First Aid (REI)
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. REI is
collaborating with the Wilderness Medicine
Institute of NOLS to offer a comprehensive
two day course that will teach you the
wilderness medicine skills you need to
recreate with confidence in the backcountry.
From the Patient Assessment System through
traumatic, medical, and environmental
emergencies, you’ll experience a wide variety
of topics designed to prepare you to act if an
accident occurs. This is a 16 hour course over
two days. You will have both in store classroom
time and hands on practice scenarios. This
course can be used to recertify a Wilderness
First Responder, Wilderness Advanced First
Aid or the wilderness portion of a wilderness
EMT. No prerequisites required. REI Members $200; non-members $220. Register at http://
www.rei.com/stores/34. INFO: Mark Nelson
12 (Sunday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Massarock Crew
Front Royal, VA
PATC Trail Crew, Lee Ranger District, USFS.
INFO: Charles Hillon ([email protected]). 14 (Tuesday)
14 (Tuesday)
MEETING - PATC Council, 7:00 p.m.
15 (Wednesday)
HIKE - Easy Hikers
Gaithersburg, MD
About 5 miles in Seneca Creek State Park
(11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD
29878), along the Seneca Greenway Trail
and around Clopper Lake. Meet in the Visitor
Center parking lot at 10:15 a.m. Bring lunch
and water. No dogs. From the Beltway, exit
to I-270 N. After about 7 m. (at the exit for
Rt. 370) move into the local lanes. In about 3
m. take exit 10 (for Rt. 124 West and Rt. 117
West). Follow the signs for Rt. 117, which
becomes Clopper Road (and is still Rt. 117).
After 2.1 m. turn left into the park. In 0.1 m.
take the first right toward the Park Office
(Visitor Center). In 0.1 m. park at the end of
the road. INFO: June Wyman (jwyman823@
hotmail.com) 301/947-9146.
15 (Wednesday)
16 (Thursday)
MEETING - Fall Trails Manager’s Meeting
Vienna, VA
PATC Trail District Mangers & Crew Leaders
Fall meeting at PATC HQ. Food is served
at 6:00 p.m. The meeting starts at 6:30
p.m. RSVP by Sept. 10th to the PATC Trails
Coordinator. INFO: Heidi Forrest (hforrest@
patc.net) 703/242-0315.
18 (Saturday)
Tuscarora Trail, PA
410/343-1140.
SPECIAL EVENT - Bluemont Fair
Bluemont, VA
Stop by the PATC booth and pick up
information on the club as well as speak to
one of our knowledgeable Trail Talkers about
hiking opportunities in the region. Volunteers
are needed to staff this day event. INFO:
Randy Motz ([email protected]).
19 (Sunday)
HIKE - West Chapter
A short 8-km (5-mile) point to point hike, north
to south, from US Rt. 40 to Gathland State
Park. Car shuttle will need to be set up prior
to the hike which will start at 10:00 a.m. INFO:
Beth Lipford ([email protected]).
19 (Sunday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Massarock Crew
Front Royal, VA
PATC Trail Crew, Lee Ranger District, USFS.
INFO: Charles Hillon ([email protected]).
21 (Tuesday)
22 (Wednesday)
23 (Thursday)
McLean, VA
17
TrailheAd
In the Washington area, “trailwork,”
“August,” and “enjoyable” may
legitimately be used in the same
sentence, although it requires planning.
Step one is getting a good weather
forecast. Early mornings are often
best for avoiding excessive heat, but
late afternoons and evenings can be
another option if thunderstorms are
not a risk. To help acclimate, consider
getting to the trailhead without A/C.
Next is calibrating activity for expected
conditions. Light weeding, clipping, and
blazing are less strenuous. Step three can
be enlisting support, moral or otherwise.
A hiking friend with trekking poles can
help by flicking off clippings, so they
are not left lying forlornly on the trail.
All this activity sets up the final step:
exercising a guilt-free reward. Just make
sure you know where the best soft-serve
ice cream spots are.
Buck Ridge is Ready for Hikers
After nearly two years and 3,500 manhours of work, the log steps up Buck
Ridge Trail in Shenandoah National
Park are finally complete. A total of 615
logs had to be cut, debarked, drilled,
and carried up the mountain before
being dug into the rocky ground and
staked in place with rebar (which also
had to be cut, ground, bundled, and
hauled up the slope). Forty-five
waterbars integrated into the steps are
designed to control future erosion.
The steepest half of the steps is
engineered at precisely a 20-degree slope
to minimize runoff and ease the pain
for hikers. Project leader Patrick Wilson
thanks the dozens of volunteers who
18
generously donated their time and
made this monumental project possible.
The Saga of Rod Hollow Shelter Pavilion
In the spring of 2008, PATC received
a report that the pavilion at the Rod
Hollow Shelter had collapsed. District
Manager Chris Brunton walked in to
look at the problem and found the
pavilion had not only fallen but also had
slid down the bank above which it
was built and finished up in an old
woods roadbed.
Several attempts were made to get a
crew together to rebuild the pavilion but
it was difficult finding the right person
to take on leadership of the project. In
late 2009 Chris met a 2004 thru-hiker
from New Hampshire who offered to
try to raise the pavilion when he visited
Virginia the following spring.
On Friday, May 21, this volunteer,
Charlie “Pipesmoke” Kinney, Chris,
Supervisor of Trails John Hedrick, and
four other PATC volunteers walked into
Rod Hollow loaded with grip hoists,
digging bars, tools, and a ladder. The
first order was to build a ramp, winch
the roof up from the old road bed, and
raise it enough to determine how much
damage there was to the roof structure.
By lunchtime the heavy metal roof was
back on level ground, and one side had
been raised six feet in the air, enabling
a look underneath for the first time in
over two years. Amazingly, there was
no damage to the structure, which says
a lot for the original builder, PATC
member Bobby Lowery, who milled the
lumber at his saw mill when the shelter
was built in 1985. The group noted
what supplies were needed, drove to
Nichols Hardware store in Purcellville to
purchase them, and by 2:00 were sitting
on the porch of the Blackburn Trail
Center congratulating all on a wonderful
start to the project.
Saturday morning the work re-started
in earnest. Using the grip hoists to hold
the roof, two new three-foot-deep holes
were dug, two new posts were bolted to
each front corner of the framework of
the roof, and by slowly lifting the back
of the roof the new posts dropped down
into the ground. Around mid-day just
as all began to drag a little, an apparition
appeared in the form of Charlie’s wife,
Jeanine, coming down the trail carrying
a box of doughnuts and a thermos of
hot coffee. That sure set everyone up for
the rest of the afternoon. Now it was a
matter of executing the remaining steps
to complete the levitation: carefully lift
the back side of the roof, dig two more
holes, install the second set of posts,
square the structure, fill the post holes,
and then job was done. Three returned
Sunday morning to install braces at each
of the corners, clean up the work site,
and carry the last of the equipment out.
Already there are several entries in the
log book from hikers thanking Charlie
and the PATC crew for their time and
effort. It goes without saying that both
Chris Brunton and John Hedrick offer
Charlie their heartfelt thanks for his
expertise, time and labor and his very
generous offer to lead this endeavor.
He is, without any doubt, an “Engineer
Extraordinaire”!
L. L. Bean Helps Trail Center
PATC received a $1,200 grant to
purchase an Automated External
Defibillator (AED) for Blackburn
Trail Center. The money was provided
under the 2010 L. L. Bean Grants to
AT clubs. The Blackburn caretaker is
trained in the use of the device, and it
will be appropriately mounted inside the
building. The AED is the same model
used in Shenandoah National Park.
The device was presented to Blackburn
Manager Chris Brunton by SOT John
Hedrick in June. Many thanks to L. L.
Bean for their donation.
ND Hoodlums Take On the Weeds
Two words sum up the North District
Hoodlums’ June 19 work trip: weeds
and hot. Actually that is three words but
the Hoodlums were never very good at
counting. But they sure proved they can
swing a mean blade when they took on
the weeds of Upper and Lower Piney
Branch on that hot Saturday.
Seventeen Hoodlums gathered on at
Piney Ridge Ranger Station and quickly
divided into four crews. It was already hot.
One crew grabbed the power weeders
and headed off to Upper Piney Branch;
another started down to Lower Piney
Branch with swing blades, while a third
took drove round to Sperryville and came
up from the bottom. A fourth and final
crew took a crosscut saw down Lower
Piney Branch to tackle over a dozen
reported blowdowns. And it was hot.
The crews had their work cut out
for them. Overseers on both sections
were on the injured list, and this year’s
bumper crop of weeds was in full bloom.
And it was hot. Lower Piney Branch is
especially tough because like many of the
park’s blue-blazed trails it is a long hike
in and out. Even with 17 swinging and
sawing, the Hoodlums were lucky to
finish. But finish they did. And it
was hot.
Day’s end found all four crews
converging on Indian Run maintanence
hut for dinner. It being June, the theme
was Mediterranean which the Hoodlums
define very broadly. There was pasta,
salad, kibbeh, falafel, and mint yogurt
just to mention a few dishes. The cold
dishes were a real treat because—you
guessed it—it was hot.
SNP Central District Spring Work Week
The SNP Central District spring work
crew had worked on the Saddle Trail
on Old Rag Mountain for several years.
This year, because heavy rainfall had
significantly eroded the Lower Hawksbill
Trail, that was the site for most of this
year’s work, May 9-14.
Two veteran crew members were kept
away by educational endeavors, so there
were only three PATC participants this
year, Dick Batiste, Mel Ellis, and Ray
Galles. In prior years, Ray had been
in uniform as one of the SNP trails
employees, but this year he drove from
his home in Nebraska to participate
for PATC. That’s dedication! SNP
participants were Dave Good, Jeff
Miner, Bobby Calais, David Beers,
Jason Strickler, Stephen Richards, Justin
McCoy, and Steve Printz.
The crews worked together for four days
cleaning 54 grade dips, 15 rock waterbars,
and 325 feet of lateral drains. They
regraded 231 feet of treadway and installed
two new rock check steps and a 15-foot
log waterbar. The major task on Lower
Hawksbill was the reconstruction of a
seven-step rock staircase where Ray, Jason,
and Dick got to demonstrate their rockscavenging and transportation techniques.
With the SNP Trails folks having
adopted a four-day work week, the
PATC crew offered to work alone on
Friday, the traditionally short day. Mike
Dyas (Corbin Mountain overseer) had
reported a low leaner across the Corbin
Hollow Trail within the Wilderness area.
Mel, Dick, and Ray hiked up from the
Weakley Hollow Road with a one-person
crosscut saw ready to make short work
of the obstruction. However, the tree
had other ideas. It not only had a trunk
of 30 inches in diameter, but also it was
wedged between two upright trees and
had its top resting in the upper regions
of a tall locust, offering the challenge of
top, side, and end binds.
While Mel went down to Nethers to
get a larger saw, Ray and Dick did
what they could with the short one.
Eventually, with both saws onsite, the
work progressed, but still with strong
resistance from the tree. The short
day turned into a longer one sans
lunch, which had been left behind in
anticipation of an early departure. By
4 p.m. one 10-foot section had been
cut and moved enough for hikers to get
through, but another section would need
to be removed to actually clear the trail.
Time wouldn’t allow it, and the crew
reluctantly departed, vowing to return to
do battle another day. However, during
the next few days an SNP crew went
in. They also found it challenging, but
managed to clear the trail. Hikers on
the Corbin Hollow Trail can view this
monument to true partnership between
SNP and PATC crews.
The large tree wasn’t the most
challenging part of the week. It was
the fog. The three-man crew returned
from dinner one night to find Skyline
Drive shrouded with fog that allowed
only about 10 to 15 feet of visibility.
The result was that the entrance to the
(Opposite Left) A glimpse at the vastly
improved Buck Ridge trail
Photo By Patrick Wilson
(Opposite Right) Rod Hollow Pavilion roof up in the
air with first set of legs ready to drop into holes
Photo By Jeff DeTroye
(Above Left) Dave Good (SNP), Ray Galles, and
Dick Batiste move a rock for step and waterbar
reconstruction on the Lower Hawksbill Trail
Photo by Mel Ellis
19
TRAILHEAD
Pinnacles Research Station (the lodging
site) was missed while going south. After
a reversal of direction at Stony Man
Overlook, the turn was again missed
while going north. Following another
turnaround at the Pinnacles Picnic
Grounds, Ray got out of the van and
walked along the road until he could see
the entrance. Larry, Moe, and Curley
finally were safe for the night.
Clipping on the Ritz
After many worktrips building bridges,
cutting invasives, and moving boulders,
the Thursday Morning Group finally did
a simple weeding of the trail. Bittersweet
is the toughest invasive where
blowdowns have opened up the area to
more sun. The nearby Potomac River
ran at normal level, but the beautiful
weekday summer morning brought out
no wading fishermen looking for bass.
Using coronas for sawing, swingblades,
and loppers, the small group cleared a
neat path for future hikers.
Trail Therapy
If you like the satisfaction of seeing
results combined with a little
therapeutic release of energy, you
need to spend time working on the
Tuscarora relocation across Florence
Jones Reineman Wildlife Preserve
by Waggoner’s Gap in Pennsylvania.
Assistant DM Dave Trone and the
Yankee Clippers have found the most
effective tool for the rock fields that
cover significant stretches of the 7+
miles is a well aimed sledgehammer.
The basic strategy is to rearrange the
rocks into a more appealing surface by
sledging the ones that stick out and then
filling in holes with crushed rocks. Flat
rocks are set in place where possible to
improve footing. One recent outing
included Dave, Bill, DM Pete Brown,
Peter Muschamp, and Chris Firme going
at it with gusto. Meanwhile, Dewey and
Mary Clark spent time blazing stretches
that had been worked earlier.
There is a “road” that leads up the
steep slope to the ridge line, which saves
the crew significant time and energy.
The last half mile or so is spent driving
through high stilt grass that makes most
SUV car commercials look like they were
shot in a parking lot. Peter noted that
last year they had seen there really was
something that looked like a roadbed
underneath. Fortunately the group
met up at the base of the mountain,
for those interested in challenging only
themselves, not their vehicles.
Please send tales, technical advice, or
trail maintenance questions to Catherine
Kelleher at [email protected].
Restoring the Grassy Balds of the Roan Highlands
Natural Heritage Program, Tennessee Division of Natural
Areas, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy,
Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, the Nature
Conservancy, and many others whose contributions have been
invaluable. In 2008, more than 100 volunteers and partners
put in more than 2,700 hours with an “in-kind” value
exceeding $56,000. Funding has so far come from three main
sources: North Carolina AT License Plate Grants, significant
anonymous contributions, and the “Adopt-a-Goat Program”
sponsored by the Friends of Roan Mountain. Goat adopters
($20 per month; $50 per summer) get naming rights, an
adoption certificate, a picture of their goat, and a lock of its
hair. Funds are used for travel, supplies, equipment, vegetation
studies, and data management.
The project area (about 79 acres) is within the Pisgah and
Cherokee National Forests along about one mile of the
Appalachian Trail corridor from Jane Bald to Grassy Ridge.
Visitors are welcome to see the goats, but are reminded to stay
on the marked trail, beware of the electric fence, and keep any
dogs leashed.
Blog: http://baatanygoatproject.blogspot.com
Video: http://www.mefeedia.com/watch/28940551
Friends of Roan Mountain: http://www.friendsofroanmtn.org
HOW TO CONTACT US, Headquarters, Sales, Cabin Reservations, and Membership Information
Address: 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180
Phone #: 703/242-0315
Fax #: 703/242-0968
Club E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.patc.net
Club President (leave a message),
Lee Sheaffer: 703/242-0315
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Thursday and Friday 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM
Club Officers & Chairs Contact Info
www.patc.net then select [*contact us] from the
list on the left or call the main number. Contact list
published twice annually in the PA.
Change of Address? Contact: [email protected]
20
Staff, During regular business hours
Position
Staff
Staff DirectorWilson Riley
Trails Management CoordinatorHeidi Forrest
Business Manager
Monica Clark
Membership/Cabin CoordinatorPat Fankhauser
Sales Coordinator
Maureen Estes
Lands ManagementSonya Breehey
Ext
105
107
106
108
103
104
E-mail
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Potomac Appalachian
Editor
Alan [email protected]
Co-editorRachel F. Levin
Features EditorJoanne Erickson
Forecast EditorVince Ferrari
[email protected]
Layout EditorEmily Dorr
Co-Layout EditorSusie Mulligan
Help WanteD
Potomac Appalachian
Photographers wanted for assignments on
PATC-related work trips and events. Send
inquiries to [email protected].
Shelters
Volunteers needed for the AT Shelter
Construction Crew ~ Henry Horn ~
301/498-8254, [email protected]
Volunteer needed for the Tuscarora Trail
Shelter Crew ~ Mike Wingeart ~ 443/7919196, [email protected]
Spruce Pine Hollow Campsite ~ Tuscarora
Central/Map L ~ Walt Smith ~ 540/3271241, [email protected]
Barclays Run Campsite ~ Tuscarora
Central/Map L ~ Walt Smith ~ 540/3271241, [email protected]
Trails
Pennsylvania AT, Blue blazed &
Tuscarora ~ Maps [2-3, 4, J, & K]
Pete Brown ~ 410/343-1140, trailpete@
gmail.com
PA Tuscarora Trail [J] ~ (additional
sections will be created after the
relocation is completed)
PA Tuscarora Trail [K][co-overseer] ~
Yellow Blazed Trail to PA 456 (6.7 miles)
Harpers Ferry / Ashby Gap AT & Blue
blazed ~ Map 7 & 8
Chirrs Brunton ~ 703/924-0406,
[email protected]
Appalachian Trail ~ Trans Mountain Trail to
Duke Hollow (1.3 miles)
Fishers Hill Loop ~ Fishers Hill Loop – AT to
AT (1 mile)
Rod Hollow Shelter & Tent site ~ AT/
Shelter/campsites to spring & privy (.75 mile)
SNP North District Blue blazed ~ Map 9
Wayne Limberg ~ H 703/533-8639,
[email protected]
Piney Branch (Lower) - Power Line to Hull
School Trail (2.2 miles)
SNP Central District Appalachian Trail ~
Map 10
Dan Dueweke ~ 703/266-3248,
[email protected]
Appalachian Trail ~ Skyland Stables to
Timber Hollow Overlook
Appalachian Trail ~ Big Meadows
Amphitheater to Tanners Ridge Rd. (1.6 miles)
SNP Central District Blue blazed [south
end] ~ Map 10
Melanie Perl ~ H 540/717-2821, hikermel@
gmail.com
Cat Knob ~ Laurel Prong Trail to Jones
Mountain Trail (.5 mile)
Jones Mountain Trail ~ Fork Mountain Fire
Road to Cat Knob Trail (1 mile)
SNP Central District Blue blazed [north
end] ~ Map 10
Melvin Ellis ~ H 703/860-1253 or 540/9879797, [email protected]
Meadow Spring Trail ~ AT north of Byrd’s
Nest #3 to Skyline Drive (.7 mile)
SNP South District Appalachian Trail ~
Map 11
Don White ~ 804/795-2914, trlbldr@
southshenandoah.net
Appalachian Trail ~ Jarman Gap to Summit
of Calf Mountain (1.6 miles)
Appalachian Trail ~ Summit of Calf
Mountain to Beagle Gap (.9 mile)
SNP South District Blue blazed ~ Map 11
Pete Gatje ~ 434/361-1309,
[email protected]
Brown Mountain Trail ~ Skyline Drive to
Big Run Portal Trail (5.3 miles)
Tuscarora Central ~ Map L
Walt Smith ~ 540/327-1241,
[email protected]
Tuscarora Trail ~ Northern Rockfield to
Southern Rockfield (1.5 miles)
Tuscarora Trail ~ Hampshire Grade Road to
High Rock (2.7 miles)
Tuscarora Trail ~ US 50 {Back Creek} to
Hunters Cabin (3.2 miles)
Tuscarora South ~ Map F, G, 9
Rick Rhoades ~ 540/477-3247,
[email protected]
Tuscarora Trail ~ US 340 to SNP Boundary
(1.1 miles)
Tuscarora Trail ~ Fetzer Gap to
Maurertown (5.7 miles)
Massanutten South ~ Map H
Tate Heuer ~ 202/255-6055,
[email protected]
Massanutten South ~ Rt 211 Parking Lot to
New Market Gap Picnic Area (2.1 miles)
Massanutten South ~ Pitt Spring to
Morgan Run Trail (1.4 m FR 65) (3.3 miles)
Massanutten South ~ Fridley Gap to Boone
Run Trail (3.1 miles)
Bird Knob Trail ~ Mass Mt. South Trail to
Mass Mt. South Trail (2.1 miles)
Morgan Run Trail ~ Cub Run Road to
Massanutten Mt. South Trail (1.4 miles)
Brown Hollow Trail ~ Mass Mtn. South
Trail to Roaring Run Trail (3 miles)
Suburban Maryland ~ Map D
Catherine Kelleher ~ 301/493-6956,
[email protected]
[vacancies opening soon]
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Russell Muter ~ H 703/754-9319, C 862/881-1173, [email protected]
This district with 22 miles of hiking &
horse trails is maintained with a crew of
PATC volunteers in conjunction with other
volunteer groups. Join the “Manassas
BullRunners”
Prince William Forest Park
Liles Creighton ~ 410/573-0067, KB3JMF@
verizon.net
South Valley Trail ~ Scenic Drive [Int 3] to
North Orenda Road (1 mile)
South Valley Trail[co-overseer] ~ Oak
Ridge Trail to Mawavi Rd (2.5 miles)
Spotsylvania Battlefield Park
Frank Haas ~ 540/898-2213, [email protected]
Lee Drive North Trail ~ Howison Hill to
Lansdowne Valley Road (3 miles)
New Boots
Volunteers
appointed
in June
Trails
Fred Richardson
Crusher Ridge Trail
Jeff Landis Blackrock Hut Access Trail
Patrick Miller
Meneka Peak Trail
Alan Koontz
Devil’s Nose Connector
William C. Boyce, Jr.
Taylor Farm Road
Rick Parkhurst
Mutton Hollow
21
Forecast
703/532-9093.
Overseers responsible for each section of the
new trail you will hike. There will be a 9.8mile hike, and a shorter 5.3-mile hike. Camp
overnight in Spruce Pine Hollow Campsite.
There will be a 3:00 p.m. celebration gathering
on Sunday. INFO: Dorothea & Richard Malsbary
23 - 24 (Thursday - Friday)
BACKPACKING TRIP - Celebrate Tuscarora
Berkeley Springs, WV
Join Slow Poke Gramps, District Leader Walt
Smith as he backpacks on Sept. 23 from Spruce
Pine Hollow Park up Sleepy Creek Mountain
and along the old Tuscarora Trail to the
Lower Campground in Sleepy Creek Wildlife
Management Area, total of 9.7 mi. On Friday
Sept. 24 the group will backpack along the new
Tuscarora Trail back to Spruce Pine Hollow,
distance of 10.6 mi. Along the way, ruins of 18th
C. mill, many great views, old coal mine ruins,
beautiful woods and the Devils Nose Canyon
area, and fiberglass bridge and new Spruce
Pine Hollow Shelter being constructed. INFO:
Walt Smith (waltermunroesmith@hotmail.
com) 540/327-1241.
25 (Saturday)
HIKE - Celebrate Tuscarora
Martinsburg, WV
Family Hike. Meet at Spruce Pine Hollow Park
and car pool to PATC owned property along
River Road. Hike in beautiful woods along the
Tuscarora Trail to the Dugan Hollow Shelter.
Total distance of 2 miles. INFO: George
Startzmann, 304/274-1958.
24 - 26 (Friday - Sunday)
SPECIAL EVENT - Celebrate Tuscarora
Martinsburg, WV
The Central District of the Tuscarora Trail will
celebrate their annual Celebrate Tuscarora
this year in vicinity of Spruce Pine Hollow Park,
WV 9,west of Martinsburg, W.Va. The threeday event, Sep 24 - 26,will include short and
long distance hikes in Sleepy Creek Wildlife
Management Area, in PATC’s Tract that
includes the Dugan Hollow Shelter as well as in
the Park and PATC-owned adjacent land. The
Tuscarora Shelter Crew will also be working
on the new Spruce Pine Hollow Shelter.
Camping is available in the Park and kids will
be encouraged to join the Sat p.m. fireside
marshmallow roast as well as Sat. afternoon
and Sunday am family hikes. A Gathering with
refreshments will occur at 3:00 p.m. Sunday to
celebrate recent accomplishments. Following
the gathering, friends will be invited to take
in three stations: the fiberglass bridge over
Meadow Branch, constructed by the Cadillac
Crew, the 18th C. Ramsey Mill Ruins History,
and construction of the new Spruce Pine
Hollow Shelter. Hike info forthcoming. INFO:
Walt Smith (waltermunroesmith@hotmail.
com) 540/327-1241.
25 (Saturday)
Martinsburg, WV
Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area
(SCWMA), PATC Map L. Part of the weekend
celebration of the Tuscarora Trail relocation
thru the beautiful Eagle’s Nest Mt. and Devils
Nose Canyon area, and the construction
of the fiberglass bridge and new shelter in
Spruce Pine Hollow. Meet the volunteer Trail
22
25 (Saturday)
SPECIAL EVENT - National Public Lands Day
Triangle, VA
INFO: Mark Ellis ([email protected]).
CLASS - Wilderness First Aid
Frederick, MD
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days. Join us for
a 20-hour Wilderness First Aid Class! In this
class you will learn how to get help, move
and transport patients, conduct patient
assessments, documentation, how to handle
medical and environmental emergencies,
injury prevention and care and much more.
There is plenty of hands-on practice time as
well as scenarios. This class is conducted
inside and outside on the trail. Each student
will receive a certification card good for 2
years through ECSI and a waterproof field
guide. Cost of this class is $180 and preregistration is required. INFO: Saleena DeVore
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Acme Treadway Co.
Gore, VA
Yes, there’s still side-hill to dig and tread to
finish. Our project with the Biby Wilderness
Trail is not quite finished, but we are looking
much more closely at The End than before.
Have you put this aside for a later date? Are
you interested in working with new-found
friends and learning new skills? Do you seek
a sojourn in the woods, away from traffic and
cares and offices? This project is for you,
then! You need only register for the event,
throw your things into your vehicle, and
meet us at the Hayfield Family Restaurant on
Saturday morning! INFO: Don White (trlbldr@
acmetreadway.net).
26 (Sunday)
Martinsburg, WV
Join Ed at Spruce Pine Hollow Park for a
7.6-mi circuit hike to top of Sleepy Creek
Mountain, a 0.8 mi bushwhack (preplanned,
no briars) downhill to the Fisherman’s Trail,
and return on the new Tuscarora Trail thru
Devils Nose. Great views and the interesting
Devils Nose Canyon environment. INFO: Ed
Evangelidi ([email protected]).
26 (Sunday)
Martinsburg, WV
Family Hike - Join Karen at Spruce Pine
Hollow Park for car pool to PATC’s property
along River Road for a 2-mile Family Hike.
You will hike along the Tuscarora Trail thru
beautiful woods to the Dugan Hollow Shelter
and back. INFO: Karen Brown (kkbrown46@
gmail.com) 703/521-9050.
26 (Saturday)
TRAIL WORK TRIP - Spooky Beaver
Trail Crew
Triangle, VA
Come join the Spooky Beaver Trail Crew in
Prince William Forest Park (PWFP). This
national park is close to the metro area off
I-95, exit 150B. We meet at 9:00 a.m. in the
Pine Grove Picnic Area parking lot, near the
Visitors Center. Look for the Spooky Beaver
sign. Wear boots, bring water and a small
lunch snack, and dress appropriately for the
weather. INFO: Liles Creighton 410/573-0067
or Mark Ellis 703/376-4150.
28 (Tuesday)
28 (Tuesday)
MEETING - Shenandoah Mountain Rescue
Group (Business meeting), 7:30 p.m.
29 (Wednesday)
HIKE - Easy Hikers
Hyattstown, MD
Near 25901 Frederick Road 20071. 4-5 mile
circuit hike on natural surfaces with some
hills and one possible creek crossing. Meet
at 10:15 a.m. in the parking lot of Little
Bennett Regional Park, Hyattstown Mill Area.
Directions: From I-495 take I-270 North to Exit
22, MD 109. Go east (left) at stop sign at end of
ramp towards Hyattstown. Go 0.4 mi to Route
355 and go right at light. Parking area is on left
less than 0.1 mi. Bring lunch. Dogs on leash
okay. Bathrooms at Hyattstown Deli (next to
parking area) with purchase. Picnic lunch 1
mile from end of walk. In case of rain, lunch
at deli at end of walk. INFO: Pat Christopher
29 (Wednesday)
HIKE OF THE MONTH
FRIDLEY GAP, SOUTH MASSANUTTEN MOUNTAINS (THE CAMP OVERLOOK LOOP)
Finally, the trail intersects with the
wide South Massanutten Trail where a
left turn will take you back to Fridley
Gap. Going down this canyon is no
less dramatic than going up, and it is
amazing to comprehend what water can
do with rock given a few million years of
time. Finally, at the trail intersection bear
left and down through the rocky path
and back to the trailhead.
Overlook looking west toward West Virginia
and it provides outstanding views to the
north, west, and south. The Shenandoah
Valley is wide here, and you have long
views to the far ridge and West Virginia
and to Harrisonburg to the south.
After the view, the trail climbs a little
until you make a turn to the east and
begin a descent. This descent is gradual
at first but quickly becomes steep as
you walk through a heavy thicket of
mountain laurel. The trail becomes
level as it parallels the upper portion of
Fridley Run. In a short distance the trail
crosses the stream and begins uphill. This
portion of trail was the end of an old
road and is much wider than the previous
trail. While the trail is much more
gradual, it is also much less interesting.
undergrowth have been consumed by
the fire, and the larger trees are intact
with healthy crowns. The other thing
you notice is the omnipresent scent of
burnt wood. Even on a calm day the
smell is always present.
At a well-marked intersection the Fridley
Gap trail turns left onto a footpath. As is
often the case in the Massanuttens, there
is a ridge between you and where you
want to go. This one is known as Third
Mountain, and Camp Overlook being
associated with a church it is perhaps
fitting that this trail is both straight
and narrow and steeply uphill until you
reach the top over some large rocks. The
trail noodles along the ridge for a short
distance and then descends even more
steeply and for a much further distance
down the other side of the ridge.
With so many places to hike in
the Shenandoah Valley, the South
Massanutten Mountains are often
overlooked, but this trail behind Camp
Overlook is one that should be on
everyone’s short list.
— Lee Sheaffer
The Facts:
LENGTH: Seven miles
ALTITUDE GAIN: 1,890 feet
DIFFICULTY FACTOR: 162.7
MAP: PATC Map H; Trails in Massanutten
Mountain—South Half
Burn Notice
The trail gradually climbs until it
makes a significant turn and then
goes gradually downhill to a four-way
intersection. At this intersection, go left
along a well-maintained forest road. On
the right of the road is the result of a
recent controlled burn. The difference
is striking, with thick forest with heavy
undergrowth on your left and burned
brush with new low green growth on
your right. The burn did what it was
intended to do, as all the small trees and
Overlook looking south toward
Harrisonburg VA
23
PERIODICAL
118 Park Street, S.E.
Vienna, VA 22180-4609
US POSTAGE PAID
AT VIENNA VA
Telephone: 703/242-0315
Mon. - Thur. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Thurs. & Fri. noon - 2 p.m.
Mark Your Calendars Now for Pigs and Tamales!!
After a one-year hiatus, one of PATC’s longest-running
traditions is back. Mark your calendars NOW for the
Blackburn Pig Roast on Saturday and Sunday, October 2nd
and 3rd, 2010. You will not want to miss this opportunity to
socialize with your fellow PATC members and partake of
some of the best-tasting food you have ever eaten. Rick
Portal will again lead the roasting effort along with an
enthusiastic team of seasoned assistants.
As in past years, tasty sides will accompany our Cuban-style
roast pig, and Happy Hour will lead off the evening with
Rick’s famous tamales. In addition, we will make sure anyone
waking up Sunday morning still hungry will be taken care
of with quality breakfast fare. This is a casual event, with
plenty of time for hikes, helping in the tamale making, and
contemplating nature from our front porch.
Dinner will be served early evening on Saturday, but anyone
wanting to participate in the Friday night Pig Grease Down
and marinating, an event worth experiencing at least once
in your life, is welcome! Dinner on Friday, and breakfast and
lunch on Saturday are up to each individual. Soda and cider
will be provided, but other libations are BYOB. Be sure to
bring your own individual cooler as a refrigerator.
Members and friends interested in attending the event should
complete the registration form below and
send a check for $30 per adult or child 12
and older to Sandi Marra, 6245 Walkers
Croft Way, Alexandria, VA 22315. MAKE
CHECKS PAYABLE TO SANDRA MARRA.
INFO: Chris Brunton, 703/924-0406 or
e-mail [email protected].
Blackburn Pig Roast – Saturday-Sunday, October 2-3, 2010
NAME
ADDRESS
PHONE (day)(evening)
E-mail
NUMBER OF RESERVATIONS: _______@$30/each (Adults and Children 12 and over)
$___________TOTAL ENCLOSED
Include $30.00 payment per person for each reservation with checks payable to Sandra Marra and mail to: 6245 Walkers Croft
Way, Alexandria, VA 22315
Potomac Appalachian
(UPS-440-280) ©2010, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Inc.
Published monthly by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180.
Periodical class postage paid at Vienna, VA. Postmaster:
send address changes to: PATC, 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180
Subscription: (Free with membership) $9.00 annually; $.75 single copies.

HIKE OF THE MONTH FRIDLEY GAP, SOUTH MASSANUTTEN

Transcription

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