NATURAL BORN HIKERS the Wonder of Women on the Trail
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY / SUMMER 2018 NATURAL BORN HIKERS The wonder of women on the Trail The Biodiverse A.T. Landscape A.T. Communities: Delaware Water Gap MISSION The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail — ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. ON THE COVER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY / SUMMER 2018 “Women on the Trail” - Ilustration by Katie Eberts NATURAL THE MAGAZINE OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY / SUMMER 2018 BORN HIKERS The wonder of women on the Trail The Biodiverse A.T. Landscape A.T. Communities: Delaware Water Gap ATC EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Suzanne Dixon / President & CEO Stacey J. Marshall / Vice President of Finance & Administration ATJ_summer_2018_post_press.indd 1 7/9/18 11:22 PM Mark Saari / Acting Vice President of Membership & Development BOARD OF DIRECTORS / Vice President of Conservation & Trail Programs Laura Belleville Sandra Marra / Chair Brian B. King / Publisher Greg Winchester / Vice Chair Javier Folgar / Director of Marketing & Communications Elizabeth (Betsy) Pierce Thompson / Secretary Lynn Davis / Director of Federal Policy & Legislation Mary Higley / Treasurer Cherie A. Nikosey / Director of Human Resources Colin Beasley Beth Critton Shalin Desai A.T. JOURNEYS Norman P. Findley Wendy K. Probst / Editor in Chief Arthur Foley Traci Anfuso-Young / Graphic Designer Edward R. Guyot Daniel A. Howe CONTRIBUTORS Robert Hutchinson Colleen Peterson Laurie Potteiger / Information Services Manager Jennifer Pharr Davis Jordan Bowman / Public Relations & Social Media Manager Rubén Rosales Brittany Jennings / Proofreader Nathaniel Stoddard PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP ADVERTISING Hon. C. Stewart Verdery, Jr. / Chair For membership questions A.T. Journeys is published four times Stephanie Martz / Co-Chair or to become a member, call: per year. Advertising revenues directly Shooter Starr / Vice Chair (304) 885-0460 support the publication and production of Diana Christopulos the magazine, and help meet Appalachian Constance I. DuHamel Trail Conservancy objectives. For more Lisa Koteen Gerchick [email protected] information and advertising rates, visit: Jessica Herrera-Flanigan appalachiantrail.org/atjadvertising R. Michael Leonard Robert Rich Thomas Torrisi The staff of A.T. Journeys welcomes A.T. Journeys is published A.T. Journeys ( ISSN 1556-2751) is Sara Hazelwood Yanes editorial inquiries, suggestions, on Somerset matte paper published quarterly for $15 a year by and comments. Email: manufactured by Sappi North the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, [email protected] America mills and distributors 799 Washington Street, Harpers Observations, conclusions, that follow responsible forestry Ferry, WV 25425, (304) 535-6331. opinions, and product practices. It is printed with Soy Bulk-rate postage paid at Harpers endorsements expressed in A.T. Seal certified ink in the U.S.A. Ferry, West Virginia, and other Journeys are those of the authors by Sheridan NH in Hanover, New offices. Postmaster: Send change- © 2018 Appalachian Trail Conservancy. All rights reserved. and do not necessarily reflect those Hampshire. of-address Form 3575 to A.T. of members of the board or staff of Journeys, P.O. Box 807, Harpers the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Ferry, WV 25425. Adventures from the People’s Trail SEASON 2 / ALL THE WAY myATstory.org WELCOME 14 States, One A.T. HOLD ME TO THIS: BY DECEMBER, I EXPECT TO multiple recreation options, including exceptional have hiked the Appalachian Trail in each of the 14 access to 28 miles of the A.T. The ATC, in close col- states it passes through. And I expect to expand my laboration with town leaders, has recently ramped collection of stories from the Trail. up efforts to examine how we assist in showcasing Talking to people on the A.T. surely is one of the this community’s attributes while developing an most gratifying and delightful elements of my new overall brand for communities along the Trail. position with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy In the Borough, it is our pleasure to work with (ATC). At Cat Rocks in New York’s Harlem Valley, on people like Susan Cooper, owner of the charming Ha lovely spring morning, I met a father and son who Village Farmer and Bakery, and her son and daughter- were so inspired by the beauty of the Trail, they in law, Chuck and Rachele, who own Edge of the wanted to know how to join a work crew. In Pennsyl- Woods Outfitters. Business owners like Susan, vania, atop a ridge, I met two veterans who were hiking Chuck, and Rachele form the backbone of the A.T. the Trail as a respite between the memories of battle Community program. What they provide is hospital- and their future ahead. And, yes, I could go on. ity, commitment to the long-term future of the Trail, In six months, I’ve traveled to 12 of the A.T.’s 14 and their personal stories. Because personal connec- states, some more than once. (Massachusetts and tions are what the A.T. is all about. Tennessee here I come.) My opportunities to get on the A.T. have been associated with meetings with Women with Deep Connections to the Trail partners, clubs, allies, and friends of the ATC. Each Also in this issue, author and legendary long-distance of those opportunities to put boots on the ground hiker, Jennifer Pharr Davis talks to three very differ- has been the impetus and the inspiration for making ent women about their varied approaches to hiking Summer 2018 certain the A.T. is managed responsibly now for the the Trail. In her feature, “Natural Born Hikers,” Jen- 04 long-term future. nifer teases out genuine and engaging stories that Just as every section of the A.T. is unique, the explore overcoming trepidation, shedding stereo- ATC’s forward-looking efforts to preserve and protect types, and finding empowerment through each new the entire Trail corridor are rooted in respect for each hiking experience. As Jennifer explains: “For women, A.T. Journeys A.T. state and each community. Hundreds of communities the greatest fears about hiking are most often found benefit from proximity to the A.T. Forty-seven towns to be misconceptions.” and cities have now identified themselves as an of- In “Trail Stories,” check out the inspirational ficial A.T. Community. And just like the personal story of Anna Huthmaker — who describes her size stories of the hikers I meet, the identity of each A.T. and shape as “not your traditional thru-hiker.” Anna Community is unique, compelling, and memorable. turned her initial hiking dream into a national move- The way the ATC works with designated commu- ment that now has women of all shapes, sizes, and nities along the Trail purposefully avoids cookie- ages celebrating the outdoors and themselves. cutter tactics. We’re committed to helping communi- In “As I See It,” you won’t want to miss the compel- ties promote their distinctive qualities — as we work ling commentary of Anne Schubert, who is setting to make certain the entire Trail is unified in inviting out this summer to turn a decade-long lingering idea visitors from all over the world. into a solid plan of hiking 50 miles of the Trail for her 50th birthday. Delaware Water Gap’s Unique Appeal In these stories and others, there is a common In this issue, we feature the remarkable photographs thread about latching onto a goal and getting out of Jacob Bryant, who grew up in the unusual land- there and doing it. These stories and my meetings scape near the Delaware Water Gap, a landscape with hikers along the Trail inspire me in my per- initially formed 500 million years ago and then sonal 14-state A.T. challenge. I encourage you to find carved by a river. Jacob’s dazzling photographs tie your own part of the Trail, to stretch your legs and into the inspired vision of community leaders who lungs, and to make certain you stop to enjoy the live and thrive in the area. spectacular world-renowned Appalachian National We also highlight the borough of Delaware Water Scenic Trail. Gap, a historic quaint town in northeastern Pennsyl- See Y’all on the Trail vania, located within a stone’s throw of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The small town Suzanne Dixon / President & CEO — an A.T. Community for the past four years — offers ATMOS | AURA AG ™ Backpacking trips start with a recipe: this route, that camp, this many days, however many miles. While it might look good on paper, to taste its deliciousness you need a few key ingredients. Like the will to take the first step, a few friends to share the trail with and the right gear. So grab the most comfortable backpacking pack ever, start crafting your recipe and make it a good day. CONTENTS SUMMER 2018 The Georgia chapter of Trail Dames in Unicoi State Park, Georgia 18 / TRAILHEAD Hike 50 – Volunteer 50; myATstory Photo Contest Winners; Capitol Hill A.T. Photo Exhibit 44 / A.T. COMMUNITIES Located in a valley below the ridges of the Appalachians, Delaware Water Gap is surrounded by spectacular views of steep mountainsides and is easily accessed from 24 several major cities. NATURAL 46 / PROFILES Grant Davies and Stephanie Martz bring BORN HIKERS energy, enthusiasm, and professional Women of different ages, backgrounds, and hiking experience experience to their new roles with the ATC. take to the Trail and find strength, solace, and harmony with their femininity in each hike. 48 / TRAIL STORIES Trail Dames: Anna Huthmaker went from her dream of a thru-hike to leading a path for 12 / ENSURING BIODIVERSITY women of all shape and sizes to fall in love The Appalachian Trail and its surrounding landscape is a treasure with the Trail.