JOURNEYS THE MAGAZINE OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY March — April 2011 INSIDE: Weeks Act 100th n Beyond University Boundaries n A Hike Thru History JOURNEYS FROM THE EDITOR THE MAGAZINE OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY Volume 7, Number 2 March — April 2011 rowing beyond boundaries. Most successful plans (whether business or personal) are those that consis- tently allow for growth, expansion, and influence from The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s A.T. Journeys new people, places, and points of view. mission is to preserve and manage the Managing Editor The Catawba Sustainability Center — located just Appalachian Trail — ensuring that its Wendy K. Probst below McAfee’s Knob in Virginia — is steeped in this philosophy vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, Graphic Designer from concept to crops to every aspect in-between (page 24). Since tomorrow, and for centuries to come. Traci Anfuso-Young its inception, members of the community and local farmers have worked side by side with university students and area non-profit Board of Directors contributors organizations, carefully restoring the old farm on which the cen- J. Robert (Bob) Almand, chair Information Services Manager Destry Jarvis, vice chair ter is based. They grow crops that provide food to local charities, Laurie Potteiger William L. (Bill) Plouffe, secretary take part in demonstration plantings for university research on Kennard R. (Ken) Honick, treasurer Proofreader sustainability and health of soil and waterways, and provide or- Kara Ball Chris Loomis ganic produce to the center’s Catawba Valley Farmer’s Market. James E. (Jim) Ditzel The center’s reach does not stop on the local level though; it Clark A. Dixon Jr. The staff of A.T. Journeys welcomes stretches across oceans and around the world with programs like Marcia Fairweather editorial inquiries and comments. the Victoria (Australia)-Virginia Landcare Fellowship and the Brian T. Fitzgerald E-mail [email protected] G. Robert (Bob) Lee recent development of a farmer training program for refugees in On the Cover: With an eye for the the Roanoke Valley. “This year we had five Somali-bantu attend Sandra (Sandi) Marra Observations, conclusions, opinions, and serene, Bryant “Sunrise” Baker Charles Maynard product endorsements expressed in A.T. the Growers Academy, a VT EarthWorks learning series,” says the captured this image of his wife Elizabeth (Betsy) Pierce Thompson Journeys are those of the authors and do not center’s enthusiastic director Christine Gabbard. As far as the Trail Laura “Lola” Baker during their Arnold F. (Arnie) Wellman necessarily reflect those of members of the goes there are also plans to draw more hikers to the center. “We 2010 thru-hike. “This was but one Clark Wright Jr. board or staff of the Appalachian Trail plan to build a hostel where hikers can stay, live, and learn with of many times throughout the hike Executive Director Conservancy. us on their journey,” says Christine. when all we could do was sit and David N. Startzell During their journeys, long-distance hikers must continuously Advertising stare,” says Bryant. push beyond the comfort of known boundaries to benefit from their Chief Operating Officer A.T. Journeys is published six times per year. Stephen J. Paradis Advertising revenues directly support adventure; and the strength that results from this push is as much the publication and production of the mental as it is physical. Bryant Baker’s moving photos are demon- Director of Finance & Administration magazine, and help meet Appalachian Trail strative of this (page 30) as is his poignant writing (page 47). After Stacey J. Marshall Conservancy objectives. For more information meeting a fellow thru-hiker, he ponders her response to the question: SUNRIse, KATAHDIN. BY BRYANT BAkeR Director of Membership & Development and advertising rates, email journeys@ “why are you out here?” Her answer left Bryant to awaken more Royce W. Gibson appalachiantrail.org. vividly to the pain and pleasure of embracing every moment. “I have found that I understand her answer a little more each day,” he Director of Conservation A.T. Journeys is published on Sterling Matte Laura Belleville paper that is manufactured by NewPage explains. “It is when I am pushing up the last few feet of a steep Corporation, responsibly sourced, using climb — sweat completely saturating my shirt and pouring down Publisher allocated chain-of-custody certified fiber. It is my face — and just as I reach the summit, I am greeted by a gentle Brian B. King printed with SoySeal certified ink in the U.S.A. breeze that manages to send a chill down the length of my spine … Marketing and Communications Manager by United Litho, Inc., Ashburn, Virginia. It is when it rains so hard that all there is to do is laugh.” Javier Folgar From a diverse and thriving sustainability center in Virginia to a fresh, uncomplicated philosophy from a hiker, if these are the Get Social With Us Membership direct results of growing beyond boundaries, I’m sold. For membership questions or to become a Wendy K. Probst A.T. Journeys ( ISSN 1556-2751) is published bimonthly member, call (304) 535-6331, ext. 119, or for $15 a year by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, e-mail [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR 799 Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, (304) 535-6331. Bulk-rate postage paid at Harpers Ferry, A.T. Journeys welcomes your comments, story suggestions and photographs. West Virginia, and other offices. Queries may be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. Postmaster: Send change-of-address Form 3575 to A.T. Journeys, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. © 2011 Appalachian Trail Conservancy. All rights reserved. A.T. JOURNEYS MARCh – aPRIL 2011 3 CONTENTS March — April 2011 features 12 A Hike Thru History The Settlers Museum of Southwest Virginia is a 67-acre open-air museum and a welcoming and captivating 24 Growing Beyond place of respite for A.T. hikers. Boundaries Once an old dairy farm bound for 18 Weeks Act 100th extinction, the Catawba Sustainability Our eastern national forests were created Center is now a thriving mix of local and from a little known 1911 congressional regional projects involving Virginia Tech act, setting in motion one the most students, and a dynamic and diverse 12 significant conservation achievements group of community partners. of the 20th century. 24 30 Magnificent Display Bryant Baker is a 2010 thru-hiker who has a passion for experiencing nature. Fortunately for us, he enjoys sharing his experiences through his humbling and serene photography. 36 departments 10 VOLUNTEER PROFILE Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club’s Charles Parry spent 34 years as a trail boss, bushwhacking through the forest, tying flags, and looking for just the right spot for a glorious location that would be maintainable. 3 FROM THE EDITOR 16 TRAILHEAD 6 LETTERS Virginia Journeys 2011; ATC Honorary Member nominations; 8 OVERLOOK A.T. Museum programs 42 T RAIL GIVING 36 TRAIL STORIES The adventures of Venado and 45 PUBLIC NOTICES Tecolote begin when a seven-year-old boy asks his father the most important question: “Can we do that? Can we hike that Trail?” 47 AS I SEE IT The aches and pains that occur after 1,600 miles of hiking become a transforming reminder of life’s splendor. A.T. JOURNEYS MARCh – aPRIL 2011 5 T&T ad ATJourneys qtr pg 5 qxd7.QXD:T&T ad ATJourneys qtr pg 2.QXD 1/29/11 11:33 AM Page 1 LETTERS NEW Just in time for Virginia Journeys 2011: topped out on all the 4,000-footers. I’d like CORRECTIONS EDITION The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s to thru-hike the Long Trail someday since In the January-February feature “Origins 38th Biennial Conference it is considered the first long distance trail of the Trail,” we failed to publish appropri- (Club Hopping, November/December). ate citation to the authors of several publi- NOW AVALIABLE EVERY ISSUE OF A.T. Journeys is a Thank you for helping me enjoy the A.T. … cations used in researching and writing the A new edition of the pleasure to read. Many of the articles bring even if it is from my living room. piece, which was an abbreviated and ed- TTrreekkss && TTrraaiillss back fond memories of my relationship ited excerpt from an 8,000-word collegiate/ Appalachian Trail Guide IINNTTEERRNNAATTIIOONNAALL with the A.T. “Something to Behold” Ken LaFlamme undergraduate paper that included all to Southwest Virginia Hiking adventures of a lifetime to some of the (A.T. Journeys November/December 2010) K NOXVILLE, TeNNessee appropriate footnote and end note cita- sent me back to the Bigelow range. A fellow tions. Among several authors quoted and/ world’s most amazing and hidden destinations. thru-hiker and I had a big day as we crossed WITH A GREAT deal of happiness I or heavily relied upon for substance were: that range and covered 22 miles from Strat- have just received my issue for January- Anderson, Larry; Benton MacKaye: Con- FOR 2011: Chile: Torres del Paine; Dientes Circuit ton to West Carry Pond. “Trailhead” February. I have been meaning to send servationist, Planner, and Creator of the Members only receive exclusive pricing (Book & Maps: $18.35) brought back memories of my numerous you an email to congratulate you for such Appalachian Trail. Buell, Lawrence; Liter- Sweden: Kungsleden trips to Damascus and section hikes north a wonderful job. The only two words that ary Transcendentalism: Style and Vision in England & Wales: Offa's Dyke and south into town. I had some great stays I can think of to describe your magazine the American Renaissance. Cutright, Paul Spain: Pyrenees at the Hiker’s Inn and Dave’s Place.