ISSN 098—8154

The Newsletter of the Potomac Appalachian Club Volume 30, Number 10 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180-4609 October 2001

Meadows Cabin Returns - Back To the Way It Was, Plus More

ere you aware that Meadows Cabin Whas been undergoing a facelift? And with much work complete and a new over- seer in place it looks like it just might be the hottest property on the (rental) books.

The new Co-overseer for Meadows, Mr. Kim Mathews, has been on the job more than anyone and is quite multi-talented. Tom Jorgensen, Weaver Cabin Overseer and Regional Overseer has coordinated all the work crews and put in countless hours himself on the job.

Aside from the hard work, team leader Tom is also leading in the number of Meadows Restoration Project Near Injuries! He fell into the newly dug privy pit. He did a swan dive, unintentionally, off the ladder while holding a crow bar, and was stung by a wasp while on the scaffolding. And he keeps com- Meadows Cabin during the renovation; photo taken August 24, 2001. ing back for more, humor intact. giving an open invitation to their beauti- coup hours, even diverting one of Mutton ful swimming pool. Top’s work crews to pitch in at Meadows. Co-Overseers Tom and Bett Johnson I t ’s been a lot of work out there. It’s so Cabins Operations Chair and Mutton Top have been held in the highest esteem by nice to see it getting done. The before work crews all the long hot summer for Overseer, Mel Merritt, has also put in beau- See Meadows, page 5 In Tribute In This Issue . . . Council Fire ...... 2 t week’s end, I thought it would be high- Walt’s Notes ...... 3 Aly theraputic to go to the mountains of Mike Karpie’s Photo Tips ...... 4 the SNP, and I met a friend and fellow PATC District Managers Contact List ...... 5 me m b e r , Ben Fernandez, and several other hikers, at a trailhead that led to the AT. Leave No Trace Conference ...... 6 Black Hills Regional Park Hike ...... 7 As we set off, I realized that Ben had an American Flag attached to his pack. I asked Blackburn Pig Roast Registration . . . .7 him why he was displaying the flag like that, Annual Dinner/Meeting Registration .7 in the middle of nowhere, and he said sim- Hiking the C & O Canal ...... 8 ply, “I’m not displaying the flag to show to anybody, it’s on my pack to honor America, Book Review ...... 9 and to honor all those who died last week.” Geezer Maintenance 101 ...... 10 Ben’s father survived the Japanese invasion Letters to the Editor ...... 11 of the Phillipines, and later immigrated to Forecast ...... 12 the . That, and the fact that Ben was displaying this flag in such a seclud- Notices ...... 17 ed and beautiful place, combined with his Trailhead ...... 18 quiet and dignified emotion, was moving, to Volunteers Appointed ...... 19 say the least. o —John Luck Help Wanted ...... 20 Council Members, Chairs and PA Staff Council Fire Officers President: Walt Smith, 703/242-0693 t the PATC Council’s regular monthly Ext. 40, [email protected] Ameeting on August 14, it approved a VP Operations: Vacant general agreement with the Shenandoah VP Volunteerism: Mickey McDermott National Park for maintaining certain park Supervisor of : Kerry Snow trails, huts, and maintenance buildings. The Supervisor of Corridor Management: Tom Lupp a c c o rd ensures continued cooperation General Secretary (Facilities): Jon Rindt between the and the General Counsel: Charles Sloan Club regarding mutual interests in the Park, Membership Secretary: Liles Creighton and will protect PATC volunteers under the Treasurer: Gerhard Salinger Volunteers in the Parks Program. Recording Secretary: George Meek

Sections/Chapters PATC maintains about 277 miles of trails in Mountaineering Section: Mack Muir Shenandoah Park, along with seven huts and SMRG: Peter Pennington three maintenance buildings. The approved tion and report on an incident should rest Ski Touring Section: Steve Brickel document replaces a previous agreement with the President. North Chapter: Steve Koeppen that expired in December 1999. The new N. Shenandoah Valley Chapter: Martha Clark agreement does not include responsibilities S. Shenandoah Valley Chapter: Michael Groah Finance Charlottesville Chapter: John Shannon involving the six rental cabins in the Park Former PATC President Jack Reeder was West Virginia Chapter: Judy Smoot that the Club manages. They will be covered elected by the Council to a three year-term in a future agreement. on the Endowment Committee. Prior to his Standing Committee Chairs retirement, Mr. Reeder managed a $1.4 mil- (Council Members) Tools lion budget for an association. He joins Don Blackburn Trail Center: Chris Brunton Price (chair), Ed Britton, Bob Patelunas, and The Council approved a Tool Management Budget: Paul Dery Joanne Duncan on the Committee. Cabins Operations: Mel Merritt Plan for review and implementation. The Cabin Construction: Charlie Graf objective is to ensure that sufficient quanti- The Budget Committee made the initial Conservation: Mary Margaret Sloan ties of properly maintained tools are conve- request for input for the Club’s 2002 budget, Grants & Donations: Tom Madden niently available for carrying out trail main- which will use zero-based program-budget- Endowment: Don Price tenance. The plan outlines specific responsi- Finance: Gerhard Salinger ing as last year. Proposed expenditures are to bilities for tool users, work trip leaders, cus- Hikes: Karen Brown & Tom Johnson be keyed to approved goals. The approval Internet Services: Stephen Raia todians, and tool room volunteers, and timeline calls for review of the proposed Land Management: Tom Johnson includes special arrangements for inventory budget by the Executive Committee in Legal: Charles Sloan and control of power tools. November and approval by the Council in Maps: Dave Pierce December. Maryland Management Committee: Charlie Graf Legal claims Potomac Appalachian: Linda Shannon-Beaver The Council approved a modification of the The Council approved $4000 for ro o f Public Affairs: Larry Rockwell Club policy for dealing with legal claims or replacement at Highacre in Harper’s Ferry. Publications: Aaron Watkins threats of legal actions against PATC. The The intention is to replace the roof with a Shelters: Frank Turk policy was changed at the suggestion of the special shingle design that closely resembles Trail Lands Acquisition: Phil Paschall the original. Trail Patrol: Kumait Jawdat Club’s Legal Counsel to reflect that the dis- Land Management: cretion of whether to initiate an investiga- See Council Fire, page 4 Lloyd MacAskill

Special Committees/Ongoing Activities Archives & Library: Carol Niedzialek Cabin Reservations: Darlene Wall Deputy Supervisor of Trails: Hop Long Headquarters Facility: Orron Kee Information/Sales Desks: Marguerite Schneeberger Medical: John McNamara HOW TOHEADQUARTERS GET IN CONTACT WITH US Shelters, Cabins, & Cabins Land Fund: Jon Rindt FOR CABIN RESERVATIONS, SNP Boundary Trailheads Study Group: MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION, AND SALES Mark Holland Tuscarora Trail Shenandoah Valley Project: Address: 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Phoebe Kilby & Larry Bradford and Thursday and Friday 12 noon to 2 p.m. Phone #: 703/242-0315 Potomac Appalachian To receive an information packet: Extension 10 Chief Editor: Linda Shannon-Beaver To leave a message for the Club President Walt Smith: Extension 40 [email protected] 24-hr. Activities Tape #: 703/242-0965 Contributing Editors: Marion Lee, Kathy Murphy Facsimile #: 703/242-0968 Features Editor: Joanne Erickson Club e-mail: [email protected] Forecast Editor: Joe O’Neill World Wide Web URL: http://www.patc.net [email protected] DURING REGULARSTAFF BUSINESS HOURS 2 Director of Administration: Wilson Riley (Ext. 11) e-mail: [email protected] Appalachian Trails Management Coordinator: Heidi Forrest (Ext. 12) e-mail: [email protected] Business Manager: Rebecca Emig (ext. 15) Membership/Cabin Coordinator: Pat Fankhauser (Ext. 17) e-mail: [email protected] Sales Coordinator: Maureen Estes (Ext. 19) e-mail: [email protected] Walt’s Notes Connecting ments of art, could add nothing Distancing people from their natural- By Way Of Cabins here....and in realizing this emotion, I resources base destroys the natural syner- have felt amid some scenes a kind of gism between rural people and places. It also selfish pleasure, a wild delight, that the alters people’s attitudes and perc e p t i o n s ou might ask: “Why do volunteers spot so lovely and so lonely was, as it regarding natural resources and conserva- Yspend so many hours building and were, all my own....But Hark! That dis- tion.”3 maintaining cabins?” cordant post-horn, breaking in upon these idle musings, tells me that they As Charles Hoffman got on the stagecoach I suppose the most obvious reason is that the must close here with the tour that for Washington, he was musing about the members want to have a place to stay while called them forth. I have parted with joy of the wilderness. Perhaps, he was really hiking. my horse, and booked a place in the thinking about his own “disconnect.” Do we stage-coach for Washington....” 1 feel disconnected at times? “But why do they do that?” It is interesting to me that the report of the Reconnection to the Natural Perhaps because they want to get away from “Congress on Promoting Sustainability in the beltway and recover from their busy the 21st Century”2 seems to indicate agree- Environment lives. ment with the feelings of that 19th Century Our PATC Constitution contains some traveler. The report discusses trends in pop- related Club objectives: to further the preser - “Yeah, but why then would more than five ulation growth and consumption and how vation of land for open space, conservation, and hundred volunteers spend over 16,000 hours these trends have led to increasing urbaniza- recreation....to encourage the careful use of the last year recovering by maintaining or tion of rural areas and low-density dispersal, surrounding lands and resources by individu - restoring old buildings and constru c t i n g or sprawl. The trend from rural to urban als....to educate the public on matters including new ones?” development and sprawl has consumed the protection of lands and resources...to foster “farms, forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat public appreciation and use of natural areas.... Well, perhaps some of them have a different and rangelands. As society shifts from rural way of relaxing. to urban, the rural social structure changes So perhaps there is another reason that we and a disconnect emerges between the com- build and maintain cabins. Perhaps it is so that many of us can reconnect to the natur- These may not be satisfying explanations. In munity and its surrounding environment. al world. Perhaps we should think of a high- fact, they were n ’t to me so I scanned er purpose for the cabins: in addition to through some old issues of the PA. I noted recreation they are also provided for the that some of the articles by volunteers indi- purpose of encouraging the proper use and cated they had a “good time”, although they enjoyment of natural areas. Perhaps we didn’t define “good time.” I suppose it might should view the inside of the cabins as being be something that you know when you expe- not only a place to stay but as a place built rience it. However, the articles did seem to for a wider mission, to provide an educa- have an underlying theme. Many of the vol- tional opportunity on how to reconnect with unteers seemed to appreciate being involved the natural environment. in something that seemed worthwhile. So, a conclusion may be drawn that we enjoy the good feeling that comes over us as we par- Shall we think through how we can promote ticipate in activities that are different from Above, John Daniel, Pocosin Overseer reconnection? our normal every-day life and that benefit so (on right) many people. See you on the trail,

The Underlying Motive But is there some deeper reason that draws us to the mountains and other natural areas? Perhaps you will feel in agreement with the 1 “A Winter in the West,” New York: Harper and 19th Century traveler, Charles Hoffman, as B rothers, 1835, contained in “The Height of Our he describes his feelings about being in the Mountains,” Branch & Philippon, Editors, The Johns wilderness. Hoffman had just passed over Hopkins University Press, 1998 the Blue Ridge from a solitary expedition to the West when he wrote fro m 2 The Renewable Natural Resources Foundation’s fourth congress was held September 2000 in Portland, Oregon Charlottesville on June 2, 1834:

3The July 2001 issue of the National Geographic has a “There is a singular joyousness in a related article on the effects of urban sprawl on people wilderness; a vague feeling of solitude, and a vivid sense of the primal freshness which breathes around you, that mingle most strangely together, and make you John Daniel, Overseer (left), showing own at the time that the subduing hand Pocosin Cabin during the Open House in of cultivation and the golden embellish- SN P , August 25, 2001

Potomac Appalachian 3 Council Fire, from page 2 A $150 donation has been made by a school Mike Karpie’s Photo Tips: in in the name of volunteer Jim Stauch, who led students on a hike and Autumn Splendor worktrip. apturing the brilliance of the autumn Trails and lands Cfoliage display does not require any special equipment or skill. It is simply a The Virginia Department of Conservation matter of timing. If you are fort u n a t e and Recreation sent the paperwork to begin enough to have clear skies, you can get the processing its grant of $43,000 for the pur- best color in the early morning or late after- chase of the 29-acre Clark-Locke property noon. When the sun is low in the sky its rays on the Tuscarora Trail in Virginia. There take on a warm tone, thereby enhancing the will be an appropriate public cere m o n y foliage color and making it contrast dramat- when the deal is final. ically with the deep blue sky. The longer shadows also enhance your photo by adding The Virginia Department of Game and a degree of depth. Inland Fisheries has settled on the purchase of the six-acre Amy Tate Jones Property in Use a polarizing filter to increase the color Northern Virginia and the settlement check saturation of both the leaves and the sky. for $21,878 has been deposited. The prop- erty had been bought and held temporarily Next Month: A Look at Digital by PATC and the Appalachian Tr a i l Photography. Conference (ATC) as an accommodation until the state could buy it. ATC will get The archive of Photo Tips and sample pho- half of the proceeds. tos can be found at: ht t p : / / w w w. g e o c i t i e s . c o m / m k a r p i e / t i p s . h t m l A motion to pay $8000 to the ATC Land Trust to support the work of land coordina- —Michael R. Karpie tors in Northern Virginia and Maryland was tabled until a contract between PATC and the coordinators is drafted. Tails from the Woods by George Walters

A document distributed to the Council showed that the Club now owns 1,769 acres and has easements on another 2,002 acres. A policy statement on management of the tracts will be presented to the Executive Committee for review.

Public Affairs Public Affairs Chair Larry Rockwell invited members to submit digital photos of PATC activities to incorporate in a “Power Point” presentation. They can be sent to him at [email protected]. Mr. Rockwell said he is making presentations on PATC to var- ious organizations.

Membership The August membership total was 6,564, compared with 6,547 the previous month. There were 128 new members. Planning is underway for the Annual Meeting, which is scheduled for November 14 at the Elks Club. All committee chairs are to file their annual re p o rts by October 15. Report s should list the total hours of service and Do You Have Newsletter Items? highlight outstanding volunteer service. Submissions are welcome for possible publication. During the The August Council meeting was attended upcoming holiday months please get your submissions in early. by 18 Council members and two staff per- The deadline for the December issue is November 1st, sons. o and the 1st of December for the January issue. —George Meek, Recording Secretary 4 Potomac Appalachian From Meadows, page 1 and after shots of the cabin show that it’s still not totally done, Contact Information but it’s quite close. Come and check out the newest gem in our diverse cabin system. Please Note: The contact Ashby Gap/Possums Rest AT list published in the July & BB Map 8, 9 Renovations include: issue of the PA contained (Rte. 50 to Rte. 638) some errors in the District Ed McKnew o New kitchen addition with sliding doors, small covered porch, Manager section. This list 13241 Hazegrove Farm Lane railings, 3 windows, skylight, “new” cookstove, new side door and is a corrected District Linden, VA 22642-1723 steps, “new” kitchen cabinets, insulation, beadboard wainscoting Managers list for your ref- h 540/622-6004 and chair rails erence. We are sorry for f 540/631-0180 o Old white siding removed any inconvenience the [email protected] original list may have o Ashby Gap/Possums Rest AT New siding and insulation installed caused. & BB Map 8, 9 o —Linda Shannon-Beaver Original chestnut logs rechinked (Rte. 638 to SNP) o 4 new windows put in upstairs (2 more than there were before) Lloyd Parriott Supervisor of Trails P.O. Box 1971 o Old front porch steps removed; new steps installed in center of Kerry Snow Front Royal, VA 22630 porch in line with front door P. O. Box 1169 h 540/622-2743 [email protected] o Rickety porch railing replaced with new railings which meet code Olney, MD 20830 h 301/570-0596 SNP North AT – Map 9 o New outhouse built w 301/295-5084 John McCrea [email protected] o Old wiring replaced with new 6641 Perry Avenue Upper Darby, PA 19082 o Deputy Supervisor of Trails Windows, railings, and support beams repainted h 610/352-9287 Trails Study Committee o [email protected] Plus a hefty amount of scrubbing, polishing, cleaning sweeping, Great North Mountain etc. o Stonewall Brigade Crew – Map F Volunteer Coordinator Fred “Hop” Long Hoodlums Trail Crew —Nancy Merritt 5309 Bangor Drive George Walters Kensington, MD 20895-1106 2607 Ailsa Ave. h 301/942-6177 Baltimore, MD 21214-2518 [email protected] h 410/426-2724 w 410/727-0200 Pennsylvania f 410/727-1267 North Chapter Crew - [email protected] Map 2-3, 4, J, K SNP North Blueblazed Charles R Irvin Map 9, 10 11540 Simmons Road Be r nie Stalmann (Hazel Mt. Area ) Taneytown, MD 21787 12111 Amblewood Drive h 301/447-2848 Laurel, MD 20708 h 301/725-8876 Pete Brown [email protected] 2012 Blue Mount Road Monkton, MD 21111 SNP Central AT h 410/343-1140 Blue and White Crew - Map 10 w 410/583-4561 Hal Hallett pe t e r. b ro w n 4 @ w o r l d n e t . a t t . n e t 6844 Brindle Heath Way , Apt. F Before and after views of Meadows cabin, which has recently Alexandria, VA 22315-5821 undergone an extensive renovation. Maryland Appalachian Trail h 703/719-7846 South Mountaineers Trail w 202/452-7794 Crew- Map 5, 6 Hal [email protected] Richard Canter 19521 Divot Place SNP Central Blueblazed Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Blue and White Crew – Map 10 h 301/924-4942 Dan Dueweke (north end) w 301/721-3000 ext. 3061 15545 Eagle Tavern Lane so u t h m o u n t a i n e e r s @ y a h o o . c o m Centreville, VA 22020 h 703/266-3248 Harpers Ferry/Ashby Gap AT & [email protected] BB Map 7, 8 Chris Brunton Charles Hillon (south end) 9000 Piney Grove Drive 15907 Waterfall Road Fairfax, VA 22031 Haymarket, VA 20169-2128 h 703/560-8070 h 703/754-7388 [email protected] [email protected] Potomac Appalachian 5 Contact Information 2001 Leave No Trace SNP South AT Spotsylvania Battlefield Park Map 11 Frank Haas Conference and Mike Karpie 120 Beauregard Street Interagency Meeting 10500 Kings Lane Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Spotsylvania, VA 22553 h 540/898-2213 h 540/785-9553 [email protected] National Conservation Training Center, w 540/538-1010 Shepherdstown, WV [email protected] Suburban Maryland October 31 & November 1 & 2, 2001 (Wednesday - Friday) SNP South Blue blazed Map D Liles Creighton Map 11 ave you ever wondered what is with all the hoopla about the 100 River View Ave. Lois Mansfield Leave No Trace program? Have you ever wanted to visit the Annapolis, MD 21401-1122 H 5800 Burnett Lane famed National Conservation Training Center along the banks of Ruckersville, VA 22968 h 410/573-0067 the Potomac? Well here’s your chance. The National Park Service in h 804/973-7184 [email protected] coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land w 804/924-1033 Management will host the 2001 Leave No Trace Conference and [email protected] District of Columbia Interagency Meeting on October 31 - November 2, 2001 at the U.S. Map N Tuscaroria North Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center in Mark Anderson Map L Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Lloyd E MacAskill 1877 Newton St. NW 5525 Ventnor Lane Washington, DC 20010 This is the first time that this meeting has been held east of the Springfield, VA 22151 h 202/462-7718 and the first time it has been open to non-agency groups h 703/978-4070 w 202/862-9230 and individuals. NPS personnel have extended a special invitation for [email protected] mh a c c a @ s t a r p o w e r. n e t PATC to participate. It will be an exciting opportunity to learn about the Leave No Trace program and the education techniques that help Cadillac Trail Crew/Trail Head Tuscaroria South promote its minimum-impact skills and wildland ethics. The first Editor Map F, G, 9 two days of the conference will highlight the partners involved in Rick Rhoades Jon Rindt Leave No Trace education, the science behind the program, and 45 Hillside Acres Lane 621 Skyline Forest Drive hands-on education techniques and Mt. Jackson, VA 22842 Front Royal, VA 22630 practices that can be used to promote h 540/477-3247 h 540/635-6351 the Leave No Trace message. On [email protected] JKRindt@er day three, field trips to local areas such as Shenandoah National Park Massanutten North SNP Boundary Trailhead Access and Appalachian Trail sites will Crew – Map G Mark Holland help participants see first-hand the Mike Sutherland 6236-B Ridge Pond Road need for Leave No Trace educa- 4117 Evergreen Drive Centreville, VA 20121 tion and successful examples of Fairfax, VA 22032-1018 h 703/266-1832 implementing the principles of h 703/591-8330 [email protected] the program. [email protected] Massanutten South Acme Treadway Company This conference is open to all Map H (Trail Crew) personnel from federal, state, William Schmidt Don White local, and private organizations 1324 Dale Drive h 804/270-3116 who are interested in the Leave No Trace program. Space in the Silver Spring, MD 20910 [email protected] h 301/585-2477 conference is limited. To register, please contact Jodi French-Burr with the National Park Service at [email protected] Cadillac Crew 304/574-2115. (Agency personnel may register by contacting their Fran Keenand Suburban Virginia - Map D national LNT coordinators.) There is no registration fee for the h 703/938-3973 Potomac Heritage & Great conference. o [email protected] Falls —John Buchheit Mike Fleming 12709 Lee Hwy. To learn more about how you can Leave No Trace, Trail Work Report Form Fairfax, VA 22030 visit www.LNT.org or call 800/332-4100. h 703/222-0255 www.patc.net/forms/overseer/ [email protected] wtr.html

Bull Run Occoquan Trail PATC Web Page: Combined Dave Fellers www.patc.net 8306 Chivalry Road Federal Campaign 2001 Annandale, VA 22003 Trails Web Page: h 703/560-2171 http://members.telocity.com/ #7956 [email protected] ~kerrysnow/patc/contacts.html 6 Potomac Appalachian Black Hills Regional Park Hike, August 5, 2001

n spite of hot humid weather, and with Ifrequent rest/water breaks in the shade, ten people and five dogs enjoyed the natur- al and historic features of Black Hill Regional Park. We began early, with a short bushwhack along the shore of Little Seneca Lake, which is 505 acres and part of the WSSC watershed. After passing the 5-sta- tion Fitness Course, we entered the woods where we saw one of the original boundary markers for the William and Mary tract of land. Later we took a side trip to see the Hikers pause to examine a William and remnants of Waters Mill, the grist mill built Mary property boundary marker. by Zachariah Waters and operated from Mary Waters homestead, both facing the 1810-1895. The group then continued same direction. The park naturalist suggest- through woods and meadows, where we saw ed that one was inside the cabin and the some of the park’s many bluebird houses. other faced outside for cooking in summer Three people and two dogs chose the short- (something we all could appreciate on such er option, and the rest continued hiking a hot day). We reached the parking lot about along trails and bushwhacking along the 1:45 PM and enjoyed lunch at a picnic table lake shore. We saw 2 old fireplaces from the under a tree watching people paddling (Left) Hikers travel the Cabin Branch canoes on the lake. o Trail at Black Hills Regional Park. —Pat Fuhrer It’s almost here: the Eighteenth Annual Blackburn Pig Roast

ere’s your last chance to register for the 18th Annual Blackburn All proceeds after costs will be donated to the PATC Land HPig Roast, scheduled for Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 13/14, 2001. Acquisition Fund. INFO: Sharon Johnson 703/281-0798 or e-mail Dinner will be served early evening on Saturday; however, partici- [email protected]. o pants are encouraged to come up any time starting Friday evening. —Sandi Marra

Blackburn Pig Roast — Saturday and Sunday, October 13/14, 2001 Name: ______Address: ______Phone: (day) ______(evening) ______Number of reservations: ______@ $25.00 each Amount enclosed: ______I will be bringing ______children under 12 tears of age (no charge for children under 12) Include a $25.00 payment per person for each reservation and mail to: Sharon Johnson, 137 Courthouse Rd., SW, Vienna, VA 22180 IMPORTANT: Please be sure to make your check payable to Sharon Johnson.

Registration for Annual Meeting/Dinner Register now for PATC’s 2001 Annual Meeting/Dinner, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001, at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Elks Lodge 2188, Fairfax, Va. For more information, please contact Pat Fankhauser at 703/242-0693, Ext. 17, or [email protected].

Name: ______E-mail: ______Address: ______Number of adults: ______Number of children: ______Phone: ______Please enclose a check in the amount of $20 per adult/$10 per child for dinner. Mail to: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club 118 Park Street SE Vienna, Virginia 22180 Attn: Annual Meeting Because PATC pays for dinners in advance, no refunds after November 1, 2001.

Potomac Appalachian 7 2001 A Canal Odyssey Part I: Hiking the C & O Canal

he C&O Canal towpath was built for ied. A similar (and more egregious) problem pump out the water, open the lower gate and Tmules. It is good to keep that in mind occurs with the feet, subjected to continuous let out the barge, reversing the process for when you hike it. There are neither lofty heat blister generating friction at one spot. I the upstream transition. However, there heights nor deep ravines. No overlooks, no think we hardly noticed the canal on the first were no pumps (since there was no electric- slopes, no curves. Just a straight and level hike. It was rather more an environmental ity), and the gates were manually operated.. graveled path that separates the Potomac challenge, racing against the impending As hiking the canal affords hours of ponder River from its canal surrogate. But for all dark and cold of an oncoming snow storm. (does this make it ponderous?), figuring out that and in spite of what might seem a mul- We made it to the cars just in time to spend how the canal locks worked offered mental ish monotony, it is a thing of beauty as both the next five hours dodging snowplows and exercise to complement the physical. The an engineering marvel and as a riparian the ubiquitous snow-phobic drivers on the key is that water from the Potomac River nature preserve. way home. In spite of all that, we vowed to was ported into the canal at numerous dams continue leg two in February. built for that purpose (the most obvious From its groundbreaking on the fourth of being Dam #6 at mile 134.2). Consequently, July 1828 to its opening on the 10th of If one were to regionalize the seven wonders there was a continual flow of water down the October 1850, the Chesapeake and Ohio of the world, then surely the Paw Paw Tun n e l canal to fill the locks from the upstream side Canal was a questionable business venture. would qualify for Wes t e r n Maryland. Carve d , with the downstream gate shut. Once the But in spite of legal battles with the B&O or rather blasted, out of solid rock, the tunnel barge was in the lock, the upper gate was Railroad for the rights to the Point of Rocks was purportedly constructed to save money shut (pressure now being equalized), and passage and labor battles with the unruly by cutting off several circuitous loops of the water was let out of small doors called wick- indentured Irish laborers, it was somehow ri v e r . The second hike took us through it. ets in the downstream gate. When the level finished. In the end, it extended 184.5 miles Entering from the western end, the light was lowered to the downstream side, the from Georgetown to Cumberland, about a rapidly dissipates to near blackness, calling to gate was opened (pre s s u re again being hundred miles short of the original notion mind the scene of Bilbo Baggins trading rid- equalized). Using water to do work is noth- to connect to the Ohio valley. The railroad dles with Gollum in the cave leading to Long ing new of course (mills abound), but using had already made it largely superfluous. Mountain. It is dank, damp and longer than it it to raise and lower 300 ton barges is at first appears. The vault is lined with layers nonetheless an impressive display of physics. Although the canal was constructed from of the original brick, a silent testimony to the And from the mules’ perspective, it afforded east to west, the decision was to hike it from craftsmen who built it. That the canal is an at brief respite. west to east, and, as the plan called for com- engineering masterpiece becomes manifest to pletion in the year 2001 (ergo the series even the most technologically skeptical when Hiking the C&O canal is not just about the name with apologies to Arthur C. Clarke), they pass through the Paw Paw tunnel. canal, as it affords access to the history of the the result was an average hike length of culture of the Potomac River which was for about 20 miles. So on the 20th of January, Just south of the tunnel is Lock 64 2/3 near- a time the only means of access to the fron- and in spite of a predicted blizzard, we set ly adjacent to lock 63 1/3. There are 74 locks t i e r. Fort Frederick is perhaps the best out from Cumberland on leg one. on the canal but the last lock is numbered example of this. It was built in one year fol- 75. Lock 65 was deleted from the original lowing the defeat of General Braddock in Cumberland, Maryland was once a major design (recall that as a business venture, the the French and Indian (Seven Years) War on regional entrepot which served as the west- canal was a failure so that saving money was the orders of Maryland’s Governor Sharpe. ern terminus for the canal, a staging point always at the fore). With the inimical logic It may well have been “Sharpe’s Folly,” for, for coal to be barged down the canal to that only an engineer can truly appreciate, it like the canal, it was obsolete as it was being Georgetown for transshipment. It is now a was decided to extend two lock numbers built. It was never directly involved in an small town with a gilded past in search of a over the three locks (62-65) to be even (sep- Indian attack, serving only as a (rather relevant future. There was once a substantial arated by 1 1/3 instead of 1) rather than to expensive) safe haven for travelers and local dockyard and staging area. All that is left are simply leave out 65 to avoid the confusion of settlers. In the Revolutionary War, it was a a few walls that penetrate above the landfill a missing number. This notwithstanding the prison for the Hessians captured at the to mark its architectural boundaries. An old obvious confusion engendered by fractional Battle of Saratoga, and during the Civil War railroad terminal has been converted into lock numbers. I don’t suppose this bothered it was briefly a Union Army garrison. But the C&O Canal museum which is worth a the mules much. for all of its lack of military relevance, it is a visit. You can learn things like how long the citadel of impressive proportions. Maybe trip took by barge (4 or 5 days), how many The fifty miles (and several hikes) below the that’s why it was never attacked, Maryland’s barges there were (about 500 during the Paw Paw tunnel mark the descent of the own Maginot Line. peak years of operation 1865-1890), and canal from the Appalachian Ridge and which barge made the first run down the Valley Province to the coastal plain. A canal The canal goes on but Part 1 is done. When canal in 1850 (the Freeman Rowdon). on flat land is a relatively simple affair, basi- we started the hike, it seemed the monotony of cally a big ditch. But when terrain comes the endless mileposts would dampen the spir- Most people think that hiking 20+ (it’s into play, the locks are the staircase and life its. But it has not been so. Rather, it has been always +, now isn’t it?) miles on a flat level becomes much more complicated (isn’t it an adventure, an odyssey even, as the name so path is easier than hiking the same distance always like that?). They are massive affairs aptly implies. Though there are no Sirens, no in the mountains. It isn’t. In that hiking on built of large stone blocks and fitted with Scylla and Charybdis, and no Cyclops, there level ground involves repetitive stress of the heavy wood gates. Lock operation seems ar e egrets and turtles and cicadas. And the o same muscles it wears you down more than straightforward at first. Open the upper camaraderie of a good hike. a mountain hike where the muscles are var- gate, let in the barge, close the upper gate, —William Needham and Jack Thorsen 8 Potomac Appalachian Book Review: “America’s National Scenic Trails”

“A m e r i c a ’s National Scenic Tr a i l s ,” by Pennsylvania, Ohio farmland, Great Lakes Kathleen Ann Cordes. Photographs by Jane shorelines, the dark forests of Wisconsin Lammers, University of Oklahoma Press, and Minnesota, finally culminating in the 306 pps, softcover, $19.95 vast plains of North Dakota.

he 2,000 mile long (or 2,144, or 2,160 The , a western version of Tmiles, more or less – the mileage does the AT, traverses the Cascades and the indeed seem to vary, as Bill Bryson has Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges as it travels pointed out) Appalachian Trail is the first 2,638 miles from Mexico to Canada, passing footpath that most of us think of when we through 25 national forests and nine nation- contemplate hiking trails, especially those of al parks. us in the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, since so much of the history of the PATC is Finally, there’s the . intertwined with that particular trail, and Right in our backyard, this trail, when its since a great deal of our collective volunteer full 700 mile length is completed, will pre- efforts are directed towards maintaining and sent a walking-speed panorama of the exploring this trail so close to us. founding of the United States, dating back to the early river explorations of Captain On current maps, the pathway most of us John Smith, the establishment of tobacco refer to simply as the Appalachian Trail is plantations along the banks of the Potomac actually known as the Appalachian Scenic River (including Mount Vernon). Hikers Trail. What exactly, is a “Scenic Trail”, you will encounter French and Indian War forts, might ask? Briefly, in 1968, to provide fed- the arm o ry at Harper’s Ferry, the eral assistance to the Appalachian Trail, and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and Civil War to help establish a national system of trails, the Atlantic Ocean, while rain that hits the battlefields. This trail will utilize the 184 Congress passed the western slopes drains into the Pacific. miles of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Act, signed by President Lyndon Johnson, footpath, the Mount Vernon Trail, and the which established legislation to help estab- The . Destined to be 1,300 75-mile Laurel Highlands Trail in lish, preserve, and protect hiking trails in miles in length, 320 miles of this footpath Pennsylvania. the United States. Essentially, a National are currently open. Then this trail, which is Scenic Trail is a continuous protected corri- located entirely within one state, will even- Every conceivable type of climate, terrain, d o r, established for outdoor re c re a t i o n . tually extend from the Big Cypress National and ecosystem can be found on these trails, Although a Scenic Trail is administered by Preserve in south Florida, traverse through from swamp, to savanna, to grasslands, to federal agencies, land ownership may be in three national Forests, and end at the Gulf alpine mountain peaks. Thanks to the wide public or private hands. In some cases, the Islands National Seashore in the western geographic range of the trails, one isn’t lim- day to day management of a trail may be the panhandle. ited to fair weather hikes – if you have an responsibility of a private non-profit organi- urge to do some warm weather hiking in the zation – The Appalachian Trail Conference The , which follows traces of middle of winter, don’t wait for spring, sim- (ATC), of which the PATC is a member the southernmost advance of glaciers that ply head down to Florida. group, is an example. covered much of North America 10,000 years ago. Marked by moraines (hills made Appropriately enough, both alphabetically The Appalachian Trail was the first trail to of dirt and stone carried, then dropped by and chronologically, the first trail discussed be designated a Scenic Trail, followed soon retreating glaciers), this trail wends its way is the Appalachian Trail. Cordes begins with afterwards by the Pacific Crest Trail. There for 1000 miles through Wisconsin. a concise history of the AT, from Benton are now eight trails throughout the United MacKaye’s epic vision of a trail that would States that are designated as National Scenic The 694 mile Trail, located provide spiritual shelter from an increasing- Trails. In addition, this legislation has led to within the , offers ly industrial world, to his final parting of the the establishment of over 800 short e r car passengers, horseback riders, and hikers ways with the more pragmatic Myron Avery national re c reational trails and twelve a glimpse of the Natchez Trace, an ancient over the construction of Skyline Drive and national historic trails. pathway and trade route, used first by native its impact on the trail. Americans, then by French Traders, boat- “America’s National Scenic Trails,” written men, and military expeditions. In fact, this is one of the unique and much by Kathleen Ann Cordes, and illustrated by appreciated features of Cordes’ book – she the photographs of Jane Lammers, is a com- The , which, when tells readers how each trail came to be – pendium of the eight National Scenic Trails. complete, will extend for an epic 4,300 miles many hiking guides simply present a fea- These trails, in addition to the AT, are: (twice the distance of the AT), arcs down tured trail as a fait accomplishment, leaving from the Adirondack Mountains of New the reader to assume that it simply, almost The , a 3200 mile York into the Ohio Valley, then heads north magically, appeared one day, complete with footpath which runs north-south, along the and west, to the Missouri River in North convenient trailhead parking areas and Rocky Mountains, from Mexico to Canada. Dakota. This trail covers a variety of land blazes to lead the way – Cordes provides a Facing east on the trail, rainfall flows into f o rms and environments, including the Adirondack wilds, the hardwood forests of See Book Review, page 10 Potomac Appalachian 9 Geezer Maintenance 101

’m retired and work as a volunteer for the Huh! The author had all my symptoms and Ten minutes of stretching before and after IForest Service in the George Washington a few more! It seems that I have a normal all activities prevents the short, tight mus- National Forest. I do trail maintenance. case of what I call geezer syndrome. It caus- cles that cause aches and pains. That means grooming the tread, painting es us geezers to lose fitness rapidly, and take blazes, cutting brush, and clearing blow- longer to get it back. I’ve been losing fitness For me, the most important discovery was downs. I work two or more days a week. I’ve (strength, stamina, breath, and flexibility) the benefit of stretching. In the last few been doing this for six years, and I’ve always each winter and recovering only part of it. years, I’ve had pain in my right heel, right regarded it as good for my health. Last winter’s prolonged inactivity dropped knee, and lower back. It took two months of me off the fitness scale. exercising and careful stretching to be able Each fall and winter, hunters, cold weather, to straighten my right leg, so that I could and snow keep me at home and I get out of Encouraged by the results of the medical put my foot up on the kitchen counter and shape. Come spring, I expect a few tiring tests, I quit trail work and spent four months reach out over a straight leg and grab my work trips before I begin to feel back in following a self-styled schedule of strength See Geezer, page 11 shape. My return to fitness didn’t happen in building exercises, cardiovascular (aerobic) 2001. On every spring work trip, I became training, and unloaded hiking. I read all the exhausted in the first hour. Why was I tiring fitness books at the local library. I did the PATC Trail Patrol presents so quickly? Friends suggested Ly m e strength work at home with weights and cal- Disease. isthenics, and the aerobic work by going up A Course for and down the bleachers at a nearby high The search for the cause of what my doctor school (no running). I also stretched at every INTERMEDIATE and called “recent onset fatigue,” drew a blank. opportunity. I’ve learned three things this No problems were discovered, in fact, all my year: ADVANCED fluids and organs were performing on spec. BACKPACKERS Trail maintenance twice a week won’t keep Learn how to: I had turned sixty-five over the winter. me fit. With geezer syndrome, fitness will During the weeks of medical testing, I require a maintenance level of aerobic work, Enjoy the Backcountry Under bought a book by John Jerome, On Turning strength exercises and stretching. Challenging Conditions S i x t y - F i v e (Random House, 2000). The author is a writer on outdoor sports and a I can “hike” in a shopping mall when The course teaches the needed skills sports enthusiast – and he’s also sixty-five. adverse conditions keep me off the trails. for planning and executing an early winter backpacking trip. Two pre-trip sessions cover equip- trails – they traverse thirty states. Every ment selection and use, route plan- Book Review, from page 9 chapter includes “points of interest” for each ning, food planning, safety, comfort, concise historic background of the founding trail, which include historic and cultural a n d L e a v e - N o - Trace principles. A of each of the trails, and also outlines the sites, state parks, visitor centers, camp- weekend trip accompanied by experi- political machinations and considerable vol- grounds, recommended hikes, etc, and you enced instructors gives you the oppor- unteer efforts that led to the establishment could plan an impromptu day trip on any of tunity to try out your new skills. of each pathway. She also weaves in geolog- these trails with the help of the book. ical history (how many other trail guides mention Ovid and his observations on the Classroom Instruction: Wednesdays, Of course, you’d want a detailed trail guide evolution of volcanoes?), and sections can be October 17 and 24, 2001 and topo maps before setting off on a multi- found on everything from how glaciers cre- 7:30-10:00 p.m. day expedition, and for those interested in ate landforms, to a short cultural history of PATC Headquarters planning such trips to the various trails after the Natchez Indians, to the importance of 118 Park Street, SE wetlands, to why leaves change colour in the reading the book, appendices and a detailed Vienna, Virginia fall. bibliography provide information on every go v e r nment agency that works on these trails, Weekend Outing: November 10-12, as well as the addresses of the tourist burea u s Each section lists the total mileage of the 2001 (Veteran’s Day weekend) trail (including a list of all the states the trail of every state through which the trails pass. traverses) and administering federal and Fee: $40.00 for PATC Members; state government agencies. There is defi- To paraphrase Horace Greeley, who once $55.00 for non-members nitely enough information here to whet said that the goal of a newspaper is to “afflict one’s appetite to explore these trails, aided the comfortable and to comfort the afflict- greatly by Lammer’s color photographs (one ed,” a good trail guide should perform a To receive a registration form and all minor criticism – the photos could have similar function – it should not just vicari- other information, please call: been larger, but of course, you’d then have a ously take one on a journey while reading, it Larry Marcoux at: coffee table book). As it is, the book is com- should also serve to make the reader want to 703/979-1066, or 703/402-5441 pact enough to throw into a travel bag dur- rise from the couch and get on the trail. [email protected] ing a cross-country trip, which you’ll defi- C o rdes’ book perf o rms both functions nitely want to do, since the odds are high admirably. o that you’ll encounter one or more of these —John Luck 10 Potomac Appalachian Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, and (2) is contradicted by a later “tip.” The colored (reddish brown) patches. No cop- The saga of Range View Cabin in the author says, “If bitten, kill the snake and take per, no copperhead. August PA is worth a little expansion. Range it to the emergency room to aid in identifica- View Cabin has two distinctions: It was tion.” Now the contradiction. After saying that the located and designed with both practical and snake should be killed and taken to the aesthetic considerations. It “was conceived This tip implies that the treating physician emergency room, the article offers this addi- and erected solely on the Club’s own initia- must know the culprit’s exact identity in tional “tip”: “A dead snake can and will bite tive and responsibility.” PATC’s first two order to administer the proper antivenin for several hours after it is killed.” If that cabins, Sexton and Meadow Spring shelters, (also called antivenom). With minor qualifi- were true, it would be folly to carry the dead were given by Club members, and, like cations, however, the physician doesn’t need snake to the emergency room, even in a Range View, were intended for the recre- this information. All he needs to know is pack. But I view the belief in reflexive bites ational pleasure of Club members, not nec- that the snake was a Crotalid, or pit viper-a by dead snakes with skepticism. In my hik- essarily to support trail work. rattlesnake, a water moccasin (cotton- ing career, I have probed three freshly killed mouth), or a copperhead-rather than a coral rattlesnakes with sticks-and have pulled one “Our new house on the Trail” (BULLETIN snake. If the bite occurred in our area or in rattle off-without stimulating any dead- of the PATC, October 1933) tells how club most other parts of the U.S., the snake def- snake reflexes. Moreover, whatever the truth volunteers drew up the plans, surveyed the initely was a Crotalid. Our area has only rat- about “can bite,” the statement that a dead site, hired mountaineer Perry Sisk for $325 tlesnakes and copperheads. Water moc- snake “will bite” is absurd. to do the stonework, and completed the casins come no farther north than the Great cabin. It was dedicated July 16, 1933, when Dismal Swamp, southwest of Norfolk near Here’s one more reason for not bringing in only the four walls were up. By August 16, the North Carolina line, and even the moc- the snake. If you’re bitten and need to walk 1933, the stove and other furnitures were casin is a Crotalid. Eastern coral snakes are to get help, you shouldn’t waste time and brought in by horse and wagon. Two mem- found only in Florida and the southern parts stimulate blood circulation by thro w i n g bers of that work party stayed overnight of other Gulf states; western coral snakes rocks at the snake or whacking it with a August 18-19 to complete building bunks; live only in New Mexico and Arizona. So stick. Neither should you carry any extra they were Otis H. Gates, Shelters Chair any snakebite occurring outside the coral weight. Note any red and black bands (coral (Back then, “Shelters” were locked cabins snake areas has to be a Crotalid bite. snake) or dark and light copper patches for Club member use, while hikers used (copperhead), then leave the snake behind. “lean-to’s”) and H.C. Anderson, General (Inside the coral snake areas, the snake was a Secretary. By Labor Day, the cabin was coral snake only if it had conspicuous wide A final word: a physician is not a herpatolo- usable, lacking only a table, two benches and red and black bands (separated by narrow gist. You, as an intelligent outdoorsperson, the base of the cupboard. yellow bands, which you need not notice). are as well (or as poorly) qualified to identi- You don’t need to kill and deliver the coral fy the snake as the emergency room physi- Range View Cabin was built within the pro- snake to confirm it’s identity.) cian. If you can’t recognize the snake, o posed boundaries of SNP (to be dedicated in chances are the physician can’t either. 1936) but the site was chosen, according to Here is where the misunderstanding about —Len Wheat the unconfirmed story I’ve been told, identifying the snake comes in. Unless the because of its solitude. To reach it, for its bite was from a coral snake, which has its first three or four years, Club members had own specific antivenin, the same multitar- Geezer, from page 10 to take the Lee Highway for about 5 miles geted (“polyvalent”) antivenin is used for all toe. The tight muscles along the back of my past Washington, Va., then turn right at North American pit vipers-as well as for the leg finally lengthened and no longer cause Atkins service station, on the dirt Piney fer-de-lances and bushmasters of South and the heel and knee pain. On my left leg, it Branch road. After 5 miles, it ended at Lyle Central America and (fer-de-lance only) the was tight muscles on the front of my thigh Klutterbuck’s house where one parked to West Indies. that needed stretching. Pain in my lower walk another half mile past Mr. Smizer’s back faded as legs and abdomen got house. There one found a trail junction and My point is that, beyond ruling out coral stronger and more flexible. I can now bend could choose either, the Piney Ridge or the snakes, you need not kill the snake and bring over without feeling that my back might Piney Branch trail, to climb about 3 1/2 it in for identification. “let go.” miles to reach Range View Shelter. These trails had been blue-blazed in the summer One qualification must be added. I’ve resumed trail work. But I warm up and and fall of 1932 by PATC-ers A.H. Jackman Copperhead bites are less serious that rat- stretch before I start up the trail and I cool and George R. Marion. Wilderness solitude tlesnake and water moccasin bites. off and stretch on returning – even if it’s was lost to Range View when the Skyline Copperhead venom is less toxic and is gen- Drive was built north of Thorton Gap. o erally injected in smaller quantities. Most raining. Then I stretch again when I stop to —Paula M. Strain snakebite experts therefore prefer conserva- buy groceries on the way home. I stretch tive treatment for copperhead bites: no again at home, and again before going to (The following article is edited for length.) antivenin unless the victim is a child or an bed. Each time I stretch, I can feel tired, Dr . John McNamara’s snakebite article in the elderly person or the wound is severely tight muscles loosening up. August PA is excellent – well written, infor- envenomated. So it can be helpful to know mative, and valuable. But it does contain an that the snake was a copperhead. You can Next morning, I get out of bed with no in a p p r opriate “tip” that (1) could confuse a easily determine this by noting whether the aches or pains. o poorly informed emergency room physician snake has alternating light and dark copper —Wil Kohlbrenner Potomac Appalachian 11 FORECAST

Chapters

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

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

6 - 7 (Saturday - Sunday) Sunday, and the final 4 on Monday; leaving by CABIN WORK TRIP - Tulip Tree Cabin early afternoon on Monday. The Pine Cre e k 1 (Monday) Shaver Hollow, VA Gorge is known for its spectacular views, mature DEADLINE – NovemberOctober Potomac Appalachian Yes, we are still working on Tulip Tree Cabin. We forests, and wildlife (including fishers, porcupine, Headquarters, Vienna, VA have just taken a hiatus from listing our trips in the black bear, and bald eagles). If the weather is 5:00 p.m. All items for the next issue of the P.A. (actually I missed a couple of deadlines). warm, maybe we’ll sneak down to the Creek for newsletter must be submitted electronically, if Serious progress is being made even though it a dip! INFO: Bob Pickett 301/681-1511. possible, to headquarters, or by e-mail to never goes as fast as one might expect. The roof [email protected]. Allow one week for postal service is on and is painted at long last. Chinking is pro- 8 (Monday) delivery. Forecast events may be e-mailed ceeding apace and we will be installing windows MEETING - New members (Shenandoah Mountain Rescue Group), 7:30 p.m. d i rectly to PA - F o re c a s t @ p a t c . n e t . and doors soon. Sounds like we will be done soon doesn’t it? WRONG! There is still plenty of work to do. INFO: Charlie Graf ([email protected]) 9 (Tuesday) 1 (Monday) MEETING - PATC Council, 7:00 p.m. sharp. HIKE - Family Hike 410/757-6053. Great Falls (Virginia side) 10 (Wednesday) Join us for a toddler friendly 2.5 mile hike in Grea t 6 - 7 (Saturday - Sunday) MEETING - Mountaineering Section, 8:00 p.m. Falls Park. We will hike along the Patowmack TRAIL WORK TRIP - North District Canal Trail to the Matildaville Trail, and back along North District, Shenandoah National Park, VA 10 (Wednesday) the Carriage Road. We’ll picnic along the way. Spend the day watching the leaves turn from a HIKE - Easy Hikers Black Hill Regional Park, Boyds, MD This is jogging stroller passable, barely – there are perch on Hogback Mountain, as we continue a We will hike about 4.5 miles in this park north of some roots, rocks and log stairs. We’ll meet in the sidehill project on the switchbacks north of Little Gaithersburg. Fall colors should be starting around visitor’s center near the touch table. Designed for Hogback Overlook. Meet at Little Hogback the lake and meadow. Meet at 10:15 a.m. Bring the under 5 crowd, all ages welcome. INFO: Overlook at 9:30 a.m. Bring water, lunch, and lunch and water. Directions: I-270 to Exit 18. Left on La u r en Lang ([email protected]) 703/631-9278. gloves. Overnight at Range View Cabin. Optional Rt. 121 (Clarksburg Road) for 1.5 mi. Left on Old Pr efer e-mail. work on Sunday. I promise a great home cooked dinner for those who stay over. INFO: John Baltimore Road for 1 mi. to Park entrance on right (Lake Ridge Road). Go 1.5 mi. to the playground 2 (Tuesday) McCrea ([email protected]) 610/352-9287. MEETING - Trail Patrol, 7:30 p.m. on the left and park in that lot. INFO: Carol 6 - 8 (Saturday - Monday) Niedzialek ([email protected]) 301/949-9729. 3 (Wednesday) BACKPACK TRIP - Jones Mountain Cabin Central District, Shenandoah National Park, VA MEETING - New Members (PATC), 7:30 p.m. 13 (Saturday) Come join us for some spectacular scenery as we TRAIL WORK TRIP - Rock Creek Park Crew 3 (Wednesday) backpack about 4 miles on Saturday into the rus- Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC HIKE - Easy Hikers tic Jones Mountain Cabin in the central section of 8:15 - 11:30 a.m. Help us get the trails ready for the Huntley Meadows Park, VA SNP where we will spend Saturday and Sunday winter. All are welcome. Meet at Rock Creek A 4-mile circuit hike partly on boardwalk over nights. This circa-1850 cabin was the home of N a t u re Center. INFO: Mark Anderson marsh. Binoculars for waterfowl suggested. From moonshiner Harvey Nichols and is one of the best ([email protected]) 202/462-7718 or Ranger Beltway (I-495), Exit 1, take Jefferson Davis Hwy. PATC cabins. On the way in, we will see firsthand Ken Ferebee 202/426-6834 x31. (US 1) south 3.5 miles to Lockheed Blvd. Turn right the results of the Great Flood of ‘96. On Sunday, we will day hike about 9 miles in a circuit through and go 3/4 mile to bend in Blvd. Park entrance is 13 (Saturday) some virgin forest, past the remains of human on the left. Meet in parking lot, short distance HIKE - Tuscarora Trail IX activity in the park, and enjoy the splendid view before excellent visitor center. Meet at 10:15 a.m. Tuscarora Trail, PA of the Staunton River valley from Bear Church Additional 2-mile hike available on detached side Lockings Section-Pa Rte. 16 to Pa Rte. 456. 14.5 Rock. The fall leaf color should be nearing it’s of park. Park in lot near South Kings Hwy. just miles; 1500 ft elevation lost. From the vantage peak. On Monday we will hike back to the cars before Telegraph Road. Bring lunch and water. point at the Lockings, we will be able to see into and return. While we are there, we will also inves- INFO: Henry Shryock 202/478-4130 or Pauline three states; Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. LeMarie 202/484-2966. tigate the mystery of the Jones Mountain lights, This is the point where the Tuscarora Mountain strange lights that are sometimes seen hovering and the Dickeys Mountain meet atop the ridge. over Jones Mountain. Due to the elevation 6 (Saturday) Ravens and porcupines have been spotted in this changes, this trip is moderately strenuous and is TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers section. Excellent views despite the lack of water Appalachian Trail, MD limited to 10 people. INFO: Kevin Haney until we descend off the ridge to PA Rte 456. So The colors are starting to change in western MD. ([email protected]) 301/271-5023. come on out and enjoy another wonderful sec- Get away from the city for a day of “work”, com- tion with gorgeous views. INFO: Christopher Firme radeship, and peace in the woods. INFO: Mark 6 - 8 (Saturday - Monday) ([email protected]) 717/794-2855 after 6:00 Mitchell ([email protected]) 301/461-7048. BACKPACK TRIP - Maryland AT I (North half) Appalachian Trail, MD 13 (Saturday) 6 - 7 (Saturday - Sunday) This is the first of two outings to backpack the TRAIL WORK TRIP - Massanutten Crew TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew Appalachian Trail across Maryland. On this trip we George Washington National Forest, VA Appalachian Trail, PA will backpack from the Pennsylvania border to Join us and enjoy the camaraderie of people Meet at US 30 and PA 233 at the parking lot of Washington Monument State Park, a distance of who appreciate the great outdoors! We can help . Departure 9:00 a.m. sharp. 21 miles, in 2.5 days. The trip will be of moderate you avoid crowds and crowded trails! We can INFO: Charlie Irvin 301/447-2848. difficulty. The group will meet at the Shady Grove show you nature at its best and most beautiful! Metro Station at 9:00 a.m. Saturday and return We can help you feel good about yourself and 6 - 7 (Saturday - Sunday) Monday afternoon. Group limit 8 people. INFO: take pride in the support you give to the trail com- TRAIL WORK TRIP - Acme Treadway Company Bryon Lawrence ([email protected]) munity! Join us on Massanutten Mountain as we Shenandoah National Park (?), VA 301/916-2188. build waterbars, renew tread, and reconstruct The Acme Treadway Company has never sections on trails which we all enjoy! INFO: Mike achieved a fungible profit. All returns are distrib- 6 - 8 (Saturday - Monday) Sutherland ([email protected]) uted directly to members. Membership depends BACKPACK TRIP - “Grand Canyon of 703/591-8330. upon passing a secret test (participating in at Pennsylvania” least one worktrip ... uh, meeting). Each member , PA may be detected (with a keen eye) by the dis- A Bob Pickett natural history backpacking trip. 13 (Saturday) HIKE - PATC/K9TBs cretely distinctive apparel he (or she) displays Travel north to the Pine Creek Gorge for a 22-mile Prince William Forest Park, VA upon passing muster (or, the mustard). The next backpacking trip through this scenic gorge in Potomac Appalachian Join us for a 7-mile hike at a moderate pace over13 meeting of the Bored (oh, Board) is set for 10/6. north central PA. We will leave early Saturday rolling terrain through an uncrowded national Overnight accommodations and food are pro- morning and begin our hike on the West Rim Trail park located just off I-95, about 30 miles south of vided to members in good standing (or, who sit about 1 p.m., after a filling fast food lunch (the trip Washington DC. (There is a nominal entrance well, too). INFO: Don White is a little over four hours). Hiking distances will fee.) We’ll see the remnants of the Cabin Branch ([email protected]) 804/270-3116. approximate 6 miles on Saturday, 12 miles on Pyrite Mine, which operated from 1889 to 1919, as FORECAST

well as a beaver lodge and small waterfall. This is 17 (Wednesday) 20 (Saturday) a joint hike with K9Trailblazers so well-behaved HIKE - Easy Hikers TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers dogs are welcome as long as you keep them on Wheaton Regional Park, MD Appalachian Trail, MD leash and scoop after them. Maps and choco- Circuit hike of 4 to 5 miles around Wheaton Don’t miss the fall foliage! Come out and join this late and dog biscuits provided at the trailhead, Regional Park. Bring lunch and water. Meet at event for fun “work” getting dirty in the woods. but bring lunch/snacks/water for you and your 10:15 a.m. in the parking lot near the miniature We meet at 9:00 a.m. in Frederick County. INFO: dog. Visit the K9Trailblazers website www.k9trail- train station. Directions: from the Beltway (I-495), Mark Mitchell ([email protected]) b l a z e r s . o rg. INFO: Pat Fuhrer (psfuhre r @ 301/461-7048. k9trailblazers.org) 301/482-2468 or Jeff Bolognese take Georgia Avenue north (Route 97) about 2 ([email protected]) 410/247-4434. miles Shorefield Drive (traffic light). Turn right at Shorefield and go about 1,000 yards to park 20 (Saturday) 13 - 14 (Saturday - Sunday) entrance; turn right into parking lot. INFO: John HIKE - 2001 Canal Odyssey CABIN WORK TRIP - Blackburn Trail Center Giblin 301/585-5172. Georgetown, DC Round Hill, VA The last mission of the C&O Canal Odyssey will be from Pennyfield Locks to Georgetown, 20 miles. 18th Annual Pig Roast!! But we are still looking for 17 (Wednesday) Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Carderock C&O Canal folks wanting to do some work on the Cabin CLASS - Hike America! Virginia! (REI) parking lot nearest the restrooms. A car shuttle is Renovation Project. Look in September issue for REI, Baileys Crossroads, V A re q u i red. INFO: Jack Thorsen registration form for Pig Roast. If you want to Same as 10/16 except at Baileys Crossroads. INFO: ([email protected]) 703/339-6716 or Wi l l i a m come up for the work trip and not stay for the REI 703/379-9400. event, call Chris Brunton 703/560-8070 or Bruce Needham 410/884-9127. Clendaniel 410/820-7550. 17 (Wednesday) 20 - 21 (Saturday - Sunday) CLASS - Trail Patrol Backpacking 202 Class 1 13 - 14 (Saturday - Sunday) CABIN WORK TRIP - Vining Tract Crew HQ, Vienna, VA TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac Crew Vining Tract, Lydia, VA 7:30-10:00 p.m. Trail Patrol presents the first of two Blackburn Trail Center, Round Hill, VA The Vining Tract Crew meets one weekend a Tread improvement is the name of the game as classes that teach you how to plan and carry out month to work on various projects, ranging from the crew removes rocks and builds steps for the an early winter backpacking trip. Classes cover cabin repairs to land management pro j e c t s . side trail from Blackburn Trail Center to the AT. This equipment selection and use, route planning, We’re now in the midst of constructing a small will be the final work trip to Blackburn this year food planning, safety, comfort and Leave No cabin using logs from an old barn. Come join us and there is still a lot of work to be done. Trace principles. A November weekend trip, and practice (or develop) your log-lifting and Community dinner on Saturday night. Overnight accompanied by experienced instructors, gives chiseling skills. Overnight at Conley and Wineberry at Blackburn Trail Center. INFO: Fran Keenan you the opportunity to try out your new skills. INFO: cabins. INFO: Larry Lang 703/631-9278 or Hugh ([email protected]) 703/938-3973 or Jon Larry Marcoux ([email protected]) Robinson 703/525-8726. Rindt ([email protected]) 540/635-6351. 703/979-1066 or 703/402-5441. 20 - 21 (Saturday - Sunday) 13 - 14 (Saturday - Sunday) 18 (Thursday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - North District Hoodlums CLASS - LNT Trainer Training HIKE - In-between Hikers North District, Shenandoah National Park, VA Location to be determined Fairfax, VA OKTOBERFEST! October is the time of year for Learn the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) from Fountainhead Regional Park, 19875 Hampton Rd., changing foliage, cooler temperatures, and the the Trail Patrol’s LNT Masters. This fun, weekend F a i rfax, Va. A moderate 8 miles near the Hoodlums annual Oktoberfest worktrip! Robust course, which includes a night of camping in the Occoquan Reservoir. Mostly hilly terrain. (PATC work, hearty food and a stay at Range View woods, provides hands-on training and certifies Wash. Region, Part B, plus). Meet 10:00 a.m. at first Rathskeller! The North District Hoodlums do ‘roll- you as an LNT Trainer. Space is limited. INFO: parking lot on the right off of entrance road. Bring up-your-sleeves’ treadwork, build rock steps, log Anniell Miller ([email protected]) 703/250-8113 lunch and water. No pets. Henri Comeau waterbars and engage in similar other activities until 10:00 p.m. ([email protected]) 703/451-7965. by day and are occasionally known to enjoy the fruits of their labor in grand fashion via the 15 (Monday) 18 - 22 (Thursday - Monday) “theme” meal following the day’s work at a facil- HIKE - Family Hike TRAIL WORK TRIP - ATC Mid-Atlantic Crew ity within the park! No experience is necessary Lake Accotink, VA Harpers Ferry, WV and newcomers are always welcome. Check out Join us for a jogging stroller passable 5 mile hike Join the ATC Mid-Atlantic crew in Harpers Ferry, our website at www.patc.net/volunteer/ a round Lake Accotink. We will meet in WV. We will be rebuilding the AT/Cliff Trail where it trails/hoodlums/hoodlums.html. Come for the Wakefield Park, follow Accotink Creek, then go runs from Hwy. 340 north to Jefferson rocks. Work day, stay for the evening’s festivities, camp out a round Lake Accotink. We’ll stop at a play- will include cutting side hill, cribbing, steps and overnight in SNP - lots of options! We meet at Piney River Ranger Station, MP 22 on Skyline Drive, g round to picnic near the halfway point. INFO: water bars. Come for a few hours, a day, or sev- L a u ren Lang ([email protected]) at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Please make eral days. INFO: Chris Brunton 703/560-8070. 703/631-9278. Prefer e-mail. reservations by midweek prior. RSVP/INFO: G e o rge Walters (gjwalters@starpower. n e t ) 20 (Saturday) 16 (Tuesday) 410/426-2724. MEETING - The Futures Group, 7:00 p.m. TRAIL WORK TRIP - Maryland Metrolites C&O Canal, MD 20 -21 (Saturday - Sunday) 16 (Tuesday) Join the Maryland Metrolites for a work trip in the CABIN WORK TRIP - Tulip Tree Cabin CLASS - Hike America! Virginia! (REI) C&O Canal Park, Montgomery County. We meet Shaver Hollow, VA REI, College Park, MD at 9:00 a.m. in the Great Falls parking lot. Bring If you want to enjoy the fall color without worrying 7:00 p.m. Mother Nature has endowed Virginia lunch, gloves, and water. Directions/INFO: Liles about traffic or where to park join the Tulip Tree with natural beauty few areas can rival. Ancient Creighton ([email protected]) 410/573-0067. mountains and large swaths of protected forest Cabin Crew working in the woods near beckon outdoor lovers to her western regions. Shenandoah National Park. Besides contributing Trails in Shenandoah National Park are steeped in 20 (Saturday) to the construction of a beautiful log cabin you history, and trails along the coastal barrier islands TRAIL WORK TRIP - Stonewall Brigade can enjoy the beautiful fall color and socialize give a whole new meaning to “backcountry.” Shenandoah County, VA with our outstanding crew. We will still be chinking Whatever your destination, “Hike America Great North Mountain on the VA/WV state line. walls and probably installing windows. There’s Virginia: An Atlas of Virginia’s Greatest Outdoor Join the Stonewall Brigade at Wolf Gap room for pros and beginners alike. INFO: Charlie Adventures,” is the new, indispensable guide to Recreation Area at 9:00 a.m. to get tools, then Graf ([email protected]) 410/757-6053. the Old Dominion. Enhanced by Hike America’s drive to a trail in the nearby area. This popular state-of-the-art mapping, each chapter is venue offers fine panoramic views of Trout Run 20 - 21 (Saturday - Sunday) packed with notes on plants, trees and geology, Valley from the mountain crest. We will remove CLASS - Land Navigation (REI) plus14 a list of local attractions and “good eats and Potomac Appalachian and break up rocks in the tread and work on REI, Baileys Crossroads and Prince William Forest sleeps” for the weary hiker. Authors Bill and Mary Burnham will be available to sign your copy of the waterbars. Bring lunch, work gloves, water, bug Park, VA book, and lead us on an evening’s armchair tour spray, and hiking shoes. Please RSVP by Saturday, 10:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. at REI Bailey’s of some of their favorite Old Dominion rambles Wednesday if you plan to attend. INFO: Hop Long Crossroads, and Sunday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. in and scrambles. INFO: REI 301/982-9681. ([email protected]) 301/942-6177. Prince William Forest Park. This comprehensive FORECAST

two-day course teaches all skills necessary to use 26 - 27 (Friday - Saturday) 27 - 28 (Saturday - Sunday) map and compass in an integrated land naviga- TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew CLASS - Wilderness First Aid (WSC) tion system. The first day is spent in intensive class- Tuscarora Trail, PA Alexandria, VA room exercises concentrating on map reading We will work in and around Cowans Gap State A program of the Wi l d e rness Safety Council, and interpretation, position plotting, compass fun- Park and will be staying overnight on Friday and this eighteen-hour class includes classro o m damentals, declination and azimuth. The second Saturday at a cabin in the park. Reservations are study, hands-on practice, and results in a two- day is spent in Prince William Forest Park, primarily required. INFO: Charlie Irvin 301/447-2848. year certification. The cost is $140. Registration off-trail, engaging in practical navigation exercis- is limited to 25 people. More information and 26 - 28 (Friday - Sunday) es of increasing complexity. The course fee is $85 registration at: http://wfa.net. INFO: HIKE - North Fork Mt. Trail and includes workbook text, course materials, Christopher Tate 703/836-8905. Monongahela National Forest, WV compass, map, grid re a d e r, and lunch on 24-mile point to point autumn dayhike on one of 28 (Sunday) S a t u rday. Register/INFO: REI 703/379-9400 or the most scenic trails in the Monongahela 301/982-9681. HIKE - PATC/K9TBs National Forest. We will spend Friday and Patapsco Valley State Park, Catonsville, MD Saturday nights at a Forest Service Campground, Join us for about a 7-mile hike at a moderate 22 (Monday) hike Saturday and return Sunday morning. INFO: pace along the scenic and historic trails of HIKE - Family Hike Dave Wilcox ([email protected]) Patapsco Valley State Park, near Catonsville, Claude Moore Park, Sterling, VA 703/212-0991. MD. We’ll hike down into the valley on wood- Child friendly 2-3 mile mostly shaded hike. ed, sometimes rocky trails, along and acro s s Jogging stroller passable, barely. We’ll meet 27 (Saturday) the Patapsco river, and up along the opposite inside the visitors center, and picnic along the TRAIL WORK TRIP - Rock Creek Park Crew valley wall. Highlights include several scenic way. Designed for the under 5 crowd, all ages Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC views, historic sites, waterfalls, and a swinging welcome. INFO: Lauren Lang 8:15 - 11:30 a.m. This is it! Don’t miss your last bridge. This is a joint hike with K9Trailblazers so ( L e v a n s [email protected]) 703/631-9278. Prefer e- chance to do something good for the D.C. hiking well-behaved dogs are welcome as long as m a i l . trails. Our last trip of the year is always the best. Meet at Rock Creek Nature Center. INFO: Mark you keep them on leash and scoop after them. Anderson ([email protected]) 202/462-7718 K9 Trailblazers has obtained special perm i s s i o n 23 (Tuesday) or Ranger Ken Ferebee 202/426-6834 x31. f rom the park management to hike thro u g h CLASS - Outdoor Survival Skills (REI) sections of the park normally off-limits to pets, REI, College Park, MD 27 (Saturday) so best behavior is a must! Maps and choco- 7:30 p.m. “Outdoor Survival Skills: Fire Wi t h o u t HIKE - West Virginia Chapter late and dog biscuits provided at the trailhead, Matches” Along with solid planning and pre p a- White Rock Cliffs, Tuscarora Trail, VA but bring lunch/snacks/water for you and your ration, and good land navigation skills, the abili- This 10-mile moderate hike will bring us to one of dog. Visit the K9Trailblazers website ty to start a fire under tough conditions (includ- the many viewpoints along the Tuscarora Trail. The w w w . k 9 t r a i l b l a z e r s . o rg. INFO: Pat Fuhre r ing no matches) is a necessary outdoor skill. fall leaves should be at peak or just beyond peak. ( p s f u h re r @ k 9 t r a i l b l a z e r s . o rg) 301/482-2468 Jeff Earth Connection’s Tim MacWelch, an outdoor Be a true leaf peeper and not a windshield tourist. Bolognese ([email protected] ) skills expert, will demonstrate making fire with Dust off those hiking boots and enjoy nature. 4 1 0 / 2 4 7 - 4 4 3 4 . flint and steel, friction bow drill and friction hand INFO: Susan Bly ([email protected]) 304/876- drill. Participants will then have the opportunity 5177 or 304/258-3319. 28 (Sunday) to create fire by the friction bow drill method. HIKE - Fall Hike (REI/WSC) 27 (Saturday) Tim will also have his four part friction fire kits Central District, Shenandoah National Park, VA HIKE - Family Hike Join us for a moderately paced 8 mile hike up available for purchase. Join Tim for an enjoy- Great Falls, VA Robertson Mountain Trail, and down Corbin able evening delving into the history and Come enjoy the fall weather on this 4 mile kid Hollow Trail. Occasional stops for views, trees, physics of fire. INFO: REI 301/982-9681. friendly hike. The path is not stroller friendly. We will effects of last fall’s fire, and vestiges of the moun- hike along the River Trail with magnificent views of taineer community that existed in Corbin Hollow 24 (Wednesday) the river at Mather Gorge. It is rocky, and a little before the Park. Reservations/INFO: Dirck Harris CLASS - Outdoor Survival Skills (REI) rugged and hilly in spots. We will hike to Cow Hoof 703/787-3330 weekday evenings before 9:00 p.m. REI, Baileys Crossroads, V A Rock, then along the Ridge trail to the Old Same as 10/23 except at Baileys Crossroads. INFO: Carriage Trail which is a wide gravel path, and REI 703/379-9400. mostly level. If weather permits, we will picnic 29 (Monday) along the way. Designed for the under 5 crowd, HIKE - Family Hike Manassas Battlefield Park, VA 24 (Wednesday) all ages welcome. INFO: Lauren Lang Load your kid(s) in the car, and head out to a CLASS - Trail Patrol Backpacking 202 Class 2 (L e v a n s A [email protected]) 703/631-9278. Prefer e-mail. 3.6 mile hike along the Unfinished Railro a d HQ, Vienna, VA 27 - 28 (Saturday - Sunday) loop. The trail has lots of variation, some open 7:30-10:00 p.m. Trail Patrol presents the second CABIN WORK TRIP - Blackburn Trail Center meadows, and some tree “tunnels” thro u g h of two classes teaching how to plan and carry Round Hill, VA the woods. Jogging stroller passable, bare l y . out an early winter backpacking trip. Classes Daylight Savings time ends -- use that extra hour Designed for the under 5 crowd, all ages wel- cover equipment selection and use, ro u t e to work on the Blackburn Trail Center! come. INFO: Lauren Lang planning, food planning, safety, comfort and Reservations/INFO: Chris Brunton 703/560-8070 or ( L e v a n s [email protected]) 703/631-9278. Leave No Trace principles. A November week- Bruce Clendaniel 410/820-7550. P refer e-mail. end trip, accompanied by experienced instructors, gives you the opportunity to try out 27 - 28 (Saturday - Sunday) 30 (Tuesday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - Blue & White Crew your new skills. INFO: Larry Marcoux MEETING - Shenandoah Mountain Rescue Central District, Shenandoah National Park, VA ([email protected]) Group (Business meeting), 7:30 p.m. 703/979-1066 or 703/402-5441. Join us for trail projects in the Central District of S N P. INFO: Charles Hillon (charleshillon@earth- link.net) 703/754-7388. 31 (Wednesday) 24 (Wednesday) HIKE - Easy Hikers HIKE - Easy Hikers 27 - 28 (Saturday - Sunday) Gold Mine and Great Falls, MD Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac Crew Five moderate miles from Old Angler’s Inn to Five moderate miles in the central section of Vining Tract near Stanardsville, VA Great Falls, MD via the Gold Mine Tract and return Rock Creek Park. Meet at 10:15 a.m. at the Enjoy the cooler weather and fall foliage as the via the towpath. Meet at 10:15 a.m. in the parking N a t u re Center in Rock Creek Park. To reach the crew begins work on opening a new trail route on lot across from the Old Angler’s Inn on MacArthur the Vining Tract. Other opportunities may involve N a t u re Center from Connecticut Ave., take Blvd. Bring lunch and water. To reach this point moving a privy to a new site and clearing brush PotomacMilitary Appalachian Rd. toward Rock Creek Park, go 1.1 15 for the Mutton Top cabin overseer. Community from the Beltway (exit 41), go west on Clara miles to Glover Rd., turn right at light, then dinner on Saturday night. Overnight at PATC’s Barton Parkway to its end at MacArthur Blvd., turn bend left at road fork and left again into Mutton Top cabin(?) – what a view. INFO: Fran left and go one mile to Old Angler’s Inn and turn N a t u re Center parking lot. Bring lunch and Keenan ([email protected]) 703/938-3973 left into the parking area. INFO: Donald and Helen w a t e r. INFO: Alec McRae 202/686-1788. or Jon Rindt ([email protected]) 540/635-6351. Shaw 301/365-1933. FORECAST

31 - 2 (Wednesday - Friday) 3 (Saturday) 10 - 12 (Saturday - Monday) SPECIAL EVENT - 2001 Leave No Trace TRAIL WORK TRIP - Maryland Metrolites BACKPACKING - Trail Patrol Backpacking 202 Conference Montgomery County, MD Call for location Nat’l Conservation Training Ctr, Shepherdstown, Join the Maryland Metrolites for a work trip on the The final part of the course for conducting a win- WV Cabin John Trail in Montgomery County. We meet at ter backpacking trip allows you the opportunity to 9:30 a.m. in the Nature Center parking lot off try out your new skills on a weekend trip accom- Ever wondered what is with all the hoopla about Democracy Blvd. Bring lunch, gloves, and water. panied by experienced instructors. Includes both the LNT program? Ever wanted to visit the famed INFO: Liles Creighton ([email protected]) 410/573-0067. pr eparatory classes (see October 17 and 24). National Conservation Training Center along the INFO: Larry Marcoux ([email protected]) banks of the Potomac? Here’s you’re chance. 3 (Saturday) 703/979-1066 or 703/402-5441. NPS in coordination with USFS and BLM will host TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers this 2001 Leave No Trace Conference and Appalachian Trail, MD 11 (Sunday) The air is getting crisp; come out and enjoy the Interagency Meeting. First time east of the TRAIL WORK TRIP - Massanutten Crew autumn colors. Work hard and get dirty like when Massanutten Mountain, VA Mississippi; first time open to nonagency groups you were a kid. We meet at 9:00 a.m. in Frederick Join us in the crisp fall air as we rebuild tread and and individuals. NPS has extended a special invi- County. INFO: Mark Mitchell waterbars on Massanutten Mountain. Sunday trip tation for the PATC to participate. It will be an ([email protected]) 301/461-7048. avoids the Saturday hunters. Work with us and exciting opportunity to learn about the LNT pro- take pride in the support you give to the trail com- gram and the education techniques that help 3 - 4 (Saturday - Sunday) munity! INFO: Mike Sutherland TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew promote its minimum-impact skills and wildland ([email protected]) 703/591-8330. Appalachian Trail, PA ethics. Days one and two will highlight the part- Meet at US 30 and PA 233 at the parking lot of 12 (Monday) ners involved in LNT education, the science Caledonia State Park. Departure 9:00 a.m. sharp. MEETING - New members (Shenandoah behind the program, and hands-on education INFO: Charlie Irvin 301/447-2848. Mountain Rescue Group), 7:30 p.m. techniques and practices that can be used to promote the LNT message. On day three, field 3 - 4 (Saturday - Sunday) 14 ( Wednesday) MEETING - PATC Annual Meeting/Dinner, 6:30 p.m. trips to areas such as SNP and AT sites will help CABIN WORK TRIP - Tulip Tree Cabin Shaver Hollow, VA Elks Lodge, Fairfax, VA participants see first hand the need for LNT edu- The weather should be cooler now, perfect for cation and successful examples of implementing the vigorous activity of cabin construction. We will 14 (Wednesday) MEETING - Mountaineering Section, 8:00 p.m. the principles of the program. Space is limited; no be working hard to get the cabin weather tight registration fee. Registration/INFO: John Buchheit for the winter so that we can finally enjoy the fruits 17 (Saturday) 304/876-0647. of our labors. Our goal is to get the cabin in such TRAIL WORK TRIP - Maryland Metrolites condition that we can eat and sleep inside for Sugarloaf Mountain, MD the winter. There are many tasks, small and large, Join the Maryland Metrolites for a work trip on that have to be completed. INFO: Charlie Graf Sugarloaf Mountain in Frederick County. We meet ([email protected]) 410/757-6053. at 9:30 a.m. at the bottom of the mountain near 1 (Thursday) S t ronghold Headquarters. Bring lunch, gloves, 5 (Monday) and water. INFO: Liles Creighton ([email protected]) DEADLINE - DecemberNovember Potomac Appalachian HIKE - Family Hike 410/573-0067. Headquarters, Vienna, VA Vienna, VA 5:00 p.m. All items for the next issue of the Meadowlark Gardens Regional Park. Get out and 17 (Saturday) newsletter must be submitted electronically, if enjoy the fall weather on this stroller friendly 3.5 TRAIL WORK TRIP - North Chapter Pa. Trail Crew possible, to headquarters, or by e-mail to mile hike. The park is beautiful, with several ponds Tuscarora Trail, PA [email protected]. Allow one week for postal service and beautiful gardens. The path is hilly, but the For meeting place and other details, call Charlie footing is smooth. Bring a picnic lunch. Designed delivery. Forecast events may be e-mailed Irvin 301/447-2848. for the under 5 crowd, all ages welcome. INFO: d i rectly to PA - F o re c a s t @ p a t c . n e t . La u r en Lang ([email protected]) 703/631-9278. 17 (Saturday) Pr efer e-mail. TRAIL WORK TRIP - South Mountaineers 1 (Thursday) Appalachian Trail, MD HIKE - In-between Hikers 6 (Tuesday) Some of the most fun you will ever have being a Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC MEETING - Trail Patrol, 7:30 p.m. v o l u n t e e r. INFO: Mark Mitchell Hike sections of the Western Ridge and Valley 7 (Wednesday) ([email protected]) 301/461-7048. Trails, totaling about 8 miles. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at MEETING - New Members (PATC), 7:30 p.m. 17 (Saturday) the Rock Creek Nature Center. From the Beltway 10 (Saturday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - Stonewall Brigade take Connecticut Avenue south to Military Road. HIKE - Tuscarora Trail X Shenandoah County, VA Turn left (east) on Military. Go 1.1 miles and turn Tuscarora Trail, MD/PA Great North Mountain on the VA/WV state line. Licking Creek Section-Pa. Rte 456 to Hancock, Md. Join the Stonewall Brigade at Wolf Gap right on Glover Road. Fork left and follow signs to Recreation Area at 9:00 a.m. to get tools then Nature Center. Bring lunch and water. INFO: Gary 16.9 miles; 700 foot elevation gain. We will ford the Little Cove Creek by foot or vehicle, depending on work on a trail in the nearby area. This popular Abrecht ([email protected]) 202/546-6089. venue offers fine panoramic views of Trout Run the level of the water. Once off the roads we will Valley from the mountain crest. We will remove enter the Indians Springs Wildlife Management and break up rocks in the tread and work on 3 (Saturday) Ar ea after crossing the Mason-Dixon Line into SPECIAL EVENT - Annual Cross-Country Ski Fair waterbars. Please RSVP by Wednesday if you plan Maryland. We will hit some more road walking to attend. Bring lunch, work gloves, water, bug PATC HQ, Vienna, VA be f o r e connecting up with the C&O Canal to spray, and hiking shoes. RSVP/INFO: Hop Long 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. Do you want to know head west along the Potomac River to the sleepy ([email protected]) 301/942-6177. where to find skiable natural snow when there is town of Hancock. We will enjoy the Little Pool, a none outside your door this winter? Do you want natural depression utilized by the canal builders as 17 - 18 (Saturday - Sunday) to get away for a fun winter weekend and meet they constructed the canal. Once we enter TRAIL WORK TRIP - Blue & White Crew Central District, Shenandoah National Park, VA other XC ski buddies? Are you interested in XC ski- Hancock we will dine at a fine local eatery locat- ed downtown. There is a lot of history along the Join us for trail projects in the Central District of ing in the safety of a group? If you answer “yes” en t i r e C&O Canal. Let’s enjoy a small portion of its SNP. INFO: Charles Hillon (CharlesHillon@earth- to any of these, or similar questions, visit this beauty as it runs besides the flowing Potomac. link.net) 703/754-7388. PATC/Ski Touring Section kickoff event. INFO: Jack INFO: Christopher Firme (bncfirme @ i n n e rn e t . n e t ) 17 - 18 (Saturday - Sunday) Kangas ([email protected]) 301/499-8758 or 717/794-2855 after 6:00 p.m. CABIN WORK TRIP - Tulip Tree Cabin Dave Holton 202/364-7055. Shaver Hollow, VA 10 - 11 (Saturday - Sunday) Take advantage of the fall weather to come out 3 (Saturday) TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac Crew and do some work on a beautiful log cabin in the HIKE - West Virginia Chapter Blackburn Trail Center, Round Hill, VA woods. Learn a skill, make new friends, enjoy Massanutten Mountain, VA The Cadillac Crew will close out this year’s work trips good food, and camp in the woods. Where else can you have so much fun? INFO: oCharlie Graf Doll Ridge. Get in one last hike before deer hunt- on the side trail from Blackburn Trail Center to the AT. Lots of rocks need to become lots of stairs. This will be ([email protected]) 410/757-6053. ing season sets in as we ascend Doll Ridge along 16 the fifth work trip to Blackburn this year and there is the Tuscarora Trail. We will also do a portion of the 20 (Tuesday) Potomac Appalachian still a lot of work to be done. Community dinner on MEETING - The Futures Group, 7:00 p.m. Massanutten Mountain West trail. We will travel Sa t u r day night. Overnight at Blackburn Trail Center. about 10 moderate miles, taking in winter views. INFO: Fran Keenan ([email protected] o m ) 27 (Tuesday) INFO: Susan Bly ([email protected]) 703/938-3973 or Jon Rindt (jkrindt@erol s . c o m ) MEETING - Shenandoah Mountain Rescue 304/876-5177 or 304/258-3319. 54 0 / 6 3 5 - 6 3 5 1 . Group (Business meeting), 7:30 p.m. NOTICES NEW NOTICES

your home or cabin out of sight from the Tra i l . the Elks Lodge? Would you help with a WOODSTOVE DONATION NEEDED: The over- All we ask is that you donate a conservation Potluck Dinner? This is not only a meeting of seers at Bear Spring Cabin in MD are looking easement on the rest of the property. A con- the entire Club, but a time to give out for a useable woodstove for the cabin. It servation easement “runs with the land;” that a w a rds, examine accomplishments, meet should be a cook/heat stove of the two burn- is, no present or future owner can develop it! with friends, and have fun. We are planning er type. The cabin is very small. Any help at all AND, because an easement is an irrev o c a b l e other events, such as a picnic in SNP summer would be appreciated. Contact Joe or Lisa gift of a property right, you get a nice income 2002. We receive many invitations to provide at [email protected]. tax deduction equal to the value of the ease- a Club display at other people’s activities. ment. Contact Bob Williams, Director of Land Often we just don’t have members to attend. LAND FOR SALE: Beautiful mountain property, Trust Programs, at bwilliams@appalachi- If you are willing, please contact Liles views, year-round cold creek near Nellysford, an t r a i l . o r g, or at 304/535-6331, or write to P.O . C reighton, Membership Secretary at Va. Seven miles to A.T. Near Wintergreen. 5.4 Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. 410/573-0067, [email protected] or Pat Acres, located at the end of a cul-de-sac in Fankhauser at Club headquarters. eco-conscious community. 50 acres of com- CONSERVATION BUYER COORDINATOR PATC's mon land. Strict covenants to protect the Trail Lands Acquisition Committee has a need HELP PATC CELEBRATE ITS 75TH e n v i ronment. Asking $40,000. Please call for a volunteer Conservation Buyer A N N I V E R S A RY in 2002. Vice Pre s i d e n t 301/229-6458. Coordinator. The Coordinator will act as a Mickey McDermott is in charge of plan- central clearinghouse for forwarding ques- ning. INFO: [email protected] NEED A PRESENT? Best Scandinavian crystal tionnaires to, and receiving completed ques- (never used) - 6 each of champagne flutes, tionnaires from potential conservation buyers THE SALES OFFICE is looking for volunteers wine glasses, liqueur glasses, brandy glasses. interested in protecting the Tuscarora Trail or in t e r ested in working as little or as long as you each set $15 or all four for $50. Paula Strain, SNP trail access points. The Coordinator will can manage it — Monday through Friday 301/340-6895 also provide contact information for the between 9 and 5 p.m. If interested, please Appalachian Trail Conference Land Trust if contact the Sales Coordi n a t o r , Mauree n HIKE PATAGONIA! Join us in an incredible, two the buyers are interested in protecting the Estes, by either calling headquarters at week journey to Chile’s To r res del Paine Appalachian Trail. The Coordinator will also 703/242-0693, ext. 19 or by National Park and the Lake District. maintain information in the conservation e-mail at patcsales@erol s . c o m . Experience one of the most astounding buyer databank and determine from the places on earth. Discover snow-covere d data-bank which conservation buyers would PATC OVERSEERS get big discounts fro m peaks, glacial lakes framed by near-vertical be likely interested in acquiring land once the following merchants who support granite wall, glaciers, golden grasslands and property goes on sale. Inquires should be our volunteer programs: Blue Ridge unbelievable scenery. Itinerary includes 5 addressed to Phil Paschall, PATC Trail Lands Mountain Sports (Charlottesville, days of trekking deep into Torres del Paine Acquisition Committee, 118 Park St., SE, Tidewater)—20%, Hudson Tr a i l staying in double occupancy yurts. In the Vienna, VA 22180. Outfitters (Metro DC)—15%, The Lake District we’ll stay in lakeside lodges and Trailhouse (Frederick, Md.)—15%, hike up and explore Osorno Volcano and TRACT MANAGER WANTED.Did you know that Casual Adventures (Arlington, Va . ) — hike a number of lakes. Two nights in PATC owns or manages over 2,000 acres of 10%, Campmor (mail order via PAT C Santiago are included. Details will be final- forest land? Every tract must have a “tract HQ)—10%. Check the back page of ized by July 1. Estimated cost is $3,500 for 14 manager” who keeps tabs on the property to the PA for the latest trail, cabin, and days beginning in late March 2002. Fee cov- guard against encroachments and to watch shelter overseer opportunities. All PAT C ers international and in-country flights, lodg- over the forest. An opportunity has presented members receive a 10% discount fro m ing, all meals except for lunch and dinner in itself for a dedicated PATC volunteer to serve Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. Be sure to Santiago, English-speaking guides, land trans- F O R S A L E as tract manager for the 27-acre Lucas have your membership ID or overseer fers, park entrance fees and permits, and Woods Tract along the Virginia-West Virginia ID ready when you shop. medical/evacuation insurance. Call Donna border, which we manage for The Nature B rother 703/435-8315 or Eric Welch at Conservancy. The Tuscarora Trail runs through SHENANDOAH MOUNTAIN RESCUE 410/573-9010 or [email protected] for addition- the property, and we maintain a campsite. GROUP (SMRG) is seeking people al information. I n t e rested volunteers should call To m i n t e rested in wilderness search and Johnson at 703/281-0798 or e-mail him at rescue. New member orientation [email protected]. meetings are held every month at RARE OPPORTU N I T Y : HOUSE FOR SALE with 18 PATC headquarters. No experience to 27 acres on border of Shenandoah is necessary. INFO: SMRG MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN the PAT C National Park: Three bedrooms, 16-windowed Operations 703/255-5034, then Council and staff at the annual general gr eat room with spectacular views of 3000- p ress #5. foot mountains; two decks, one on roof; 1.5- membership meeting. When: November 14, 2001; Where: Elks Lodge, Fairfax Va.; Time mile walk from house up fire road to AT; other NOT INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE trails nearby; cool 2000-foot elevation; on 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Would appreciate calls indi- D O N AT I O N S WANTED cating intentions to attend soonest, reserva- G R E AT OUTDOORS? PATC has a con- state road for year- round access; lovely tinuous need for Headquarters tion forms will appear in Sept. and Oct. PA. wooded property with mountain laure l , Volunteers willing to help out with a wa t e r falls, and lookout cliff. Only 2 hrs. 10 min. Call Liles Creighton 410/573-0067 e-mail variety of tasks — from manning the fr om Beltway. INFO: Eric or Ellen 434/985-7167 [email protected] for details. sales desk in the evening, to pro v i d- or [email protected]. ing typing or office support. It takes NEEDED: PEOPLE TO HELP PLANand conduct a lot more than trail workers to keep VOLUNTEER OPPORT U N I T I E S our Club events. What would you like to see at our annual meeting on 14 November at the Club going! INFO: Wilson Riley, WANTED FOR THE BLACKBURN TRAIL CENTER:A [email protected] or 703/242-0693, propane gas Barbecue Grill. But please, must e x t . 1 1 . be in good working order. Call Chris Brunton 703/560-8070. Notices are published free of charge for PATC members only. PATC cannot vouch for any of the o advertised items. No com - DO YOU WANT TO BE A LANDOWNERalong the m e rcial advertisement or personal AT? And have a home in the woods! Are you notices unrelated to hiking will be Potomacin a positionAppalachian to become a Conservation Buyer accepted. Deadline for inclusion is the 17 th r ough the Appalachian Trail Conferen c e first day of the month pre c e d i n g Land Trust? Our program matches conserva- issuance of the newsletter. Notices will tion buyers – people like you – with people be run for 3 months unless we are other - who are selling land along the AT. You locate wise advised. Trailhead

earing the close of another season of Ritoli installed a 43 foot long rock waterbar Ntrail work, the Supervisor of Trails and as Dick Dugan remarked, “That’s the expresses much appreciation for work well meanest, ugliest, #$%@ waterbar, I’ve done. Overseers have subdued our weedy seen”. Bring on the water! enemy resulting in many favorable com- ments from hikers. Trail crews have accom- The rest of the crew installed log and rock plished some major rehab projects. Damage check dams in the trail below and brought from summer storms has been generally the tread back to grade using material bor- light and with some luck, the hurricanes will rowed from the large wash. After a good fail to invade PATC land. Here’s hoping for day’s work, the Hoodlums went down to a winter without ice storms as well. Indian Run Hut for a mighty-fine, down- SNP Summer Crew tackled a major home BBQ feast! What’s better for old trail The Gatje Is Back repair of CCC-built cribwall on the AT dogs than moving rocks and then grilling! Yes, Pete Gatje, the previous Supervisor of near Mary’s Rock. The highly praised Trails, will be taking over as District manag- project took three days to complete. Corbin Cabin Cutoff Trail Whoever said that lightning doesn’t strike er for the SNP South District Blue Blaze Spotsylvania Battlefield Park. Great place twice in the same place hasn’t worked with trails from Lois Mansfield. Many thanks to to hike in the winter when it is difficult to the Blue and White Crew. Following last Lois, I am sure she will miss working the get to other trails. wilderness areas with her 21 inch handsaw. I month’s successful stream crossing project, the crew returned to Corbin Cabin to build am sure Lois will remain active with the Dry Branch Fire Squad? Charlottesville Chapter. locust log steps down to the Hughes River On August 4-5, Overseer Tom Ryan & and fix some sidehill on Corbin Cabin District Manager John McCrea were joined Cutoff Trail. Fresh from his stint as Boss News From Spotsylvania by a crew of 7 to install and upgrade fixtures Rock Hawg, SOT Kerry Snow deployed a Frank Haas, District Manager for on Hogback Mountain near the Tuscarora team of stair-masters including Dan Spotsylvania Battlefield Park, has one com- Trail. The crew installed more than 25 Dueweke, Charles Hillon, Melanie and Axel ment – not all retired people retire. Not waterbars and a few checkdams. The partic- Falk, and Gary Steele to cut, peel, and only has he been busy this summer minding ipants were Patrick McCrea, Tom and install locust logs steps on the approach to the trails but has managed to spend seven Susanne Green, Ray Galles, Jack Sutton, Corbin Cabin. Staying above this fray, Cliff days assisting at the Boy Scout Jamboree at Andrea McGimsey, and Shannon May. The Willey and Dave Bailey replumbed some of Fort A. P. Hill as well as participating in crew retired to the newly renovated Range Corbin Cabin’s drainage to keep future rain- some Civil Air Patrol activity. View cabin and after Tom Green’s preemp- fall off the new steps. With the cabin project tive strike on an ominous looking hornets in full swing, Mr. Snow proceeded back up As for the trails in the Park, Frank has nest (that was strategically placed next to the the trail with North District’s very own John j o u rneyed over the trails numerous times privy door), they enjoyed a dinner of chili, McCrea, Mark Holland, Jason Barrow, Ron and for the most part, all is well. We e d i n g potato salad, corn on the cob, and a few Kutz, and Mr. S.V. Dove to widen and repair of the Chancellorsville Trail will be com- select beverages of choice. Jack and Patrick the tread on the cutoff trail. The sidehill pleted in August and the Trail along Lee entetained everyone with their eclectic col- crew, bravely enduring a blistering sun and Drive needs some waterbars near lections of music, and the “Dry Branch Fire Amazon-like humidity, regraded a steep Howison Hill. A beaver dam, which raised Squad” was introduced into the annals of portion of the Cutoff tread, installing sever- the water above the rocks in the stream at the North District. A great time! al waterbars and checkdams. Misters Snow, a trail crossing, has been removed. If the McCrea, Holland, and Barrow were able to beaver persists, a bridge at the trail cro s s- Change Of Plans take care of the 20 percent of the project ing may be needed in the future. The The North District Hoodlums had planned that Mr. S.V. Dove didn’t get to. Spotsylvania Trail needs a bridge re p a i re d to install waterbars near the summit of Pass and there are some persistent wet weather Mountain during their August worktrip and Cribwall a reas that need to be addressed. Frank is John McCrea had cut and left several locust The PATC SNP Summer Crew (Central working with the Park Service to develop logs for that purpose at the worksite during District, Week Two) tackled a major repair a work plan for the bridge, wet areas, and the prior week. But it was not to be! During of CCC-built cribwall on the AT near waterbars that hopefully will pass re v i e w the hike in from Thornton Gap, the work Mary’s Rock (see photo above). The project by the various agencies involved with the crew discovered a section of AT that was involved completely dismantling a large sec- Park. completely rutted out from the run-off of a tion of the wall that had failed in early sum- recent severe storm and it was obvious that mer, and rebuilding the section from the A special thanks to Dose Counts for weed- some emergency repair work was needed. ground up. Crew members Pete Curran, ing the Fedline Trail and cutting a few blow Some ruts were a foot deep. A large volume Jim Hannon, Al Juliano, Mike Fleming, downs and to Greg Knipe who has been of water had come down the access road to Stan Turk, and Kerry Snow worked under helping Boy Scouts earn merit badges doing Pass Mountain Hut and was diverted right the skilled direction of C.T. Campbell (the trail work. down the trail where the two cross. The SNP Central District Trails Supervisor). Hoodlums had built several waterbars at this The crew assembled a GripHoist “high- If you want a break from the mountains same location over the years, only to be line” to move and place the large rocks. The and want to learn some real Civil War his- wiped out by the next large storm. This time t o ry, check out the trails in the would be different! A crew led by Mike See Trailhead, page 19 18 Potomac Appalachian Trailhead, from page 18 Run Trail on South Massanutten Mountain. a nylon insert as part of the thread. Most Rocks seem to be the crew ’ s theme this year project took three days to complete, and has hardware stores have locknuts that usually as most work trips involved moving, rem o v - received high praise from hikers and the cost less than a dollar. ing, installing, busting, or otherwise dealing National Park Service. with them. On Shockeys Knob, Fran Tool Inventory “Chainsaw” Keenan became Fran PATC will begin implementation of the LL Bean Joins The Team “Rockman” Keenan as he tried to pave the Tool Management Plan this fall. Each over- LL Bean’s store in Tysons Corner has signed tr ead with rocks lacking any soil whatsoever. seer who has signed out tools for storage at up as overseer for a section of AT Trail. They Ku r t Fisher, who moved to Calgary early this home needs to inform the Club by e-mail or will be maintaining a two-mile section from ye a r , used some vacation to rejoin the crew snail mail of the tools they have in their pos- Keys Gap north to the powerline and also the just to play with some rocks. Even three and session. If it is a power tool, overseers need trailhead parking lot at Route 9. The store half year old Granddaughter Charlotte Rindt to provide make, model, and other identify- ma n a g e r , Chuck Allen, and store employee, joined in throwing rocks off the tread. Randy Tompkins, a PATC member and 2000 ing features. This will be a one-time inven- tory for hand tools. Guidance on power th ru - h i k e r , met with District Manager Chris Being an old roadbed, Boone Run Trail suf- Br unton on August 6th to walk the section. tools will be forthcoming. An annual inven- fers from the chronic problem of erosion tory will be conducted in the future due to Within a week they had a total of six employ- leaving the tread washed out and full of ees, lead by Randy, out to do their first trip. cost and need to ensure proper mainte- loose rocks. The task was to open passages nance. District Managers will be identifying They cleared the parking lot, power line and through the rocks and to build rock water- installed a blazed post half way across the lists of tools needed and those kept at the bars of sufficient size to deflect water after it various caches, so this request is just for powerline. The Club is excited to have them had gathered momentum from long stretch- join our roster of overseers. tools in your personal possession. Send e- es of trail without drainage. Overseer Hop mails to [email protected], snail mail to the Long commented that the new waterbars PATC Headquarters, attn: Tool Room. ATC Crew In Harpers Ferry will be around for a long time and even The ATC Mid-Atlantic Crew will be work- withstand the horses and mountain bikes. ing in Harpers Ferry rebuilding the After a hot sweaty day, the crew appreciated Want To Volunteer? AT/Cliff Trail in September and October. the excellent Teriyaki Chicken supper pre- New PATC members who are interested in The September trip will be over by the time pared by crewmember Carol Niedzialek. helping out as overseers or on trail crews this is published but the October 18-23 a re encouraged to contact a District work trip will be still ahead. As always, we Manager or the Supervisor of Trails. Our Lost Nuts Club re c ruits many new members each would like to encourage PATC trail over- In the “Lonely Mountain Trail” article in seers to come out and work with the crew no month that check the “trail work” box on the August PA, The author, Stephen Paull, their applications. Although PATC leaders matter whether it be for a few hours, all day lost a bolt/nut on his swing blade when try- or several days. For additional information, make every attempt to communicate with ing to weed his trail. The same thing hap- new members, phone calls to prospective contact District Manager Chris Brunton at pened this summer to Dick Dugan while 703/560-8070 or [email protected]. volunteers sometimes takes a back seat to weeding the Pass Mountain Trail with a the pressing problems of trail management. brand new swing blade. It can be very frus- Please don’t wait to hear from a District No End To Rocks trating. Ask Bernie Stallmann about bar nuts Manager or Crew leader. We ’ re always August saw the Cadillac Crew working roc k s for chainsaws. Carrying an extra nut and interested in “new blood” and welcome all again. First near the top of Shockeys Knob on bolt on swing blade work trips could relieve new members to join us as trail overseers or the Tus c a r ora Trail and later on the Boone some frustration or install a locknut that has crewmembers. A complete list of contact points for PATC District Managers is avail- New Trail Volunteers – August able on page 5 and 6 of this issue, as well as at Trail District Manager h t t p : / / m e m b e r s . t e l o c i t y. c o m / ~ k e rry s n o w / Pete Gatje Shenandoah National Park – South District Blue Trails patc/contacts.html Shelter Overseers Bob Stransky Rod Hollow shelter Please send any interesting tale, technical Henry Horn Ed Garvey shelter advice, individual or group accomplish- Anthony Blow Calf Mt. Shelter ments, and trail maintenance questions to Trail Overseers Trailhead, c/o Jon Rindt, 621 Skyline Michael Gross Appalachian Trail - from the Denton Shelter to the power line Forest Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630 or to John Hedrick Appalachian Trail - from power line to the south end of waterline o John Isom Appalachian Trail-from pipeline to the Davenport Meadow [email protected]. Nate Gahr Appalachian Trail- from Beahms Gap to Pass Mt. Hut Trail Chris Blood Appalachian Trail- from Hairpin turn to Riprap Parking POTOMAC APPALACHIAN Dan Holmes Jeremys Run Trail - from the AT to the 8th Ford of Jeremys Run (UPS-440-280) ©2001, Potomac Appalachian Bob Bohm Massanutten East Trail – Kennedy Peak Trail to Camp Roosevelt Trail Club, Inc. Mark Adams Tuscarora Trail – from shelter to Hemlock Road Published monthly by the Potomac Joseph Richardson Catlett Spur Trail Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street, S.E., Heather Warren Eaton Hollow Trail Vienna, VA 22180. Randy Kerr Trico Trail Kaylee Reese Appalachian Trail – Mount Marshall to Hogwallow Flats Periodical class postage paid at Vienna, Va. Randy Tompkins Appalachian Trail – Keys Gap to power line Postmaster: send address changes to: Potomac Gary & Etta Legner Appalachian Trail – Dean Mt. Road to South River Hut Road Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street, S.E., Wil Kolbrenner Tibbet Knob Trail Vienna, VA 22180. Susan Bly Great North Mt. Trail – VA 691 to Stack Rock Trail Subscription: [Free with PATC membership] $6.00 annually; $.50 single copies.

Potomac Appalachian 19 TRAIL, SHELTER and CORRIDOR OVERSEERS/MONITORS WANTED

CORRIDOR MONITORS WANTED 9/6/2001 Tuscarora Trail CALL TOM LUPP, 301/271-7340 Yellow Spring Road to Capon Spring Road (3.9 miles) Email: [email protected] Caledonia/DeerLick - PA [376, 377, 379] PATC Map 2/3, & 4 TUSCARORA SOUTH – MAP F, G, 9 Lambs Knoll - MD [405, 406] PATC Map 5/6 CALLRICK RHOADES, 540/477-3247 Sand Spring - No. VA[413] PATC Map 7 Sawmill Springs - No. VA[414, 415] PATC Map 8 Email: [email protected] Rod Hollow - No. VA[416] PATC Map 8 Tuscarora Trail Ashby Gap North - No. VA[417] PATC Map 8 VA/WV55 to Gerhard Memorial Shelter (4.2 miles) Ashby Gap South - No. VA[417] PATC Map 8 Tuscarora Trail Sky Meadows - No. VA[417] PATC Map 8 Mill Mountain Trail to White Rocks Trail (2.90 miles) Tuscarora Trail TRAILOVERSEERS WANTED Sherman Gap Trail to Veach Gap (3.10 miles) Trail OverseerOpenings. Contact the District Manager forthe section that interests you. MASSANUTTEN NORTH - MAP #G

ASHBY GAP/RTE. 638 AT & BB – MAP 8 (RTE. 50 TO RTE. 638) CALLMIKE SUTHERLAND, 703/591-8330 CALLED MCKNEW, 540/622-6004 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Signal Knob Trail Manassas Gap Shelter Trail VA678 to Ft. Valley Overlook (2.2 miles) AT to Manassas Gap Shelter (0.10 miles) Meneka Peak Trail Signal Knob Trail to Bear Wallow/Tuscarora Trail (1.2 miles) SNP NORTH BLUE-BLAZED & [HAZEL MT.AREA] -MAP 9, 10 CALLBERNIE STALMANN, 301/725-8876 MASSANUTTEN SOUTH – MAP #H Email: [email protected] Jeremys Run Trail CALLBILLSCHMIDT, 301/585-2477 8th ford to west park boundary Email: [email protected] Broad Hollow Trail Massanutten Mt. South Trail Hazel Mountain Trail to VA681 (2.4 miles) TV Tower to Pitt Spring (3.40 miles) Massanutten Mt. South Trail SNP CENTRAL BLUE-BLAZED [NORTH END]– MAP 10 Pitt Spring to Morgan Run Trail (3.3 miles) CALLDAN DUEWEKE, 703/266-3248 Fridley Gap Trail Email: [email protected] VA868 to Cub Run (2.60 miles) Roberts Mountain Trail Old Rag Fire Road to Weakley Hollow Fire Road (2.4 miles) Jones Mountain Trail GREAT NORTH MOUNTAIN – MAP F Bear Church Rock to Cat Knob Trail (2.80 miles) CALLHOPLONG, 301/942-6177 Email: the [email protected] SNP SOUTH BLUE-BLAZED (MAP #11) Big Schloss CutoffTrail CALLPETE GATJE, 434/361-1309 Mill Mt. Trail to FR 92 (1.90 miles) Email: [email protected] Mill Mountain Trail Rocky Mount Trail Big Schloss CutoffTrail to the Tuscarora Trail (3.3 miles) Intersection of Gap Run [upper] to summit (1.2 miles) Tibbet Knob Trail Rocky Mount Trail Summit of Gap Run [lower](2 miles) Wolf Gap to VA691 (2.50 miles) Trayfoot Trail [Co-overseer] Great North Mountain Trail Skyline Drive to summit (1.8 mile) VA691 to Stack Rock Trail (2.20 miles) Trayfoot Trail Summit of Trayfoot to second summit (1 mile) SUBURBAN MARYLAND – MAP D CALLLILES CREIGHTON, 410/573-0067 TUSCARORA NORTH-MAP L Email: [email protected] CALLLLOYD MACASKILL, 703/978-4070 Northern Peaks West Trail Email: [email protected] Tuscarora Trail Picnic area of Sugar Loaf to 1020 Elevation Marker Siler,VA/South Sleepy Creek, WV Ford Mine Trail Tuscarora Trail Lock 20 Maintenance Road to Ford Mine (.75 mile) Northern Rock Field to Southern Rock Field (1.5 miles)

118 Park Street Vienna, VA 22180-4609

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