ISSN 098—8154

The Newsletter of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Volume 30, Number 8 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180-4609 August 2001

A New Look at Range View Cabin

n 1998, Range View Cabin was closed when Shenandoah National IPark and Club officials determined that a rotting floor needed to be replaced. On June 22nd, after about two years of renovations, Range View Cabin was officially reopened to the public.

Range View has always been one of the Club’s more popular cabins due to its location in Shenandoah National Park and its proximity to a great number of hiking trails such as the AT, Piney Branch, Piney Ridge, Thornton River, Tuscarora, and Little Devil’s Stairs.

The one-room stone structure was originally built in the 1930s by the PATC to house trail workers who were constructing the AT. The Club commissioned Charlie Sisk, a local man whose brother Perry had built the Meadow Spring Cabin, to head the project. The rocks for the walls had to be hauled in by sled. Charlie had plied his trade while housed in the Virginia State Penitentiary for supposedly killing Many additional repairs needed to be made. Screening or ratwire had a man. When locals who resented the intrusion on their grazing land to be hammered around the open space between the floor and the began vandalizing the area, Charlie took to the habit of working with rock walls of the cabin to prevent rodents from gnawing away at the his rifle by his side. His reputation known, the harassment ceased and edge of the floor. The floor had to be sanded and sealed. The rock the cabin was completed in 1933, three years before the dedication of walls and eaves were scrubbed clean, repointed, caulked, and then Shenandoah National Park. The cabin has since been deeded over to painted white - with as many as five coats in some areas. All the holes the park with the Club remaining as concessioner. Legend has it that in the eaves were screened, then caulked, chinked or mortared shut. the ghost of Charlie Sisk watches over the cabin to this day. Chinking was also applied around the base of the floor.

The recent work to refurbish Range View began in late October The chimney and fireplace were pointed and rem o rt a r ed inside and 1998, when a crew removed the old floor – finding a time capsule that out. The beams on the porch were reset, and the porch was rem o rt a re d had been left by the crew that had last repaired the floor in 1964! The as well. All holes in the outer wood were caulked, and all exterior wood new floor was installed during the winter of 1998-1999, but that was su r faces were treated and sealed. Several leaks in the roof had to be only the beginning. See Range View, page 5 Call for Award Nominations In This Issue . . . Council Fire ...... 2 Honorary Life Membership 4. Have generated enthusiasm and inspired Walt’s Notes ...... 3 Awards others to become active in the Club. Blackburn Summer BBQ ...... 4 t the annual meeting to be held Mike Karpie’s Photo Tips ...... 4 November 14, 2001, PATC will recog- Volunteer of the Year North District Workshop ...... 5 A The Volunteer of the Year Award is given at nize members for their outstanding and A Lonely Mountain Trail ...... 6 extensive commitment to the Club over an the annual meeting to that PATC member Ireland Hiking and Biking ...... 7 extended period. They will be awarded an who most exemplifies the spirit of volun- Honorary Life Membership. If you believe a teerism through his or her contribution to Snakebite: What Would You Do? . . . .9 member deserves the award, please nomi- PATC during the past year. The contribu- Loggin’ in @ Rock Spring.Hut . . . . .10 tion can be to any type or combination of nate them. Nominees must: Hike at Catoctin Mountain Park . . . .10 Club service activities, e.g., devoting many 1. Be long-time Club members. hours above and beyond the norm to service Book Review: Journey on the James .11 activities, including travel time, or making Maple Branch ...... 11 2. Exemplify the service aims of the Club. an exceptional contribution to a particular Forecast ...... 12 (“ s e r vice” includes leading trips, serving on p roject. (Members of the Executive committees of council, serving as Overseer, Notices ...... 17 Committee are not eligible for the award.) If donating time at Headquarters, etc.) any PATC member believes another mem- Trailhead ...... 18 Trail Overseers Wanted ...... 20 3. Have contributed to the Club across a ber should be recognized as the Volunteer broad range of service activities. See Awards, page 6 Volunteers Appointed ...... 20 Council Members, Chairs and PA Staff Council Fire Officers President: Walt Smith, 703/242-0693 t the PATC Council’s regular meeting Goals Ext. 40, [email protected] Aon June 12, 2001, it made several deci- Before the meeting Council members met in VP Operations: Vacant sions on land matters. It was agreed to spend four groups (finance, facilities, trails and VP Volunteerism: Mickey McDermott up to $750 from the Trail Lands Fund to pay lands, or membership/volunteerism), to dis- Supervisor of Trails: Kerry Snow for appraisal of the Amy Hauvermale 67- Supervisor of Corridor Management: cuss the status of 2001 goals. Goals for Tom Lupp a c re pro p e rty adjoining PAT C ’s Ruth endowment and budget will be met, and the General Secretary (Facilities): Jon Rindt Morris Forest near Hancock, Md., the aqui- goal for private donations will be separated General Counsel: Charles Sloan sition of which would provide a water source f rom the grants from federal and state Membership Secretary: Liles Creighton for hikers. Negotiation was authorized for sources. The facilities group recommended Treasurer: Gerhard Salinger purchase of a 38-acre acre property adjacent adding one new goal for this year: acquiring Recording Secretary: George Meek to John’s Rest Cabin on the Per-Lee tract, permanent offsite storage. A questionnaire with the understanding that the Club will will be circulated to determine needs. Two Sections/Chapters not offer more than 10 percent above the goals concerning Blackburn Trail Center – Mountaineering Section: Mack Muir completing the roof on the carriage house SMRG: Peter Pennington appraised value of $38,000. Ski Touring Section: Steve Brickel and investigating the feasibility of a septic North Chapter: Steve Koeppen It was approved to sell the Amy T. Jones system – were deferred until next year. New N. Shenandoah Valley Chapter: Martha Clark tracts totaling five acres (in the G. Richard goals for the membership/volunteerism area S. Shenandoah Valley Chapter: Michael Groah Thompson Wildlife Management Area) to will include public affairs activities, creation Charlottesville Chapter: John Shannon Virginia for the price of $21,900, the pro- of a speakers’ bureau and outreach program, West Virginia Chapter: Judy Smoot ceeds to be divided equally between PATC and leadership training. Standing Committee Chairs and ATC. The two organizations had (Council Members) bought the tracts in 1996 because the com- Cooking Space at Shelters Blackburn Trail Center: Chris Brunton monwealth – which wanted to buy them – The Council approved a motion from the Budget: Paul Dery had a moratorium on purchases. Executive Committee to establish the fol- Cabins Operations: Mel Merritt lowing policy for covered cooking space at Cabin Construction: Charlie Graf Personnel shelter locations: “For the safety and conve- Conservation: Mary Margaret Sloan It was announced that Vice President for nience of users, PATC will work toward pro- Grants & Donations: Tom Madden viding covered cooking space at trail shel- Endowment: Don Price Operations Bernie Stalmann has resigned ters. It may be an extension of the shelter or Finance: Gerhard Salinger his position for personal reasons, but will a separate structure, depending on the local Hikes: Karen Brown & Tom Johnson continue with trail work. In the interim, environment. In either case, it will harmo- Internet Services: Stephen Raia President Smith will assume his duties. Land Management: Tom Johnson nize architecturally with the shelter. All pro- Legal: Charles Sloan posals for new shelters or renovation of Two persons hired to replace the business Maps: Dave Pierce existing shelters will include a provision for manager, who resigned in February, have Maryland Appalachian Trail Management covered cooking space wherever feasible.” Committee: Charlie Graf also left, and a search for a replacement is Potomac Appalachian: Linda Shannon-Beaver again under way. Bills and vouchers were Public Affairs: Larry Rockwell being processed but there was no June bud- CFC Campaign Publications: Aaron Watkins get report. The Executive Committee has PATC has been admitted to participate in Shelters: Frank Turk authorized money for a temporary hire to the Combined Federal Campaign (for con- Trail Lands Acquisition: Phil Paschall & Eric Olson tributions from federal workers) again this Trail Patrol: Kumait Jawdat reconstruct lost account data, which may Tuscarora Trail Land Management: take a couple of months. See Council Fire, page 3 Lloyd MacAskill

Special Committees/Ongoing Activities Archives & Library: Carol Niedzialek Cabin Reservations: Darlene Wall Deputy Supervisor of Trails: Hop Long Headquarters Facility: Orron Kee Information/Sales Desks: Marguerite Schneeberger Medical: John McNamara HOW TOHEADQUARTERS GET IN CONTACT WITH US Shelters, Cabins, & Cabins Land Fund: Jon Rindt FOR CABIN RESERVATIONS, SNP Boundary Trailheads Study Group: MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION, AND SALES Mark Holland Tuscarora Trail Shenandoah Valley Project: Address: 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Phoebe Kilby & Larry Bradford and Thursday and Friday 12 noon to 2 p.m. Phone #: 703/242-0315 Potomac Appalachian To receive an information packet: Extension 10 Chief Editor: Linda Shannon-Beaver To leave a message for the Club President Walt Smith: Extension 40 [email protected] 24-hr. Activities Tape #: 703/242-0965 Contributing Editors: Marion Lee, Kathy Murphy Facsimile #: 703/242-0968 Features Editor: Joanne Erickson Club e-mail: [email protected] Forecast Editor: Joe O’Neill World Wide Web URL: http://www.patc.net [email protected] DURING REGULARSTAFF BUSINESS HOURS 2 Director of Administration: Wilson Riley (Ext. 11) e-mail: [email protected] Appalachian Trails Management Coordinator: Heidi Forrest (Ext. 12) e-mail: [email protected] Business Manager: Vacant Membership/Cabin Coordinator: Pat Fankhauser (Ext. 17) e-mail: [email protected] Sales Coordinator: Maureen Estes (Ext. 19) e-mail: [email protected] Walt’s Notes Enabling Volunteerism precious time. With these thoughts in mind, be amended in the future by the Council, In Action the Futures Group developed some ideas for without the necessity of membership votes. using time advantageously. Club leadership If the membership approves the changes, the n January 1999, the Futures Group was began to consolidate meetings so that there Executive Committee will consist of 10 vot- Iformed in order to determine and resolve were fewer trips to PATC headquarters. ing members and two non-voting members. issues that the Club would be facing in the The budget process was revised so that The voting members would be: President, future. One of those issues was how to main- long-range goals, as well as a focused mis- Vi c e - P resident for Operations, Vi c e - tain our volunteer tradition. The group dis- sion statement, would assist in maintaining P resident for Volunteerism, Tre a s u re r, cussed many aspects of the subject to include our sights on the important issues. The Secretary, and five Supervisors. The Council use of time, management techniques, the Council was re o rganized into functional would have the authority to define the five organizational structure, and rewarding vol- groups, and the Executive Committee was Supervisors. The anticipated Supervisors for unteerism. You may recall that the Vice- changed so that all functions were better the next election in 2002 would be: President for Volunteerism, a member of represented in order to improve decision- Supervisor of Trails; Supervisor of Lands; the Futures Group, formed a committee in making. The leadership also began review- S u p e rvisor of Facilities; Supervisor of 1999 to consider rewards; out of those delib- ing our staffing needs to ensure that neces- Membership; and Supervisor of erations came the Volunteer of the Year sary support will be available in order to Information, Education, and Activities. The Award, as well as the once-a-year advantage maintain the volunteer tradition. General Counsel and the Club’s chief for volunteers in reserving cabins. administrative employee would be the non- Amendments to The voting members of the Executive During these discussions, it became appar- Committee. The membership will receive ent to me that the Club’s leadership must Constitution and Bylaws complete information concerning the pro- acknowledge that most members have limit- Members of the Futures Group, the posed changes well before the next annual ed time available for Club activities. The Executive Committee, and the Council have meeting. members have busy schedules in a time of all completed their review of the Club’s Constitution and Bylaws with an aim of conflicting demands, demands, created by The volunteer is the soul of PATC, and vol- enhancing our ability to make timely man- f a m i l y, work, and a changing society. unteerism is the essence of our spirit. Let us agement decisions as volunteers in the H o w e v e r, busy members do respect the continue to focus on keeping volunteerism future. The changes to the Constitution and Club’s past accomplishments and will sign in action. on as a volunteer to provide some help Bylaws result primarily from two decisions: because they want to contribute toward (1) to change the composition of the See you on the trail, achieving the Club’s worthwhile goals. They Executive Committee in order that Club want to feel like they are a part of the action. functions are better represented for deci- Additionally, the volunteer also wants to sion-making at that level, and (2) to permit have some enjoyment while donating their the more routine portions of the Bylaws to

Council Fire, from page 2 Fencing has been installed and trees planted at Big Flats, Pa., to pre- year. Last year the CFC brought in 88 contributions totaling $17,000 vent vehicular trail access. Neighbors are happy but snowmobilers (a $7,000 increase over the previous year,) and it is hoped the amount are not. could be further increased with advertising. In a separate develop- ment, the Club has received an anonymous donation of $10,000. A new vandal-proof sign has been posted at Weverton Cliffs, and another will be erected this month at Route 725 near Linden. Headquarters Renovation Kitchen renovation on Meadows Cabin has begun, and the roof of The long-awaited renovation project was to begin June 25th with a Bear Spring Cabin was replaced in June. 90-day completion date. Director of Administration Wilson Riley will be in charge of clearing out the construction area by moving PATC’s June membership report showed 6,424 members, but the things to temporary storage in trailers on the parking lot. Some items total may be inaccurate because of problems with the database. no longer needed will be discarded. Members who need access to things were urged to make immediate arrangements to get to them. It was reported that Map F (Great Northern Mountain-North Half) Some meeting spaces will be unavailable during the construction. and Map D (Potomac Gorge Area and Cabin John Trail) have been Other Business revised, and Map 8 (AT-Northern Virginia, Southern Half) and Map 1 (AT-Cumberland Valley, Pa.) have been reprinted. Council learned that the Administrator of the Enviro n m e n t a l Protection Agency has published regulations on acid rain, as urged in The Shenandoah Mountain Rescue Group retrieved a body from a a letter co-signed by PATC. wrecked helicopter near Halfmoon, in the Lee District area of Draft amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws were to be voted Wardensville, W.Va., and provided medical and communications on at the July meeting. The Futures Group has scheduled a series of support for sporting events in Columbia and Cambridge, Md. meetings for developing a vision for the Club for the year 2027. The June Council meeting was attended by 21 Council members, A Tools Management Plan has been drafted and will be referred to one staff member, and three representatives from the ATC. o the Executive Committee. —George Meek, Recording Secretary Potomac Appalachian 3 PATC Barbeque Draws New Members and Veterans Alike

hen an old friend comes back after a Ca r a w a y ’ s famous barbequed brisket, wood- accessories donated by the Tyson’s Corner Wlong absence, the reunion is so much smoked chicken, Blaine’s beans, homemade EMS were the coveted prizes in a raffle that the sweeter. The first weekend of the sum- cole slaw, potato salad, and corn bread had brought in additional monies earmarked for mer of 2001 saw a mixture of new members diners enjoying all they could eat well into the land purchases and other Club activities. and PATC veterans welcome an old friend evening. Saving room for the Ice Crea m back from a necessary absence. Social dessert proved difficult, but everyo n e Many of the long-time Club members, such knows how PATC members love a challenge. as Mark Torgeson, who lined up on the lawn Unavailable for traditional Club events for for brisket and “fixin’s” said they attended some years because of re n o v a t i o n , Colleen said activities planned with a varied this year to see if the newly renovated facil- Blackburn Trail Center once again played audience in mind helped make the barbeque ity could generate the kind of memorable host to PATC’s New Members’ Barbeque. successful. Family-oriented hikes to the events they enjoyed at the original trail cen- On a Saturday that started overcast but blos- ridge-top overlook and to David Lesser ter. Their verdict: It could. According to somed into glorious sunshine in the after- Sh e l t e r , board games, scavenger hunts, and Chris Brunton, chair of the Blackburn Trail noon, some 60 participants ate great food, ar ts and crafts gave children wholesome Center Management Committee, the drank superb beverages, and enjoyed pleas- activities to enjoy while adults chatted with advanced state of renovations on the vener- ant company and the beautiful outdoors — AT thru-hikers; enjoyed guitar, drum, and able lodge means now it can and should be and all for a good cause, raising funds for mandolin music; and sampled light and dark m o re available for the large-scale Club Club land purchases and activities. ales donated by Shenandoah Bre w i n g Co m p a n y . events it is capable of handling. Event organizer Colleen Geraghty expres s e d p l e a s u re that the formerly annual event “We set out to have a New members gave a variety of reasons for resumed with a mixture of volunteers such as good time and to raise how they ended up at the feast of food and Sandi Marra and Phillipe Pierre who were fellowship. Hal Cole said that he and his active in making the facility a Club res o u rc e money for the Club. wife had only recently joined the Club and fr om the first days it was acquired, and new We more than met had been searching for an event that would Club members who were experiencing their offer them and their two sons an introduc- ve r y first PATC event. She also apprec i a t e d both goals.” tion to the Club, its people, and its mission. the fact that this year’s event had a strong fam- They selected the barbeque at random from ily flavor, with as many as 15 of those attend- According to Caren, corporate donations the newsletter’s schedule of events and were ing being children ranging in age from 8 from Shenandoah Brewing Company and more than pleased with the experience. months to 16 years. “I think this is just a way E a s t e rn Mountain Sports (EMS) helped of closing the circle,” she said, “a way of get- increase the funds raised to support the Caren summed up the weekend this way: ting people of all ages and Club experiences Club. The brewery’s Big Meadows Pale Ale together to appreciate the outdoors.” “We set out to have a good time and to raise and Starlight Organic Ale were perf e c t money for the club,” she said. “We more Co - o r ganizer Caren Rothstein cited the event accompaniments to the spicy dinner, while a than met both goals.” o menu as the day’s principal draw. Dean windbreaker, water filter, and other camping —George Still

Mike Karpie’s Photo Tips: Photographing Wildlife, Part II

here are several very basic steps you can take to increase your Tchances of sighting wildlife. The first and most basic is to remain silent. A group of hikers traveling down a trail chatting are not likely to see much wildlife. Other noise sources include trekking poles and loose items attached to the hiker’s pack.

I use an external frame pack and realized it generated quite a bit of noise as I hiked. I wrapped duct tape around the rings that held the pack to the frame and noticed a marked difference.

It is also a good idea to travel as lightly as possible. Added weight increases the sound of the hiker’s footsteps on the trail. When I am focusing on wildlife photography I will often hike in sneakers rather than my heavier hiking boots.

Next month we will talk about more ways to increase your chances of sighting wildlife. The archive of Photo Tips and sample photos can be found at: http://www.geocities.com/mkarpie/tips.html o Next Month: Photographing Wildlife, Part III —Michael Karpie 4 Potomac Appalachian Do n ’ t Miss the 14th Annual SNP North District Trails Wor k s h o p

t’ s hard to believe we have been doing this for 14 years, but it is true ! not sure what all it entails? This is where you find out! Many of the IThe annual North District Trails Workshop for PATC Overseers Club’s trail veterans are alumni of this workshop! will be held once again at Mathews Arm Campground in the North Section of Shenandoah National Park this year on the weekend of The workshop will be held at Mathews Arm Campground near mile- September 8-9, 2001 and an invitation is extended to all PATC Tra i l post 22 in the North Section of SNP. The uppermost tent camp- Overseers to come join in the fun. Come and work side-by-side with ground loop will be set aside for exclusive use by PATC for this event the trail professionals of SNP and Club veterans on some of the park from Friday evening ’til Sunday. All participants should bring tents trails in the North District. The SNP workshops are designed to tack- and sleeping bags. We will start at 9 a.m. Saturday morning and end le a few major trail projects in the park and, as always, to teach Club with a grand lunch at the campground early Sunday afternoon. Once volunteers some new skills. There is also basic trail maintenance again, the Aulthouse family chuckwagon will be serving up some in s t r uction offe r ed for new Overseers or those who are interested in mighty fine meals! The $18 registration fee will include lunch and what PATC ’ s trails program has to offe r . Come one and all! dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. The North District workshop chow is legendary, so don’t miss out! At press time, major projects for this year’s workshop include water- bar and check dam construction on the Jeremy’s Run Trail and the Please make res e r vations early as the workshop is limited to 25 parti c i - AT and turnpike construction on the Buck Ridge / Buck Hollow trail pants and we always fill up early. Call George Walters at 410/426-2724 junction area. We may even build a few rock steps! or e-mail: [email protected] to make a res e r vation, then mail the fo r m below and you will be sent a confirmation and further instruc t i o n s . Or are you a new Overseer and want to learn the basic maintenance See you there! o skills, or have you thought about becoming a Trail Overseer but are —George Walters

SNP North District Trails Workshop September 8-9, 2000, Mathews Arm Campground, Shenandoah National Park Name:______E-mail: ______Address:______Phone: (day)______(evening) ______Number of reservations: ______Check area of interest: ______Basic Skills ______Trail Project

Please send registration form and $18 per registrant to: George Walters, 5604 Pilgrim Road, Baltimore, MD 21214 (checks payable to George Walters)

Range View, from page 1 or another we were assisted by George Still, Mike Etherington, Rachel and Katie rep a i r ed, including a major one over the fi r eplace. The bunks were cleaned, the Etherington, George Walters, Mike cabinet and racks repainted. The windows Ritoli, Earl and Becky Hunter, Ray we r e painted and screened. The cabin was Galles, Bronna Zlochiver, Dick Dugan, also the beneficiary of a new stove and pad John Andrews, Ed Clark, and the North ,as well as a brand new privy. District Hoodlums. Thanks to all those who helped out and my apologies to those The work was tedious at times because who I have failed to recognize. PATC and the park are required to man- age Range View as a historic structure as defined in the National Historic I look forward to continuing on as the Preservation Act. These guidelines are in new Overseer since the cabin and its sur- place to help maintain the historic character and integrity of the rounding area have always been special to me. The view to the south cabin in the best way possible. is not what it used to be, but the meadow is the hub of wildlife activ- ity. Deer abound, of course. I have seen bear, turkey, raccoon, and The work was completed on monthly work trips over a two-year song birds of all species imaginable. I have been awakened by a bob- period. The project was coordinated by Co-overseer Heidi Forrest, cat scouring the meadow for food, and we even spent an evening lis- who also did much of the work personally. Heidi had signed on as tening to coyote as they worked their way across the ridge into Overseer knowing what lay ahead. She became the main liaison with Thornton Hollow. the park backcountry professionals, and her expertise and determina- tion helped to see the project through. The cabin sleeps eight comfortably and will now be very warm in the fall and winter months. May all those who rent the cabin gain as I assisted Heidi as she guided me and taught me what I needed to much pleasure from it as I have. Thanks for your patience. Enjoy!! o know. Many others were involved in the project as well. At one time —John McCrea Potomac Appalachian 5 A Lonely Mountain Trail PATC Trail Patrol presents was looking forward to some solitude in Overlook near mile 54 on Skyline Drive, Iearly June, as I loaded my car with the goes up and down (mostly down) for about tools I would need for a day of weeding on 3.5 miles along a ridge west of the Drive, A Course for Powell Mountain Trail. I considered stop- and ends at the Park boundary. In short, it INTERMEDIATE ping by the tool cache at Big Meadows to goes from nowhere to nowhere. Starting at pick up one of the Club’s gas-powere d the overlook, the trail winds through a tan- and weeders. But, no, I wanted no such noisy gled forest of black locust, cherry, and ADVANCED contrivances that might disturb the tran- poplar, giving way to oak, pine, and scat- quility of my lonely mountain trail. I had tered clumps of laurel as it descends to the BACKPACKERS encountered exactly zero hikers during my boundary. The only reliable source of water four visits to the trail since I adopted it last is an eternal puddle near the midpoint of the Learn how to: fall, and I was hoping to extend my streak to trail. There are no spectacular views, no Enjoy the Backcountry Under five. creeks to wade through, no boulders to scramble over, no vestiges of the primeval Challenging Conditions Three hours later, I was cursing maniacally, f o rest. The concrete post at the Park as I waded through knee-high vegetation boundary indicates that the trail goes to the The course teaches the needed skills with a swing blade.The terrifying tru t h “Powell Mountain Summit,” but I haven’t for planning and executing an early slowly settled in.The upper 1.5 miles of found it yet. winter backpacking trip. Powell Mountain Trail crosses a sea of Two pre-trip sessions cover equip- weeds. All varieties are represented. Thorny Verdant solitude is what this trail offers. If ment selection and use, route plan- weeds. Stinging weeds. Strangling weeds. you like quiet hikes through tunnels of ning, food planning, safety, comfort, Completely useless weeds. Two previously green, then Powell Mountain Trail is a good a n d L e a v e - N o - Trace principles. A undiscovered plant species that are almost destination. Unless this article gets an over- weekend trip accompanied by experi- beautiful are especially abundant. They like whelming response, there is a very good enced instructors gives you the oppor- to grow to about 18 inches and then shoot chance that you will hike the trail without tunity to try out your new skills. out horizontally in every direction. They seeing another soul. It’s a misanthrope’s nir- became the bane of my existence. I gleeful- vana. One good way to see the trail is to Classroom Instruction: Wednesdays, make a circuit by linking it with Route 759, ly hacked them into oblivion. This was war. October 17 and 24, 2001 Meadow School Trail, the AT (with a side 7:30-10:00 p.m. I lost the battle. One of the bolts on my trip to the Bearfence Rock Scramble, if PATC Headquarters blade gave up and flew off to who-knows- you’re dying for some human interaction by where during a particularly brutal engage- this point), and a short half-mile hike on 118 Park Street, SE ment with a knot of briars, and I returned to Skyline Drive. It’s also a good trail to visit if Vienna, Virginia the car with only one side of the uppermost you are staying at Cliff’s House or Weaver mile of the trail cleared. My back was sore, Cabin. I have a favor to ask if you decide to Weekend Outing: November 10-12, my hands were blistered, and I was happy to hike the trail: step on the weeds as you walk. 2001 (Veteran’s Day weekend) call it a day. Two things occurred to me on the way home: Gas-powered contrivances I returned to the trail in late June with gas- Fee: $40.00 for PATC Members; might not be so bad after all, and some traf- powered weeder in hand. The weeds have $55.00 for non-members fic might help keep these weeds at bay. been dismissed. Until August. I finally Additionally, I wasn’t too crazy about the encountered some humans on the trail, just To receive a registration form and all notion that I was maintaining the trail for as I was finishing up near the formerly net- other information, please call: one person (myself). tle-bound puddle. Plastered from head to Larry Marcoux at: boot with botanical shrapnel, I stepped off 703/979-1066, or 703/402-5441 Hence the writing of this article. Powell the trail to let the group of about 15 young [email protected] Mountain Trail is not the kind of trail that women file past. I’m sure it was a mirage. o gets noticed. It starts at the Hazeltop Ridge —Stephen Paull

Awards, from page 1 ( PATC, 118 Park St. SE, Vienna, VA above and beyond the norm. Vo l u n t e e r of the Year, please nominate them. Include 22180), e-mail (Wr i l e y 1 2 2 6 @ a o l . c o m ) leaders who want to recognize those with the nominee’s name and a clear description or Fax (703/242-0968). Mark nomina- whom they work should send via mail, of his or her contribution that justifies the tions Attn: Mickey McDermott, Vi c e fax, or e-mail (Wriley [email protected]) award. Include your name and phone num- P resident for Volunteerism. If you have their list of service awards to PAT C ber and e-mail address. questions, call Liles Cre i g h t o n , H e a d q u a rters marked attention 410/573-0067, e-mail [email protected]. Membership Secre t a ry. Include names of Nominations for Honorary Life the recipients and a short description for Memberships and Volunteer of the Ye a r Service Awards each of their service activities. Aw a rds must be received at Club S e rvice awards are given to Club mem- Nominations should be received no later H e a d q u a rters no later than September bers who have consistently devoted time than October 5, 2001. o 5, 2001. Send nominations by mail and eff o rt to Club service activities —Liles Creighton 6 Potomac Appalachian Biking and Hiking in Western Ireland - Part II A Third Berney-Toews Adventure May 2nd – Busing to Galway e were up and on the way at 9:30 a.m. WWe took the back roads to the his- toric town of Cong where we visited a church ruins and then drove by the Ashford Castle which has been refurbished into an expensive hotel and golf center. Our bus was parked near a house under which the river ran along with an old arched bridge. At most, there were 3 or 4 inches of clearance before the river was at the level of their liv- ing room. This town was the site of the film- ing of “The Quiet Man” film with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara way back in the thirties, I think. The whole town trades on this 15 minutes of fame to this day.

Then it was on to Galway where we had a Hiking Aran Island. free afternoon. We walked to the Cathedral Mouth. We hiked about four miles along the Harbor Fjord and then again going over of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, a beau- coast. Again, there were stone fences every- Doolough Pass between the Sheeffry Hills tiful cathedral completed in 1965 – which where and a few ruins. We stopped at what and Mweelrea Mountains. This was the site looks much older from the outside, with was once a kelp factory, built during the of a memorial to victims of the great potato outstanding stained-glass windows and stat- famine period. Then, a mile farther we famine and to those who were forced by ues. From there we wandered down into stopped for lunch at a small village. We had starvation to emigrate to other countries. Old Town, which was traditional European- a wonderful vegetable soup and some great You could still see vertical lines going up style, narrow cobblestone streets with com- scones, then a sandwich and a nice dessert, steep hillsides where potatoes had been mercial buildings. About then, the wind with coffee or tea. There was a shop nearby planted many years before and since aban- started blowing and I felt chilled — we were with Aran Island sweaters, hand-knitted by doned. Thousands lived here then, an area sitting outside eating pizza and having a the owner. I ended up buying a white wool that looks very rugged and harsh, not con- soup at Fat Freddies, a little Italian bistro. turtleneck, which must weigh a couple of ducive to good crop cultivation. No one So, as Jet finished lunch, I walked back to pounds. Jet bought a cardigan sweater for lives there now. the B&B – a mile or so – to get warmer herself and one for her sister (around 80 clothes, and in the process, I got totally lost. Irish pounds apiece – or about $93). The Finally we got to Crough Patrick, the high- None of the streets go in straight lines. est point in Western Ireland and a religious Rather than finding the river path that we weather all day was spectacular and the vis- shrine. It is the site of an annual religious walked along on the way into town, I angled tas from the path equally beautiful. pilgrimage at the end of July. They have had away from it. After asking several people, I up to 5,000 people hiking to the top (some finally found the cathedral that we had visit- We were scheduled for a 9 p.m. dinner at Kirby’s in downtown Galway. Jet was look- barefoot and many elderly) in honor of St. ed earlier. Rather than a mile back to the Patrick and as a form of penance. The area B&B, I probably did three miles, and now, ing for that elusive gift while I had a G&T at King’s Head Pub, a charming place with was closed to hikers when we were there, but rather than being chilled, I was hot and it was still open to “pilgrims.” (You dipped sweaty from my brisk walk. beautiful tapestries, fireplaces, and brick walls, where we had had drinks the night your hiking boots into a sanitizing solution before going into the area). We gained some We met a number of the others (we were all before. Again, a great meal with excellent service, but we didn’t get started until 9:30 2,400 feet in the one-and-a-half miles of the on our own tonight) at a place that special- climb. The trail was very rocky and quite p.m. We were all exhausted by the end of the ized in fish and chips. Afterward, Georgette steep on the summit cone — which was a meal. A lot of people taxied back to the B&B and I went to another restaurant for dessert, large rock scree area. The top was fogged in, ,but we and a couple of other guys decided the outer building probably dated back to and occasionally it spit a drop or two of rain. to walk off our meal – a brisk 15-minute the 1600s. Then, we walked back to the The climb up was protected from the wind, walk back to the B&B. B&B. but on top it must have been blowing a steady 30 mph. About a dozen of us got to May 3rd – Hiking on May 4th – Climbing Crough the top, while the remainder (including Jet) The Aran Islands Patrick (the “Sacred explored the ruins of a small abbey and cemetery and visited the classic little village We were loaded onto our bus by 8:45 for the Mountain”) in County Mayo of Westport. There was a tiny white chapel 40 minute drive to the ferry terminal (pas- Once again, we were on our way at 9 a.m. at the top of the mountain. As you can imag- sengers only). And it was about a 40-minute This time we had a couple of hours in the ine the trip down was hard on the knees, and ride to the largest of the Aran Islands – bus travelling north beyond where we were, you needed to be very careful with your Inishmore. We hiked along a dirt road as all out of Clifden. We stopped and stretched the fields were closed due to Hoof and our legs and took pictures along the Killary See Ireland, page 8 Potomac Appalachian 7 Ireland, from page 7 to visit the Poulaphuca Wedge tomb. This footing. We all congregated at our lunch was a tomb of standing rocks covered by one stop (a new cafe and gift shop) a quarter mile large flat rock built some 800 years before up the trail and then moved to a pub on the Christ by the Celts. The earliest settlers in highway before the long ride back to this part of Ireland probably came in the Galway. Neolithic Period, around 3000 B.C. Back then, there were great forests of oak and At a hotel not far from our B&B we had pine, covering this barren landscape with another wonderful meal — we both had trees. All the trees were cut down for build- salmon. There a local story teller talked ing fleets of ships and houses and clearing the fields for agriculture. There has been about the little people of Ireland (fairies) some reforestation with pine trees, but the and what happened if you messed with the soil is so acidic that nothing grows well. f a i ry forts and trees that are scattere d around. They had to move a major highway There was a severa-mile downhill coast off interchange to avoid disturbing an impor- this plateau, which was welcome as there tant fairy fort on the way into Galway. had been several long climbs and switch- backs to get up on the plateau.

May 5th – Busing to And Our dinner was very unusual. We ate at the Biking Around Ballyvaughan Bunratty Castle, about a one-and-a-half hour As we leave Galway, Michael is constantly drive from Ballyvaughan. The dinner was pointing out the interesting historical sights typical of the Middle Ages. We climbed a and the fairy forts as we drive along. We After our final biking day, it was about a steep, tight spiral staircase (easily defended stopped outside Kinvara (about halfway) and 40 mile bike ride over the burren, and fr om attackers) to an entry hall where we walked around town. along the coast. st a r ted with a drink of “mead” (a sweet honey wine) as we were welcomed to the castle by pa r ty in a separate room with a fireplace. The the butler and ladies-in-waiting in period We checked in at Ballyvaughan Inn and place had been closed to the public for the costume. They all sang and danced for us to then got on our bicycles to do a 20-mile ride evening except for us and the wedding party . along the coastline. A road next to the bay medieval tunes and then we went downstairs which we were planning to take, was washed to dinner in the great hall. We ate on long out so we pushed our bikes over a quarter May 6th – Cycling the Burren picnic benches with only a knife as a utensil. mile of rough very large river rocks. We cir- We did a great ride along the seacoast out of We started with delicious barbecued cled around a hill and then climbed another Ballyvaughan around Cappanawalla and sp a r eribs as a first course, then had chicken steep hill on the backside to visit a holy well Gleninagh Mountains, circling Blackhead (they called it capon) with carrots, potatoes, on a dirt road that circles the mountain Point. About half the group turned around and broccoli. Then dessert was pres e n t e d about halfway up, allowing for outstanding at Fanore, which made for about a 20-mile downstairs in another hall along with coffe e views of Galway Bay below. Then it was a ride. Nine of us decided to do a circle and as we were leaving the castle. The music was five-mile ride back to our B&B. got in a 36-mile ride. We ate lunch in the typical medieva-style ballads (such as town square of Lisdoonvarna. Then, rather “G r eensleeves”) and a beautiful violin solo We had dinner about a half mile away at a than take the main road back to (“O’Couilin”) by a young musician who had beautiful restaurant, which had an outer wall Ballyvaughan – which was quite busy – we been trained at Julliard in New York. of glass that slanted out overlooking took some back farm roads through the Ballyvaughan Bay. We were able to watch the Burren. (The name Burren means the stony On the trip back to Ballyvaughan, and since it sun set while enjoying a beautiful view and a place with limestone fields and cliffs). A was our last night in Ireland, we decided to delightful three-course dinner. The only farmer allowed us in his field – along with a pr esent Michael and our other guides and bus other people there were a small wedding lot of other tourists who had come by car – driver with some gifts that Joanie Burg, the trip leader, had purchased in the States. We gave them several journals with pictures of Washington, D.C., as well as a beautiful cof- fee-table book of the Grand Canyon for Michael Gibbons. Also, Georgette had com- posed a song about the trip and the guides, set to the tune of the old Gilligan’s Island TV series, and we sang that to the guides.

May 7th – The Trip Ends We left Ballyvaughan at 10:30 after saying goodbye to our wonderful innkeepers – Jerry and Pauline. It was sad to leave Michael and Sinead. She played the role of “Mother,” keeping her children (chicks, she called them) in line. Our other guide, Jamie, had left us early in the morning, shuttling the bicycles back to Clifden. When we arrived back in the Jim Adair and group in background. See Ireland, page 16 8 Potomac Appalachian Snakebite: What Would You Do If You Were Bitten?

John M. McNamara, M.D., MPH The constriction band is usually defined as a Environmental Medicine Lectures: The man - broad flat band (not a rubber band). It agement of snakebite with reference to the applies pre s s u re great enough only to February and July 2001 issues all of Annals of include venous circulation in the veins and Emergency Medicine. allows circulation in the artery. We usually say it’s loose enough to admit one or two fin- n the United States there are two families gers underneath. A similar technique is the Iof poisonous snakes: the Elapidae – the Australia apressure at mobilization method coral snake, which processes a neurotoxin ,known as the PEI method. It has two com- venom and virtually no local tissue toxicity, ponents: First, loosely wrap the bitten and the Crotalid, which is represented by extremity with elastic ace wrap and splint the rattlesnake, water moccasin, and the the entire extremity in the anatomical neu- copperhead, whose bites cause a wide range tral position. The tightness of the wrap of pathologic changes that can produce tis- again must admit one to two fingers under- sue toxicity swelling and tissue death near neath. This is not considered to be a pres- the site of the bite. A copperhead bite is not sure dressing. It must be pointed out that insignificant. A recent study in We s t any time the constriction band or the wrap Virginia revealed that the copperhead bite minutes from such a place, then the victim or the ace wrap causes excessive pain or loss resulted in hospitalization of the victims in must be carried to an ambulance. Keep the 78 percent of cases. However, death or per- extremity down below the level of the heart, of pulses or inability to slip one or two fin- manent loss of function of the bitten part getting the victim to a hospital as soon as gers beneath device – we must loosen the was rare in adults with the copperhead. possible. Placement of a constriction band wrap or the constriction band. The device or pressure wrap to delay systemic absorp- must be continually monitored. Once again, The pit viper, or crotalid (rattlesnake, cop- tion of the toxin may be considered for pro- if possible, the victim should be transported pe r head, cotton mouth), bite will not hurt longed transport times or when the patient’s on a stretcher-type device, and all nonessen- much at first – maybe a little burning sensa- condition is deteriorating. tial movement should be minimized. tion, but later – within an hour, massive swelling on the area can occur – this rea l l y Snake venom poisoning is a very complex If you are by yourself and get bitten, walk if hu r ts! Some of the components act locally disease. The venom contains dozens of com- you must until you get help. Wash the near the site of the snakebite to cause swelling ponents that can affect multiple organ sys- wound, splint the extremity, and keep the and discoloration of the skin and blebs or tems. It is noteworthy that many snakebite extremity (arm or leg) below the level of the la r ge blisters. These injuries can be disfigur- envenomations do not require anti-venom heart. Do not move the bitten extremity if ing and disabling and could cause the loss of treatment if evaluated in the emergency possible. the extrem i t y . The other components of room, but may require hospital admission. snake venom cause a disruption of the blood Treatment for snakebite has evolved over coagulation, or clotting, mechanism causing It is important to totally discount some incor- the past 20 years. New discoveries in thera- the victim to bleed from the nose, mouth, and rect ideas of treatment that were suggested in py were presented at the Advances in the gums and causes systemwide disruption and the past. Theref o r e, we no longer consider Management of Snakebite Symposium at can cause shock and cardiac depression. Coral advisable methods such as putting the the 1999 North Carolina convention of the snakebite (they actually sort of chew so you ex t r emity in ice, electric shock, tourni q u e t N o rth American Congress of Clinical may not realize you have been bitten) causes ar terial bands and, especially, no excision or Toxicology at La Jolla, Calif. Traditionally, a possible neuromuscular paralysis. incision made at the wound site (no cutting!). toxic antidote was used to treat snakebites, but this medication can cause life-threaten- C rotalid (Crotaline) snakebite must be It is a well-known fact that adult victims sel- ing allergic-type reaction in many patients. treated promptly so that the injury does not dom die from snakebite in North America. A new anti-venom known as Crotalid fab has progress. Much of this injury is reversible However there are exceptions to this rule. In demonstrated good results in prospective ,but the impact on the victim can be severe. the United States there are approximately The out-of-hospital care should focus on six deaths and several thousand venomous trials. This new method does not have the stabilization and rapid transport of the vic- snakebites each year. Most bites occur on allergic life-threatening phenomenon asso- tim to a health care facility. The most fingers where incisions could damage ciated with the previous method. This new important point for pre-hospital care in the important structures. Therefore incision at product is remarkably stable under extreme field is to slow the systemic absorption of the wound site is to be avoided. The Sawyer conditions of heat and handling, which the toxin. Wash – don’t scrub – the area with extractor pump, if properly utilized, can means no refrigeration is necessary. Much soap and water. Most important, it is neces- remove venom and has been shown to work is going on with this new method but sary to immobilize the bitten extremity in remove an average of 34 percent of injected it is only relevant for hospital care. It is the neutral position with a splint and main- radio-labeled venom-like material in animal expensive and not always available. tain the patient at strict bedrest – if possible. models (experiments). However, if no fluid A victim of a Crotolid snakebite can walk up accumulates in the cup, the device may be Additional Tips: to 20 minutes without harm (only if the cir- removed. This device is still not completely – If bitten, kill the snake and take it to the cumstances require) if you are close to a proven beneficial but should be left in place emergency room to aid in identification. place where you can be picked up or driven ,if applied, and fluids accumulate, until the to a hospital in a car. If you are more than 20 patient arrives at the hospital. See Snakebites, page 19 Potomac Appalachian 9 Loggin’ in @ Rock Spring.Hut

he logs were still sitting at the top of measuring surfaces. By the end of Saturd a y, sign was replaced, flashing and a new front Tthe hill above Rock Spring Hut where we had “logged in” the back and end-bot- gutter put up, and tools once again hauled I last saw them in August 2000, but now in tom timbers and replaced the sleeping plat- out. The highlight of the trips was watching M a rch 2001, Frank Turk had put together f o rm. Weather conditions didn’t sound Frank load and pack his Subaru – it is like a team with tools and a purpose. The bot- favorable for Sunday, so another trip was college guys cramming in a VW or a phone tom two 17-foot-long logs in back and the set for March 10. I brought the hut sign booth, only Frank had a wheelbarrow and bottommost three 11-foot-long logs on the home to repaint it, but it was in such bad step ladder on top! n o rth side had rotted to unacceptable condition that I wound up making a new d e g rees and had to be replaced. Having just b o a rd and hand-lettering it, changing THE SHELTER CREW: Frank Tu r k , completed the Garvey Shelter, Frank’s cre w “operated by” to “maintained by” after Henry Horn, Carl Bock, Stan Turk, Art was ready for another challenge. The first consulting with headquart e r s . Hailer, Bob Stransky, Wayne Greenlaw, Sam work trip (March 3-4) was advertised in the Yingst, Jack Luksik, Dave Goodlin, Janis PA and brought out 10 workers who didn’t The work crew had dropped to five mem- Horn, Ken Martin, Bill Smith, and 12-year- let a little snow on the ground interf e re bers the following Saturday, but had not lost old Andrew Smith. These volunteers con- with the job. Getting the first three logs the enthusiasm and grit. Bunk deck plywood tributed one to three days of their time to down the hill was the first task, and this was was stained while the loggers were get the hut in good condition, but there is done with the use of a two-wheeled lowboy engrossed. Templates were made to lay out still much detail work to be done. c a rt and several stout-hearted men acting the joints, and the chain saw and ax were as brakes. The logs were actually square d - used to maximize production. When the P. S. The detail work was done by Frank, up oak and locust timbers, cut by Bob second course timber went in the end, we Henry, Carl, and John Coffee on Saturday, L o w e ry of Round Hill, which were deliv- were amazed at how well the joints fit, and June 9. A full day was put in staining the e red to the top of the hill. there was a sense of “well done” with hand interior and exterior of the hut, driving mor- shakes and big grins. The old rear gutter was tar nails, mortaring the cracks between new The crew was experienced and pre p a re d replaced, and the new hut sign was nailed logs, and painting the bunk deck front. with power tools and the generator to make up. There was a lot of gear to haul up the Flashing was put under the front roof edge the most of limited time to do a big job. hill, and it took at least five trips. The next to make sure the runoff went into the gutter E v e ryone knew the “drill,” and there wasn’t trip was set for Sunday the 18th, the first and not splatter on the ground. A swinging much lost motion. The old hut creaked and chance the cadre could get together. flap was put on the end of the low back gut- strained as steel wedges lifted the stru c t u re ter so people wouldn’t scalp themselves just enough to pry the old log out; the Sunday was a nice day but the coolness made when walking around the end of the hut. rumor that steel rebars had been used to the six of us work harder to keep warm. The place looks new and well cared for as pin the corners of the logs turned out not T h ree people manhandled the 11-foot expressed by several thru-hikers who passed to be the case. Trying to replicate the com- locust log down the hill on “Dolly,” and as we were working. Frank was so happy pound sloping surfaces of the joints to then the 17-foot oak timber was brought with the results that he took off the follow- make a good mating joint proved a brain down with Frank acting as anchor. The pro- ing Tuesday for a month-long hike along the t e a s e r, especially since the existing joints cedure of lay out, cut, stain, and “log in” was Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon. o w e re badly decayed and presented poor quickly followed. The repainted “Hikers” —C. G. Bock

Hike at Catoctin Mountain Park leven hardy hikers, accompanied by five We then hiked part of the Hog Rock Nature Ecanine companions, enjoyed perf e c t Trail where, thanks to a brochure from the weather at Catoctin Mountain Park, near park service, we identified many different Thurmont, Md., on Saturday, June 10th. species of trees. At Hog Rock (elev. 1620 ft.) We gathered at 9 a.m., welcomed returning we saw Catoctin greenstone, remnants of a regulars, greeted some new faces, and head- lava flow which occurred more than 600 ed for the hills. million years ago.

We paused at Chimney Rock and Wo l f During the day, we spotted a variety wildlife, Rock to take in the views and for blister including a couple of garter snakes, ground- repairs and then headed to beautiful hog, chipmunks, squirrels and deer (particu- T h u rmont Vista for lunch. After lunch it larly popular with the dogs). We also heard was on past the Charcoal Trail (where four numerous birdcalls, some of which members hikers and one dog split off for the short- of the group identified. The group complet- er five-mile hike option) and up to Blue ed the full eight miles and returned to our Ridge Summit. At the parking lot near the cars at 2:30 p.m. o summit we took the opportunity to thank —Pat Fuhrer a troop of Boy Scouts, and their leaders, For more photos of the Catoctin hike and more Alice Lynch talks to a fellow hiker while for maintenance work they were doing on information on K9 Trailblazers hike schedule, her corgi, Diva, explores the geology of the re s t rooms and picnic are a . please visit http://www.k9trailblazers.org Chimney Rock. 10 Potomac Appalachian Book Review: Journey on the James Maple Branch

“ J o u rney on the James: Three We e k s However, even with these substantive sub- Through the Heart of Virginia,” by Earl texts, Swift’s book is a travel journal at heart, Swift, University Press of Vi rg i n i a , and like many good travel journals, his book Charlottesville, 300 pps., hardcover, $27.95. succeeds most in bringing relationships to life. The primary relationship in this book is ur maps depict a river’s typical Swift’s relationship with the river. Although “Obanks, but – as an obituary can only he has lived near the river most of his adult trace the boundaries of a life just ended – life, prior to the trip, he had little experience You will live on in my memory they cannot depict the river itself.” This with it. Early on, he admits that “the James observation begins to touch on the mysteri- has always been, at best, passing scenery to as my extra arm— ous force that draws many people to river me; and at worst, a messy, powerful inter- travel, and to wild places in general. Beyond loper in my well-ordered, land-lubbing life.” walking stick who helped me with my load the natural beauty that we come to see and But then, coincidentally, at a time when he needs “a break from his everyday existence,” draw on to renew our spirits, we sense that f rom the bottom of a mountain in his editor at the Norfolk-based Virginian- these places and things have lives of their Hiawasee own. We realize that they have existed for Pilot assigns him the task of writing a series on canoeing the length of the river, and his thousands, even millions of years, that they to Hot Springs, North Carolina— may exist for a million more, and that they relationship with the river begins. have seen all of our history and our ances- tor’s history happen around them. Swift embarks on the trip despite the fact a true border crosser like me. that he has not been in a canoe since he was a Boy Scout and despite the numero u s In “Journey on the James: Three Weeks obstacles and challenges he knows he will Through the Heart of Virginia,” Earl Swift face. Along the way he encounters swelter- chronicles the 22 days he and his photogra- May I serve the earth ing heat, sucking mud, spiders, numerous pher, Ian Martin, spent traveling the length dams, and one challenge for which he feels of the James River, from its trickling head- like you have served me. particularly unprepared, the James River’s waters on Lantz Mountain in Highland whitewater. Readers with their own adven- County, to the point where it empties into ture travel experiences will no doubt sympa- May your spirit live on in my body the Chesapeake Bay. Swift’s book contains a thize with some of his predicaments. day-by-day account of his experiences walk- who remembers the steps ing, tubing, and then canoeing the river and Then there is the relationship between Swift also takes numerous “detours” so that he can and his photographer, crew chief and side- we took together tell the story of the river itself. kick Ian Martin who, according to Swift, “intersects with the world around him with like waking from a good night’s sleep The river’s story is fascinating, which should wide eyes and heartfelt profanity.” Virtual be no surprise, since, as Swift observes, no strangers before the trip, Martin accompa- like singing up a mountain. other feature of American geography has nied Swift because he apparently was the witnessed so much of this country’s history. only Pilot photographer willing to sit in his —Naomi Ayala Swift recounts many of the historical events car for three-weeks watching Swift splash that have occurred along the James, from down the river. Fans of Bill Bryson may see the early settlements established on the a bit of Katz in him. Their developing river’s banks in pre-Colonial times to the friendship provides an amusing subplot to The poem, “Maple Branch,” by Naomi floods and droughts that have occurred in the three week journey. Ayala, opens Potomac Review’s summer issue, recent years. Swift tells these stories with the based on the theme of “On Twining Trails.” voice of the journalist that he is. They are I recommend this book to all my hiking and frank, unromanticized, and sometimes a bit paddling friends both for what it is and what Also included is an excerpt from her sardonic, but always a pleasure to read. it is not. It is, well, all that I have described “Spring Mountain,” also primed by Ayala’s above, and most of all, an enjoyable book to long hike on the AT. She hiked fro m Swift also shares his observations about the read. It is not another one of those adventure Georgia to New York last year. state of the river today and does not paint a books about some exotic place that I may nentirely pretty picture. He describes both never get to, written by the kind of intrep i d In the same issue is a story about walking the beauty of the river as it winds through ex p l o r er I will never be. Instead, it is the story the Mason-Dixon Trail, written by William central Virginia and the ways in which the of a guy, not so diffe r ent from me, who took Needham and Jack Thorsen and first fea- river has suffered under the burdens of agri- a trip on a river that I myself have paddled on, tured in the February 2001 issue of the culture and heavy industry. He pulls no and took the time to get to know that river. Potomac Appalachian. punches in telling this story. Some may find “J o u r ney on the James” was, for me, like tak- his accounts one-sided. However, his book ing a guided tour of both the past and the The summer issue of the Potomac Review, a serves as a useful reminder of the conse- pr esent of the James River. It reminded me literary and nature magazine, is a 128-page quences of using our rivers to try to carry that the things we see every day often have theme issue on the topic of trails. The mag- away the unwanted byproducts of develop- ve r y interesting stories to tell. o azine is available at bookstores and at their o ment and civilization. —Paul Sanford Website at www.meral.com/potomac. Potomac Appalachian 11 FORECAST

Chapters

TheCharlottesville Charlottesville Chapter Chapter hikes every NorthernThe Northern Shenandoah Shenandoah Valley Valley Chapter Chapter spon- WMountaineeringe’re a diverse group Section of local Washington, DC S a t u rday, summer, winter and in between. Hikes sors hikes in national and state parks and forests in area climbers. Young and old, male and female, a re about 8 miles. Trail maintenance is usually the Shenandoah Valley vicinity, open to the pub- crag rat, sport climber, and alpinist, active and done on the last Saturday of the month. Meet lic, on a monthly basis except during the winter. armchair types – we all enjoy climbing in its many Hikes are posted in the Forecast. Other activities at Sprint parking lot, 2307 Hydraulic Road at 9 varieties. We also share common interest in pro- a re in the NSV Chapter Newsletter. For a.m. with food and water for the day. We hike moting safe climbing, conserving the outdoors, trails in the Southern, Central and occasionally further information contact Martha Clark developing new climbers’ skills, representing the N o r t h e rn Districts of Shenandoah National Park, ([email protected]) 540/665-2101. Washington area climbing community, and hav- and in George Washington National Forest. ing fun! We provide instruction for those wanting Our Chapter hikes are posted at to learn the basics – we’re not a school, but we h t t p : / / w w w . p a t c . n e t / c h a p t e r s / c h a r / h i k e s . h t m l . SouthernSee Forecast Shenandoah (or our link fromValley PA ChapterTC website) for can get you started. We go climbing, either local- INFO: Jere Bidwell 804/295-2143, John Shannon work trips and hiking events sponsored by the ly or further afield, nearly every weekend. In the 804/293-2953 or Lois Mansfield 804/973-7184. Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter. Hikers from winter we organize trips to the Ice Festivals in the the DC area should allow about 3 hours to get to our region. INFO: in Harrisonburg, call Alvin Adirondacks and the White Mountains for begin- TheNorth North Chapter Chapter of PATC conducts monthly trail 540/434-6244 or Lynn 540/234-6273; in ning and advanced ice climbers. For further work trips on the Maryland and Pennsylvania sec- Wa y n e s b o ro, call Michael 540/943-8695; in information contact Mack Muir 703/768-5724 tions of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and on the Staunton, call Doris 540/885-4526. (MackMuir@ edisaurus.com) . Pennsylvania sections of the Tuscarora Trail. We also lead hikes on these and other trails. Maryland AT work trips are generally held on the first and PATC Midweek Hikes ChapterWest Virginia meeting Chapter at Highacre on the first PATC’s Vi g o rous Group hikes 8-10 miles at a t h i rd Saturdays – contact Mark Mitchell Wednesday of the month. See Forecast for fast pace; and the Easy Hikers hike 5-8 miles ([email protected]), 301/461-7048 for informa- upcoming activities. For information about the on trails with little elevation change. See tion. Pennsylvania work trips are generally held on chapter or to receive the newsletter, below for scheduled trips; check the weekly the AT on the first Saturday and on the Tuscarora contact Judy Smoot at 540/667-2036 or tape (703/242-0965) on Thursday or Friday for on the third Saturday – contact Charlie [email protected]. any changes or additions. Irvin, 301/447-2848 or Pete Br o w n ( p e t e r. b [email protected]) 410/343-1140. Pennsylvania AT work trips also include an option- TheSki TouringSki Touring Section Section has served since 1974 to CapitalOther Clubs’ and Wanderbirds Hikes hike on Sundays, travel- al Saturday night stay at the Gypsy Spring cabin. introduce Washington area residents to cross- ing by bus and leaving from downtown, with sub - Dinner, breakfast, and camaraderie available. For country skiing and to provide cross-country skiing urban stops as well. Center Club, Northern information on upcoming hikes, contact Chris opportunities to experienced skiers. The Section Firme ([email protected]) 717/794-2855. For sponsors winter weekend ski trips for all levels of Virginia Hiking Club and Sierra Clubs hike on both general chapter information contact chapter skiers to nearby mountains in Maryland, WestMeetingsSaturdays and Sundays using carpools, which president Steve Koeppen ([email protected]) Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well as periodic often leave from a suburban Metro stop. 410/756-2916 or visit the North Chapter home social events year round. INFO: Steve Brickel Schedules are available at PATC Headquarters page (www.patc.net/chapters/north). 301/946-2520 or [email protected]. and are published in area newspapers on Fridays.

KEY to Forecast Activities Meetings are held at PATC HQ, 118 Park Street, (NewShenandoah Members Mountainmeeting) - SecondRescue Monday Group All events are marked for easy identifi- S.E., Vienna, VA unless otherwise noted. 7:30 p.m. New members meeting. INFO: Martin cation. Late changes or cancellations Juenge ([email protected]) 703/255-5034, then pr ess #5. are listed on the weekly information T7:30rail p.m.Patrol Trail - First Patrol Tuesday volunteers are PATC’s good- tape (703/242-0965), which is updated will trail ambassadors to the hiking public. They on Sunday evening for the following provide a visible, reassuring presence on the trails, PA7:00TC p.m. Council sharp. - The Second PATC CouncilTuesday meets the sec- seven days. The Forecast can also be educating the public on good hiking practices, ond Tuesday of every month to conduct business minimum impact hiking and camping ethics. of the Club. All members are welcome. found on PATC’s web site at Patrol members are trained in land navigation, INFO: Wilson Riley ([email protected]) 703/242-0693 x11. www.patc.net. emergency procedures, radio communications Hiking Trips and personal equipment. All patrol volunteers are Mountaineering Section - Second Wednesday also expected to become certified in a recog- 8:00 p.m. Second We d n esday of every Backpacking Trips nized basic first aid course. Some equipment and month. INFO: Mack Muir at 703/768-5724 or uniform items are provided upon completion of ([email protected]) or PATC’s website: Trail Work Trips training. INFO: Kumait Jawdat 202/328-8137 or see (www.patc.net/chapters/mtn_sect). Cabin/Shelter Work Trips PATC’s website: (w w w . p a t c . n e t / v o l u n t e e r / t r a i l p a t ro l ) . The Futures Group — Third Tuesday Special Events 7:00 p.m. Meets to res e a r ch, develop, and rec o m - mend to membership changes to PATC orga n i z a t i o n , Meetings New7:30 p.m. Members Curious (P aboutATC) the- First Club? Wednesday Want to learn constitution, and bylaws in order to meet challenges mo r e? The best way is to attend a new Members of the new century. PATC members welcomed. INFO: meeting(but you don’t have to be new to qualify). Ge rh a r d Salinger ([email protected]) or Walt Smith Note to all hike leaders: Please ask Attend the meeting and find the mysteries of PATC ([email protected]), Co-Chairs. 12nonmembers on your hike if they revealed in full. Refreshments will be served. Potomac Appalachian would like to join PATC, then get Di r ections to PATC: Take Rt. 23 into Vienna, Va. and (BusinessShenandoah meeting) Mountain – Last Tuesday Rescue Group tu r n east on Park St. (Rt.675) to 118 Park St. on your left. names and addresses so a Club vol- 7:30 p.m. Meet in conference room. INFO: Martin Juenge INFO: Liles Creighton 410/573-0067. unteer can send them inform a t i o n ([email protected]) 703/255-5034 then press #5. packets. Thanks! FORECAST

6 (Monday) HIKE - Family Hike 1 (Wednesday) Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park, VA DEADLINEAugust - September Potomac Appalachian 2-3 mile back pack only hike. This wooded hike is steep in places but portions are toddler friendly. Headquarters, Vienna, VA We will meet at the parking lot and start hiking at 5:00 p.m. All items for the next issue of the 10:00 a.m. Directions: To reach Red Rock newsletter must be submitted electronically, if Wi l d e rness from the Beltway (I-495), exit onto possible, to headquarters, or by e-mail to Route 7, drive west, just before Leesburg, exit onto [email protected]. Allow one week for postal service Highway 15, north to Edwards Ferry Road (Route delivery. Forecast events may be e-mailed 773), take a right on Edwards Ferry and drive 1.5 d i rectly to PA - F o re c a s t @ p a t c . n e t . miles to park entrance on the left. INFO: Karen Brenner ([email protected]) 703/421-6250. 1 (Wednesday) MEETING - New Members (PATC), 7:30 p.m. 7 (Tuesday) MEETING - Trail Patrol, 7:30 p.m. 1 (Wednesday) 8 (Wednesday) CLASS - Exploring the DelMarVa Peninsula (REI) MEETING - Mountaineering Section, 8:00 p.m. REI, Baileys Crossroads, V A 7:30 p.m. If all you’ve seen are crabs, mosquitoes 8 (Wednesday) and Ocean City, we’ve got news for you. There Tom Johnson on Crough Patrick, Ireland CLASS - Hot Outdoor Getaways! (REI) are lots of great places to hike, backpack, pad- REI, Baileys Crossroads, V A dle, fish, bird watch, and just lose track of time on 7:30 p.m. Back to school ... NOT YET! Ease the pas- the Eastern Shore. REI’s photo-adventure r, Ed sage into the old routine. Spend some quality time Neville, will show some great places from which to outdoors in August and September. There are call in well. INFO: REI 703/379-9400. some fine spots to hike, camp, backpack, pad- dle, bike, climb and fish. Join REI’s Mark Nelson 3 - 5 (Friday - Sunday) and Ed Neville as they disclose some fine places HIKE/Camp - West Virginia Chapter 4 - 5 (Saturday - Sunday) to hold school and work at arm’s length. INFO: REI Dolly Sods, WV TRAIL WORK TRIP - Acme Treadway Company 703/379-9400. Join us for a car camping trip to Dolly Sods to do Central District(?), Shenandoah National Park, VA stream hiking along Red Creek and Big Stonecoal The Acme Treadway Company has never 11 (Saturday) Creek. Unlike x-stream hiking (normal trails) this TRAIL WORK TRIP - Rock Creek Park Crew type of hiking involves travel in the stream, using achieved a fungible profit. All returns are distrib- Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC hiking poles and beach shoes or old tennis shoes. uted directly to members. Membership depends 8:15 - 11:30 a.m. Beat the heat (sort of) by coming This moderate to strenuous hike will offer you a upon passing a secret test (participating in at to work in Rock Creek Park where big trees and a chance to search for fossils, explore stre a m least one worktrip ... uh, meeting). Each member n a r row valley promise temperatures that are wildlife, and see the world from a different per- may be detected (with a keen eye) by the dis- lower than you’d get on the National Mall. Meet spective. INFO: Susan Bly ([email protected]) cretely distinctive apparel he (or she) displays 304/876-5177 (w) or 304/258-3319 (h). at Rock Creek Nature Center. INFO: Mark upon passing muster (or, the mustard). The next Anderson ([email protected]) 202/462-7718 Meeting of the Bored (oh, Board) is set for 8/4. 4 (Saturday) or Ranger Ken Ferebee 202/426-6834 x31. Humiturefest TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Overnight accommodations and food are pro- Mountaineers vided to members in good standing (or, who sit 11 (Saturday) Appalachian Trail, MD well, too). INFO: Don White HIKE - Tuscarora Trail VII Humiturefest, the anniversary date of the South ([email protected]) 804/270-3116. Cowans Gap, PA Mountaineers, now 8 years old. Work on the AT in Cowans Gap Section-Pa Rte 641 to Fannettsburg- Maryland and celebrate another fine year of vol- 4 - 5 (Saturday - Sunday) Burnt Cabins Rd. 9.1 miles; 1000 ft elevation gain. unteer stewardship. INFO: Mark Mitchell CABIN WORK TRIP - Meadows Cabin After crossing the Path Valley we will ascend to ([email protected]) 301/461-7048. Syria, VA the top of the Tuscarora Mountain before contin- uing our southward journey. This section has many 4 - 5 (Saturday - Sunday) Pop out to help put this cabin back in the rental views to valleys below. We will cross atop a ridge CABIN WORK TRIP - Blackburn Trail Center system. New kitchen, new front porch, and the as the Pennsylvania Turnpike traverses below us Round Hill, VA siding is gone. Assist in chinking, finishing the back t h rough a tunnel aptly called the Tu s c a ro r a Dog days of summer may be upon us but we can wall, and cleaning up. 9:00 a.m. Saturday we guarantee cooler temperatures up in the moun- work, but we have time for community dinner and Tunnel. Excellent ridge hiking. INFO: Christopher Firme ([email protected]) 717/794-2855 after tains - and especially down in our basement! breakfast - and a dip in Joe/Bett’s under roof 6:00 p.m. Come and give us a hand laying some block as pool. With the views here, it’s a perfect way to see we build a new, insulated pump room. Many the full moon. INFO: Thomas Jorg e n s e n 11 (Saturday) other jobs to be done as well. Later we will spend ([email protected]) 540/248-7009 (w) or HIKE - Meet the Trail Patrol a pleasant evening on the porch after a fine meal cooked in our kitchen. Reservations/INFO: Chris 540/456-4760 (h). Call for location Brunton 703/560-8070 or Bruce Clendaniel Hike with the Trail Patrol and learn what the PATC’s 410/820-7550. 5 (Sunday) goodwill ambassadors do. These adventurous, HIKE - PATC/K9TBs dedicated men and women monitor the Club’s 4 - 5 (Saturday - Sunday) Black Hill Regional Park, Boyds, MD 1,000 miles of trails, helping people, instructing TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew We’ll start with an easy “bushwhack” along the them in safe hiking practices and reporting on the Appalachian Trail, PA lake, then test our fitness at exercise stations along conditions of the trails. We hike many wonderful, Work trip followed by Charlie’s annual corn roast a short paved trail before setting out at a moder- little-known trails, while having a great time. INFO: (reservations required). We will meet at US 30 and ate pace on woodland trails, some of which are Ben Fernandez (bmfern a n d e z 9 9 @ e a r t h l i n k . n e t ) PA 233 at the parking lot of Caledonia State Park. 703/222-8249 5:00-9:00 p.m. or weekends. D e p a r t u re 9:00 a.m. sharp. Reservations/INFO: “shared use” (horses/bikes). Total length is about 9 Charlie Irvin 301/447-2848. miles, but you can choose a 5-mile option. This is 11 - 12 (Saturday - Sunday) a joint hike with K9Trailblazers, so well-behaved BACKPACKING TRIP - SNP 4 - 5 (Saturday - Sunday) dogs are welcome as long as you keep them on Shenandoah National Park, VA TRAIL WORK TRIP - SNP North AT leash and scoop after them. Maps and choco- Come join us for some backpacking and hiking in North District, Shenandoah National Park, VA late and dog biscuits provided at the trailhead, Shenandoah National Park. The exact route is yet We are helping the overseer upgrade and install but bring lunch/snacks/water for you and your to be determined but, as always, we will visit some waterbars on the AT on Hogback Mountain near interesting and beautiful places and look for signs Potomac Appalachian dog. Visit the K9Trailblazers website at 13 the Tuscarora Trail. We will meet at the Hogback left behind by the early mountain people. Since parking area at 9:30 a.m. Overnight at Range w w w . k 9 t r a i l b l a z e r s . o rg. INFO: Pat Fuhre r the weather is likely to be hot, a dip in a cold View Cabin. Community dinner and breakfast. ([email protected]) 301/482-2468 or Jeff mountain pool will be high on the agenda. INFO: INFO: John McCrea (mccre a j f @ a o l . c o m ) Bolognese ([email protected] ) Kevin Haney ([email protected]) 610/352-9287. 410/247-4434. 301/271-5023. FORECAST

11 - 12 (Saturday - Sunday) 18 - 19 (Saturday - Sunday) 21 (Tuesday) CABIN WORK TRIP - Vining Tract Crew CABIN WORK TRIP - Blackburn Trail Center MEETING - The Futures Group, 7:00 p.m. Vining Tract, Lydia, VA Round Hill, VA The Vining Tract Crew meets one weekend a Dog days of summer may be upon us but we can 21 (Tuesday) month to work on various projects, ranging from guarantee cooler temperatures up in the moun- CLASS - Hot Outdoor Getaways! (REI) cabin repairs to land management pro j e c t s . tains - and especially down in our basement! REI, College Park, MD We’re now in the midst of constructing a small Come and give us a hand laying some block as Same as 8/8 except at College Park. INFO: REI we build a new, insulated pump room. Many cabin using logs from an old barn. Come join us 301/982-9681. other jobs to be done as well. Later we will spend and practice (or develop) your log-lifting and a pleasant evening on the porch after a fine meal chiseling skills. Overnight at Conley and Wineberry cooked in our kitchen. Reservations/INFO: Chris 25 - 26 (Saturday - Sunday) cabins. INFO: Hugh Robinson 703/525-8726. Brunton 703/560-8070 or Bruce Clendaniel TRAIL WORK TRIP - Blue&White Crew 410/820-7550. Central District, Shenandoah National Park, VA 11 - 12 (Saturday - Sunday) Join us for trail projects in the Central District of SNP. 18 - 19 (Saturday - Sunday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac Crew INFO: Charles Hillon ([email protected]) TRAIL WORK TRIP - North District Hoodlums Shockeys Knob, near Gainesboro, VA 70 3 / 7 5 4 - 7 3 8 8 . North District, Shenandoah National Park, VA Continuing to work on a Tus c a r ora Trail rel o c a t i o n , Southern BBQ trail work trip! Pig-on-a-spit? Well, 25 - 26 (Saturday - Sunday) the crew will be improving the tread on a roc k y maybe we won’t go THAT far, but you get the TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac Crew section of the trail. Depending on landowner per- idea! Finger-lickin’ BBQ and real down-home mission, work may include clearing for an extension southern vittles and brew will be the reward for a Boone Run Trail near Shenandoah, VA of the relocation to the south. Bring a lunch and good day’s trailwork on the AT in this section of Break out of the air conditioned house and enjoy water for Saturday noon. Community dinner on SNP. The North District Hoodlums do ‘roll-up-your- some fresh air as the crew does some trail main- Sa t u r day night. Overnight at Brill Cabin. INFO: Fran sleeves’ treadwork, build rock steps, log water- tenance on Boone Run Trail in the Georg e Keenan ([email protected]) 703/938-3973 bars and engage in similar other activities by day Washington National Forest. Expect some hard or Jon Rindt ([email protected]) 540/635-6351. but are occasionally known to enjoy the fruits of work installing waterbars and other drainage their labor in grand fashion via the “theme” meal devices. Community dinner on Saturday night. following the day’s work at a facility within the Overnight at Cliff’s House. INFO: Fran Keenan 13 (Monday) park! No experience is necessary and newcomers MEETING - New members (Shenandoah are always welcome. Check out our website at ([email protected]) 703/938-3973 or Jon Mountain Rescue Group), 7:30 p.m. h t t p : / / w w w . p a t c . n e t / v o l u n t e e r / t r a i l s / h o o d l u m s / h Rindt ([email protected]) 540/635-6351. oodlums.html. Come for the day, stay for the 14 (Tuesday) evening’s festivities, camp out overnight in SNP - 27 (Monday) lots of options! We meet at Piney River Ranger MEETING - PATC Council, 7:00 p.m. sharp. HIKE - Family Hike Station, MP 22 on Skyline Drive, at 10:00 a.m. on Fairfax County, VA Saturday morning. Please make reservations by Huntley Meadows Park. Come join us for a 2 mile 18 (Saturday) midweek prior. RSVP/INFO: George Walters toddler friendly loop hike in Fairfax County’s TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew ([email protected]) 410/426-2724. Tuscarora Trail, PA largest park. We will hike out into the Marsh and For meeting place and other details, call Charlie 18 - 19 (Saturday - Sunday) view the wetlands from their two story observation Irvin 301/447-2848. CABIN WORK TRIP - Meadows Cabin tower. INFO: Lauren Lang ([email protected]) Syria, VA 703/631-9278. Prefer e-mail. 18 (Saturday) Join in to put on the finishing touches of chinking, mow the grass, and see the stars from the new TRAIL WORK TRIP - Stonewall Brigade 28 (Tuesday) porch before anyone can rent it. The new kitchen Shenandoah County, VA MEETING - Shenandoah Mountain Rescue should be used for our community dinner and Group (Business meeting), 7:30 p.m. G reat North Mountain on the VA/WV state line. breakfast. Don’t forget your own wine. 9:00 a.m. Join the Stonewall Brigade at Wolf Gap Saturday until 2:00 p.m. Sunday. Another dip in R e c reation Area at 9:00 a.m. to get tools then the pool is scheduled. INFO: Thomas Jorgensen drive to a trail in the nearby area. This popular ([email protected]) 540/248-7009 (w) or venue offers fine panoramic views of Trout Run 540/456-4760 (h). 1 (Saturday) Valley from the mountain crest. We will re m o v e DEADLINE - October Potomac Appalachian 18 - 20 (Saturday - Monday) and break up rocks in the tread and work on Headquarters, Vienna, VA HIKE - Natural History Backpacking Weekend waterbars. Respond by Wednesday evening if 5:00 p.m. All itemsSeptember for the next issue of the Otter Creek Wilderness, WV you plan to attend. Bring lunch, work gloves, newsletter must be submitted electronically, if Bob Pickett will lead a three-day trip into the bogs w a t e r, bug spray, and hiking shoes. RSVP/INFO: possible, to headquarters, or by e-mail to Hop Long ([email protected]) and old growth of this wilderness area. We will actually only backpack 4.3 miles on Saturday and [email protected]. Allow one week for postal service 3 0 1 / 9 4 2 - 6 1 7 7 . do a day hike on Sunday before returning to our delivery. Forecast events may be e-mailed cars on Monday. Driving to Alpena Gap, we’ll d i rectly to PA - F o re c a s t @ p a t c . n e t . 18 (Saturday) backpack down Otter Creek to our base camp, HIKE - 2001 Canal Odyssey arriving mid-afternoon on Saturday. We’ll play in 1 - 2 (Saturday - Sunday) Sandy Hook, MD the creek, or other such stuff the rest of the after- CABIN WORK TRIP - Blackburn Trail Center The seventh mission of the C&O Canal Odyssey noon. Sunday, we’ll hike up Moore Run, explore Round Hill, VA will be from Sandy Hook to Dickerson, Maryland, some interesting bogs, and continue up Turkey Labor Day Weekend! Finish up the summer with a Run to some off-trail old growth woods before 22 miles. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Carderock park- long weekend in the Blue Ridge. Combine work returning to our base camp for a 9-mile day trip. ing lot on the C&O Canal. A car shuttle is Monday, we’ll casually get up and make our with hikes and enjoy the scenery, good company re q u i red. INFO: Jack Thorsen return 4.3 mile hike back to our cars. Snakes, and food. Reservations/INFO: Chris Brunton ([email protected]) 703/339-6716 or Wi l l i a m beaver, old growth, and fun are on the agenda. 703/560-8070 or Bruce Clendaniel 410/820-7550. Needham 410/884-9127. Reservations/INFO: Bob Pickett 301/681-1511. 1 - 2 (Saturday - Sunday) 18 (Saturday) 20 (Monday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew HIKE - SSVC HIKE - Family Hike Appalachian Trail, PA Rockfish Gap, VA Northern Virginia Park Authority Seneca Road, VA Meet at US 30 and PA 233 at the parking lot of Join the Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter as 2-3 mile stroller friendly (jog strollers preferred) Caledonia State Park. Departure 9:00 a.m. sharp. we hike the Appalachian Trail from Humpback hike. This wooded hike on a gravel road parallels INFO: Charlie Irvin 301/447-2848. the Potomac River and offers a chance to play in Rocks picnic area to Reeds Gap, 6 miles. 14 the water. We will meet at the end of Seneca Potomac Appalachian Continuation of north to south hike. This hike is Road (at the gate). Directions: To reach Seneca 4 (Tuesday) rescheduled from June 24. Meet at Weyers Cave Road. Take Hwy 7 to Georgetown Pike. MEETING - Trail Patrol, 7:30 p.m. Amoco at 8:00 a.m. or Rockfish Gap Vi s i t o r s Immediately turn left onto Seneca Road. INFO: Center at 8:30 a.m. INFO: Call Michael Groah K a ren Brenner ([email protected]) 5 (Wednesday) ([email protected]) 540/943-8695. 703/421-6250. MEETING - New Members (PATC), 7:30 p.m. FORECAST

7 - 9 (Friday - Sunday) 15 (Saturday) HIKE/Camp - West Virginia Chapter TRAIL WORK TRIP - Annual Service Project (REI) Shaver’s Fork Recreation Area, WV Montgomery County, MD Enjoy early fall hiking in the Shavers Fork area of 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Be part of something big! WV. We’ll follow the West Fork Trail and visit the Leave your mark on the land! Get a spiffy T-shirt! High Falls of Shavers Fork. Car camping is avail- Montgomery County is creating a 100 mile, natur- able at the Laurel Fork campground. INFO: Susan Bly ([email protected]) 304/876-5177 or al surface trails system! The backbone of that sys- 304/258-3319. tem is the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail, a hiker/equestrian trail that will stretch 27 miles 8 (Saturday) across the county, connecting the Potomac River TRAIL WORK TRIP - Rock Creek Park Crew and C&O Towpath with trails in the Patuxent River Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC State Park. 20 miles of the trail is already open. REI 8:15 - 11:30 a.m. We only need you once during and M-NCPPC (Maryland-National Capital Park this beautiful month for work on the hiking trails. and Planning Commission) need YOU to help The rest of September you are welcome to use for complete the next segment, from Watkins Mill Rd. hiking. Meet at Rock Creek Nature Center. INFO: to Brink Rd. Come out and enjoy a great day, Mark Anderson (mhacca@starpower. n e t ) doing great work! Registration/INFO: REI 202/462-7718 or Ranger Ken Ferebee 703/379-9400 or 301/982-9681. 202/426-6834 x31. Participants of the 2000 North District Workshop building rock steps on the 8 (Saturday) 15 - 16 (Saturday - Sunday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers Tuscarora Trail near the Big Falls of TRAIL WORK TRIP - Blue & White Crew Appalachian Trail, MD Overall Run, SNP. Central District, Shenandoah National Park, VA Enjoy cooler air in the woods of western Maryland Join us for trail projects in the Central District of SNP. on this work event. The South Mountaineers’ day INFO: Charles Hillon ([email protected]) events meet west of Frederick, MD at 9:00 a.m. 70 3 / 7 5 4 - 7 3 8 8 . INFO: Mark Mitchell ([email protected]) 301/461-7048. 15 - 16 (Saturday - Sunday) CLASS - Wilderness First Aid (WSC) 8 - 9 (Saturday - Sunday) Alexandria, VA CABIN WORK TRIP - Vining Tract Crew 15 (Saturday) A program of the Wilderness Safety Council, this Vining Tract, Lydia, VA HIKE - Tuscarora Trail VIII eighteen-hour class includes classroom study, The Vining Tract Crew meets one weekend a Tuscarora Trail, PA hands-on practice, and results in a two-year certi- month to work on various projects, ranging from Tus c a r ora Summit Section-Fannettsburg- B u r nt Cabins fication. The cost is $140. Registration is limited to cabin repairs to land management pro j e c t s . Rd. to Pa. Rte 16. 15.4 miles; 1200 ft elevation gain. After 25 people. More information and registration at: We’re now in the midst of constructing a small descending into Cowans Gap State Park we will begin http://wfa.net. INFO: Christopher Tate cabin using logs from an old barn. Come join us a steep climb via switchbacks to the top of Big and practice (or develop) your log-lifting and Mountain (2458 ft). Once to the top it is a fairly easy hike 703/836-8905. chiseling skills. Overnight at Conley and Wineberry to Pa Rte 16. We will pass through Buchanon State cabins. INFO: Larry Lang 703/631-9278. Fo r est; named after the only president from 16 (Sunday) Pennsylvania. To the east of us you would find the cozy HIKE - Meet the Trail Patrol 8 - 9 (Saturday - Sunday) village of Cove Gap the birthplace of James Call for location TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac Crew Buchanon. If time allows we can stop and visit such site Hike with the Trail Patrol and learn what the PATC’s Shockeys Knob, near Gainesboro, VA be f o r e eating at the Foot of the Mountain Restaurant. goodwill ambassadors do. These adventurous, Always plenty of trail work on the Tuscarora relo- We also can visit the cabin res t o r ed on the grounds of dedicated men and women monitor the Club’s cation project. The district manager of this section the Merce r s b u r g Academy. So come and join us on this 1,000 miles of trails, helping people, instructing of the Tuscarora Trail may need help clearing historical event. INFO: Christopher Firme them in safe hiking practices and reporting on the nearby problem areas. We are also looking for a (b n c f i rm e @ i n n e r net.net) 717/794-2855 after 6:00 p.m. conditions of the trails. We hike many wonderful, shelter site on PATC’s 70 acres on the Knob. Bring little-known trails, while having a great time. INFO: a lunch and water for Saturday noon. Community 15 (Saturday) Kumait Jawdat ([email protected]) dinner on Saturday night. Overnight at Brill Cabin. TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew 202/328-8137 5:00-9:00 p.m. or weekends. INFO: Fran Keenan ([email protected]. c o m ) Tuscarora Trail, PA 703/938-3973 or Jon Rindt (jkrindt@ero l s . c o m ) For meeting place and other details, call Charlie 18 (Tuesday) 540/635-6351. Irvin 301/447-2848. MEETING - The Futures Group, 7:00 p.m. 8 - 9 (Saturday - Sunday) 15 (Saturday) SPECIAL EVENT - 14th Annual North District HIKE - 2001 Canal Odyssey 19 (Wednesday) Trails Workshop Dickerson, MD Hike - Easy Hikers North District, Shenandoah National Park, VA The eighth mission of the C&O Canal Odyssey will Cabin John Regional Park, MD See article on page 5 in this issue for more infor- be from Dickerson to Pennyfield Locks, Maryland, 5 - 6 easy miles through the woods. Meet at Locust mation. RSVP/INFO: George Wa l t e r s 20 miles. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Carderock park- G rove Nature Center parking lot, 7777 ([email protected]) 410/426-2724. ing lot on the C&O Canal. A car shuttle is Democracy Blvd, N. Bethesda. Bring lunch and required. Contact leaders for requirements and w a t e r. From Beltway go North on Old 10 (Monday) details. INFO: Jack Thorsen ([email protected]) Georgetown Road 0.7 miles to Democracy Blvd. MEETING - New members (Shenandoah 703/339-6716 or William Needham 410/884-9127. Turn left (West), go 1.8 miles (past Montgomery Mountain Rescue Group), 7:30 p.m. Mall) to Nature Center and turn right into parking 15 (Saturday) 11 (Tuesday) lot. Coming from 270, take Democracy Blvd West TRAIL WORK TRIP - Stonewall Brigade MEETING - PATC Council, 7:00 p.m. sharp. exit, past Montgomery Mall to Nature Center. Shenandoah County, VA Great North Mountain on the VA/WV state line. INFO: Renee Schick, 301/493-9525 or 12 (Wednesday) [email protected]. MEETING - Mountaineering Section, 8:00 p.m. Join the Stonewall Brigade at Wolf Gap Recreation Area at 9:00 a.m. to get tools then 15 (Saturday) drive to a trail in the nearby area. This popular 22 (Saturday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - Maryland Metrolites venue offers fine panoramic views of Trout Run TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers Appalachian Trail, MD PotomacC&O Canal Appalachian Park, MD Valley from the mountain crest. We will remove 15 Join the Maryland Metrolites for a work trip in the and break up rocks in the tread and work on Bring water, lunch, and gloves. Tools and training C&O Canal Park, Montgomery County. We meet waterbars. Bring lunch, work gloves, water, bug p rovided. Enjoy comradeship, jokes, and the at 9:00 a.m. in the Great Falls parking lot. Bring spray, and hiking shoes. RSVP by Wednesday. peace of the woods. Go home happy and tired; lunch, gloves, and water. INFO: Liles Creighton INFO: Hop Long (mgrg n m d @ h o t m a i l . c o m ) it’s that simple. INFO: Mark Mitchell ([email protected]) 410/573-0067. 301/942-6177. ([email protected]) 301/461-7048. FORECAST Ireland, from page 8 States, every member of our group had their shoes and boots cleaned and sanitized by U.S. Customs and the Department of Ag r i c u l t u r e folks. Although it was a nuisance, ev e r yone took it in stride and was glad they ar e being careful about keeping Hoof and 22 - 23 (Saturday - Sunday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac Crew Mouth disease out of this country. Cabin John Trail, MD Cabin John Trail is popular with local hikers and the Crew plans to repair some areas prone to ero- Postscript sion. Steep sidehill, roots, and creeping tread is Ireland once had a population of some 9 the name of the game. Bring a lunch and water for Saturday noon. Community dinner, or dinner million people before the Great Famine – on the town, Saturday night. Overnight with local caused by the potato blight and lost harvests crew members unless other arrangements can of a 5-year period in the 1840s to 1850s. be made. INFO: Fran Keenan ([email protected]) 703/938-3973 or Jon Many people died or emigrated, mostly to Rindt ([email protected]) 540/635-6351. the United States. Now they have a popula- 25 (Tuesday) tion of about five million and are finally MEETING - Shenandoah Mountain Rescue building back up as the economy grows at a Group (Business meeting), 7:30 p.m. rate of about 8 percent a year. Many people 29 (Saturday) are returning to Ireland now that the tech TRAIL WORK TRIP - Maryland Metrolites Cabin John Trail, MD industry is booming there. The contrast of Join the Maryland Metrolites for a work trip on the ruins of churches, castles, forts, and old Cabin John Trail in Montgomery County. We meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Nature Center parking lot off thatched roof houses, along with small Democracy Blvd. Bring lunch, gloves, and water. fields with rock walls and the modern, quite Directions/INFO: Liles Creighton ([email protected]) attractive houses, is quite striking. There is 410/573-0067. 22 (Saturday) obviously new prosperity, and the homes 29 (Saturday) CLASS - Wildlife Photography (REI) are very nice, most very well kept, with REI, Baileys Crossroads, V A HIKE - Old Mining Circuit 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. A Natural Light Wardensville, WV beautiful gardens and flowers. Photography seminar by award-winning photog- G reat North Mountain (Map F). Fro m rapher, Jack Mills. Spend an enjoyable day with Wardensville, WV we will travel to the Capon Jack and learn the techniques for successful Furnace where we will begin a six-mile hike at a There are beautiful green fields where there wildlife photography. Jack will discuss what it slow pace, with two gradual 500 foot climbs, on is good soil, swampy fields, where they cut takes to create a great wildlife image, such as the Capon Trail Loop. Along the way we will peat, rocky fields and barren mountains. exposure techniques, image sharpness, depth of observe the ruins of the Capon Furnace, mining focus, macro photography, and, where and pits and trenches, a burst dam, charcoal hearths,o The people are friendly, proud of their her- when to find wildlife and how to approach and chimney foundations remaining of the mining set up the shot. Participants receive 8 hours of itage, with strong anti-English feelings, community, a couple of views, and the autumn instruction, film, class materials and text, and dis- beauty below the shadow of Halfmoon having been invaded, conquered, and some- count on a one-day field/photo shoot with Jack. Class fee is $75.00. Registration is limited. Mountain, crossing the North Halfmoon Run via times massacred by the English several Registration/INFO: REI 703/379-9400 or the Bucktail Trail a couple of times. INFO: Walt times over the centuries. 301/982-9681. Smith ([email protected]) 540/678-0423. Ireland is a very unique country, culturally more interesting than I had expected.

As for our group, I must mention one person who particularly stood out as a person and as an adventurer . She was Carol Collins, a 79- ye a r -old spitfire of a lady who carried her own bicycle over with her (in a Samsonite suitcase) and put it together with only a little assistance from the guys. Carol kept up with and surpassed many of the younger ones th r oughout each day. She recently complet- ed walking all 2,000 miles of the AT (over a fo u r -year period) and has participated in nu m e r ous biking and hiking adventures. She is currently attempting to climb the highest Pat Fankhauser and Larry Rockwell, new PATC Public Affairs Chair, spots in all 50 states, with several exceptions spread the word about the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, at VivaVienna, such as Ranier and Denali. She is truly a a town festival held on May 26 and 27. This popular and well-attended spring event, gr eat lady, and we all learned a lot from her held near PATC Headquarters, presents an excellent opportunity and enjoyed her company. o to tell the public about PATC and its work. —Robert Berney 16 Potomac Appalachian NOTICES NEW NOTICES

BLUE RIDGE CENTER for Enviro n m e n t a l HELP PATC CELEBRATE ITS 75TH FEMALE HIKING PAR TNER(S) WAN T E D . I would Stewardship: We are a non-profit environ- A N N I V E R S A RY in 2002. Vice Pre s i d e n t like to do a three-day back packing trip in the mental education organization with 1200 Mickey McDermott is in charge of plan- Cranberry Wil d e r ness over the Labor Day acres of protected land in Loudoun County, ning. INFO: [email protected] weekend and stay at the Hermitage Motel in adjoining the Appalachian Trail and Harpers Pe t e r s b u r g on Labor Day night, drive back the Ferry National Historical Park. Come help us VOLUNTEERS WANTEDTo staff cabins reserva- day after. If interested call me at 301/504-8781 develop our nature trail system and camp- tions desk. Fridays from noon to 2:00 p.m. (work) or e-mail at [email protected] ground. To find out specific events, please Please contact Darleen Wall at 703/978-6398, contact Matthew Lindberg - Work, summer or Pat Fankhauser at PATC Headquarters CONSERVATION BUYER COORDINATOR PATC's trail intern, at (540) 668-7640 or 703/242-0315 ext. 17. Trail Lands Acquisition Committee has a [email protected] need for a volunteer Conservation Buyer WANTED: PERSON TO COORDINAT E t h e THE SALES OFFICE is looking for volunteers Coordinator. The Coordinator will act as a Forecast for the newsletter and website. This in t e r ested in working as little or as long as central clearinghouse for forwarding ques- isHIKES a great way to volunteer for the Club with- you can manage it — Monday throu g h tionnaires to, and receiving completed ques- out having to sweat (at least outdoors.) If you Friday between 9 and 5 p.m. If interes t e d , tionnaires from potential conservation buyers have a computer you have most of the tools please contact the Sales Coord i n a t o r, interested in protecting the Tuscarora Trail or required. A good eye for detail is also of use. Ma u r een Estes, by either calling headquar- SNP trail access points. The Coordinator will Please respond to Linda Shannon-Beaver at ters at 703/242-0693, ext. 19 or by also provide contact information for the [email protected] if interested. e-mail at patcsales@erol s . c o m . Appalachian Trail Conference Land Trust if the buyers are interested in protecting the Appalachian Trail. The Coordinator will also 1997 THRU-HIKERS REUNION – Please join us PATC OVERSEERS get big discounts maintain information in the conservation for a reunion of Class of 1997 thru-hikers. This f rom the following merchants who sup- buyer databank and determine from the year’s reunion will take place on September port our volunteer programs: Blue data-bank which conservation buyers would 14-15 at the Bear’s Den Hostel in Virginia, just Ridge Mountain Sports (Charlottesville, be likely interested in acquiring land once off the AT. There will be a reasonable charge Tidewater)—20%, Hudson Tr a i l property goes on sale. Inquires should be for lodging and for a shared feed on Outfitters (Metro DC)—15%, The address to Phil Paschall, PATC Trail Lands Saturday night. Your SO, family members, or Trailhouse (Frederick, Md.)—15%, Acquisition Committee, 118 Park St., SE, friends are welcome. Bring pictures or slides Casual Adventures (Arlington, Va . ) — Vienna, VA 22180. ofD Oyour N AT latest I O N Sadventures,WANTED plenty of stories 10%, Campmor (mail order via PAT C about your hike, your appetite, and desire for HQ)—10%. Check the back page of fun and companionship with fellow hiker TRACT MANAGER WANTED.Did you know that the PA for the latest trail, cabin, and trash. For more information, call Dingle and shelter overseer opportunities. All PAT C PATC owns or manages over 2,000 acres of H a t Trick at 703/641-8837 or e-mail to forest land? Every tract must have a “tract members receive a 10% discount fro m [email protected]. See you this fall! Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. Be sure to manager” who keeps tabs on the property to VOLUNTEER OPPORT U N I T I E S guard against encroachments and to watch have your membership ID or overseer over the forest. An opportunity has presented WANTED FOR THE BLACKBURN TRAIL CENTER:A ID ready when you shop. itself for a dedicated PATC volunteer to serve propane gas Barbecue Grill. But please, must as tract manager for the 27-acre Lucas be in good working order. Call Chris Brunton SHENANDOAH MOUNTAIN RESCUE Woods Tract along the Virginia-West Virginia 703/560-8070. GROUP (SMRG) is seeking people border, which we manage for The Nature i n t e rested in wilderness search and Conservancy. The Tuscarora Trail runs through rescue. New member orientation THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE is in need of the property, and we maintain a campsite. meetings are held every month at people with typing ability and/or scanners to PATC headquarters. No experience I n t e rested volunteers should call To m assist with preparing historical information for is necessary. INFO: SMRG Johnson at 703/281-0798 or e-mail him at print. Articles vary in length from a few para- Operations 703/255-5034, then [email protected]. graphs to ten or more pages and will be p ress #5. published as part of the 75th Anniversary MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN the PATC Celebration. If you are interested in PAT C NOT INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE Council and staff at the annual general and local history or want something to do on G R E AT OUTDOORS? PATC has a con- membership meeting. When: November 14, rainy days, this is the project for you. Please tinuous need for Headquarters 2001; Where: Elks Lodge, Fairfax Va.; Time contact Aaron Watkins at 410/872-0100 or Volunteers willing to help out with a 6:30 to 10:00 p.m.. Would appreciate calls p u b l i c a t i o n s @ p a t c . n e t . variety of tasks — from manning the indicating intentions to attend soonest, reser- sales desk in the evening, to pro v i d- vation forms will appear in Sept. and Oct. PA. THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE is searching ing typing or office support. It takes Call Liles Creighton 410-573-0067 e-mail for an editor, preferably with professional or a lot more than trail workers to keep academic experience, to edit a manuscript [email protected] for details. the Club going! INFO: Wilson Riley, regarding the history of the AT in Maryland. [email protected] or 703/242-0693, The book is by an established and previously e x t . 1 1 . DO YOU WANT TO BE A LANDOWNERalong the published author and historian. Please con- AT? And have a home in the woods! Are you tact Aaron Watkins at 410/740-7082 or publi- Notices are published free of charge for in a position to become a Conservation Buyer [email protected]. PATC members only. PATC cannot vouch th r ough the Appalachian Trail Conferen c e for any of the advertised items. No com - o Land Trust? Our program matches conserva- NEEDED: PEOPLE TO HELP PLANand conduct m e rcial advertisement or personal tion buyers – people like you – with people our Club events. What would you like to see notices unrelated to hiking will be who are selling land along the AT. You locate at our annual meeting on 14 November at accepted. Deadline for inclusion is the your home or cabin out of sight from the Tra i l . the Elks Lodge? Would you help with a first day of the month pre c e d i n g All we ask is that you donate a conservation Potluck Dinner? This is not only a meeting of issuance of the newsletter. Notices will easement on the rest of the property. A con- the entire Club, but a time to give out be run for 3 months unless we are other - a w a rds, examine accomplishments, meet servation easement “runs with the land;” that wise advised. with friends, and have fun. We are planning is, no present or future owner can develop it! other events, such as a picnic in SNP summer AND, because an easement is an irrev o c a b l e 2002. We receive many invitations to provide gift of a property right, you get a nice income a Club display at other people’s activities. tax deduction equal to the value of the ease- Potomac Appalachian Often we just don’t have members to attend. 17 ment. Contact Bob Williams, Director of Land If you are willing, please contact Liles Trust Programs, at bwilliams@appalachi- C reighton, Membership Secretary at an t r a i l . o r g, (304) 535-6331, or write to P.O. Box 410/573-0067, [email protected] or Pat 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. Fankhauser at Club headquarters. Trailhead

he sweat and bug season is upon us, Tmaking normal trail work a little more challenging. For overseers on popular trails, especially the AT, the reward is the appreci- ation expressed by hikers you encounter while doing trail maintenance. Many AT t h ru-hikers have mentioned that PAT C - maintained trails were the best they had seen. That kind of comment makes you proud to be a PATC Overseer.

Speaking of thru-hikers, Shawn Green of the SNP reports that while permits issued to thru-hikers were down 8 percent this year, there was a record number in May, with an average of 15 permits issued each day.

From The SOT The weed season this year has been a bear. North District Hoodlums Trail Crew members moving a “small” rock into place PATC trail Overseers will probably need to for a step on the AT on Mt. Marshall in SNP. visit their trail sections with weeders at least waterbars, upgrading tread on the section of major trail projects are planned. See the arti c l e through August. It’s been suggested that we old trail still in use, and closing off the old, on page 5 for more details, and come on out! try to host a Trail Overseer get-together this er oded section of trail to be rel o c a t e d . year. Some Overseers and district Managers Trails Day In prefer to arrange this within each District Early Saturday morning Shawn Green, CT (so that local Overseers can get to know Campbell, Don Harvey and Mike Rock Creek Park each other), while others would like to see a Montgomery set up a Griphoist high line to The Rock Creek Park trail crew saw its Club-wide event. If you have a preference, move the step rocks from a rock quarry site. ranks swell on National Trails Day as 16 or a different idea altogether, please contact This operation was a little more challeng- people came to spruce up the park’s trails at the Supervisor of Trails (kerrysnow@teloci- ing, as the rocks had to be moved up-hill the annual celebration. Staying with tradi- ty.com) or your District Manager. and placed. It took about a day and a half to tion, the group combined a work trip with a do this and finish with 25 steps with adjacent hike. This year, the trail crew cleaned water The Mid-Atlantic Crew will be working in armoring to encourage hikers to stay on the bars on the Western Ridge Trail that cuts our region again this year. We’ve scheduled steps. Those attendees not working on the north to south on the western side of the the crew to help rebuild the AT and con- steps finished both the new and renovated park. The water bar count here is high, and necting trails in Harpers Ferry. Working sections of the access trail in the same peri- the crew occasionally walks this section to with the ATC crew is another excellent od of time. help the Overseers deal with the 30 plus opportunity to learn trail-building skills. water bar count in about two miles. With a Please try to schedule a day to join the crew Although it rained late Saturday afternoon complement of 16, the water bars were clear while they’re “in town.” and evening, the great chow provided by and free for the torrential June rains that Esther Aulthouse, who did all the prepara- followed. Close to 10 new people were tion and cooking without Sam, made every- Third Annual exposed to the vigor of volunteer trail work one feel that their efforts were extra special in what has to be the best working environ- Central District Workshop and appreciated for this workshop. Thanks, ment around. The workshop really started Friday afterno o n Esther! with Kerry Snow and Bernie Stalmann setting up the canopies for cover over the picnic tables Hoodlums On North Many Thanks, Jim outside the Pinnacles Research Station. After more than 20 years as an Overseer on Although Friday had several downpours, there Marshall the AT between Compton Gap and Jenkins was no doubt that this was going to be a suc- Well, the North District Hoodlums finally Gap in the SNP, Jim Edmonds resigned his got a dry weekend in June and were able to cessful workshop. Kerry and Shawn Green had position. Jim has always been one of our scouted the projects and had settled on the get back to the rock step and waterbar con- most dependable Overseers, and his contri- relocation (in part) of the access trail from the s t ruction on the AT near the Nort h bution will be missed. Jim also spent time as AT to the Rock Springs hut and cabin. Marshall viewpoint. Several large locust logs an AT District Manager as well as overseer Ad d i t i o n a l l y , the trail leading to the pit privy (courtesy of Ray Galles) were also installed. of Indian Run Hut. We thank him for 20 for both hut and cabin was steep and muddy, Afterwards, the crew washed down a Cajun years of good service and wish him well. Not and they decided that rock steps would make a feast with some genuine voodoo at the te r rific improvement. CT Campbell, the Park’s Indian Run Gumbo Shack! entirely done with trailwork, Jim will con- Central District Trails Supervi s o r , and his crew tinue as Overseer of the two viewpoint trails had already put in the relocated part of the new The 14th Annual North District Trails work- on Compton Peak. Thanks agai,n Jim. trail. Now it was up to the 20 crew members of shop will again be held at Mathews Arm Good luck! the workshop to finish the job by placing Ca m p g r ound on September 8-9. Some nice See Trailhead, page 19 18 Potomac Appalachian Trailhead, from page 18 head into the Park through PATC’s Per- Lee/West property adjacent to the Park near Potential AT Relocation Pocosin Cabin in the Central District (see Snakebites, from page 9 Replacement construction is planned for one “Walt’s Notes” in May PA). On two work – Avoid hiking at night. If you do, wear high of the monopoles (radio towers) that exist at trips in June, the Cadillac Crew managed to leather boots, gaiters, or thick pants for the summit of Hogback Mountain adjacent clear and dig about a half-mile of new tread protection. to the AT, in SNP. There may be some dis- in the vicinity of the Rosser-Lamb Cabin. ruption of the AT although complete details The Crew appreciated the hospitality of – Don’t try to capture or play with critters! ar e not yet known. At this time there is a pro- tract Managers Peg Manuel and Park posal in the works to relocate the trail arou n d Anderson and use of the Rosser- L a m b – Use a stick to probe holes or cracks in the summit of Hogback, bypassing the radio Cabin although it is still undergoing renova- rocks – not your hands. towers entirel y . The proposal is still in the tion. Over three miles of trail remain to be ap p r oval process and may not be finalized built, including a trail between Rosser- – A dead snake can and will bite for several until next year. Lamb Cabin and John’s Rest Cabin and a hours after it is killed. link to the Pocosin Fire Road in the Park. The project may take several years so there Time to Sign Up for North – Don’t panic, some bites are dry (20 per- are a lot of opportunities for trail builders. District Crew Weeks cent) – no venom – but don’t count on it! SNP North District expects to once again have two fun-filled trail crew weeks starti n g Tool Talk – Children are very vulnerable and can die August 26th and September 3rd. Projects this For the next several months, contractors will from snakebite. year include working on a strea m - e r oded part be working on Headquarters. The tool room, however, has basic hand tools needed of the Broad Hollow Trail and a part of the – Any adult who is already bleeding for any for trail maintenance, and a limited number Tus c a r ora/Overall Run Trail below the falls; a reason can be vulnerable – examples of this of tools for crew work trips. Check these out slough due to erosion and age. Both will are: pregnancy, bleeding ulcers, menstrua- using normal procedures. Other tools are in involve cribbing and will present a few chal- tion, diabetes, and high blood pressure. a CONEX. Liles Creighton has taken cross- lenges. If time allows other smaller proj e c t s cut saws and a bunch of power weedwackers will be undertaken. Overnight accommoda- – If for any reason the venom enters the to his home. He will get them in shape for tions will be at the Pinnacles Research Facility central circulation directly such as bitten on use. The weedwackers are of several makes located at MP 37.5 on the Skyline Drive with the arm and the venom goes direct into a and vintages; some are operable and can vein, this can be fatal to adults. An unlucky dinner each evening at Skyland Lodge. To serve to cut weeds. Call or e-mail him if you submit an application, contact Heidi Forrest at victim can have the venom go directly in a need one or more of these tools. Phone vein. This has happened, causing death in PATC Headquarters, or for more informa t i o n 410/573-0067 e-mail [email protected]. on the work schedule call, or e-mail, Berni e adult victims. Stalmann at 301/725-8876 or Please send any interesting tale, technical [email protected]. – Coral snakes are small and appear harm- advice, individual or group accomplish- less and the bite won’t hurt at first – the ments, and trail maintenance questions to snake will not want to let go, but one should Work Begins on Trailhead Trailhead, c/o Jon Rindt, 621 Skyline Forest get the snake off at once. Tingling around In February, PATC and SNP officials inves- Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630 or to the site is the first sign of possible impend- o tigated potential trail routes for a new trail- [email protected]. ing muscle paralysis. Remember, we use muscles to breath, swallow, blink, etc. Only Tails from the Woods by George Walters 40 percent of coral snakebites result in envenomation – again do not panic but the 20-minute rule is out – don’t move – get carried out at once with a coral snakebite. o —Dr. John M. McNamara, M.D., MPH George Washington University Medical Center Dept. of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology

POTOMAC APPALACHIAN (UPS-440-280) ©2001, 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: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180. Subscription: [Free with PATC membership;] $6.00 annually; $.50 single copies.

Potomac Appalachian 19 TRAIL OVERSEERS WANTED

Trail Overseer Openings. Contact the District Manager for the section that interests you.

ASHBY GAP/RTE. 638 AT & BB – MAP 8 (RTE. 50 TO RTE. 638) Tuscarora Trail CALLED MCKNEWat 540/622-6004 VA/WV55 to Gerhard Memorial Shelter (4.2 miles) or e-mail: [email protected] Tuscarora Trail Manassas Gap Shelter Trail Mill Mountain Trail to White Rocks Trail (2.90 miles) AT to Manassas Gap Shelter (0.10 miles) Tuscarora Trail Sherman Gap Trail to Veach Gap (3.10 miles) SNP NORTH AT – MAP 9 CALLJOHN MCCREAat610/352-9287 MASSANUTTEN NORTH - MAP #G or e-mail: [email protected] CALLMIKE SUTHERLAND at 703/591-8330 Appalachian Trail or e-mail: [email protected] Viewpoint Trail to Jenkins Gap (1.2 miles) Signal Knob Trail VA678 to Ft. Valley Overlook (2.2 miles) SNP CENTRAL BLUE-BLAZED [NORTHEND]– MAP 10 Meneka Peak Trail CALLDAN DUEWEKE at703/266-3248 Signal Knob Trial to Bear Wallow/Tuscarora Trail (1.2 miles) or e-mail: [email protected] Roberts Mountain Trail MASSANUTTEN SOUTH – MAP #H Old Rag Fire Road to Weakley Hollow Fire Road (2.4 miles) CALLBILLSCHMIDTat 301/585-2477 or e-mail: [email protected] SNP SOUTH BLUE-BLAZE (MAP #11) Massanutten Mt. South Trail CALLLOIS MANSFIELD at 804/973-7184 TV Tower to Pitt Spring (3.40 miles) or e-mail; [email protected] Massanutten Mt. South Trail Rockytop Trail [Co-overseer] Pitt Spring to Morgan Run Trail (3.3 miles) Big Run Portal Trail to Big Run Loop Trail (5.70 miles) Fridley Gap Trail VA868 to Cub Run (2.60 miles) TUSCARORA NORTH-MAP L CALLLLOYD MACASKILLat 703/978-4070 GREAT NORTH MOUNTAIN – MAP F or e-mail: [email protected] CALLHOPLONG at 301/942-6177 Tuscarora Trail or e-mail: [email protected] Siler,VA/South Sleepy Creek, WV Tuscarora Trail Big Schloss CutoffTrail Northern Rock Field to Southern Rock Field (1.5 miles) Mill Mt. Trail to FR 92 (1.90 miles) Tuscarora Trail Mill Mountain Trail Yellow Spring Road to Capon Spring Road (3.9 miles) Big Schloss Cutoff Trail to the Tuscarora Trail (3.3 miles) Tibbet Knob Trail TUSCARORA SOUTH – MAP F, G, 9 Wolf Gap to VA691 (2.50 miles) CALLRICK RHOADES at540/477-3247 Great North Mountain Trail or e-mail: [email protected] VA691 to Stack Rock Trail (2.20 miles) Volunteers – Appointed in May/June Trail Overseers Vonette Bryson Rock Spring Cabin & Hut Trail Chris Fee AT – Arendtville - Shippensburg Road to Milesburn John Miller Signal Knob Trail – Ft. Valley Overlook to Road Massanutten West Trail Wayne Limberg AT – Compton Gap to Viewpoint Trail Tom Barrett Massanutten East Trail – Scothorn Gap to Gap Creek Pious Choi AT – Lewis Mt. Trail to Pocosin Road Bill Eckman BROT – Bull Run Park to Rte. 28 Parking lot Harry Glenn AT – South River Hut Road to Saddleback Mt. Trail Marcelo BROT – Rte. 28 Parking lot to Little Rocky Run Richard Barrick Tuscarora Trail – Deans Gap to Cranes Gap Sanguinetti Beckey Stoner Tuscarora Trail – US 30 to Cowans Gap State Park Dan Muir BROT – Little Rocky Run to Johnny Moore Creek James Hamlin Hot Short Mt. Trail Linda AT – Hairpin Switchback to Crimora Lake Donna Brother Lower Buck Hollow Trail Shannon-Beaver Wayne Lipscomb Lower Cedar Run Trail Caroline Bari AT – Hairpin Switchback to Crimora Lake

118 Park Street Vienna, VA 22180-4609

Periodical Telephone: 703/242-0315 Postage Mon.-Thurs. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. PAID Thurs. & Fri. 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. Vienna, VA