Celebrating 2,000-Milers Inside: the Great Girl Scout Hike N Hanover, New Hampshire ❘ Journeys from the Editor the Magazine of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Journeys The magazine of the appalachian trail conservancy March — April 2012

Celebrating 2,000-Milers inside: The Great Girl Scout Hike n Hanover, New Hampshire ❘ Journeys From the Editor The Magazine of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Volume 8, Number 2 March — April 2012

Mission Common ground. As common denominators go, the A.T. is an The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail — ensuring obvious one among those who love nature and hiking. What makes this so, is not just that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, the tangible footpath, but the diverse and broad reaching community that is as much a and for centuries to come. part of the Trail as the natural world it contains within its protected borders. That community consists of a multifaceted array of people, places, and educational experiences. Hikers meet new friends, and reconnect with others at hospitable A.T. hostels, Board of Directors A.T. Journeys rustic Trail shelters, and in Trail towns — like the designated A.T. Community of J. Robert (Bob) Almand ❘ chair Wendy K. Probst ❘ Managing Editor Hanover, New Hampshire, where even a lamp post on Maine Street bares a white blaze, William L. (Bill) Plouffe ❘ Vice Chair Traci Anfuso-Young ❘ Graphic Designer and A.T. adventurers are presented with everything from a clean shower and hiker- Kara Ball ❘ Secretary friendly businesses, to Ivy League museums and libraries (page 36). Highlighting the Arthur Foley ❘ Treasurer Contributors connection between Hanover’s community and the Trail community is a group of On the Cover: Among the Lenny Bernstein Laurie Potteiger ❘ Information Services Manager volunteers called Friends of the Trail. “[They have] worked hard to reach out to 2,000-milers being celebrated this year Richard Daileader Chris Loomis ❘ Proofreader the hikers that come through Hanover,” says Hanover town manager Julia is Deborah “Pickle” Lucy, who Marcia Fairweather Griffin. “By doing so, many of us have had some wonderful connections … [and] The staff of A.T. Journeys welcomes thru-hiked the A.T. in 2011. “After 350 Brian T. Fitzgerald our lives are all the richer for those connections.” editorial inquiries and comments. miles with my dog Guinness, my Mary Higley Another unifying force of the Trail community is education. Back-woods E-mail: [email protected] husband, Brian, and I met at Woods Terry Lierman loving people from all backgrounds and regions of the U.S. are getting a hands- Hole Hostel, outside of Pearisburg, Sandra (Sandi) Marra Observations, conclusions, opinions, and product on “wild education” about proper wilderness maintenance at the Wilderness Virginia for a quick visit and ‘puppy Charles Maynard endorsements expressed in A.T. Journeys are those Stewardship Institute in the Smokies (page 24). “I think it’s wonderful that we shuttle service’ [to transport Guinness] Elizabeth (Betsy) Pierce Thompson of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those can bring together many different people who are attracted to wilderness. back home,” says Deborah. “It was Clark Wright Jr. of members of the board or staff of the Appalachian Perhaps people with different views can come together like this … and form a one of the highlights of my trip, and I Trail Conservancy. bond,” says Anna Wlodarczyk, who attended the institute in 2011. The Smokies met a whole slew of fellow hikers who ATC Executive Staff are also home to a more scientific educational community, due to the area’s huge I would leap frog with for the next Mark J. Wenger ❘ Executive Director Advertising diversity of species — both flora and fauna —much of which is not visible to 1,500 miles! Here we are sharing Stephen J. Paradis ❘ Chief Operating Officer A.T. Journeys is published six times per year. the human eye. The All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory is a group effort — by col- chocolate and chai tea on the porch Stacey J. Marshall ❘ Director of Finance Advertising revenues directly support the lege students, faculty, volunteers, and the local scientific community — to count while giving ourselves permission to & Administration publication and production of the magazine, and study thousands of microscopic creatures — including the otherworldly sit out the chilly rain moving in.” Royce W. Gibson ❘ Director of Membership and help meet Appalachian Trail Conservancy “water bear.” (page 32) & Development objectives. For more information and advertising Many of those who celebrate their official 2,000-miler status (page 16) ex- From left: Deborah “Pickle” Lucy, Laura Belleville ❘ Director of Conservation rates, visit: appalachiantrail.org/advertising. press their gratitude for supportive husbands, wives, parents, and other hikers Kristen “Gingersnap” Gregory, Woods Brian B. King ❘ Publisher who have not completed the Trail, but whose presence and support, both on Hole proprietors: Neville Harris and her Javier Folgar ❘ Marketing & A.T. Journeys is published on Sterling Matte paper that is and off Trail, was implicit to their experience. And while some recent 2,000-milers 2011 2000-miler Emma husband, Michael Lasecki (far back), Communications Manager manufactured by NewPage Corporation, responsibly accomplished their hike all at once, others, like Trail Story author Tim Meadows — “Sprout” Hileman, elated “BookSmarts,” “Sailor,” “Stretch.” sourced, using allocated chain-of-custody certified fiber. who took 35 years, hiking with family and friends (page 40), and ATC’s new executive on Katahdin. Photo by Brian Lucy It is printed with SoySeal certified ink in the U.S.A. by director, Mark Wenger — whose eight-year section hike only deepened his already By Jon Bonini Dartmouth Printing Company, Sterling, Virginia. fervent love of nature (page 15) — approached that lofty goal by taking it on one section at a time. On the A.T., community is the adhesive that bonds an incredibly diverse group of people — from across the U.S. and around the world. So when you see the quintessential photo of the joyous hiker displaying their adoration toward the iconic sign A.T. Journeys ( ISSN 1556-2751) is published bimonthly atop Katahdin, you can be assured that the emotion emitted is that of pure love — not for $15 a year by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, only for the Appalachian Trail, but for the community of special friendships forged 799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, and the important lessons the Trail inevitably imbues on those who tread its path. (304) 535-6331. Bulk-rate postage paid at Harpers Ferry, Membership West Virginia, and other offices. For membership questions or to become a member, call (304) 535-6331, ext. 119, Wendy K. Probst ❘ Managing Editor Postmaster: Send change-of-address Form 3575 to or e-mail [email protected]. A.T. Journeys, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. A.T. Journeys welcomes your comments, story suggestions and photographs. Queries may be submitted via e-mail to © 2012 Appalachian Trail Conservancy. [email protected]. All rights reserved. Get Social With Us

march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 03 contents ❘ March — April 2012

10 The Great Girl Scout Hike To celebrate their 100th anniversary, Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, teen Girl Scouts, and Girl Scout alumnae are taking up the call to hike the entire length of the Trail in “bits and pieces.” 24 Wild Education The Wilderness Stewardship Institute teaches people from across the country how to give back to the protected wild places that they love. ❘ 36 ❘ 26 Thru a Hiker’s Eyes Among the 4,000-plus photos Vince Mier ❘ 10 ❘ collected during his 2011 thru-hike, are charming displays of both the vast and minute wonders of the Trail’s natural surroundings departments

14 ❘ Trailhead Trailside Post Office Update; Handling Blowdowns on the A.T.

32 ❘ trail Natives A fascinating collaborative effort is taking place in the Smokies — to tally tiny, obscure beings that may have implications far beyond their diminutive stature.

36 ❘ Trail Towns Hanover, New Hampshire lies at the intersection of two historic transportation routes — the Appalachian Trail and New England’s Connecticut River.

38 ❘ GREENWAY A successful conservation effort in the High Peaks of Maine ❘ 38 ❘ 2,000-miler will secure protection for one of the most spectacular John “Flowers” Dent – by Dave Morrison sections of the Trail. 03 ❘ From the Editor ❘ 40 trail stories ❘ For 35 years, the A.T. has provided Tim Meadows with a 06 Letters constant opportunity for exploration, adventure, and a place 08 ❘ Overlook for reflection on life’s priorities. ❘ ❘ 42 ❘ Trail giving 16 47 ❘ As I See It ❘ George Sandul tells of his chance meeting, and friendship 46 public notices Celebrating 2,000-Milers with a fellow hiker, whose zest for living and positive attitude ❘ 32 ❘ ATC now celebrates more than 12,626 reports of hikes of the entire A.T. Of embraced the spirit of the Appalachian Trail. those, 500 thru-hikers and 120 section-hikers completed the Trail in 2011. march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 05 ❘ Letters

ner, and told the story of Walter “Pogo” calendar. This will be corrected in the Rheinheimer of Pogo campsite fame, and 2014 edition. We regret any inconve- several other anecdotes. At the time, we nience and disappointment this caused. were not aware of Mr. Griggs contribu- The photographs — all by A.T. hikers tions to the Trail. After our chance meet- — in the 2013 calendar, which will be ing he departed whence he came, disap- available this August, are as stunning pearing into the woods. We thought we’d as always. For 2014, we will return to seen a spirit hanging out in his old sur- larger spaces in which to write notes roundings. As you can tell from the and to more prominent day numbers for photo, this was not the case ... a Trail day easier viewing. we’ll never forget. Brian B. King, Publisher Steve “Hiking Viking” and Tim “Big Walker” Farrell — a.k.a..The Brother’s Farrell Beavercreek, Ohio We read with interest the Volunteer Profile of Thurston Griggs in facebook comments the January/February edition of A.T. Thanks for the unbelievable A.T. Journeys welcomes your comments. Journeys. During our annual section hike level of work, Dave Startzell! (“A Distinct The editors are committed to providing in October 2005, we were staying at the Contribution,” A.T. Journeys November/ balanced and objective perspectives. original Rocky Run shelter in Maryland. December 2011) We’ll miss you. You’ve Not all letters received may be published. After dinner we saw a gentlemen ap- been an incredible friend of the A.T. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. proaching from the hollow below. He Kerry Snow wasn’t on a trail and was attired in car- Please send them to: digan and loafers. That gentlemen E-mail: [email protected] turned out to be Thurston Griggs. Claim- A Note about the ATC Calendar ing to be 90 years old at the time, he design. A number of members have com- Letters to the Editor spent about 30 minutes chatting with us mented about the relatively smaller size Appalachian Trail Conservancy about his role as a Maryland Ridge Run- of the monthly grids on the 2012 ATC P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807 ❘ overlook

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I was first drawn to the Appalachian Trail at the 2001 NORWAY POWERED BY NATURE national Boy Scout jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, in Virginia, where there was a display www.visitnorway.us in the conservation area. Various organizations such as the Appalachian Trail Con- EXPLORE NORWAY © Svein Ulvund POWERED BY NATURE servancy (ATC) had booths. I realized then that the A.T. was literally in my backyard. Fjord Norway www.visitnorway.us I had hiked small sections of the Trail, and here was the organization that was tasked to maintain it — so I joined the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club and the ATC. I found out that the ATC is the catalyst for working with thousands of volunteers who help to manage and maintain the Trail, as well as an official source of detailed information GO about the Trail, and how to hike it. AIRCONTACT 75+10 In 2003, I started section hiking the Trail, which, soon after, kindled my desire to Your Ultimate Companion featuring: complete the entire foot path. Last year, like my fellow recent 2,000-milers (page 16), • Heavyweight hauling Aircontact Suspension Paperless! • Pivoting hip belt that moves with you I completed that ambitious goal. So many aspects from those eight years of hiking Receive A.T. Journeys right in your inbox, • Rain cover that keeps your gear dry linger prominently in my mind. I remember my first one-week hike from Boiling while reducing your carbon footprint. To learn how you can explore places Springs, Pennsylvania to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, during the fall of 2003. I was like Norway with an Aircontact pack, just leaving Boiling Springs heading south. In that pastoral section, I hiked through Subscribe today visit www.deuterusa.com/aircontact gentle rolling mountains, crossing a number of small streams, and the vibrant color appalachiantrail.org/paperless. of the leaves amazed me. Think of this: it was the height of fall in southern Pennsyl- Enter your contact information and vania; the air was cool, and the colors were brilliant in the sun, which was reflecting Click “Go Paperless” on the oranges, reds, and browns. I had these glorious fall colors just for myself, and AIRCONTACT Suspension, German Engineered I marveled at the light reflecting off of the water in those streams. Looking back on endorsed and used by NOLS. Since 1898 it, I think: here is one of so many, vastly varied seasons and experiences that the Trail offers. There are sections, like Maine, with its huge lakes and its rugged rocks, and then there is southern Pennsylvania, with pastoral terrain, rolling mountains, and deciduous forests. Both of them gave me that same kind of wonderful feeling of peace — and I could only have experienced this by walking in these places. There is no other way to get that same kind of magnificent feeling. In both cases, I tried to take pictures, and when I look at those pictures, they still don’t quite capture it. Actually, as I neared the end of my multi-year section hike, I stopped taking pictures of those 2011 thru-hikers, and Appalachian kinds of moments, because I realized that the only way to really understand the mo- Trail Conservancy members, Angela ment is just to experience it —to take it in, and keep it as a memory. “Chowhound” and Shawn As the ATC’s executive director I plan to channel my passion for the outdoors, and “Chuckwagon” Grenier at ATC the Appalachian Trail particularly, into every aspect of my work. We will continue to headquarters in Harpers focus on volunteers, clubs, and agency partners. We will work on engaging the wider Ferry, West Virginia. “community” aspect of the A.T. Highlighting this aspect of our work is a direct result of my own volunteer work for the Trail. I think the most appealing aspect of the Ap- palachian Trail Conservancy is the volunteer nature of the organization, especially in terms of how we are set up and how we function. The Trail was envisioned by volunteers, built by volunteers, and, through the cooperative agreement of our agency partners, is maintained, enhanced, preserved, and protected by volunteers. So, as we celebrate the newest group of 2,000-milers, the ATC would like to salute the more than 5,000 volunteers, our 42,000-plus members, our generous corporate partners, and our agency partners in 14 states who make the A.T. journey possible.

Mark J. Wenger ❘ Executive Director

08 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 The Great The year 2012 is the Girl Scouts of the USA’s centennial birthday. And what a better way to Girl Scout Hike celebrate our 100th anniversary then with a hike of great propor- tions. We’re marking the occasion by hiking the Appalachian Trail. So far more than 100 Girl Scout troops and groups have signed up to hike a portion of the A.T. Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, teen Girl Scouts, and Girl Scout alumnae are taking up the call to hike the entire length of the Trail by section-hiking it — or like Girl Scout Leader Mary “Mama Boots” Sands likes to say: in “bits and pieces.” We even have our very own Girl Scout thru-hikers: “the Eaglet Express.” Our goal is to have each foot of the 2,100-plus-mile Appalachian Trail hiked upon by a Girl Scout this year. Our “kick-your-hiking-boots-on” date is March 12, 2012. One-hundred-years ago, on March 12, 1912, Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low made her historic telephone call to a friend, saying, “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight!” That night, Daisy gathered 18 girls to register the first troop of Amer- ican Girl Guides. The following year, the name of the organization was changed to Girl Scouts. In developing the Girl Scout Movement By Jennifer Pfister in the United States, Daisy brought girls of all backgrounds into the outdoors, giving them the opportunity to develop self-reliance and Clockwise from top left: Troop leader Barbara resourcefulness. She believed that all girls should be given the op- Duerk during a 1990 day hike to McAfee’s portunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. With the Knob with her “Virginia Skyline Adventurers”; goal of bringing girls out of isolated home environments and into Virginia Skyline Girl Scout Cadet Troop 2286, community service and the open air, Girl Scouts hiked, played bas- from Newport, on a 2008 overnight Mount ketball, went on camping trips, learned how to tell time by the stars, Rogers A.T. hike; A Girl Scout’s drawing of and studied first aid. “Mama Boots” That’s right — the first Girl Scouts hiked that very first year. They were forewarned by local townsmen that a female hiking or camping overnight in the wild could result in their illness or possible death due to a “girl’s constitutional make-up.” The idea of girls surviving

march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 11 outside the home in the woods on their own was not consid- Scout adventures on the Appalachian Trail. Barbara ex- motion. We are motivated to move —to get kids off the couch ered plausible nor acceptable behavior for that day and age. claimed, “I live right next to the Appalachian Trail in Roa- and out from behind the numerous glowing screens. It goes Daisy knew that was silly nonsense and went about putting noke, Virginia. Our girls can hike the A.T. too.” When back by many names — the Green Hour, Let’s Move!, Get Outside, together trips for girls to hike and go camping. Those first home in the U.S., Barbara began organizing Girl Scout hikes Children and Nature, No Child Left Behind — but in the Girl Girl Scouts hiked in the great outdoors and lived to tell about on the Appalachian Trail with the help from the Roanoke Scouts, we just call it having fun. it. In doing so, they inspired generations of girls to get out- and Natural Bridge A.T. Clubs. She believed that girls learn By having fun, girls build self-confidence and are empow- side — to hike, to camp, to backpack, to enjoy the world of by doing. She saw the Girl Scouts as a girl-powered outdoor ered to take the lead. The 100th anniversary Great Girl Scout the great outdoors that was waiting for them. social and leadership “movement.” The Adventurers motto: Hike embraces this fun. Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Coun- More than 50 years later, in 1965, Mary Sands was inspired “Challenging You to Challenge Yourself!” cil was inspired too; we wanted Girl Scouts across the East to begin a new Girl Scout chapter of adventure. As a Girl Scout Back in 1912, Juliette “Daisy” Low called Girl Scouting a Coast to join together in continuing the great American Girl Leader from Louisville, Kentucky, she got swept up into hik- “Movement” and not an organization. She believed that the Scout tradition of getting outside, by hiking. With the coming with her daughter’s troop. Then one day, while family Girl Scouts would change and progress as the girls and bined educational efforts of the Appalachian Trail Conser- camping near the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, she vancy and the Appalachian Trail clubs, the Girl Scouts are able discovered the Appalachian Trail, and a spark lit-up inside to share advice on family and youth-friendly sections of the her. She had never been backpacking before and thought that A.T. for our youngest members. We have also worked togeth- this could be an exciting new adventure for her Girl Scout er to share and highlight safety guidelines and tips for back- troop. As soon as she returned home from vacation, she packing and camping in the backcountry for our teen girls. A gathered a group of teen Girl Scouts and they planned their strong collaboration has developed through the organization very first backpacking trip for the Appalachian Trail through of the Great Girl Scout Hike over the past year. the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina. And the inspiration continues. Our West Coast sister Girl Sometime during that first trip, one of the girls bestowed Scouts, enthusiastic about our A.T. hike, started their very upon her the trail name of “Mama Boots.” own Great Girl Scout Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. And By having fun, girls build One backpacking trip after another was planned and then there are talks underway for the Continental Divide Na- hiked with Mama Boots’ Girl Scouts. After the Smokies came tional Scenic Trail to be part of the Great Girl Scout Hike too. self-confidence and are Center Point Knob, then Springer Mountain, and then Katah- In addition, a small band of Girl Scout adult volunteers and empowered to take the din. Of course the challenge of hiking all of Virginia took alumnae, led by Sam “the Captain” Loftus, have formed the several trips and several years for these Kentucky Girl Scouts. “Eaglet Express” to hike the entire trail starting on March lead. The 100th anniversary Mama Boots spent a period of 16 years hiking with 135 differ- 12, 2012 at Springer Mountain, Georgia. As experienced Great Girl Scout Hike ent Girl Scouts and completed the entire Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, this group wishes to let the rest of the world in through section-hiking it. With the encouragement of many on its secret. “Girl Scouting is about belonging, and doing embraces this fun. of her former hiking companions, their parents and other Girl things bigger than ourselves,” explains the captain. And to Scout Leaders, Mama Boots compiled her most memorable hike the Appalachian Trail is one of those great things that experiences into an inspiring and humorous book titled Ap- is bigger than any one person. It’s an experience of a lifetime over the East Coast to hike one section or all of the A.T. be- palachian Trail in Bits and Pieces. She explains: “When I look just like Girl Scouting. tween March 12, 2012 and October 31, 2012 (our founder back at my adventure with the Girl Scouts, I know that the From those original 18 girls of the first Girl Scout troop in Daisy’s birthday). The Great Girl Scout Hike combines tradi- Appalachian Trail was our classroom. The friends we made, Above: Scout teens on a 1990 “Wake Up 1912 to today in 2012, Girl Scouting has grown to 3.7 million tional outdoor activities with today’s technology. Scouts can the lessons we learned, and the experiences we had — both with the Wild Ponies” overnight hike in members nationwide. The Girl Scouts are the largest educa- tweet about their experiences on the Trail, and keep up-to- good and bad — will never be forgotten.” And they never were. Grayson Highlands, Virginia; Right: The tional organization for girls in the world. In fact, more than date on the Eaglet Express’ thru-hike via blogging and Face- Thanks to the stories of her great adventures, she inspired famous book by troop leader Mary “Mama 50 million women in the U.S. today are Girl Scout alumnae. book. Sharing information via multi-media facets enables and another. Barbara Norris Duerk, a volunteer for the Girl Scouts Boots” Sands — who spent 16 years, hiking For 100 years, young women have been motivated to empowers girls to reach even higher expectations of Virginia Skyline, was so moved by Mama Boots’ stories with 135 different Girl Scouts, to complete make the world a better place. Girl Scout program- than ever thought imaginable. Instead of ignoring that she wished to mark the 100th anniversary of Girl Scout- her hike of the entire Trail. Opposite page: ming continues to value the experiential outdoors the great influence of technology in kids’ lives ing by spearheading the Great Girl Scout Hike. Back in 1986, The Skyline Adventurer troop on a 2001 day classroom. Girl Scout leaders provide training today, we are interconnecting it with their out- Barbara founded the Virginia Skyline Adventurers, a high- hike to Burkes, Virginia. and a safe, supportive environment for girls to doors experiences. With our great willingness adventure activity group for middle school and high school learn decision-making, develop self-reliance, to share this experience with the next genera- girls. Girls who wanted a challenge — girls who wanted to women of America changed and progressed. Daisy under- engage in teamwork, and practice leadership. tion of women leaders, may the Great Girl Scout try their hands at hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, kaya- stood progression and said: “I realize that each year it has Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council chal- Hike be the start of bringing happy trails to king, caving and more — joined to learn leadership skills changed and grown [and] I know that a decade from now lenges current and alumnae Girl Scouts from all even more girls over the next 100 years. through adventure-based outdoor programming. what I might say of it would seem like an echo of what has In 1992, the Adventurers backpacked through Europe. The been, instead of what is.” By 1920, within eight years from group visited Our Chalet, a Girl Guide World Center, located her humble beginning with an 18-girl member troop, there Jennifer Pfister is the communications director of the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, a member of the Roanoke A.T. Club, and a Lifetime Member of the in Adelboden, Switzerland. Girl Scouts from Kentuckianna were nearly 70,000 Girl Scouts nationwide, including the Girl Scouts of the USA and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Appalachian Trail in Bits and Pieces is available at the Ultimate A.T. Store: atctrailstore.org. Council told them stories about Mama Boots and her Girl territory of Hawaii. Today our “movement” is one of actual For more information visit: www.gshike.org

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About the New ❘ tr a i l head ❘ Executive Director photo by John Cammerota Last August, Mark Wenger joined the list of this year’s 2,000-milers by completing an eight-year, three-month effort to section hike the entire Appalachian Trail. This year, he joins the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as its new executive director. How to Handle Wenger is active in the Trail community as life member of both the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club (TATC) and the Old Dominion Ap- Blowdowns palachian Trail Club. He served as the program chair, vice president, By Trudy Phillips and president of TATC. Wenger also led an extensive number of outdoor One of the challenges of being a trail maintainer is finding trips (backpacking, canoeing, cycling, and whitewater rafting) for the the best, safest, and often most expedient solutions to problems encountered on the TATC, earning him the Ray Kernel Jr. Trip Leadership Award. He has volunteered for more than 22 Trail. Such was the case when the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club (NBATC) years with the Boy Scouts of America at the local, council, and regional levels, and until recently was found a 42-inch oak across the A.T. just south of the James River Foot Bridge in the the outdoor ethics advisor for his council, providing him a vehicle to champion the cause of Leave No James River Face Wilderness. The tree had uprooted just above the Trail and, though Trace while promoting more — but responsible — use of the outdoors. dead, was still very solid. NBATC determined that removing such a large blowdown themselves with a crosscut saw would have presented several difficult safety related issues. The large oak tree was where did you grow up? Do any moments from your multi- well above shoulder level and St. Francisville, Louisiana. year hike particularly stand situated on a steep sidehill. out in your mind? Although only slightly bigger What keeps you involved in so many There were so many favorite sections. But to give you a flavor than the largest tree the club types of outdoor activities? of my favorite sections, those that inspired that feeling of be- had previously bucked with a I have a real passion for the outdoors. I grew up in a rural area, ing one with nature, in a sort of serene, Zen sense — one such crosscut saw, it presented the and was able to enjoy the hills, and farmlands and the many moment occurred in 2009, when I hiked Rangley north to problem of being suspended woods and beautiful places along the Mississippi — all of the Monson. Toward the end of the hike, there was a series of A.T. Post Offices about two feet off the ground activities that outdoor life presents. I have always had that pas- ponds and lakes that the Trail circles around before it heads by a major side branch, mean- sion, which is why I became a Boy Scout, because I was able to to Monson. It was late August, and I went wading out into the Will Stay Open ing that it could have rolled benefit from camping, and outdoor activities. I have always just water of one of those lakes. I was at least 25 feet off shore, either direction when cut. In enjoyed being able to be outdoors, which can be as simple as a and there wasn’t anyone else around. It was quiet, except for Through May addition, the crown of the walk in a city park or a more involved backpacking trek. the sound of a few birds, and the sky was a beautiful crystal In December, the U.S. Postal Service, in tree was resting in the James clear blue. Suddenly I noticed this female Moose, who had response to a request made by multiple River where its strong cur- A huge blowdown dictated moving the footpath of the A.T. just When did you decide to hike the come out to feed not 50 yards from me. She kind of looked at U.S. Senators, agreed to delay the clos- rent could have caused move- south of the James River by members of the NBATC, including entire Trail and why? me briefly, with no fear or trepidation, and I just stood there ing of any post office until May 15, 2012. ment at any time. Bill Bishop (left) and Joe Chavez (right). I started section hiking on May first of 2003, and my goal was in the water, and was thinking that the only way you could This is good news for this year’s north- Using a hand cable winch Photo by Gary Nero to try to hike all of Virginia, because Virginia is such a huge experience something as amazing as this moment in this place bound thru-hikers. It means all but the was considered, but would section of the Trail. I thought that would be a fantastic goal, was to hike in. There was no way to drive in, there was no tour latest trekkers starting from Springer can have required felling numerous nearby large trees. Since hikers were already mak- because I had only done a limited amount of backpacking and bus that could take you into this area; you couldn’t fly over and count on the Fontana Dam, North Caro- ing an unsafe detour up and down a steep embankment, the club decided that the mostly car camping up until then. I got out on my first couple of get the same feeling. lina post office being open. But, because most sensible and prudent approach would be to construct a short trail relocation sections, and they were beautiful and inspiring. I could just hike both northbound and southbound thru- around the obstacle. Once the decision was made to construct the relocation, NBATC all day and enjoy the variety of terrain and the change of vistas What is next on your “personal hikers will reach Glencliff, New Hamp- maintainers completed the task in less than a day. Safety is always a major concern along the Blue Ridge. By the beginning of 2004, I had com- goal” list? shire and Caratunk, Maine post offices of maintainers, but is just one of several factors addressed when dealing with Trail pleted Maryland, part of southern Pennsylvania, and started into To be a successful executive director of the Appalachian Trail after the date of temporary reprieve, they problems. Areas designated as wilderness have limitations as to the types of equip- North Carolina — I realized then that I wanted to do the whole Conservancy — that means to make sure that the organization should check the status of those post ment that can be used and the size of work crews. Proposed Trail relocations are Trail as a section hiker. is focussed on its agency partners, clubs, members, and espe- offices before sending a package. evaluated by their potential environmental impacts rather than their proposed cially its many volunteers. I want it to continue to be a thriving lengths and thus agency partners need to have the opportunity to address possible organization for years to come. As far as my next outdoor goal: NEPA and other issues. Trail maintainers usually have a wide range of factors to be I want to revisit many sections of the A.T., but this time with considered before successfully completing most of their projects. agency partners and Trail club volunteers — to experience again the magic of the Trail. Trudy Phillips is the president of the NBATC

14 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 15

ngelly Kristi ❘ Pe Ham rple ilto ❘ Pu n ❘ n H Ja ap R

❘ py eg & L i ❘ i st e tt e or le r v T e i r d rn e s a e le C p ❘ u e o ik C 12,626 M

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Axman-Hyner Dara Jane ❘ Art Gypsy Billing Jonathan ❘ Lego ■ Boyd William ❘ Tri-Dub Ayers Louis ❘ Dream Walker Bishop Deneen ❘ (s)HeBGB Boyer Chad A. ❘ Magic Bag 2011 ■ Baab Jordan A. ❘ Green Man ■ Blair John T. ❘ Blair Foot Boyes Jason Adair Joshua ❘ Bookhawk ■ Banik Patrick ❘ Renaissance Blake Matthew ❘ Red Oak Bracken Matthew ❘ Chainsaw ■ Adams Dick ❘ Walking Cowboy Barr Kerryn ❘ enzed Blanchet Gabriel ❘ 3Stove Branch Marcus ❘ Little Engine Adams Jerry ❘ Grasshopper ■ Barrett Alan B. ❘ Earl Grey ■ Bliss Lauralee ❘ Blissful Bratter Melissa ❘ Hollywood Adinolfi Anthony ❘ Legion Barron Kevin ❘ Captain Planet ■ Blumenthal Jenni ❘ DayHikers ■ Brayley Grace N. ❘ Stearman ■ Akers Paul R. ❘ Yak Baum Nick ❘ Low Expectations ■ Blumenthal Ralph ❘ DayHikers Bredehoeft Chris ❘ Kipper Aldridge Chuck ❘ Guinness Beardsley Samantha ❘ Peanut ! Bobo Warren ❘ Old Blue Bresnihan John ❘ Poncho ■ Allen Kaitlin ❘ Jetpack Beasley Vista ❘ Wisp Bode James ❘ Clay Brewer Seth ❘ Doc Boom Anderson Aaron ❘ Tigger Beauregard Gregory M. ❘ Gravity Bohac Chad ❘ Holycow Briere, Sr. Darrell ❘ Mickey ‘D’ ■ Anderson Gerald ❘ Rosy Eagle Bechert Nick ❘ Kodiak ■ Bohner Lee E. ❘ Loner Bohner ■ Britt Clark ❘ Boy Howdy Andrews Allison ❘ Chickadee ■ Bedard Ken ❘ K-Dawg ■ Borkowski Marilynn R. ❘ Lucky 13 Brooke-de Bock Cory ❘ Moose Angelini Luke ❘ Attitude ■ Bennett Len ❘ Trog Bosh Alex ❘ Dayhiker ■ Brooker Lindsey E. ❘ Hover Archambault Justin ❘ O.B.1 ■ Bennick David A. ❘ Old Fat Dad ■ Bossier Jr. Bryan ❘ MarathoN ■ Brouillette Michael ❘ Animal Arsenault Steven K. Berlow Matthew Boswell Eugene Louis ❘ MEAN Gene Brown Matt ❘ Sweet Tea ❘ Second Shift Steamer Beyer Jessie ❘ Colorado ■ Boutin Matthew ❘ Caveman ■ Brown Ryan U. ❘ Brownie Ashwill Madeline ❘ Sweet Pea ■ Bidon Tobias ❘ Mule1 ■ Bowen Scot ❘ Ramblin’ Man Brunner Dan ❘ Jackrabbit ■ Atwood Roxana Mebane ■ Bidwell Scott ❘ Snaker ■ Bowles Nicholas ❘ WIP ■ Bubb Rodger ❘ Bullwinkle ❘ Morning Star ■ Bigelow Jay ❘ Jay Bird Boyce Amy ❘ Pebbles Buckley-Gray Shane ❘ Snake Farm

■ life members / ■ current members / We would like to express our appreciation for those 2,000-milers who have chosen to support the Appalachian Trail as Appalachian Trail Conservancy members. Peter Woitas ❘ Twigg

march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 17

2,000

Edwards Dorsey ❘ Tennessee Two

❘ Edwards Richard Shark 2,000 Tara Har Ellis Robert ❘ Checklist bert ❘ Eug ■ ❘ ene Englert Mary Yinz From left: r Enser Timothy ❘ Whistler ke al Erdman Charlie ❘ Truckin, Michael Stratton ❘ Pace ❘ Christi Holmes ❘ Deva ❘ Matt LaClair ❘ Porter W do e id ❘

id ❘ K Evanko John J. Musher T ❘ is ld e Ezor Zachary ❘ Square o d ib ra ❘ e a Fagerer Werner Sofarsogood L P a la ■ Faulhaber William ❘ r y Zhivago a a S h ■ Finney Zack ❘ S Blueyes Fleming Michael ❘ The Colonel ■ Forbes Avery ❘ 3Hats Forbes Scotland ❘ So Far ■ Ford Andy ❘ SASH Appala Ford Joel Spencer ❘ Stroller he chi T an Fordon Joseph ❘ Stretch

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■ Goodwin Michael R. ❘ LongTime

Gorey Roger ❘ Trolley Stop Gower James G. ❘ Hospital Hiker # 1 ■ Gram Ed ❘ Sundowner Grau Robert C. ❘ Buckeye Flash Buckwalter Julie ❘ Dragonfly Cobb Marie ❘ Bobwhite DeJaegher Lewis ❘ Witticism ■ Graybill John ❘ Happy Jack Burger Gerald ❘ Muncher Cocanour Josh ❘ Coaster DeLand Frank S. ❘ Rambler Gregory Kristen Paige ❘ Gingersnap Burnett Ben ❘ Neathawk Cohen David ❘ Super Dave Delinski Brock Greiner Angela M. ❘ Chowhound ■ Buschmeier Michael ❘ Shutter Cole Matthew L. ❘ Buscemi ■ DeLucas Rachel ❘ Catalyst ■ Grenier Shawn ❘ Chuckwagon Bush Jr. Robert B. ❘ Spartan Cole Rachel ❘ Lush ■ DeMillo Cody ❘ Coyote ■ Griffith, Jr. Thomas B. ❘ Sno Butler Bret ❘ Indy Coleman Daniel F. ❘ Griswald Denny Craig ❘ Sky Pilot Grimes Alexander ❘ Engineer ■ Buzzell Dan ❘ Sixes ■ Coleman Michele ❘ Loon ■ Dent Jonathan A. ❘ Flowers ■ Grissom Chad ❘ Moosehead Cabaniss Elizabeth ❘ Warbler Conant III Richard D. ❘ Walking Home Derin Colleen Ann ❘ Derin Duo Grosner Cole ❘ Crazy Goose Cahill William A. ❘ Berky Conly Thomas ❘ Little Knee Derin Rex P. ❘ Derin Duo Grounds Phill ❘ Mingo Campbell John ❘ Fulltime Conway Brian ❘ Squirrel ■ Devereaux Kevin ❘ Paul Bunion ■ Guetersloh Tim ❘ Oops Capps Jonathan ❘ Professor Cooke Brock ❘ Loop deWolfe Julie ❘ Honeybee ■ Guiney John ❘ Whoop ! Carlson Bree ❘ Lady Pants ■ Cooperdock Sol ❘ Whiskey Dickey Dylan ❘ AYCE Haber Alix ❘ Buzz Lightyear Carlson Elaine M. ❘ Pilot Corrado Frank ❘ MoJo Diederich Kelsey ■ Haggerty Jack ❘ Justjack Carpenter John ❘ Maniac Cowan Matt ❘ Ass Trumpet Dillingham Josh ❘ Black Foot ■ Haker Jeri ❘ Tippy Toes ■ Carte Thomas ❘ Uncle Tom Cramer Daniel ❘ Mile Hi ■ Douglass Heyward ❘ Peregrine Hamann Lejon ❘ Humpty Dumpty Caskey Grant ❘ Tex Crawford Edward D. ❘ “Eddie” ■ Downing Michael ❘ Dash ■ Hamilton Kristi ❘ Happy Little Tree ■ Casseday Adam ❘ Gobbler Culver Ben ❘ Shaka Downs Alan ❘ LEMUR Hammond Will ❘ Chimp Chance Logan ❘ Teddy Curran Stephanie ❘ Sparkplug Dragoon Michael ❘ Chase Handrich Kristin ❘ Sunday Chandler Charles V. ❘ Cheese Dahlstrom Jonas ❘ Leprechaun Dragoon Stephanie ❘ Pace ■ Handville Ray ❘ Sliver Chappell Jason ❘ Bolt Daily Glenn ❘ Turn Around ■ Drapeau Brendan ❘ Breeze Haradon Jared “Rick” ❘ Fish Hook Chiaroni Vincent ❘ The Corsican Daniels Jeff ❘ Moondoggie Duggan Aburee ❘ Cayenne ■ Harbert Tara ❘ Eugene ■ Chisom Brian T. ❘ Bear Davis Jennifer Pharr ❘ Odyssa ■ Dunaway Alan ❘ Pops Harbin Justin ❘ Chevy Christensen Erik ❘ Hospital Guy Davis Zach ❘ Badger Dunham Philip ❘ Grad School Hardcastle Lewis ■ Cilladi Josiah ❘ Me Hap ■ Davison Mary E. ❘ Medicare Pastor Dussault David ❘ Bum Knee ❘ The Lewis & Mark Experience Clark James ❘ Six String ■ Dax Michael ❘ Stretch Dyke Richard ❘ Hot Drinks Harder Abram ❘ Poncho Verde Cleijne Erik ❘ Oompa ■ de Nobriga Frank ❘ denob Dykes Sam ❘ C-Spike Harder Liz ❘ Vinca Clelland Douglas Monroe Deal Grayson ❘ Tin Man Dylan ❘ Oatmeal ■ Harris Derek C. ❘ D-Wreck Cline Tom ❘ Tom A. Hawk ■ Deckert Bob ❘ Uncle Bob ■ Eagleton Jim ❘ Rambler Harrison Holly ❘ Cargo

18 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 19 Harvey Dustin ❘ Tree Frog Kronenberger John A. ❘ Water Bear McPherson W. Brian ❘ Nimble Rhoades David ❘ Manparty ■ Hasenmyer Elizabeth ❘ Muggle ■ Kurtz Tom ❘ The 49ers ■ Meadows Tim ❘ Meadowlark Richard Jamie ❘ Victus Hasenmyer John ❘ Survivor Man Kuzmins Paul ❘ Bootlegger Mendrala Christopher ❘ Danger Riese Eric ❘ Mountain Dew milers ■ Hassinger Candace ❘ Zippers La Vigne Justin ❘ Deal ■ Michael Jonathan ❘ Do What? Riggins Brandon ❘ Rolling Stone ■ Hatcher Shayna ❘ P. C . La Vigne Patrice ❘ Steadee ■ Michael Rickey D. ❘ Doc Ristola Allison ❘ Sweet Pea Martin Jahn ❘ Navigator ❘ from Westdorf, Germany ■ Haywood Adam ❘ Red Moose Lacey Melissa ❘ Metric Michel Joseph Edward ❘ Yogi Ristola Brian ❘ Beardoh Heinrich Matthias ❘ Mammoth LaClair Matt ❘ Porter Michelsen-Correa Stephani ❘ Newt ■ Rittenhouse Benjamin ❘ Indiana Jones Helgesen Timothy ❘ 9 Lives Lake Johanna ❘ Ruffles Micklo Steve ❘ ManCub ■ Roach Dan ❘ Eats ■ Hennessy Mary ❘ Moss LaMance Preston ❘ Coach ■ Mier Vince ❘ Blaze Rodney Lindsey ❘ Swinglow Herrick Bradley ❘ Woody LaMarca Ryan ❘ Captain U.S.A. Miller Chris ❘ Cleanshave Roland Richard A. ❘ High Rider ■ Hewett Chuck ❘ Kayak Landon James ❘ Brown Cow ■ Mills-Romines Clara ❘ Country Mouse Romines b.J. ❘ Shadow ■ Hewlett Dane ❘ WalkAbout Landry Bryan ❘ BC Molyneaux Paul ❘ Tecolote Rooney Tim ❘ Curmudgeon High Bonnie ❘ “Bonnie” Landsman Elias ❘ Ewok Moore Brandon A. ❘ El Perro Rothwell John ❘ Jake High Clarence ❘ “Clyde” Laube Steffen ❘ Calf Moore Michael A. ❘ Yankee ■ Runfola Tim ❘ Just Tim ■ Hileman Emma ❘ Sprout Laurenson Tanya ❘ gipcgirl Moore Peter ❘ Floater Russell Bryan ❘ Half Tongue ■ Hill Craig A. ❘ Phoenix Lawrence Calvin ❘ Torch ■ Morris Michael ❘ Yekke Russell Chris ❘ Boomer Hill Lindsay ❘ Shuffle Lawrence Elsa ❘ Ladybug Moser Kathryn ❘ Guinness Russell Ward Hillberry Jesse Lawrence Tom ❘ Rambler Munch Bryan ❘ Hot Sauce Rutt Zachary A. ❘ Hop ■ Hillier Chris ❘ Wolverine ■ Lawton Charles ❘ NighTTraiN Munsell Daniel ❘ Chopsticks ■ Sabin Katherine ❘ Firefly Hinckley Philip J. ❘ Smooth Lazier Meghan ❘ Red Sox Murphy Robert ❘ Junzi Sampson Logan ❘ Chief ■ Hinkle Josh ❘ RainGear Leibold Sara ❘ Tide Walker ■ Murray Caroline ❘ Caro ■ Sargeant Kate ❘ True Grit ■ Hodge Bill ❘ Hodgepodge Leitner Sherry ❘ Turtle Feet ■ Murray Eva “Lotta” ❘ Firefly Schaftlein Clarence ❘ Ontime ■ Hoffeld Ray ■ Leonard Chrstine ❘ Little Bird Murter Forrest ❘ Speedy Gonzales ■ Scheck David F. ❘ Redwood Hoffmann Robert “Jake” ❘ Samwise ■ Liechty Jacob ❘ Chevron ■ Murter Paul J. ❘ Quazi Moto Scheller Russ ❘ Special Delivery Holland William ❘ Wobegon Limbach Mareike ❘ Daydreamer ■ Myers Michael J. ❘ Y-Knot Schlenker Jarrod ❘ Hansel ■ Hollar Logan ❘ Solitaire Limone Matthew ❘ Moses Nassiff Netta ❘ Spins Schlenker Rebecca ❘ Gretel Holmes Christi ❘ Deva Lindquist James ❘ T’smyg’ss Nesbit Steven ❘ Geo Schoenbachler Nicholas ❘ Dr. Bundy Hong Shin ❘ Raisins Little Stephen T. ❘ Nighthawk ■ Netzer Harry ❘ Shorts Schollmann Brett ❘ Bud Heavy Hood Anthony Drew ❘ Robin Hood Loeckle Lea ❘ Shiver Newcomer Jason ❘ Arrow ■ Schreiber Rebecca ❘ Shoofly ■ Hood Thomas G. ❘ Airbelt Long Ashley ❘ 4•Beard Noble Kenneth ❘ Meander ■ Schultz Tyler ❘ Tin Man Hooper Chris Ryan ❘ Hoop Long Michael ❘ Manks ■ Nohowec Amanda ❘ Schmoopy Schwalm Bryan ❘ Space Cowboy Houge Claude ❘ Pilgrim ■ Lont Christopher ❘ Dutch ■ Nonis George G. ❘ Zeus ■ Schwantes Amanda ❘ Oak Howard Andrew ❘ Pink Floyd Looney Chris ❘ Kermit Nooft Rick ❘ Slider Schwantes Rebecca ❘ Maple Howard Chris ❘ Steps Loufek Steven ❘ Still Steve Norris Eric ❘ Yoga Boy ■ Schwartz Rachel ❘ City Slickah chen dy ■ Howard Don ❘ Chainsaw ■ Love Johnny Dagwood ❘ Streaker Nussbaum Matt ❘ Twoper Sealey David ❘ The Sundance Kid Jo ❘ Woo han rick Hughes Margaret ❘ ■ Lovedahl Gerald ❘ ■ O‘Brien Daniel ❘ Seifried-Myers Bonnie ❘ at Her Mouse Jerryatric Sinister Pope Balance ❘ N ad se ❘ Br ■ Hull Daryl ❘ Sticks ■ Lowe David J. ❘ El Flaco ■ O’Brien Terrance ❘ Dead Man Serritella Nick ❘ Half Fast Fu y rt nfll ■ Humphries Erma ❘ Flame ■ Lowe Gail P. ❘ One of the Chosen Wheeew Olsen Spencer ❘ Poppins ■ Settle Raymond ❘ Ray-Pan ho go ❘ S ra Hunter Derek ❘ Panda Bear Lucy Deborah ❘ Pickle Olson Arden O. ❘ Black Cat Sharp Anne ❘ Fig ht D ig er n lt ■ Hunter John ❘ Snifur Lund Danielle ❘ Lady Sherpa ■ Olson James W. ❘ Polé Polé Shea Patrick K a w th k ■ Hurd Josh ❘ Goldie Machles Matthew ❘ Red Stripe Olson Travis ❘ Duck Sheets Joshua ❘ Soulslosher e c K b u a ❘ ■ ❘ ❘ ❘ a B r Hurdle Douglas Tin Man MacKenzie Sandra Girl with 4 Dogs Osborn Dave freebird Sheftall IV William L. Sawyer iz e e l li n ❘ ❘ ❘ ■ ❘ E u F Hyatt Ashley Ducky Mahrt Dustin Dust Owen John M. Lost and Found Sheill Martin Glide 2,000 J r ie Hyder Kelly ❘ Goatman Maloney Patrick ❘ Sage Owen Philip ❘ Fiber Shell Joshua A. ❘ Gumby d r ic Hyman David Matthew ❘ Pepper Mandala Paul ❘ Littlefoot Pace Ashton ❘ Still Water Shelton Worley C. ❘ Tenn Two h s

❘ ■ ❘ ❘ ❘ ❘ Iker Ryan Spork Mannella Ernest Onegreywolf Padgett Mike Towns Sherman Christopher Down Hill W Illausky Bruce ❘ Marble Jeremy ❘ Palermo Robert J. ❘ ■ Singh Tony Romero ❘ h Firehawk Qball Sparky Little Trekter 88 i pal s Innerebner Buck ❘ Margavage David ❘ Paradeis Shayla ❘ ■ Skiles Mel ❘ Ap ach p 49er Diamond Dave Kiddo reuben2 e i e h a r ❘ ■ ❘ ❘ ■ ❘ T n Irvine David Scotch Martello John T. T-Mello Paugh Meghan Freight Train Skinner Dylan F. Tiger t

❘ ❘ ❘ ❘ l r Irwin Andrew Spaceman Martin Meachele Mothership Peeler Chase Sensei Slabach Esther RawIndy a r nu ep a Irwin Taylor ❘ Rocket Martin Michael ❘ Upstate ■ Pelletier Jim ❘ Wanderer ■ Smith Bruce ❘ Little Bruce n o il

Jackson Seth G. ❘ Bear Bag Martin Seth ❘ Woolie ■ Pelton Sabine ❘ Foureyes Smith C.J. ❘ Baboon a r c Jahn Martin ❘ Navigator Martinez Danny ❘ Tramp ■ Pengelly Jan ❘ Purple Smith Daniel William ❘ Indy s t o n r Jochen Nathan D. ■ Mason Bob ❘ Tattoo ■ Pengelly Mike ❘ Carnivore Smith Jason s

e l

■ Johnson Carrie ❘ Flying Squirrel ■ Matheny Judy Pernsteiner Travis ❘ Frodo Smith Matt ❘ Phishnets r

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■ Johnson Doug ❘ Mattchen Peter Perschel Mark ❘ Smithson Daniel T. ❘ f Dogbreath Mark Trail Periwinkle l a

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■ Johnson Norman ❘ Maum Jay L. Pierce Katy ❘ ■ Smithwick Kerry ❘ w

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❘ ❘ ❘ ■ ❘ e

Jordan Jonathan Apostle Jon Mayeux Wesley Bearbait Pitts Steven Wyatt Hiccup Snyder Brian Calculator n

O of hikers of any foreign country. Inspired

Kachikis Gregory ❘ McAnulty Jim ❘ ■ Platz Jim ❘ Snyder Kirk ❘ ❘

Shotgun Bigfoot Pilot The Captain

a l by a recent German-language two-part

■ Kampmann Eric M. ❘ Pilgrim 67 McCabe Adrian Thomas ❘ Foot-z Pollock Thomas ❘ Toto Staats Charles “Peter” ❘ Tanglefoot l e

■ n TV series about the A.T., Durch die Wildnis

Karst Lisa ❘ Peru McCarthy Danielle ❘ Just the Tip Popescu Eliza ❘ Inchworm Stanze Alex John ❘ Silver Fox n

Kasko Laura ❘ ■ McClenon Jim ❘ Porter Jacob I. ❘ ■ Starr Don ❘ M Amerkas: 3000 Kilometer zu Fuß (Through the Freethinker Buddha Jim Napalm Shadow

■ ❘ ■ ❘ ❘ ■ ❘ s

Kaufman Fletcher Arrowmaker McClure James Michael Hand Me Down Posey David Kenyan Starr Linda P. Yellow Rose e Wilderness of America: 3,000 Kilometers),

r ■ Kelly Mary E. ❘ Valderie McCullum James Charles ❘ Mango Potter Tim ❘ Barnacle Steele John ❘ Columbus E dozens of Germans headed for Springer Mountain ❘ ❘ ❘ ■ ❘ Kendall James Hickory McDermott Andrew Coach Pounds Alexander Foon Stephenson Ben White Fang last March and April. Ten completed the entire Trail; T ❘ ❘ ■ ❘ ❘ h Kielian John Radio McFadden Jonathan Road Dog Powell Lamar Hopeful Stine Justin Daniel Whiskey o m they ranged in age from the 22-year-old “German ■ Kierych David J. ❘ Delaware Dave McGhee Mike ❘ Photon Presley Josh ❘ Snowy River Stoffel Nicholas ❘ Spike a s ❘ Shepherd” to the 62-year-old “Sofarsogood.” Other King Abby ❘ A-GAME McIntyre George L. ❘ Fire Marshall Prill Derek R. ❘ Journeyman ■ Storey Wally ❘ One of the “Carolina Boys” A ir ■ be countries represented were Canada (8), Australia (4), King Kyle ❘ Zippo McKenna Patrick ❘ Muldoon Quakenbush Peter ❘ Leaf Strange Stephanie ❘ DVD lt milers ❘ & Kish Stephen ❘ Where in the Blazes ■ McKenzie Joel B. ❘ McJeep Quinn Kasi ❘ Sun Spirit ■ Stratton Michael K. ❘ Pace ❘ The Netherlands (3), and one each from France, Dr ■ Klippel, III Bernhardt W. ❘ jusplainbernie McKnight Jeff ❘ Next Quirk Mike ❘ Iron Mike Stroh Michael ❘ Vegan ew Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, ❘ R ■ ❘ ■ ❘ ■ ❘ ■ ❘ ob Kneeland Herb Eveready McLean John M. Die Hard Ragsdale Wayne Rags Stuart Donald R. Wakarusa in H and the United Kingdom. ood ❘ Knight Elizabeth V. ❘ ShortFuse ■ McMeekin Laura ❘ Squeaks ■ Reed David ❘ “Dave” Stylos Jeffrey ❘ Portrait Hood Kremer Allard ❘ Seven ■ McNier Robert M. ❘ Gut Reeve Barbara A. ❘ Stitch ■ Suber Matthew ❘ Cottonmouth Krohn Joanna H. ❘ Baby Ruth McNulty Will ❘ Happy Feet ■ Renault Lance M. ❘ Pilgrim Summers Colby ❘ Framework

20 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 21 2,000

M eachele Mar Bradley Danielle W. ❘ tin ❘ Macguyver 2,000 Mo ■ Brandi Stephen G. ❘ E the Timon AM rsh -G ip ■ Burkhart Larry L. ❘ Gray Wanderer ❘ A ng Dickey Gregg ❘ Boy Wonder Ki y ■ Dieschbourg Matthew ❘ Fun Dip bb A Goldcamp Frank ❘ Road Runner Greim Adam ❘ Hobbes milers Grooms Jeremy ❘ Man Dog N Herm Hazel M. ❘ Hazelnut g o n r i m ■ Herpfer Christine ❘ ik Buttons V T g h Hollister Robbie ❘ Mello Yello n e i r k r Hollister Ryan ❘ Turtle i i e e H o n Johnson Tim ❘ Tunes e pal T p a A ❘ h c e h M t n h i Kaib Nathan ❘ Beefstick r r T a r e n o .

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Ch e vy 2009 Pe ter ■ Flowers Pam ❘ SixFeet Sta ats ❘ Gardner Timothy ❘ Ziggy Tan glefoot ■ Gudger Joseph A. ❘ Trudger

■ Jones Ralph G. ❘ Tiger Otterness Phillip ❘ Hungry Creepster Quinn Dennis ❘ Flex Swartz Deborah ❘ Moxie Vinson Jamie ❘ The Red Team ■ Wilson Daniel J. ❘ Hammer Reguero Layven ❘ Oblivious Swislow Lee ❘ Glad Gal Wagner Jill ❘ Smiley ■ Wilson John L. ❘ MoFo ■ Sheldon Angie ❘ Sunbeam Talbert Denise ❘ PB ■ Walden Daniel ❘ dWal Wingett Zachary ❘ Jeremiah Johnson ■ Sheldon Shane ❘ Half Moon Talbert R. Stuart ❘ J Waldhauser Mark Winings Jennifer ❘ Brown Chicken ■ Smith Douglas ❘ Ft. Defiance Taylor Cody ❘ Sprocket ❘ The Lewis & Mark Experience Woitas Peter L. ❘ Twigg Thompson John ❘ Stickman OTN ■ Taylor David B. ❘ Super Bubba Walter Helmut W. ❘ Kisimba Wolentarski Kevin ❘ Waterbug ■ Taylor Max E. ❘ Capt. Max Walther Tobias ❘ German Shepherd Wood Andrew ❘ Buddha Therrien Norman A. ❘ Mr. Starbuck Warner Scott ❘ Stride ■ Wood Hart ❘ Jukebox 2008-1979 Thomas Elizabeth ❘ Snorkel Watkins David W. ❘ Katmandu Wyant Nathan A. ❘ Gimli Davis Jennifer Pharr ❘ Odyssa ❘ 2008 ■ Thompson Harold ❘ About Time Weaver John ❘ No Worries Wynne Jonathan ❘ Trapper ■ CooperJohn ❘ Coop ❘ 2007 Thornton Andrew M. ❘ Boy Scout ■ Webb Donald E. ❘ Happy Pappy Xiques, Sr. Michael J. ❘ Sprawl Johnston Craig ❘ High Life ❘ 2007 Thornton Brad ❘ Wolfpack ■ Weil John B. ❘ Beer Hunter Yelton George Nicholas ❘ Tarzan Sealey David ❘ The Sundance Kid ❘ 2007 ■ Tice Andrew ❘ Nero Welborn Charlie ❘ Charter ■ Young David ❘ Double-check DeLapp Jacob ❘ Hobbit ❘ 2006 Timberlake Charlie ❘ Bo Knows Wells Harmony Young Joshua ❘ Nocello Koontz Jessica ❘ Two Step ❘ 2006 ■ Tomaskovic Bob ❘ Cog ■ Welsh Jessica ❘ Cotton Zaldivar Mario Alejandro Koontz Joel ❘ Lumps ❘ 2006 ■ Tompkins Randy ❘ Hawk ■ Wenger Mark J. ❘ Animal ❘ The Cape Crusader Barr Brandon ❘ Easy ❘ 2005 ■ Trickel Tim ❘ Grasshopper ■ Werderman Heather ❘ Steady Zanarini Domonick ❘ Safety Officer Davis Jennifer Pharr ❘ Odyssa ❘ 2005 ■ Trope Betsy ❘ Nachita West Eric ❘ Lumiere Zelenka Cory G. ❘ Mr. Z Maxwell Laura ❘ Sanguine ❘ 2005 Trope Eric ❘ Pancho West Michael ❘ Crop Duster Zonta Andreino ❘ Iron Sergeant Seals Kenneth ❘ Traction ❘ 2005 Tschinkel James P. ❘ Popeye ■ Wheeler Karen ❘ Clutch ■ Ealy Jan S. ❘ Ranger Jan ❘ 2004 Southbound thru-hikers ■ Turner Ron ❘ Unc Whitehead Michael Austin ❘ Mismatch Jones Able ❘ Pied Piper ❘ 2001 Cameron Bynum ❘ Nevada Bandana ■ Tyler David M. ❘ Solo Whitney Ken ❘ Slim 2010 O’Brien Richard and Nathan Jochen on McAffees Knob – photo by ■ Tyler Don ❘ Crankdaddy ■ Wigington John T. ❘ H3 Baker Michael ❘ Fynious ❘ Conrad the Caterpillar ❘ 1996 ❘ ❘ ❘ ❘ ❘ fellow southbound thru-hiker Brad Herrick Urbanski Julie Stopwatch Wiles Ashley Stretch Beane Kelly Tootsie Pop Dederick Doug Bigfoot 1992 Urbanski Matthew ❘ Optimist ■ Wilk Chris ❘ White Wolf Bigler Alexandra ❘ She-Ra ■ Sorah Michael ❘ Mountain Mike ❘ 1980 ■ v.d. Berg Marnix ❘ Dutch ■ Will Travis ❘ Cog ■ Biron Brenna ❘ Journey Gifford Ian ❘ 1979 Van Drunen Ethan ❘ The Red Team ■ Williams Andrew H. ❘ Black Eagle ■ Bitner John ❘ Churchill Varela Amanda ■ Williams Chuck ❘ Kerosene Charlie Boyd David ❘ Gravy View the 2,000-Miler listing on-line at: ■ Vayansky Laura Spatz ❘ Thimble ■ Williams Krystal ❘ Bumblebee Boyle Kevin ❘ Slo Go appalachiantrail.org/2000milers.

22 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 23 conference was free. We don’t want to burden people who are ate emergency medical services (EMS) response, such as willing to give up one or two weeks of their life to come out wilderness and remote environments. In this course, par- here just to pick up these skills. The Forest Service played a ticipants will also develop leadership skills and learn how to big role in making this happen. I know we are all leaving here prevent, plan for, and respond to emergencies. “Wilderness with certifications and some technical skills, but the people volunteers are unique in that they work far from any type of who are here are one of the highlights.” medical assistance,” instructor Jim Holland explains. “Cell Group training includes Trail Leadership, Leave No Trace, phone access is seldom available, nor are radios at times, so and Incident Management. In 2011, a fun and unforgettable it’s important that they become self-sufficient. [Wilderness first week included two days of Wilderness First Aid training First Aid] teaches them about the natural hazards, about and certification, a one-day session on Wilderness History using tools safely, and that prevention is one of the most and Legislation, and two days of Cross-cut Saw training and important things you can do.” Holland is a National Registry certification. During week two, conference attendees headed First Responder, a Wilderness First Responder, a National into ATC Base Camp, the headquar- Association of Search and Rescue ters of the Smokies Wilderness Elite SARTECH II, and teaches CPR, AED Appalachian Trail Crew (SWEAT), and Wilderness First Aid for the which plays a vital role in managing American Red Cross. the A.T. in the Great Smoky Moun- “It makes After Wilderness First Aid class, tains National Park. In 2011, SWEAT wilderness base campers wind down around crew leaders led eight consecutive home-cooked meals and random crews, overseeing volunteers who a sort of a story sharing. As base camp’s fire came from all over the country to unifying_force continues to burn within its con- maintain the Appalachian Trail cor- tained rock ring, and campers have ridor. Certifications and skill sets for people mostly all gone to bed, Bill Hodge acquired here will play key roles in who perhaps speaks from the heart: “We should be the summer’s A.T. maintenance. willing to step up and be good stew- Class training starts with the vi- would not meet ards of specially designated wilder- tal component of trip planning and otherwise.” ness. To me, that’s sort of the core of preparation. “Our work is very phys- what this conference is about, and ically demanding, perhaps some of what SAWS as an organization is the hardest labor you will ever per- about.” It’s to allow people to con- form,” explains Andrew Downs, the tinue to expand their knowledge ATC Trail resource manager for Georgia, North Carolina, and base, so they might keep coming back year after year to take Tennessee. “Being in good physical shape will certainly help training opportunities to the next level. The next day is dedi- you maintain a good attitude. You also need social skills that cated to Wilderness 101. The Wilderness Act, which established will enable you to get along with fellow volunteers in often the National Wilderness Preservation System, now comprises trying times.” Driving to the Trail head is a fun road trip in more than 105 million acres and contains wild places from all the ATC passenger van — driven in 2011 by Jameson Demi- regions of the country. Relevant dates and events in America’s glio, an A.T. thru-hiker and 2011 SWEAT crew leader. After national forest history are presented in class by Ocoee Ranger passing through the Pisgah National Forest, we arrived at District forest rangers. the trail head, hiked to our first work location, and discussed Davin Hattaway attended the 2011 conference with his trail assessment, maintenance, repair and reconstruction. wife, Anna Wlodarczyk. “I think it’s wonderful that we can We then continued our Leave-No-Trace discussion while bring together many different people who are attracted to Wild_Etducation the Parksville Lake Campground in the Ocoee Ranger District of the completing some basic trail work tasks. “You know what, it wilderness,” says Anna. “People with different views can Cherokee National Forest, there remains no trace of a crew of folks who all happened so fast that I didn’t have a lot of time to think come together like this and enjoy it together and learn about have united, from as far away as Alaska and as close as the Ocoee River’s about it,” said 2011 volunteer Aaron Sanford. “I had never it together and form a bond, in that way, it makes wilderness nearby bank. Participants of the 2011 Wilderness Trails Stewardship been to the Appalachian Mountains and I expected [an] a sort of a unifying force for people who perhaps would not Conference have packed up and parted ways for Memorial Day Weekend adventure, and it’s definitely been that. The best thing is the meet otherwise.” Davin Hattaway agrees, and adds: “I think and will regroup on Tuesday afternoon at Big Creek Ranger Station, people for sure.” He continues: “I’ve used a cross-cut saw a it’s great to see the entire wilderness ecosystem sort of be located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. lot and this gives me a chance to actually get it written down together on one camp site. You’ve got the folks who are from This unique and memorable educational experience has been made on a piece of paper that I’m certified to use these skills. They the national headquarters, and the folks who are enthusiasts, possible by Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) and the are actually going to mean something to somebody.” like myself. You have all different ages, all the way down to Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). Camping is provided by the USDA The primary purpose of the Red Cross Wilderness and the 22-year-old, just graduated, forestry student that’s going Forest Service (USFS). Women and men eat together, work together, Remote First Aid course is to provide individuals a founda- to be out there leading the SAWS team. It’s great to see all of text_by_Bryan_Alper and share close quarters while in the classroom, in the field, and at base tion of first aid knowledge and skills to be able to respond to Illustration_by_Rick_Sealock camp. Bill Hodge, SAWS director, explains, “We made sure that this emergencies and give care in areas that do not have immedi- Continued on page 44

24 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 25 Thru a Hiker’s Eyes Vince “BLAZE” Mier took more than 4,000 pictures during his 2011 thru-hike. He also gives back to the A.T. via the Roanoke A.T. Club. “I maintain about five miles of the A.T. south of Daleville, Virginia — including Hay Rock,” he explains. “After painting blazes on my section, I painted one on my backpack, which is where I took my Trail name `BLAZE’.” His wife, Lori, joined him during various sections of his hike — as did his parents and his best friend, David. “I am forever grateful to my wife for helping me realize this dream, and occasionally I wonder if it was not, in fact, all a dream,” he says. Vince and Lori live in Roanoke, Virginia.

www.etsy.com/shop/blazega2me

Inset: Vince completes his thru-hike; Vince hiking just north of Atkins, Virginia – photo by fellow thru-hiker Jonathan “Shepherd” Terry (from Bournemouth, England)

march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 27 Fox in the White Mountains Presidential Range, New Hampshire

28 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

1. Fiddlehead fern / south of Chestnut Knob Shelter, Virginia 2. Red eft / near the Knife Edge, Pennsylvania 3. Toad / north of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 4. Beetle / south of the Keffer Oak in Virginia 5. Snail shell / near Chestnut Knob Shelter, Virginia 6. Tortoise / north of High Point State Park, New Jersey 7. “Happy Frog” / south of Palisades Interstate Parkway, New York 8. Caterpillar / near Lehigh Gap just north of Palmerton, Pennsylvania

Tadpoles found in a cement structure just north of the Scott Farm near Carlisle, Pennsylvania

30 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 31 Trail Natives ❘ Text by Jack Igelman Photos by Paul J. Bartels

revealing Microscopic Wilderness If spiders and other tiny crawlers in Asheville, North Carolina. Her undergraduate unnerve you, take heed: experts have accounted for research project is to collect and catalog bear species more than 500 varieties of spiders, and more than in the park. To find them, she’ll climb trees, gather 100 types of millipedes and centipedes in the Great lichen, and examine them under a microscope. Of Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Add to course, these bears aren’t the noble and furry ones that 900 species of flies, 2,500 kinds of beetles, and that are the signature of the park. These are the hundreds of other strange beings and you get a sense specimens you’ve probably never heard of — micro- of just how expansive the web of life is inside one of scopic and other worldly. She’s looking for tardi- the most diverse ecosystems in North America. In grades — minute water dwelling animals — which fact, the exact number and scope of living species in are affectionately known as “water bears.” Magni- Laura Meiss, a the park is not so easy to peg. Not just because of the fied to the eye, the tiny, yet practically indestruc- student at Warren sheer number, which is estimated to be in excess of tible animals eerily resemble a larger mammal Wilson College, 100,000 species of living organisms, but because so shrunk and trapped in a tiny universe. With four climbs trees in the many of them — such as the 460 types of bacteria pairs of stubby legs and a rounded back, their lum- Smokies to gather — are invisible to the naked eye. And, of course, the bering locomotion and ability to move their head lichen that can fact that many of them have yet to be discovered. independent from their bodies makes them look contain tardigrades Despite the evident challenges, scientists, the like, well, bears. And though they may not be so — minute water National Park Service, and amateur naturalists are cute and cuddly, Meiss adores them. dwelling animals, hoping to count them anyway. One slug, slime mold, She’s collaborating with tardigrade expert and affectionately known and stonefly at a time. Their effort to catalog all that WWC Biologist Paul Bartels, and together they are as “water bears.” lives in the park is known as the All Taxa Biodiversity Magnified to the eye, the tiny, yet practically indestructible Inventory (ATBI). Launched on Earth Day in 1998, animals eerily resemble a larger mammal shrunk the ATBI is a co-project of the GSMNP and Discover and trapped in a tiny universe. Life in America (DLIA), a non-profit, based at the park’s Gatlinburg, Tennessee headquarters, that is dedicated to the project’s management. While this may seem as ludicrous as counting blades of grass in your front yard, experts say it’s well worth it. From their vantage point, tallying the number of obscure beings may have implications — such as revealing methods to safeguard threatened habitats to managing the Appalachian Trail to protecting endangered species in the nation’s most visited national park. Aside from the question of its significance is a more practical one: how to do it. “That’s a question I hear pretty often,” admits DLIA executive director Todd Witcher. To answer this, the DLIA is relying on people such as Laura Meiss, a student at Warren Wilson College (WWC)

32 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 33 ❘ trail natives continued contributing to the ATBI. Over the course Team” to count what lives in threatened was first noticed in the mid ’80s. Neverthe- As it turns out, the park had already con- of Paul and his students on the ATBI to on the abundance and distribution pat- of a decade, Bartels and his students have forest types. While the DILA hopes to ex- less, she says, the trees are stirring with nected with Diane Nelson, a tardigrade be a model. One that we would really like terns of living things at the microscopic identified dozens of tardigrades previ- pand the program to a variety of trees and life; a fabulous habitat for all sorts of or- expert at East Tennessee State University to mimic,” says Witcher. “They’ve really level. That knowledge may shed light on ously unknown in the park — and some habitats, they’ve initially focused on high ganisms. Mites and spiders in the fissures (ETSU) in Johnson City. While she under- accomplished some great science and various threats to the park — invasive new to science. Meiss may not discover a elevation American beech stands — the of the bark, wood boring beetles, leaf feed- stood the taxonomy and collection tech- answered an unknown about how to do species, habitat loss, human impact, pol- new species, but she’ll be the first to cata- same trees Meiss has explored — found ers, and “water bears” in the lichen. niques, Nelson and the ATBI needed the this.” He envisions that other schools will lution — and help managers develop log the ones that live in the canopy of the along numerous sections of the A.T. Which is why it’s important to catalog bodies to collect the samples. follow their lead to help inventory some more effective stewardship efforts, educa- forest by zeroing in on lichen samples in throughout the park. While the tree is com- what lives in the trees should they follow “It was a match made in heaven,” says of the more obscure groups of organisms tion programs, and ultimately help pre- an American beech tree stand. And not mon in the Northeast, the same fate as other trees in the Bartels who now considers Nelson a men- identified as high priority research tar- serve and protect the most visited na- only is her collaboration with Bartels a the American beech is Southern Appalachians, such as tor. The two have co-authored several gets — for instance, odonates (dragon tional park in the nation from present bona fide learning experience, producing an anomaly in the Warren Wilson College the American chestnut. “The goal papers together and continue to share and damselflies), which may not yet be on and future threats. useful science, but it’s serving as a model South and isolated to student Sheree Ferrell is to see if there is anything spe- knowledge about water bears. The only the radar of researchers to study in the The TA BI may be a novel way to en- approach to help accomplish one of the its extreme eleva- searches for water bears cific to the beech,” explains Nich- previous research on tardigrades in the park. Matching an expert, such as ETSU’s gage the public and help channel the most comprehensive biological invento- tions. During the last in a lichen sample. ols. “We want to know if there’s park was a single published study that Nelson, with an enthusiastic faculty and support and resources experts like Nich- ries ever attempted. something we need to watch out had identified three species. At the time, high achieving students may be the tick- ols need to do their jobs. While bears, Thus far, the ATBI has cata- for.” Hence, the Tree Team. To get Nelson reckoned there may be up to 70 et to overcome the challenge of collecting elk, and salamanders have been the loged more than 17,000 species: a handle on how it works, think species of water bears in the Smokies — and cataloging species in one of the most poster species for promoting the protec- from the mega flora and fauna of Henry Ford in a lab coat — a sci- as of July 2011 there are 82. “We know all bio-diverse places on Earth. tion of the park, creatures like water the park such as tulip poplars and entific assembly line where each about big species; we pay attention to Bartels points out that his decade-long bears may have a promotional role too. elk on down to the tiny and ob- group specializes in a task. them. Microorganisms are a group we work on tardigrades may not have a direct After all, it’s hard to protect things you scure such as tardigrades and Trained volunteers — students, know very little about,” explains Bartels. human benefit, that is, his research won’t don’t know about. “If people are engaged other micro-organisms. In all, the hikers, etc., using nets and a vari- “It is really a wide open field. Every spe- likely yield a life saving drug. Rather, the in something they put a higher value on DLIA has identified more than ety of other collection methods, cies is another entity to learn about.” output of his research has added to the it,” explains Witcher. “And, if nothing 7,000 species that were unknown gather an array of creatures that In addition to training a new genera- basic understanding of the ecology of the else,” he says, “we’ve taught people to to the park and more than 900 live in the beech canopy. In 2012 tion of scientists, the success of Bartles park and provided a more thorough grasp look at the small things.” organisms that are new to science. the DLIA has planned four col- and his students has been a great leap That leaves roughly 80,000 spe- lecting dates in the park and forward in grasping how to execute the Jack Igelman lives in Asheville, North Carolina and blogs on resource issues at www.homagetoappalachia. cies yet to be counted. Consider- Nichols helps keep track of the pioneering project. “I consider the work wordpress.com. For more information about ATBI visit: www.dlia.org ing that Bartles and his students species coming in. Each month, a have spent countless hours and sorting gathering is held at loca- tions in Asheville and Gatlinburg where volunteers sort through The trees are stirring with life; a fabulous and identify the tiny creatures habitat for all sorts of organisms. Mites underneath a microscope. While sorting them takes time and is no and spiders in the fissures of the bark, simple task, the next step is to wood boring beetles, leaf feeders, and pass the known samples on to researchers or find someone who Show your appreciation and support “water bears” in the lichen. can actually put a name to the spe- for the Trail each and every day with cies. Although, taxonomists that an Appalachian Trail (A.T.) license funds to gather enough tardigrades to fit ice age the tree’s habitat expanded south, can do the science are in short supply. plate. A portion of all proceeds will in a drop of water, at the current pace, it but, once the climate warmed, it was Bartles is one of those rare experts. help manage and protect the A.T. could take decades to count the rest. stranded among the highest ranges. When Bartels heard about the ATBI more While a few dozen years is just a wee frac- Fast forward a few thousand years and than a decade ago he approached the park tion of the eons it took to establish the the American beech may complete its re- and asked how he and his Warren Wilson species themselves, there is now a sense treat from the South. A century ago, men students could contribute to the project. of urgency as plants and animals are with saws were the greatest threat to the Trained as a zoologist, Bartels admits he vanishing at a rate that is perhaps faster park’s hallmark of bio-diversity. Now the has always been drawn to odd and un- than scientists can count them. menace is microscopic and can take down usual creatures, not necessarily the warm And with a combined staff of just three trees with the competence of a thousand and fuzzy ones. So water bears — addi- at the DLIA - they could use a bit of help. lumberjacks. “Foreign pests are a concern,” tionally known as “moss piglets” — are The answer, in part, believes Witcher, is to says GSMNP entomologist Becky Nichols. right up his alley. “Tardigrades get men- engage more citizen scientists like Meiss in She’s referring, in part, to a European scale tioned, but they’re seldom investigated. I For more information visit the Himalayan task. So in June 2010, the insect that attacks the American beech just remember thinking as a student that appalachiantrail.org/PLATES DLIA piloted a program known as the “Tree and leaves it prone to a fungal disease that they are such cool animals,” says Bartels.

34 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 trail towns ❘ By larry litten

1773.) The D.O.C. maintains this his- equipment needs of hikers. There are torical chain of cabins, which connect always at least four movies playing at Hanover to Moosilauke, and the college either the Nugget Theater (owned by the provides free parking for A.T. section hikers. Hanover Improvement Society, the profits The Howe Library, which is open seven days a of which are dedicated exclusively to town im- week, welcomes A.T. hikers with information bro- provement initiatives, both recreational and aes- chures, a hiker log, and 15 free computers. Visitors to thetic) and at Dartmouth. The largest regional town should check out the 13-foot map of the A.T. hospital in upper New England moved from Ha- above one bank of computers, to which postcards from nover in 1991 to a hilltop location just south of hikers who have spent time in the library are affixed. town. It can be reached via a free week-day bus Most nights of the week there are free lectures, films, system that connects Hanover with Lebanon, New and club meetings that are open to the public. Hampshire, and White River Junction (with train In 2009, a “Friends of the A.T.” group formed to and bus stations) and Norwich, Vermont. assure that Hanover provides a warm welcome to hikers and provides for their needs. The group also seeks to educate residents and visitors about the A Friend of A.T. One of the first initiatives of the group was the creation of a shower and laundry facilities at the Richard Black Community Center, which is located right on the Trail. (When Hurricane Irene shut down the White Mountain National Forest, the community center hosted 20-35 hikers for three the trailHanover, New Hampshire days.) Other Friends’ initiatives include a brochure produced by the Hanover Area Chamber of Com- Hanover, New Hampshire, which celebrated its 250th merce that lists services for hikers and a kiosk in birthday in 2011, lies at the intersection of two historic transportation routes front of town hall that provides both information — the 2,000-plus-mile Appalachian Trail and New England’s longest river, the for hikers and information about the history and 407 mile Connecticut. The Trail runs down Wheelock, Main, and Lebanon nature of the A.T. “An energetic group of volunteers streets; the river, which the A.T. crosses on the Ledyard Bridge, flows below a has worked hard over the past two years to come ridge on the west side of town. This officially designatedT A. . Community is a up with lots of ways to reach out to the 400 or so bustling hub of the Upper Valley, a section of the Connecticut River that is hikers that come through Hanover each summer nestled between the rolling Green Mountains of Vermont and the soaring and fall and, by doing so, many of us have had some White Mountains of New Hampshire. Hiking, cycling, and boating opportuni- wonderful connections with our hiker visitors,” says ties abound in the area, as do all manner of winter recreational activities. Hanover town manager Julia Griffin. “Our lives are Visitors to Hanover in the summer enjoy the Top: The Hood Museum Hanover is the home of Dartmouth College, an Ivy League university all the richer for those connections.” weekly Farmers’ Market on the Green in the center at Dartmouth College founded in 1769 with a grant from the royal governor to educate both colo- Hikers can reprovision at the Hanover Food of town, the fourth of July parade, and other public is one of many cultural nists and Native Americans. Dartmouth’s distinctive year-round calendar Coop, which is also located right on the Trail. The events. In the fall, Dartmouth’s homecoming celebra- venues open to the creates a rich program of cultural activities that are centered in its theater Coop is the second oldest food cooperative in the tion includes a massive bonfire on the Green. With- public – photo by complex and museum — music, theater, films, art exhibits, lectures — that nation, and with four stores, the second largest. The in a short drive from Hanover are numerous reward- Timothy Hursley; also runs year round. All events are open to the public. One of America’s Coop has created a store guide specifically oriented ing places to visit including the Montshire Museum A 1930s mural, by most important murals, painted in the 1930s by the Mexican artist José to the needs of hikers and a member number for of Science; the home of Augustus St. Gauden — the Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco, is in the main library. hikers to use; the patronage refund from purchases sculptor (a national park in Cornish); the Marsh- Clemente Orozco, is Top: Hikers gather in In 1929, the Appalachian Trail incorporated trails credited to this member number goes to support Billings-Rockefeller home (a national park in Wood- displayed at Dartmouth’s front of the Richard Black and cabins created by the 20-year-old Dartmouth A.T. Friends initiatives. More than 20 restaurants stock, Vermont); the American Precision Museum Baker Library. Community Center, which Outing Club (some of the faded black and orange are located within a block of the Trail — ranging in Windsor, Vermont; the Fells near New London; is located right on the blazes that guided skiers over these trails can still from pizza places and pubs to gourmet establish- the homes of Justin Morrill (The Morrill Act) and Trail and offers shower be seen along the Trail). Each fall a group of Dart- ments. In addition to American fare, dining options Joseph Smith (the Mormon prophet), and the and laundry facilities – mouth students undertakes a non-stop hike on the include Thai, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Quechee Gorge in Vermont. photo by Hank Tenney; A.T. from campus to Mount Moosilauke, 50 miles to and Indian. There are two hotels in the center of Hanover is a terrific place to spend a few days, A white blaze on a Main the north. (In a spring tradition, another group town and several motels a short drive away (two of to start or end a section hike, or to pass through on Street lamp post marks paddles from Dartmouth to the sea on the Con- which offer shuttle service to hikers). a thru-hike. It is a quintessential New England town where the A.T. meanders necticut in the wake of the colonial explorer, John A wide variety of shops along Main Street and that offers a distinctive combination of shops — directly through Hanover Ledyard, who paddled down the river to his grand- adjacent streets offer a wide variety of goods. Two including an exceptional general store — cultural – photo by Larry Litten father’s farm after dropping out of Dartmouth in outfitters and a hardware store in town meet the opportunities, and a warm welcome to visitors.

march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 37 ❘ greenway

the A.T. corridor as it traverses a 10-mile segment addition, the property contains an important of trail across Crocker Cirque, North Crocker and section of the Orbeton Stream, a cold-water fishery South Crocker. Under state management there will that supports a spawning area for the federally be a 4,000 acre ecological reserve created in the endangered Atlantic salmon. The conservation upper elevations of the parcel and the rest will stay easement will be held by the state of Maine and open to sustainable timber harvesting. The eco- will prevent development of houses or subdivision logical reserve will protect a number of rare plants of the property, while allowing for continued tim- and exemplary natural communities found in the ber harvest on a sustainable basis and with ap- subalpine forest and rocky outcrops of the higher propriate buffers for the stream corridors. The elevations. Maine BPL and the Town of Carrabas- sett Valley also are interested in creating new hiking and mountain biking trails on the property to help draw more tourism to the western mountains “In addition to the great outside of the busy winter ski season (Carrabassett Valley is home to Sugarloaf Ski Area). Existing natural resource and snowmobile trails and ATV trails will be main- wildlife values of this parcel, tained under state ownership. “We are really excited to have the $7 million it is really exciting to be able commitment from Forest Legacy and are now ramp- to increase the protection ing up our fundraising to secure the remaining funds needed to purchase the property and to for such a significant section conduct the due diligence process,” said J.T. Horn, of the A.T. in Maine.” TPL’s project manager for the Crocker Mountain project. Horn, a former New England regional director for ATC, said, “In addition to the great natural easement will also guarantee a permanent location South Branch of the resource and wildlife values of this parcel, it is re- for a snowmobile trail that crosses the A.T. near Carrabassett River ally exciting to be able to increase the protection Eddy Pond. This easement is part of a long term just upstream from for such a significant section of the A.T. in Maine.” strategy that helps align motorized trails with the the A.T. crossing. The The Crocker Mountain property shares a common existing NPS-sanctioned crossings of the A.T. cor- Crocker Mountain boundary with the National Park Service (NPS) for ridor in the High Peaks. Project will protect more than 19 miles, which makes it one of the most “We’ve been pushing for more conservation in the headwaters of this significant acquisitions of Appalachian Trail buffer the High Peaks for more than 15 years — ever since branch of the river. lands in recent history. Horn also added a personal ATC helped facilitate the protection of Mount note: “It’s also been fun to be back working closely Abraham — as this region has one of the most high peak with ATC, NPS, the Maine A.T. Club, and the Maine spectacular sections of the Appalachian Trail,” A.T. Land Trust on designing the project and devel- said Laura Bellville, director of conservation for oping a funding strategy. TPL would not have been ATC. “We are really excited to learn about the able to secure the Forest Legacy funds without the Trust for Public Land’s success in getting Forest Protection strong support from the A.T. community.” Legacy funds for the Crocker Mountain and Or- The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and and TPL’s local partner, the Maine A.T. Land Trust, The Orbeton Stream Project received a $1.73 mil- beton Stream projects.” the Maine Department of Conservation an- supported the projects in the congressional ap- lion commitment from the Forest Legacy program. Horn emphasized that while the Forest Legacy nounced in January that they had been awarded propriations process and at the Hike the Hill lob- This project will secure a conservation easement on grants are critical first steps, the Trust for Public $8.7 million for two land conservation projects bying week sponsored by the American Hiking approximately 5, 800 acres of land on the southeast Land and the Maine A.T. Land Trust still has to raise adjacent to the Appalachian Trail in the High Society. Representatives of the Trust for Public side of the A.T. corridor near Saddleback Mountain. $800,000 to match the federal funds for the two Peaks region of western Maine. The funding comes Land indicated that they need an additional This property is owned by Linkletter Timber Com- acquisitions as well as conduct a thorough real es- from the Forest Legacy Program, a USDA Forest $800,000 to be able to complete the projects. pany, a family owned business that owns a mill that tate due diligence process. If the fundraising is Service program that is for the protection of work- The larger grant — $ 7 million of an estimated makes wood pellets for home heating, and a sig- successful, the project could close in the summer ing forestland. The 11,798-acre Crocker Mountain $8.8 million project — is for the Crocker Mountain nificant amount of timberland to feed the mill. In of 2012. Project was ranked number three in the nation Project, which will conserve 11,798 acres in Carra- and the 5,808-acre Orbeton Stream project was bassett Valley and Mount Abram Townships via a ranked 12th in the nation on the final Forest fee purchase by the Maine Bureau of Parks and ATC members interested in the project can get more information or can donate by contacting J.T. Horn at TPL’s Northern New England Field Office Legacy list. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Lands (BPL). This property completely surrounds at: jt.horn@tplorg or 802-223-1373 x11. Article courtesy of the Trust for Public Land / Photo courtesy of Jerry Monkman

38 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 39 trail stories ❘ By Tim “Meadowlark” Meadows NEW 2012 ns editio

For A.T. hikes of any length, these books are your best On July 29, 2011, I completed a as I took my first steps into the forest,I 35-year section hike of the Appalachian was Sam Gribley, stepping into the planning resources… Trail, a journey that began at age 17 in Catskills. Unlike Sam, who lived for sev- 1976 at Dicks Creek Gap, Georgia. But I eral months in the forest as he had Stay tuned for news about want to start with where it really began. planned, we ended our hike early at Deep electronic versions, ever present In 1969, at age 10, at my home in Auburn, Gap the next day due to painful blisters. coming soon. Alabama, I read a book by Jean George But the adventure enchanted me, and I knew I would return to the Trail. Later that summer, my father and I Opportunity indeed returned to complete the hike to Rock Gap. During the next few summers, we hiked the Trail together in Georgia and in parts of North Carolina and Tennessee. After college graduation, I lived for three years during the 1980s in the Trail town of Hot Springs, North Carolina, due to employment there as a forester with Pis- gah National Forest. During these years Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ and through 1993, I completed the Trail in Companion, 2012 North Carolina and Tennessee up to Fox Creek, Virginia (just north of Mount Rog- ers) as well as from Gorham, New Hamp- shire to Katahdin. Since 2001, I’ve hiked entitled My Side of the Mountain. It’s a the Trail in sections from Fox Creek to story about a fictional 12-year-old boy Gorham. This past summer of 2011, at age who runs away from his New York City 52, I hiked my last and longest section, home to live alone in the forests of New from New York’s Hudson River 490 miles York’s Catskill Mountains. At the time, I north to Gorham, finishing on July 29. was an eager explorer of neighborhood As a child, I never ran away to the wood patches. I had recently built — Catskills as did the fictional Sam Gribley. along with two friends — a crude tree Instead, the Appalachian Trail has pro- house. This book affirmed my interests in vided for me, over the past 35 years, what Appalachian Trail Data Book, 2012 nature and outdoor adventure, and this Sam found in the Catskills — an ever- imaginary boy, Sam Gribley, suddenly present opportunity for exploration and became one of my heroes. adventure, a connection with the natural Clockwise from top left: The author hikes his Seven years later, in June, 1976, my world, self-reliance, humility, persever- final section of the A.T. in New Hampshire last father, one of my “tree house friends” and ance, self-confidence, and a place for reflec- year – photo by Vince Mier; Tim’s son, Brian, I were at Dicks Creek Gap, the northern- tion on life and its priorities. For Sam, one during a 1998 hike near Jerry Cabin Shelter; A most road crossing of the Appalachian of those priorities became his family, to 17-year-old Tim (right) begins his A.T. odyssey — Trail in Georgia. We had planned to hike whom he returned. For me, a similar prior- with his father and a friend — in 1976 at north for three days to Rock Gap, in the ity is reflected in what I remember most Dicks Creek Gap; Traversing Max Patch Nantahala Mountains of North Carolina. from my hikes: cherished times with my with his sister, Lynn, in 1985; In Damascus, It was our first backpacking trip, and we father, sister, son, cousin and friends with Virginia with his friend, Ted, in 1990. were prepared, with our brand new back- whom I shared the Trail, as well as the packs, tube tents, sleeping bags, and not- many hikers and Trail angels whom I met yet-broken-in hiking boots. In my mind, along the way. atctrailstore.org or call toll-free: 40 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 march — april(888) 2012 ❘ a.t. 287.8673 journeys ❘ 41 ❘ trail giving

I’d like to start by saying “Thank november — december 2011 Photo By Vince Mier You” to all of our members, club partners, corporate sponsors, and foundation do- Individual Gifts James & Kathleen Schrock Jim LeClare Ellie Harmon by Judy Harmon nors. Thanks to your generosity the Ap- Leadership Circle Judith L.Seay Dan Lesher Martha Harper by Louise Bazemore Joseph & Patricia Libera palachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) $10,000 & above Candace Sinclair Charles & Ann Marie Herndon by Anonymous (1) Brian Soucy Melinda J. & Reese F. Lukei, Jr. Carolyn Booth ended the 2011 year much better than Judith Jenner & Dave Startzell Edith Stechholz Valerie A. Martin Kathryn Herndon by Anne expected. At this point (prior to finish- Mary Szpanka John W. McCullough & Joseph Herndon ing our audit) we expect to have a final Myron Avery Society Brian Thompson Jeffrey P. McKee Foundation Kathleen & Kenneth Indart by budget in the black for 2011. $5,000 to $9,999 Bill & Sharon Van Horn Robert Melchoir Kathryn Indart Preston Mitchell We ended 2011 with more than Harold Croxton Greg Winchester Pete Coutant & Jeff Hartman by Audrey H. Duane Carol & Robert O. Wolf Erik & Kristina Mollenhauer Trish Fries 42,000 members and our goal for 2012 Jan & Zeb Gray Richard M. Morten Fran Kelsey by Glenda Kelsey is to exceed 50,000 members. Please Ken Honick Benton MacKaye Society Thomas P. Owens & Kimberly S. Smith Robert Kilpatrick by Calvin Sossoman share your enthusiasm for the Trail and David H. Raymond $500 to $999 William Plouffe John Kratzinger by Ruby ATC with your friends and neighbors, and Lisa Andrews Susan J. Pryor & James Norton A Anonymous (2) David Quave Tom & Elsa Lawrence by T Trail Explorers Society C encourage them to join you in supporting Anna & Richard L. Reller ’s MEMBER $2,500 to $4,999 Nancy D. Anthony Patricia Freysinger n the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Elaine R. Rockett ew Anonymous (1) Henry & Marion Baker Mary Lou Lee by Louise Bazemore M Congratulations to all the members who Bart D. Rohrer e Dan & Deanna Lentz Henry & Sue Bass Kathleen Link by Calvin Sossoman mb Robert E. Rich James A. Ross L. Mah by Evelyn Clark er became 2000-milers in 2011 and good luck to those Laura Belleville de Ann Satterthwaite cal of you heading out to start, get a few more Jennifer K. Wilson Mark Boguski Glenn Martin by Ronald Henry R. Schaefer miles in, or complete your hike in 2012. John H. Brantley & Lois Underwood Arthur Perkins Society John R. Bratton Brad Seibert Jennifer Maxwell by David Spring is a time of refreshment and renewal, and to begin $1,000 to $2,499 Adam W. Brothers Brent N. Senseny & Jennifer Burt new things. We have a few new things for our members this Gerald F. Adams Julianne & Matthew Brott Rosalind Suit John McLean by Drue McLean spring. I hope you enjoy the changes. Bob & Lynn Almand Frank Brummer Jan & McKinney Taylor Eric Medina by Charles To begin, we have redesigned our renewal cards and Eric & Melba Anderson Cathy & Ron Butler Stewart Taylor & Harriet Lightner Lisa A. Teot members will begin receiving those in the mail very Anonymous (4) Brenda Clarkson & Brian T. Fitzgerald Susie Pool by Anne Limbird Bernard & Holly Arghiere Arthur L. Clayton C. Harper Thayer Robin & Steve Prentiss at The soon. And when you renew your membership we have Jill & Ron Balistreri Carole & David Cobb Judd Volino Killington Motel by Charles Lee a new member decal to send along with your acknowl- John R. Ball Harvey & Naomi W. Cohen Chris & David W. Wallace Lewis Sharber by Harold edgement letter. Life members also have a new decal. Mary Blanton Bryan J. Collier Deborah Watson & Mayron Sharber Members whose memberships expire starting with May Walter M. Burnett Stephen Cooke William A. Weary Richard Spare by Beth Daniels Kathryn L. Weaver 2012 will begin getting the new cards and decals until The Chaney Family Foundation John L. Cromartie, Jr. Bob Sparkes by Annette Holt Anne & Bennett Cowan Joe DeLoach Marilee Wheeler C. Harper Thayer by Calvin Sossoman we finish up the series in April of 2013. The Janet Hayes Davis Foundation Marc DeLuca Michele Whitham Marsha Thrift by Louise Bazemore Next, you might be receiving this magazine for the Kathleen Donaghue & Kimball Simpson Art Dohrman Edward Wood Donna Torreyson by Louise Bazemore first time in an electronic format instead of the tradi- Enid & Martin Gleich Bob & Sarah Douthitt Ed & Sandy Wood Doug Veazey by Calvin Sossoman tional paper version. While we are very proud of the print Brenda & Kevin Hamm Roy A. Dray Clark Wright Peggy Wahrendorf by Anne Limbird edition of this magazine, many of our members have request- Cathy Heberding Charles S. Feaux Tim Walsh by Timothy Walsh Arthur & Eloise Hodges David B. & Sally Field In Honor of Terri Welfare by Louise Bazemore ed to have an electronic version. If you would like to make the Donna & Kurt Johnson Fred & Joanne Firman Hank & Elizabeth Alford by Walter G. Wells by Thomas Wells switch to the “paperless” version of the magazine, you may do Go Paperless Mary Lambert & David Litwack Arthur & Denise Foley Teresa Baggett & Family To receive the same great so by visiting: appalachiantrail.org/paperless. Louis D. Lanier Javier Folgar John Ball by Barbara Ball Ken Whitley by Calvin Sossoman magazine in electronic format visit: Finally, we welcome Mark Wenger as ATC’s executive direc- Marta Jo Lawrence Robert L. Fromme, Jr. Grace Brayley by John Brayley Ed Wood by Edward Wood appalachiantrail.org/paperless. Tom Coffey by Calvin Sossoman tor. Mark is eager to get out and meet as many of our members Kenneth & Patricia LeRoy Elizabeth Graham Cat & Kyle by Bob & Rea Link Douglas & Marie Liu John W. Grumm Michael Crain by Susan Short and partners as he can. I hope we are able to see and hear from Stephen Lynton Carol A. & William R. Hauke, Jr. Andy Deekens by Calvin Sossoman In Memory of you this year. Janet M. Malcolm Landis Heistand Kay Dotson by Ron & Barry Meade Helen Arnold by Lebanon Valley Gayle Maslow Eli V. Hestermann Chris Everett by Laurence Hiking Club Judith McGuire & Arthur Tsien David C. Heston & Rebecca Ehrharet Ray Bolton by Steven John Milne The Lahnemann Family by All the best, Doug Johnson & Susan Schoenfelder James & Ruby Norton Ruth A. Justice John Fletcher Peter Busher by the Stroff Family ❘ Royce W. Gibson Director of Membership & Development Alan Nye Sharon Keene William & Sandra Gallagher by Elmer Butler by Georgia George Perkinson Donald H. Kirkland, Sr. Patricia Caddell Appalachian Trail Club Chad Pfrommer John H. & Junith S. Koon Sam & Patty Gilmore by Paul Mickey Byrd by Richard Kropfl David C. Phillips Kelly & Robert Kyle & Marje Richter Gary Childress by Stuart Smith

42 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 43

trail giving continued wild Cynthia Anne Clarke by Duncan Robertson, Sandy & Glenn Robert Yerike by Doug Riddle education Weiner, Wells Fargo Bank Robert Young by Robert Continued from page 25 & Ann Clarke Bill Connor by Nancy Levin Robert Mountford by & Bea Smith Alan Cunningham by Denise Douglas Dunlap these people and talk to them all at Buckley John O’Meara by Beverly Corporate & O’Meara once and see, as a whole, how it all Chris Deffler by Margaret Foundation Gifts & Edwin Deffler Michael Norton by James Diamond: comes together.” Roger “Straighttalk” Dixon by & Ruby Norton Patton & Boggs LLP David Cohen, a recent University Charles & Jill Dixon Jeanne Phillips by Guyon Phillips The UPS Foundation of Georgia graduate says, “I’ve gained John Evans by Charles Hughes Michael Ripley by Prudence Pack Your Passion. Go. a lot of insight into the issues at hand John & Virginia James, Philip Shipping Corp. Visionary: Louis F. Ragonese by F.M. Kirby Foundation and definitely a lot of tools to explain & Coralyn Rawlins, The Clorox Company Barbara Burlingame Harney & Sons Fine Teas those issues and get people to better Thomas Fiore by Russell Laura Susan Ramsay by PASSION GOt understand them and to hopefully & Nancy Carniak Douglas Dunlap Trail Blazer: tHE BESt POCO SERIES encourage stewardship in the average Bill Foot by Laurie Foot Robert Schuster by Lani Terry Dominion Resources person that might not have consid- Martin Fossett by Janelle Wong, Franklyn Sledd by Tonia Sledd Services, Inc. Of YOu? CHILD CARRIERS C. J. & Linda Larkin, Joseph & Chris Sutcliff by Thomas & Virginia Environmental ered those issues beforehand. It feels > Shoba Sequeira, Richard & Lucia Norris, Debra Taulbee, Endowment Send uS a picture of your Quick adjustability from really good to know that you’re not Margaret Slotkin, Guy Stevcek, Lydia Thompson & Family, little one in their worSt parent to parent (but lovable) moment the only person that feels a certain Jane Zagajeski Sharon Winget Leader: > Custom fit for kids up way about the world and our place in John George by Glenda George Mary Terry by Lani Terry Bank of America for your chance to win to 40lbs / 18kg it and what we should be doing to Thurston Griggs by Charles John Townsend by Turkey Hill Dairy a poco SerieS Jonathan Freeman Show your love for the A.T. child carrier. > Comfortable and ventilated protect it.” So, why do we volunteer Clarke, Virginia Musser, Dick & Laurie Potteiger, Rosie Suit, Franklyn Way by Dick Ambassador: with a gift membership. for child and parents our time for these wilderness proj- Barbara Valentine & Jean Forbes Campmor, Inc. Scan the Qr ects? Is it for a good time? Is it to keep Malcolm White by Lennie code for Larry Kight by Allen & Donna Law appalachiantrail.org/giftmembership the trails open to hikers? Is it for the Sterling Kreider by Connie & Bill Steinmetz Partner: detailS. Available at rei.com friendships that are established? Is it Guthrie, Mr. & Mrs. Yost Barbara Wickland by Appalachian Power Franklin Wickland Coille Limited Partnership, LP Photo By Vince Mier for the skill sets and certifications? Fred Luehring by Gerald Adams Frank Madeiros by Robyn & Paul Wuerzner by Marty Johnson, Eagles Nest Outfitter, Inc. Wilderness First Aid instructor Jim Frank Demand Michael & Laura Niland Tarma Designs Holland explains, “I feel that it’s Michael Manes by Kevin Burd important that everyone give some- Michael L. Marziale by Ronald & Diana Albright, Richard & Nancy thing back to their community, to February 8, 2012 marked the first their state, to their country, to the Barber, Lee & Siri Bendtsen, Marianne Cardamone, Gerald anniversary of the passing of Mr. Fred Morgan Kirby environment that [they] live in. If you & Linda Chaffee, Elaine II, president of the F.M. Kirby Foundation. The foun- enjoy doing something, you should Decolibus, Steven & Jennifer dation has funded the Appalachian Trail Conser- give something back to it. I have al- Devoe, Philip & Sylvia Emery, vancy (ATC) through general operating support for A QUIVER OF ways tried to do that most of my life.” Timothy & Jean Eskeli, John & more than a decade. According to the foundation, “Mr. Re-branded for 2012 as the “Wil- Suzanne Glomb, Marsha ONE. Greenlaw, Roger Hagan, Jay Kirby carried forth the conservative values of his derness Stewardship Institute,” this Hartman, Albert & Janet Krall, grandfather and father in both his personal life and ATC, USFS and Wilderness Society Mary Ann Luebcke, Karen through his philanthropic mission of the F.M. Kirby partnership is growing in scope for Marziale, Angela Marziale, John Foundation.” It is also well known that F.M. Kirby was volunteers and agency partners inter- McAllops, Brenda & Robert at the forefront of providing “winners” with consistent ested in protecting wilderness. Like McBride, John & Bettie Miller, R. Wayne & Dreama Ogden, operating support over the long term. Some called it the 2011 opportunity, the 2012 WSI Anne & Andre Paradis, Steve capacity building. Mr. Kirby deemed it practical. We will offer Cross-cut, Wilderness First Paradis, Anita & Michael find it fitting that F.M. Kirby’s support this year falls Aid CPR, and Trail Construction. It Patterson, Dianna Poling, within our “Visionary” giving circle. We thank the ALL SEASONS. will also include a week-long ad- Alonzo & Susan Rollinson, F.M. Kirby Foundation and Mr. Kirby for considering Michael & Theresa Schmal, ALL FUELS. vanced course in Cross-cut for In- ATC a “winner.” Mr. Kirby’s spirit will continue to ex- Mark Suwyn, Barry & Cindy ONE STOVE. structors, as well as instruction con- Tilden, Christina & Michael ist all along the Appalachian Trail. cerning the technical aspects of Todasco, Scott & Elaine managing a federally designated Whipple, Edwin Wilson, NewPage Corporation, Burns wilderness area. Membership dues and additional donations are tax-deductible Tax Consulting, LLC, Finch as a charitable contribution. ATC is a Section 501(c)(3)

Paper, LLC ©MOTOFISHIMAGES educational organization. For more information, contact Andrew Downs George Matthews by Shirley at: [email protected]. Online Barger, Bill & Susan Davis, To make a contribution or renew your membership, call (304) registration will be available early spring 2012 Jennifer Holman, Robert & Introducing the MSR® WhisperLite™ Universal hybrid-fuel stove. 535-6331 ext 119, or visit: www.appalachiantrail.org at www.trailcrews.org. Susan Lockert, Phyllis Find out more at www.msrgear.com/wlu

44 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march april 2011 ❘ public notices As I See It ❘

For Your A.T. Community Designation Other upcoming A.T. events at Internships: Information Ceremonies. Don’t miss these ATC headquarters in Harpers ■ Public Relations Intern Franklin’s April Fools Trail Days opportunities to celebrate! Ferry include: Hiking Season ■ Marketing Assistant Intern and Hiker Bash. Franklin, North April 19: Buena Vista and Glasgow, Kick-Off — May 5; African ■ Membership and He was exactly the kind of Carolina, a designated Appalachian Virginia; April 21: Front Royal, American History Hike on Development Intern person that one hoped to Trail Community since March 2010, Virginia; May 26: Bland, Virginia; National Trails Day — June 2; A.T. For detailed information will host its fourth annual April Fools June 2: Duncannon, Pennssylvania. 75th Anniversary Celebration about individual opportunities, hook up with; somebody with Trail Days to include the eighth For more information visit: — August 11—12. For more and to apply visit: a zest for living who was Annual Hiker Bash Friday and appalachiantrail.org/events. information visit: appalachiantrail. appalachiantrail.org/jobs. Saturday March 30 & 31. The events org/events. full of positive energy — will include food, music, and Appalachian Trail Community his was a world of always entertainment. For more information Event: April 7, Bolivar Community visit: www.aprilfoolstraildays.com. Center, 60 Panama Street, Harpers Help Wanted seeing the glass Ferry, West Virginia. Residents of Job Opportunities and Robert “Buffalo Public Notices may be edited half-full. Trail Days, Damascus, Virginia, Harpers Ferry, Bolivar and Internships with the Appala- for clarity and length. Bobby” Yerike in May 18-20. Don’t miss the fun, surrounding areas are invited to chian Trail Conservancy Please send them to: I met “Buffalo Bobby” Harpers Ferry, West understanding that were manifest in his voice lent including the annual hiker parade, come meet fellow outdoor Full Time: on Fontana Dam on April 18, Virginia, during his insight into the nature of this man. I usually had music, reunions, talent show, and enthusiasts and fans of the A.T. in ■ Northern Resource [email protected] 2003. My journal for that day 2011 thru-hike. tears in my eyes. What a wonderful privilege to great food! Visit the Appalachian their own community. Find out Management Coordinator Public Notices contains this note — “Buffalo call him friend. And, when other hikers began to ■ Trail Conservancy booth to show why people come from around the Office Manager P.O. Box 807 Bobby (nice man from New Jer- associate us as hiking together, it was a nice feel- your ATC pride and take part in world to walk on the A.T. in our Seasonal: Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807 sey).” By that evening we had made it to Russell Field ing — even if we struggled, as many older hikers quizzes, get your temporary ATC backyard and what it has to offer ■ Resource Management Technician Shelter where we pitched our tents next to each do, with the concept of maintaining equal energy tattoo, and win prizes. For more those who live near the A.T.’s ■ Ridgerunner/Caretaker other. We had become life-long friends; not that levels and stamina. And, those variations did information visit: www.traildays.us. “psychological half-way point.” ■ Crew Staff unusual on a typical day on the Appalachian Trail. eventually find us separating — I saw Buffalo But, Buffalo Bobby (known “off-Trail” as Robert Bobby in Delaware Water Gap for the last time. Yerike) was anything but typical. And, as I grew However, we talked on the phone in 2009 and he accustomed to his name, I almost expected to see told me all about his 2008 (his second) thru-hike. Clarabelle and Mr. Green Jeans joining us on this With his same enthusiasm, he painted the picture frolic that we referred to as a thru-hike of the A.T. that soon had my hiker-juices and hiker-aspira- (or attempt at that stage of the game). He was a tions again flowing freely. Show your support! ray of sunshine, all about hope and meeting ex- There were no “if-onlys” in Buffalo Bobby’s life. pectations in this impossible venture. He was He was the spirit of the Appalachian Trail — the ExclusiveExclusive designsdesigns byby wildlifewildlife artistartist DavidDavid DunleavyDunleavy exactly the kind of person that one hoped to hook challenges that it afforded were merely clay to be up with; somebody with a zest for living who was molded in his life of questing to try to satiate that Discover a full line of wildlife always full of positive energy — his was a world huge appetite for experiencing what was out there. apparel, like Tshirts, Fishing Shirts, of always seeing the glass half-full. And, there was Last year — during his third thru-hike — when Caps, ermals, Sweatshirts, and that smile. Everybody loved Buffalo Bobby. Had he was found on the A.T. in his final hours, ex- much more, at our online store. we taken a vote, he would have been Mister Con- actly where he wanted to be, an example was set geniality of Georgia-to-Maine 2003. He was a for all of us. Life is about today; tomorrow will Free Shipping!* Enter coupon code: ATC2012 wonderful listener; his attention was truly undi- only mean something if we strive to make it mean vided as one spoke — his enthusiasm for your something. His was a life that ended too soon, but David Dunleavy Apparel world was sincere, and his enthusiasm for your that is not the true tragedy here — that would proudly supports the Appalachian Trail Conservancy by donating interests was truly genuine. have occurred had we not ever known him. For ten percent of ATC purchases When we roomed together in various motels on that we can always be thankful. to the Conservancy. our journey north, a few times I took the liberty to listen to what he said when talking to his daugh- George “Ole Smoky Lonesome” Sandul ter on the phone. The kindness and gentle love and lives in Wausau, Wisconsin.

“As I See It” is a monthly column from guest contributors representing the full range of ATC partners, members, and volunteers. To submit a column for consideration, please email [email protected] or write to Editor/As I See It, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.

*Expires April 15, 2012

46 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ march — april 2012 march — april 2012 ❘ a.t. journeys ❘ 47 www.appalachiantrail.org P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807

Help to preserve and protect the A.T. Become a part of the A.T. community. Volunteer with a Trail Club or Trail Crew. Encourage your family and friends to get involved by giving them a gift membership.

appalachiantrail.org Tara Harbert takes in the view of Katahdin from Nahmakanta Lake, Nesuntabunt Mountain, Maine. photo by bryan landry