issn 098—8154 in our 75th year! · 2002 annual meeting/dinner on tuesday, november 12 in vienna...

PATC’s Nominating Committee has been assigned the task ofproviding candidates for Executive Committee service for the

years 2003-04. This was done at the behest of President WaltSmith last spring. To date, the Nominating Committee has fivecandidates for the 10 positions available and has five vacant posi-tions. The nominees below will hold two-year terms of officebeginning January 2003 if approved in the election at the annualmeeting of Nov. 12.

Positions with no recommendation by the Nominating Committeeinclude: Vice President of Volunteerism; Supervisor of Trails;Supervisor of Facilities; Supervisor of Membership; and Supervisorof Education, Information, and Activities. Any member who wouldlike to self-nominate or would like to nominate another PATC mem-ber should contact the Chair of the Nominating Committee, RickCanter at [email protected] or 301/721-3061.

President Tom JohnsonTom joined PATC in 1972, but was only occasionally active for thefirst 20 years. In 1992, he began hiking regularly with the Club, andsoon took on trail Overseer responsibilities. In the fall of 1993, hejoined Council as the new chairman of the hiking committee (thencalled the Excursions Committee). The next two years saw himimmersed in preparations for the ATC conference in Harrisonburg,Va. ’95, as the conference Co-chair.

Since then he has served variously as Vice President of Volunteerism,Vice President of Operations, and Chairman of the land manage-ment committee. He has also participated actively in the FuturesGroup, PATC’s strategic planning effort. Outside of PATC, he hasserved as Recording Secretary for the American Hiking Society forthe past four years, and as President of the Potomac Trail Councilsince January of last year.

Tom has worked for many years as a collection officer in the intelli-gence community, and at present is an independent contractor writ-ing histories for intelligence agencies. He and his wife, Sharon, havebeen married 43 years; they have two grown children. They live inFront Royal, Va., about 3/4 mile from the AT.

Vice President of Operations Fred “Hop” LongFred “Hop” Long presently serves PATC as Deputy Supervisorof Trails and District Manager for the Great North MountainDistrict. He is leader of the Stonewall Brigade trail crew and anOverseer on the Massanutten Mountain South Trail. Hop is alsoa regular worker with the Cadillac Crew.

Hop was born (and tagged with the nickname at that time) incentral Kansas and lived in that area until the mid-1960s. Aftera year in Seattle, he and his wife of 35 years have lived in

In This Issue . . .

Council Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Walt’s Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Beware - It’s Hunting Season . . . .3

A Summer Hike in the Rockies . . .4

The Future of the PHT . . . . . . . .7

New Cabin Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Mike Karpie’s Photo Tips . . . . . . .9

Forecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Bob Pickett’s Appalachian Nature 16

Volunteers Appointed . . . . . . . . .16

Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Trailhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Help Wanted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

The Newsletter of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180-4609http://www.patc.net

Volume 31, Number 10October 2002

ISSN 098—8154

In Our 75th Year!

For a Fabulous Evening Don’t Miss the 75th Annual Dinner

Celebrate 75 years of PATC! Mark yourcalendar now and sign up for PATC’s

2002 Annual Meeting/Dinner on Tuesday,November 12 in Vienna to celebrate our75th year. We will begin with a social gath-ering at 6:00 p.m. and dinner will follow.The cost is $15 per adult and $5 per child(The meeting is free for anyone just wishingto attend.). The event will be held at thebeautiful Atrium of the Northern VirginiaRegional Park Authority located next to theMeadowlark Botanical Gardens on BeulahStreet in Vienna.

Bring your families. The first 75 people willget free T-shirts. We hope to see hikers,crew members, trail workers, and anyonewho has ever supported the PATC. We willelect our new officers and hear a few wise

words. Commemorative 75th Anniversarygifts will be at every seat.

There will be displays of our various activi-ties from our committees. When you lookthem over, you just may find a new volun-teer interest.

Do you have a favorite photo of a trail? Aphoto of you hiking or working on a cabin,trail, or shelter or any other PATC activity?Or a great picture of a terrific view or a funnypicture of a furry companion that was withyou on a PATC trail? We’d like you to sharethose photos and we’ll have a BIG board forposting them (Bring non-returnable photos,please.) The editors of the PA will select a fewand post them in the newsletter.

See Nominations, page 6

See Banquet, page 15

Meet the New Officer Candidates

At its regular monthly meeting on Aug.13, the PATC Council approved a

Memorandum of Understanding betweenthe National Park Service and the Club forRidgerunner and Trail Patrol programs inShenandoah National Park. The agreementprovides that registered PATCRidgerunners and Trail Patrol membersworking in the Park will be covered underthe Volunteers in Parks program. They willprovide general assistance to backcountryvisitors, educate them in Leave No Traceminimum impact-use ethics and techniques,provide light maintenance of trails and des-ignated campsites, conduct outreach pro-grams to the public, and observe and reporton backcountry and wilderness conditions.

Cabin RentalsFor the first time in four years, theCouncil voted to increase cabin rentalrates in order to keep pace with inflationand pricing of similar facilities, and to helpbalance the Club’s budget. A new scheduleof rental rates will be effective on Oct. 1for all cabins except those in theShenandoah National Park, for which theincrease will be effective as soon as Parkapproval is secured. The former weekendrates will now apply to weekday rentals.The new weekend rates range from $25per night for the smaller primitive cabinsto $110 per night for Highacre and theBlackburn Trail Center. The current fee of$2 for mailing a key and forms covers costsand will remain unchanged.

FinanceThe monthly budget report for July showedthat year-to-date revenue exceeded expendi-tures by more than $115,000. Adjustmentswere made to reflect that some checks writ-ten in 2002 were for expenses incurred in2001. The Council added money to thesalaries budget line to cover reimbursementof health insurance for an employee forprior years and for unplanned costs in sup-port of the Treasurer and the BusinessOffice. The Council also approved a con-tract for on-call computer network mainte-nance. It was agreed that sets of maps andguidebooks should be priced at 85 percentof the total price of the components, so thatthe recent increase in map and publicationprices is reflected in the sets.

PATC has received a grant of $60,000 fromthe Virginia Department of Conservationand Natural Resources toward purchase ofland for a parking lot for a trailhead inShenandoah National Park. The Club hasalso received a series of small donations inthe past three months totaling $1,600, ear-marked mainly for trails, cabins, and thegeneral fund.

In reaction to nibbles from real estatedevelopers interested in acquiring theHeadquarters building, the Council reaf-firmed its policy that it would not consid-er a swap unless the offer included allmoving costs and a very substantial finan-cial incentive.

Council Fire

2 Potomac Appalachian

Council Members, Chairs and PA Staff

OfficersPresident: Walt Smith, 703/242-0693

Ext. 40, [email protected] Operations: VacantVP Volunteerism: Mickey McDermottSupervisor of Trails: Kerry SnowSupervisor of Corridor Management:

Tom LuppGeneral Secretary (Facilities): Jon RindtGeneral Counsel: Charles SloanMembership Secretary: Liles CreightonTreasurer: Gerhard SalingerRecording Secretary: George Meek

Sections/ChaptersMountaineering Section: Mack MuirSMRG: Peter PenningtonSki Touring Section: Steve BrickelNorth Chapter: Pete BrownN. Shenandoah Valley Chapter: Gerry BoydS. Shenandoah Valley Chapter: John HeldCharlottesville Chapter: John ShannonWest Virginia Chapter: Judy Smoot

Standing Committee Chairs(Council Members)Blackburn Trail Center: Chris BruntonBudget: David WhiteCabins Operations: Mel MerrittCabin Construction: Charlie GrafConservation: Mary Margaret SloanGrants & Donations: Susan NelsonEndowment: Don PriceFinance: Gerhard SalingerHikes: Karen Brown & Tom JohnsonInternet Services: Stephen RaiaLand Management: Tom JohnsonLegal: Charles SloanMaps: Dave PierceMaryland Appalachian Trail Management

Committee: Charlie GrafPotomac Appalachian: Linda Shannon-BeaverPublic Affairs: Larry RockwellPublications: Aaron WatkinsSales: Paul DeryShelters: Frank TurkTrail Lands Acquisition: Phil PaschallTrail Patrol: Kumait JawdatTuscarora Trail Land Management:

Lloyd MacAskill

Special Committees/Ongoing ActivitiesArchives & Library: Carol NiedzialekCabin Reservations: VacantCommunications Team: Mike SutherlandDeputy Finance Committee Chair: John FergusonDeputy Supervisor of Trails: Hop LongHeadquarters Facility: Orron KeeInformation/Sales Desks: Marguerite SchneebergerMedical: VacantShelters, Cabins, & Cabins Land Fund: Jon RindtSNP Boundary Trailheads Study Group:

Mark HollandTuscarora Trail Shenandoah Valley Project:

Phoebe Kilby & Larry Bradford

Potomac AppalachianChief Editor: Linda Shannon-Beaver

[email protected] Editor: Joanne EricksonForecast Editor: Joan Hollen

[email protected]

HEADQUARTERSHOW TO CONTACT US FOR CABIN RESERVATIONS,

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION, AND SALES

Address: 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

and Thursday and Friday 12 noon to 2 p.m.Phone #: 703/242-0315 24-hr. Activities Tape #: 703/242-0965To receive an information packet: Extension 10To leave a message for the Club President Walt Smith: Extension 40Club e-mail: [email protected] Facsimile #: 703/242-0968World Wide Web URL: http://www.patc.net

STAFFDURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS

Director of Administration: Wilson Riley (Ext. 11) e-mail: [email protected] Management Coordinator: Heidi Forrest (Ext. 12) e-mail: [email protected] Manager: Monica Clark (Ext. 15) e-mail: [email protected]/Cabin Coordinator: Pat Fankhauser (Ext. 17) e-mail: [email protected] Coordinator: Maureen Estes (Ext. 19) e-mail: [email protected]

Bus/Metro Directions to Headquarters: When taking Metro Orange line, get off at DunnLoring station (not Vienna, the last stop). Outside the station, find the stop for Metrobus2C westbound in the direction of Tyson’s Corner. When the bus starts down MapleAvenue in Vienna, exit at the library just past Center St. Walk half a block in the samedirection the bus travels, and turn right at Park St. PATC will be on the left only a few yardsdown from the corner. The fare is $1.10, but you can ride for $.25 if you remember to geta transfer ticket at your originating station.

See Council Fire, page 9

Looking Ahead – Part IILast month I wrote about the Council’s vision for 2027 concern-ing the Club’s support of hiking trails and trail land preservation.This month I address other long-term Club constitutional objec-tives: “To provide outdoor recreational opportunities for Clubmembers and the general public by constructing and maintainingshelters, cabins, and campsites along the AT and other trails” aswell as to “encourage the careful use and conservation of theseresources…and teach proper skills related to the construction andmaintenance of structures.”

The Club has been constructing both three-sided shelters and themore comfortable cabins since the early ’30s (some people would saythat a few of the larger facilities are of a much higher quality than justbeing comfortable!). Initially the cabins were for the use of trail con-struction crews who traveled the lengthy distance from D.C. overwinding two-lane roads to the mountains in order to construct theAT, and, therefore, needed overnight accommodations. As time wenton, the cabins became available to all members, and the facilitiesbeing maintained on public lands were opened to the general public.In 1936, the Club had five shelters and five cabins; today, there areabout 30 of each (depending upon the state of restoration, etc.) thatare open for use. Most of the campgrounds are for overflow use atshelter sites but there are a few other camping areas, primarily alongthe Tuscarora Trail, that do not have a shelter or cabin.

The 2027 VisionThe 2027 Vision foresees the need for additional facilities to be con-structed, primarily along the Tuscarora Trail and in western areasbeyond the Blue Ridge Mountains, and possibly in some urban areas,as the population increases. The new construction will require moreskilled volunteers as well as professional and support staff. In addi-tion to construction skills, facility volunteers will also need to beknowledgeable about and sensitive to ecological and health issues.Gone are the days when the crews could put up a cabin without per-mits and consultation over increasing government requirements thataddress ecological, social, and health concerns. The plan is to con-struct and maintain shelters and campgrounds for backpackers everyeight to 12 miles along trails in the mountainous areas. Sheltersalong popular trails will be constructed near water sources. They willaccommodate 10 to 12 people and will have a privy and covered areas

for sleeping and cooking. Smaller shelters, or campgrounds nearwater sources with a privy and a picnic table, will be provided on less-er-used trails.

In the past, the facilities were constructed primarily for the purposeof sleeping and eating. Increasingly, Council anticipates that facilitiesconstructed in the future will also serve as places for educating, train-ing, and conducting meetings and conferences. The wide geograph-ic spread of the growing membership requires that other buildings,in addition to Headquarters in Vienna, must serve dual purposes.The Club is placing greater emphasis on educating the public onmatters related to the careful use and conservation of trails and sur-rounding lands. Facilities constructed on Club-owned property willbe designed to accommodate these needs.

Club Headquarters will also grow “to accommodate its increasingmembership and responsibilities with a location near public transporta-tion as well as major roads. ... The communication and information-processing capabilities of the Headquarters facilities will be significant-ly enhanced in order to accommodate the increased demands of thesupporting staff, volunteer leadership, membership, and the public.”

2003-08 GoalsWhat does all this mean on the ground? The Council’s five-yeargoals include: making a few further improvements to theHeadquarters building (we just completed a major renovation); bringinto the rental system all four new cabins currently being construct-ed and assemble the Silberman cabin kit (currently pending siteselection in Pennsylvania); complete 50 percent of the Eaton Hollowcabin, and begin construction of the Elder Tract cabin; completerenovations of Cliff’s House, the Schairer Trail Center, and RockSpring cabin; implement a five-year plan for repair of buildings inShenandoah National Park; complete new shelters along theTuscarora Trail in Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, as wellas replace four AT shelters in Maryland and Pennsylvania; participatein the construction of a campground at Annapolis Rocks along theAT in Maryland; and evaluate the use of moldering privies.Ambitious? Yes. Doable? Yes, if the necessary leadership is forth-coming to help organize the many workers who volunteer to usetheir skills and muscle.

Walt’s Notes

Hikers/Cabin Renters Beware: Hunting Season is Upon Us

Potomac Appalachian 3

With the hunting season upon us it isnice to know where the guns are

shooting and the arrows are flying so we canhike elsewhere. Here is a list of deer andbear seasons for Virginia, Maryland,Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. For yourprotection whether or not you go hiking inor around the SNP, GWNF, Buchanan orMichaux State Forest, be aware and pre-pared for hunting activities.

❏ Don’t wear white hats, gloves, scarves,etc.

❏ Do wear a bright color like blaze orange.

There is no hunting allowed in theShenandoah National Park or on the

Appalachian Trail (there is hunting alongthe AT in the G. Thompson WildlifeManagement Area, Va.) but there are poach-ers and people hunting close to the trails, sobe careful!

This schedule lists the first and the last dateindicated for deer and bear seasons. Theindividual scheduled dates are too numerousto list. Please call the individual states forspecific information.Virginia - Oct. 12 - Jan. 4. For

specific information call: 804/367-1000Maryland -Sept. 14 - Jan. 31. For specific

information call: 410/974-3195Pennsylvania - Oct. 5 - Feb. 22. For

specific information call: 717/787-4250

West Virginia - Oct. 5 - Dec. 26. For specific information call: 304/558-2771

Please be informed that hunting may bepermitted in the surrounding woods nearthe following cabin properties:

Glass House MeadowsMilesburn Schairer T.C.Dawson HermitageSugar Knob Cliff’s HouseMichener Olive GreenWeaver

—Pat FankhauserMembership/Cabin Coordinator

See Walt, page 6

Lake Louise. Banff. The blue Canadian Rockies. The names ofthese places have always held an allure – an intriguing, distant

land of majestic mountains and lakes. And, one would imagine, greathiking trails as well. When this destination popped to the top of myhiking companions’ list of places to take our annual summer adven-ture, it was difficult to control our enthusiasm. A few of us had beenthere before; some had visited in winter for downhill skiing. Others,including myself, had no idea what to expect.

PreparationsAll the guidebooks reiterated the same warning – “make all summerreservations early to avoid disappointment.” Certainly, calling forlodging in December of the prior year to a summer trip would besufficient, if not downright over-prepared! We were in for a rudeawakening when almost all of our lodging choices were alreadybooked solid for the entire season. The tourist season is quite brief –late June, July, and August – and this is a much more popular world-wide destination than one would guess. We were fortunate to piecetogether lodging accommodations that were suitable for our plans.Our goal was to spend part of the trip in the Banff area, in the south-ern part of the Canadian Rockies, and the remainder in the Jasperarea, in the north. The most helpful travel guide for the trip logisticswas the Moon series guide “Canadian Rockies” by AndrewHempstead (2001, Avalon Travel Publishing, 2nd edition). Rightaway we could see that this would not be a “bargain” vacation. Beingthat the season is so short, and the number of interested travelers is

large, prices were definitely on the high side. We juggled our plansso that more time would be spent in Jasper, which has more afford-able accommodations, being three hours’ drive away from the covet-ed Lake Louise/Banff area.

Canada has established four distinct National Parks in the CanadianRockies. The park borders, which at first seem geographically arbi-trary, turn out to be on the boundaries between the provinces ofAlberta on the east and British Columbia on the west, as well as onthe north-south continental divide. Banff National Park is on thesoutheast, Kootenay National Park is on the southwest, YohoNational Park is in the central west, and Jasper National Park is inthe north. Banff and Jasper National Parks are the largest. The parksare linked by two major east-west highways and one spectacularnorth-south road, the Icefields Parkway.

Our trip was scheduled for mid-July, the height of the tourist season.We had read that the most scenic trails were very high in the moun-tains and usually snowbound until late June or early July. We werehoping to visit as many of these trails as we could.

With lodging reservations made in December and car-rental and air-line reservations made in March, four months of anticipation fol-lowed. When the day in July finally arrived to make our way West,the excitement had built to a thrilling level.

All arrangements went smoothly, and we were soon in our two rentalvehicles, heading out of Calgary fully supplied with groceries andspirits. The Rockies are visible from Calgary, but only at a great dis-tance, which did not impart any of their majesty. The drive West,though, seemed to quickly close the distance, and soon we reachedthe foothills.

ArrivalAll the reading in the world could not have prepared our Eastern-mountain eyes for the indescribable grandeur of the CanadianRockies. The peaks are not particularly tall by Colorado standards,but they rise quickly from low-elevation valleys. Being so far north,timberline is relatively low, resulting in much of the mountains beingbare expanses of sedimentary rock, layers twisted, tilted, and upliftedin awe-inspiring patterns. The highest peaks have an additionalfrosting of glaciers and snowfields. And not only are the individualmountains spectacular, but they link to other mountains in chainsand ridges as far as one can see. Anyone who sees them for the first

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See Rockies, page 5


time must share a common sense of amaze-ment with the first explorers who made theirway here.

But now in the present with jet planes andinternal combustion engines instead ofcanoes and snowshoes, within two hours ofleaving Calgary we entered Banff NationalPark. The entrance fees were such that itmade economical sense for us to purchasean Annual Parks Pass for each of our vehi-cles. The annual pass costs $75 Canadianand allows for admittance of a vehicle and alloccupants to any National Park in Canadafor one year from the date of purchase.

Growing weary after our long travel day, wewere glad to make it to our first lodging,Cathedral Mountain Lodge (www.cathe-dralmountain.com, P.O. Box 40, BritishColumbia, V0A 1G0, Canada, 250/343-6442), in Yoho National Park, for a late sup-per. Cathedral Mountain Lodge consists of30 small housekeeping cabins surrounding amain lodge building. The cabins are locatedin an unpopulated area along Kicking HorseRiver, at the base of looming Mt. Stephen.The nearest town is Field, BritishColumbia, which is a 15-minute drive to thewest. Restaurant choices in this part of theregion are very few, so we had made reser-vations to eat at Cathedral Mountain ourfirst night.

During the first part of our trip, two thingswere the hardest to get used to. One was theunexpectedly long daylight hours – it wasstill perfectly bright outside at 9:30 p.m.,and we were not sure when it really did getdark, as we were always asleep by the timethe sun set. The other difficulty was gettingused to the laid-back mellowness of almostall of the eating establishments we visited –dinner was definitely the entire evening’sentertainment in the town of Field. Theonly real problem with that was that the areawas experiencing an unprecedented heatwave during our visit – daily highs near 100in Calgary – and that air conditioning hasnot yet been invented in this part of theworld. The only relief we had while wesweated out our evenings in the restaurantswas knowing that the poor chefs in the hotkitchen must have been much worse off thanwe were!

Bow Glacier FallsBut the purpose of the trip was hiking, andhiking we would do. Our first day was brightand sunny, perfect for a warm-up, easy hikewhile we became acclimated to the eleva-tion. We chose a simple 10 km (six-mile) up-and-back hike to the foot of Bow GlacierFalls in Banff National Park.

The Icefields Parkway is the Skyline Driveof the Ice Age. It is an awesome two-laneroad that runs north from Lake Louise inthe central part of Banff National Park for233km (145 miles) to the town of Jasper.The Icefields Parkway has it all – mind-bog-gling views, waterfalls, lakes, glaciers ... well,it doesn’t quite have it ALL. What it is sore-ly lacking are road signs! Only the bare min-imum are placed, guiding travellers to themost heavily used locations such as hostels,lodges, and prominent attractions. Whilethe detailed GemTrek maps showed that theparticular trailhead to be found was 0.1 kmpast the “Waterfowl Overlook,” for exam-ple, it would be nice to have a road sign indi-cating the “Waterfowl Overlook,” ratherthan just a bit of a wider asphalt shoulderwhizzing by. Soon we realized that the GPSgrids on the maps were much more useful

than the named minor features for findingour way. The GPS unit became an ever-present friend in the car thereafter.

With little trouble, then, the trailhead forBow Glacier Falls trail was located, along-side the unusual architecture of the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. Anxious to get going, weunloaded and soon began our first trekalong the shores of Bow Glacier Lake.

The previous winter had been a particularlysnowy one, and many of the highest-regard-ed trails remained buried in snow throughthe entire month of June. The recent warm-up in early July, followed by the record hightemperatures, was causing a rapid snowmelt,fueling all of the glacial meltwater streams.The unnamed stream we were following,flowing from Bow Glacier Falls to BowGlacier Lake, was running high. The watercarried so much glacial rock flour that itresembled a river of skim milk. The riverchannel was nothing like I had seen in theEast – rather than forming a distinct streamvalley filled with water, the river was com-posed of many sinuous braided subchannels,flowing like many twisted ropes over a muchwider field of rounded cobbles. The cobblesmade for easy hiking along the stream –until one of the braided channels had to becrossed. We picked our way along as best wecould in the extensive areas where the for-mal trail was several feet underwater.

About 2 km (1.2 miles) from the trailhead,though, we were thwarted when the riverpassed through a narrow opening betweensteep hills on either side. The official trailwas well under water, and there were few orno banks left on the rocky sides to scootaround the base of the hills. Proud of our

Rockies, from page 4

See Rockies, page 15

Nominations for PATC Leadership


Kensington, Md., raising two, now adult,daughters. He worked for theDepartment of Commerce for 30 years,retiring in 1997 from the NationalWeather Service.

Treasurer Gerhard SalingerGerhard Salinger, a PATC member since1992, is the present Treasurer and hasserved two terms as Recording Secretary ofPATC. He is a member of the EndowmentCommittee and also served on the FuturesGroup, helping to formulate the five-yeargoals for PATC that have been refined andadopted by Council. He and his wife,Evelyn, are Overseers on a section of theBull Run-Occoquan Trail. Gerhard startedservice to PATC as a Sales Desk volunteerand is still a substitute. He was chair of theHikes Committee for the biennial meeting

of the Appalachian Trail Conference hostedby PATC in 1995. Before moving toWashington, he was active in theAdirondack Mountain Club in New York.

Gerhard is a Program Officer at theNational Science Foundation with majorinterests in secondary school and two-yearcollege scientific and technical education.His major interests are in music and hiking.In 2001, he and Evelyn completed sectionhiking the AT and also the 111 Peaks over4000 feet in New York and New England.

With a membership of about 7000 peopleand the raplidly changing environment ofnorthern Virginia, it is important thatPATC have a comprehensive and realisticbusiness plan to support the vision for thenext 25 years.

Supervisor Of Lands ChrisMangoldChris is a member of the ATC andPATC, which he joined in the early1990’s. During the 90s, he was involvedin supplying data for the Map H updateand completed the Dogwood HalfHundred on two occasions. During thepast year he has served as a CorridorMonitor for two miles of the AT southof Keys Gap. He also has been involvedas a Tract Manager for the Vic Clarkproperty in Virginia and is activelyworking on the Tract Management Planfor the property.

Chris lives in New Market, Md. with hiswife of 18 years, Kim, their three chil-dren, and his loyal trail companion andfamily dog, Otta. Chris has worked inthe software development business since1984 holding numerous positions at thedevelopment and managerial level.

Secretary Georgeann SmaleGeorgeann is a relative newcomer toPATC. Her first contact with the Clubcame last winter, hiking approximately10 miles, every Wednesday, with thePATC midweek hikers.

In March of 2002, she became an activemember of the Trail Patrol. In addition tostandard Trail Patrol training, she became aLeave No Trace trainer and was certified inwilderness first aid.

Recently, she became an Overseer for theFord Mine Trail at the C&O CanalNational Historic Park. She plans to partic-ipate in the upcoming Overseer workshop atPinnacles Research Station.

Since 1999, Georgann has volunteered withthe C&O Canal Bike Patrol. In 2001, shebiked the entire length of the canal, in sec-tions – which is something she recommendsas an alternate to “through-biking.” As apark volunteer, she regularly hikes the BillyGoat Trail, assisting visitors on this popularand strenuous trail.

Georgeann has also volunteered with theNature Conservancy. She works as a sciencewriter and lives in Bethesda, Md. ❏

—Compiled by Rick Canter

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, PATC mem-bers will elect officers to the PATC

Executive Committee. See the article abovefor the names of persons recommended bythe Nominating Committee. These officerswill serve for two years starting Jan. 1, 2003.Members in good standing may vote eitherin person, at the annual meeting, or byabsentee ballot. Those wishing to vote byabsentee ballot must request a ballot in writ-ing, and include a self-addressed, stampedenvelop. In order for absentee ballots tocount, they must be received at the Club

Headquarters in Vienna no later than 5 p.m.on Nov. 12, 2002.

Other nominations of a complete slate forthe Executive Committee or of individualofficers may be made by 25 members whoare in good standing. The 25 members mustsign their names and post their nominationswith Wilson Riley, Director ofAdministration, at the Club Headquartersno later than 9 p.m. on Oct. 29, 2002.Nominations will not be accepted from thefloor at the annual meeting. ❏

DON’T FORGET: Send a self-addressed, stamped envelop with this form.

Please send me an absentee ballot for the November PATC Officer election. I under-stand that this ballot must be returned to PATC Headquarters by 5 p.m. Nov. 12, 2002.

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Street Address: ________________________________________________________

City, State: ____________________________________________________________

Zip Code: ____________________________________________________________

Mail to: Wilson RileyDirector of AdministrationPATC Headquarters118 Park Street, S.E.,Vienna, VA 22180

Member Notice

Nominations, from page 1


Looking Toward the Future - The Potomac Heritage Trail

As another government fiscal year ends,the Potomac Heritage Trail (PHT) is

beginning to assert its place as one of thenation’s best urban hiking trails. By workingtoward PATC’s goal of a “safe, well-main-tained, and appropriately signed” trail, PHTOverseers and volunteers are reworking thetrail to make it a more pleasant hiking expe-rience.

Safety was the top priority this year, andPATC’s Blue and White crew came to therescue by rerouting a washed-out trail sec-tion to go underneath a busy highway byChain Bridge – the oldest Potomac Rivercrossing. The construction of 35 stone stepswas a publicist’s delight as reporters fromlocal television stations and the WashingtonPost photographed large boulders beingwinched into position. Thankfully, the crewhad their hard hats on.

The Park Service then followed suit by cov-ering an “attractive nuisance” hole in theside of an abandoned historic water gauge.The gauge measured the 26-foot high floodin 1936 that would cover today’s trail in thearea with 15 feet of water! Lastly, the ParkService placed a crosswalk to guide hikersacross a GW Parkway entrance/exit rampand keep them from straying off the trail.

Publicize it, and they will come. Startingwith the Post’s “Outdoors” reporter AngusPhillips’ article in late fall 2001 thatdescribed the PHT’s solitude, the new PHTpublicity helped solidify a full complementof Overseers and filled a spring training ses-

sion. This beginning core helped improvetrail maintenance throughout the year.

But the maintenance problems on the PHTare constant. Six stream boulder crossingsneed continuing attention. Kudzu, the fast-growing invasive plant, has a strong stemthat fouls weedwackers and grows up to afoot a day, bringing the Little Shop ofHorrors plant into reality. Fishermen arenot the PHT’s best friend, as lures, fish lines,and debris are scattered along the Potomacwaterfront. If PHT volunteers and ParkService show that they care, education mayturn the tide against litter.

The final step of a solid PHT will be appro-priate signage to help the public find access“gateways” to the PHT and keep themheading in the right direction. Crossing themany streams that empty into the PotomacRiver confuses hikers as they begin to headup the stream valley instead of along theriver. Also, urban hikers are baffled as theytry to understand turn blazes at the fewpoints where the PHT changes from theriverside to overlooking bluffs. The upcom-ing year will be spent trying to help thehiker not miss the PHT’s critical turns.

With safety concerns behind us and a newlyprinted map signaling renewed Park Serviceinterest, the PHT’s next year is lookingmuch brighter. In July, WashingtonianMagazine listed the PHT as one of five“Best” hiking trails and it is the closest“Best” trail to the city’s center, only a quar-ter-mile from Rosslyn Metro station. WithPresident Bush setting a tone clearing brushat his ranch and congressional staffers enjoy-ing an early summer 2002 hike on the PHT,maybe the wheels of government will beginto recognize the tremendous resource righton its doorstep. All PATC can do is showthem the opportunity.

So to those that worked on the PHT thisyear – thanks for helping build toward aresurgence. And for those who want tojoin – let me know – Bruce Glendening, e-mail – [email protected], or call703/532-9093. ❏

—Bruce Glendening

Blue and White crew installs stone steps up steep embankment on PHT trail.

Raising boulders for steps on the PHT.

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Reminder: New Cabin Rates Effective After 4 p.m. - Oct. 1


As announced in the Septem

ber 2002 issue of the Potom

ac Appalachian, C

ouncil approved an adjusted cabin rental rate structure to become effective on O

ct. 1, 2002. This

includes all cabins managed or ow

ned by the Club w

ith the exception of the six primitive cabins w

ithin Shenandoah National P

ark. PATC

and SNP

officials are still innegotiations w

ith those cabin rates. The increase brings the cabins closer to the rates of in-kind facilities in the regions in w

hich they are located.❏

CA

BIN

Where

Cabin

Pets

Maxim

umPAT

C

# Miles

Hike-in

Distance

Per N

ight Rate

Per N

ight Rate

NA

ME

Located

Type

Allow

edC

apacityM

AP

From

DC

Distance

to the ATw

knd/holidaysw

eekdaysP

UB

LIC

CA

BIN

S A

nna Michener

Pennsylvania

Prim

itiveYes

142-3

1051 m

ile0.25 m

ile$35.00

$25.00 B

ear SpringM

arylandP

rimitive

Yes6

5-659

0.4 mile

0.8 mile

$25.00 $15.00

Corbin

SNP

Prim

itiveYes

1210

931.4 or 4 m

i1.5 m

iles$25.00

$15.00 D

oyle River

SNP

Prim

itiveYes

1211

1290.4 m

ile0.3 m

ile$25.00

$15.00 H

ermitage

Pennsylvania

Prim

itiveYes

124

820.2 m

ile0.7 m

ile$35.00

$25.00 Jones M

ountainSN

PP

rimitive

Yes10

10109

4 miles

5.4 miles

$25.00 $15.00

Milesburn

Pennsylvania

Prim

itiveYes

102-3

10140 feet

60 feet$35.00

$25.00 O

live Green

Maryland

Prim

itiveN

o4

5-665

None

N/A

$25.00 $15.00

Pocosin

SNP

Prim

itiveYes

810

1140.2 m

ile0.1 m

ile$25.00

$15.00 R

ange View

SNP

Prim

itiveYes

89

930.9 m

ile0.1 m

ile$25.00

$15.00 R

ock SpringSN

PP

rimitive

Yes8

10102

0.8 mile

0.2 mile

$25.00 $15.00

Sugar Knob

GW

NF

Prim

itiveYes

4F

1053.2 m

ilesN

/A$25.00

$15.00 M

EM

BE

R-O

NLY

CA

BIN

S B

lackburn Tr. C

tr. V

irginiaSem

i-Prim

itiveN

o25

750

None

0.25 mile

$110.00*$50.00*

Catoctin

Maryland

Semi-P

rimitive

No

85-6

65N

oneN

/A$60.00

$40.00 C

onleyV

irginiaP

rimitive

Yes8

11120

0.5 mile

N/A

$35.00 $25.00

Daw

sonP

ennsylvaniaP

rimitive

Yes7

--119

0.2 mile

N/A

$25.00 $15.00

Cliff’s H

ouse V

irginiaM

odernN

o8

10110

None

N/A

$60.00 $40.00

Glass H

ouseV

irginiaM

odernYes

8G

85N

oneN

/A$60.00

$40.00 G

ypsy SpringP

ennsylvaniaM

odernYes

82-3

106N

one0.25 m

ile CA

BIN

NO

T Y

ET

AVA

ILA

BL

EH

ighacreW

est Va.

Modern

No

87

65N

one30 feet

$110.00 $55.00

Little O

rleans M

arylandSem

i-Prim

itiveN

o8

--116

None

N/A

$50.00 $35.00

Meadow

sV

irginiaSem

i-Prim

itiveYes

1210

1000.2 m

ile6 m

iles$50.00

$35.00 M

orrisV

irginiaP

rimitive

Yes12

11120

0.5 mile

N/A

$35.00 $25.00

Mutton Top

Virginia

Prim

itiveYes

911

1200.5 m

ileN

/A$35.00

$25.00 M

yron Glaser

Virginia

Prim

itiveYes

128

561.8 m

ile0.2 m

ile$35.00

$25.00 Schairer T

rail Center

Virginia

Semi-P

rimitive

Yes14

11120

0.4 mile

N/A

$60.00 $40.00

Weaver

Virginia

Semi-P

rimitive

Yes8

10110

None

N/A

$35.00 $25.00

Wineberry

Virginia

Prim

itiveYes

811

1200.5 m

ileN

/A$35.00

$25.00 *P

lus $6 each for more than 15 persons for use of B

lackburn Trail C

enter

PO

LIC

IES

MA

ILIN

G C

HA

RG

E: A

n additional fee of $2 is charged each time a key and form

s are mailed w

hether a reservation is cancelled or not.N

ON

-USE

FEE

: If the cabin was not occupied, the renter w

ill owe up to tw

o night’s rental at the highest rate for the unoccupied nights.L

ATE

CA

NC

EL

LAT

ION

FEE

: Cabins m

ust be cancelled at least 7 days before the reservation date or the renter will ow

e one night’s rental at the higher rate of the cancelled nights.

DA

ILY R

ATE

S: If Thursday is reserved along w

ith Friday, the Thursday is also charged at the w

eekend rate. R

ESE

RV

ATIO

N T

IME

S: Reservations start at 4:00 pm

on the first date and end at 4:00 pm on the day after the last date.

The inform

ation you see above is from our Potom

ac Appalachian Trail C

lub Cabins booklet for sale at PAT

C headquarters and m

ost outfitter stores. To order call 703/242-0693, ext. 19.

TrailsATC’s Mid-Atlantic Crew will work onPATC trails for three weeks in the fall, andClub members are needed to help on week-ends. A proposal by the MarylandDepartment of Natural Resources to erect a195-foot communications tower on Lamb’sKnoll has been withdrawn in the face ofwidespread opposition, but may resurface ina scaled back form. There is also a proposalto build a 30-foot water tower inWashington County, south of Penn-Mar. Afence may be needed to keep cars fromcrossing the AT to get to Dahlgren Chapel.

CabinsThe Council learned that Weaver cabin isfinished and back in the rental system, andthe National Park Service may help withrenovation to deal with the rat problem atRock Spring cabin. Stonework at theSamuel Eaton cabin is nearing completion,

and good progress is being made at TulipTree, which may be ready for dedication inJune or July of 2003.The Cabins Committeesaid storage space allocated to it atHeadquarters is inadequate.

ExcursionsPending a general review of the Club’spolicy for excursions to provide for insur-ance and waivers, it was decided that par-ticipants in the excursion to Ireland sched-uled for September would be required tosign a waiver at least as comprehensive asthat contained on the back of the hikesignup sheet and to show evidence theyhave their own insurance with guaranteedreturn home fare.

MembershipThe August membership report showed atotal of 6,924 (up from 6,793 the previousmonth). Since the last report, 171 newmembers were entered into the database.

The data indicated the Club is doing a bet-ter job of retaining members. Oct. 1 is thedeadline to nominate members for recog-nition with service awards at the annualmeeting on Nov. 12 at MeadowlarkGardens in Vienna.

Other BusinessTrail Patrol reported that L.L. Bean hadgraciously donated $2,000 worth of caps foruse by Trail Patrol members. The NorthChapter invited Council members to a din-ner in September at Gypsy Spring Cabinhonoring long-time volunteer Charlie Irvin.

The August Council meeting was attendedby eight officers, 11 committee chairs, onechapter representative, one section repre-sentative, two staff members, and two otherClub members. ❏

—George Meek, Recording Secretary


Council Fire, from page 2

In some extreme situations, available light will behard to measure accurately. In such situations it

is good to have a knowledge of sample settings thatcan be made manually to record the scene accu-rately. For instance, relying on the camera’s meter-ing system to record a moonlit scene will result inrather extreme overexposure. The camera willattempt to make the scene appear like a normaldaylight scene, because that is what metering sys-tems are primarily designed to do. With ISO 400film and an aperture setting of f/1.8, the cameramay recommend a shutter speed of close to oneminute. A shutter speed of 1/15th of a secondwould provide a more accurate rendering of thescene.

The moon itself is one of the most over-exposedphoto subjects. When taking a photo of the moonit is easy to equate nighttime with darkness and,therefore, long exposure. The result is a washedout smudge. Actually, the moon is the same relativedistance from the sun as the earth, and so the visible portion of the moon is as bright as day-light on earth. Therefore using settings like 1/500 second at f/11 with 400 speed film will yielda nicely exposed moon showing all the visible craters and other features.

Candlelit scenes are also challenging to photograph. If your subject is close to the candle youcan use a shutter speed of 1/15th of a second and an aperture setting of f/1.8 when using 400ISO film. A slightly faster shutter speed (1/30 second) can be used to photograph peoplearound a campfire.

Next month: The Art of Seeing ❏

—Michael Karpie

Mike Karpie’s Photo Tips:Available Light Photography - Part IV

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el K

arp

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Next month I plan to cover the vision foroutreach and education.

Has Downsizing AffectedNominations?As I write this message in late August, theNominating Committee has filled only halfof the 10 Executive Committee positions forthe two-year term beginning in January of2003. Increasingly, throughout the Club, weexperience a lack of leadership at a level thatis necessary in order to organize the many,many volunteers who are willing to do thehard work of constructing and maintainingtrails, shelters, and cabins and assist withland management and other functions.

Folks, we cannot attain our goals if we arenot willing to invest a little of our time andstep forward for a spell to lead! It is my viewthat the emphasis in recent years on down-sizing and consolidating work for the pur-pose of improving the bottom line and“working smarter” is taking its toll. There isa state of exhaustion in many sectors of soci-ety, and I hope that we may maintain a bet-ter balance of our community priorities inthe future. Meanwhile, I do hope that a fewmore of you can find the extra hours to helpus achieve our vision, a vision that will meanso much to our grandchildren.

See you on the trail,

Walt, from page 3


FORECAST

Charlottesville ChapterThe Charlottesville Chapter hikes everySaturday, summer, winter and in between. Hikesare usually 8 to 10 miles. We usually maintaintrails on the last Saturday of the month. Meet atSprint parking lot, 2307 Hydraulic Road at 9 a.m.with food and water for the day. The majority ofhikes are in the southern and central districts ofShenandoah National Park, with some in thenorth district and in George WashingtonNational Forest. Our Chapter hikes are postedat www.patc.net/chapters/char/hikes.html.INFO: Jere Bidwell 434/295-2143 or JohnShannon 434/293-2953.

North ChapterThe North Chapter of PATC conducts monthly trailwork trips on the Maryland and Pennsylvania sec-tions of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and on thePennsylvania sections of the Tuscarora Trail. Wealso lead hikes on these and other trails. MarylandAT work trips are generally held on the first andthird Saturdays - contact Mark Mitchell([email protected]) 301/461-7048 for informa-tion. Pennsylvania work trips are generally held onthe AT on the first Saturday and on the Tuscaroraon the third Saturday - contact Charlie Irvin301/447-2848 or Pete Brown([email protected]) 410/343-1140.Pennsylvania AT work trips also include an option-al Saturday night stay at the Gypsy Spring cabin.Dinner, breakfast, and camaraderie available. Forinformation on upcoming hikes, contact ChrisFirme ([email protected]) 717/765-4833. Forgeneral chapter information, contact chapterpresident Pete Brown or visit the North Chapterhome page (www.patc.net/chapters/north/).

Northern Shenandoah Valley ChapterThe Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter spon-sors hikes in national and state parks and forests inthe Shenandoah Valley vicinity, open to the pub-lic, on a monthly basis except during the winter.Hikes are posted in the Forecast. Other activitiesare in the NSV Chapter Newsletter. Forfurther information contact Gerry Boyd ([email protected]) 703/281-7216.

Southern Shenandoah Valley ChapterSee Forecast (or our link from PATC website) forwork trips and hiking events sponsored by theSouthern Shenandoah Valley Chapter. Hikers fromthe DC area should allow about 3 hours to get toour region. INFO: in Harrisonburg, call Alvin540/434-6244 or Lynn 540/234-6273; inWaynesboro, call Michael 540/943-8695; inStaunton, call Doris 540/885-4526.

West Virginia ChapterChapter meeting at Highacre are on the secondWednesday of Feb., Apr., Jun., Aug., Oct., andDec. See Forecast for upcoming activities. Forinformation abou the chapter or to receive thenewsletter, contact Judy Smoot 540/667-2036 ore-mail [email protected].

Ski Touring SectionThe Ski Touring Section has served since 1974 tointroduce Washington area residents to cross-country skiing and to provide cross-country skiingopportunities to experienced skiers. The Sectionsponsors winter weekend ski trips for all levels ofskiers to nearby mountains in Maryland, WestVirginia and Pennsylvania, as well as periodicsocial events year round. INFO: Steve Brickel301/946-2520 or [email protected].

Mountaineering SectionWe’re a diverse group of local Washington, DCarea climbers. Young and old, male and female,crag rat, sport climber, and alpinist, active andarmchair types – we all enjoy climbing in its manyvarieties. We also share common interest in pro-moting safe climbing, conserving the outdoors,developing new climbers’ skills, representing theWashington area climbing community, and hav-ing fun! We provide instruction for those wantingto learn the basics – we’re not a school, but wecan get you started. We go climbing, either local-ly or further afield, nearly every weekend. In thewinter we organize trips to the Ice Festivals in theAdirondacks and the White Mountains for begin-ning and advanced ice climbers. For further infor-mation contact Mack Muir 703/960-1697(MackMuir@ edisaurus.com) .

PATC Midweek HikesPATC’s Vigorous Group hikes 8-10 miles at afast pace; and the Easy Hikers hike 5-8 mileson trails with little elevation change. Seebelow for scheduled trips; check the weeklytape (703/242-0965) on Thursday or Friday forany changes or additions.

Other Clubs’ HikesCapital and Wanderbirds hike on Sundays, travel-ing by bus and leaving from downtown, with sub-urban stops as well. Center Club, NorthernVirginia Hiking Club and Sierra Clubs hike on bothSaturdays and Sundays using carpools, whichoften leave from a suburban Metro stop.Schedules are available at PATC Headquartersand are published in area newspapers on Fridays.The schedule of West Virginia HighlandConservancy outings in the MonongahelaNational Forest and surrounding areas is on theirweb site at www.wvhighlands.org.

Chapters

KEY to Forecast Activities

All events are marked for easy identifi-cation. Late changes or cancellationsare listed on the weekly informationtape (703/242-0965), which is updatedon Sunday evening for the followingseven days. The Forecast can also befound on PATC’s web site atwww.patc.net.

` Hiking Trips

~ Backpacking Trips

. Trail Work Trips

i Cabin/Shelter Work Trips

s Special Events

\ Meetings

Note to all hike leaders: Please asknonmembers on your hike if theywould like to join PATC, then getnames and addresses so a Club vol-unteer can send them informationpackets. Thanks!

MeetingsMeetings are held at PATC HQ, 118 Park Street,S.E., Vienna, VA unless otherwise noted.

New Members (PATC) – First Wednesday7:30 p.m. Curious about the Club? Want tolearn more? The best way is to attend a newMembers meeting (but you don’t have to benew to qualify). Attend the meeting and findthe mysteries of PATC revealed in full.Refreshments will be served. Directions toPATC: Take Rt. 23 into Vienna, Va. and turn easton Park St. (Rt.675) to 118 Park St. on your left.INFO: Liles Creighton 410/573-0067.

Mountaineering Section – Second Wednesday8:00 p.m. Second Wednesday of everym o n t h . I N F O : Mack Muir at 703/960-1697 or ([email protected]) orPATC’s website:(www.patc.net/chapters/mtn_sect).

PATC Council – Second Tuesday7:00 p.m. sharp. The PATC Council meetsthe second Tuesday of every month to con-duct business of the Club. All members arewelcome. INFO: Wilson Riley ([email protected])703/242-0693 x11.

Shenandoah Mountain Rescue Group(New Members meeting) – SecondMonday, 7:30 p.m. New members meeting.INFO: Zeb Whitaker ([email protected])703/255-5034, then press #5.

Shenandoah Mountain Rescue Group(Business meeting) – Last Tuesday,7:30 p.m.INFO: Zeb Whitaker ([email protected])703/255-5034, then press #5.

Trail Patrol – First Tuesday7:30 p.m. Trail Patrol volunteers are PATC’sgoodwill trail ambassadors to the hikingpublic. They provide a visible, reassuringpresence on the trails, educating the pub-lic on good hiking practices, minimumimpact hiking and camping ethics. Patrolmembers are trained in land navigation,emergency procedures, radio communi-cations and personal equipment. All patrolvolunteers are also expected to becomecertified in a recognized basic first aidcourse. Some equipment and uniformitems are provided upon completion oftraining. INFO: Kumait Jawdat 202/328-8137or see PATC’s website: (www.patc.net/volunteer/trailpatrol).

Meetingsny

October1 (Tuesday)DEADLINE - November Potomac AppalachianHeadquarters, Vienna, VA5:00 p.m. All items for the next issue of the newslet-ter must be submitted electronically, if possible, toheadquarters, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Allowone week for postal service delivery. Please e-mail Forecast events to [email protected].

1 (Tuesday)` HIKE - Vigorous HikersMassanutten Mountain, VAFrom Camp Roosevelt hike to Kennedy Peak,loop back on Stephen’s Trail and south to DuncanKnob rock scramble. 15 miles and 3300 feet. INFO:Chris Nolen ([email protected]) 301/469-8931,before 9:30 p.m.

1 (Tuesday)\MEETING - Trail Patrol, 7:30 p.m.

2 (Wednesday)` HIKE - Easy HikersRock Creek Park, Washington, DCWe will do a circuit hike of about 5 miles begin-ning at the Nature Center, going north on themiddle trail of the park. Bring lunch and water.Meet at 10:15 a.m. at the Nature Center, MilitaryRoad and Glover Road. INFO: Carol Niedzialek([email protected]) 301/949-9729.

2 (Wednesday)\MEETING - New Members (PATC), 7:30 p.m.

4 - 6 (Friday - Sunday)CLASS - Grip-hoist and Rock WorkshopPine Grove Furnace, PAThere will be a combined grip-hoist and rock work-shop near Pine Grove Furnace, PA. Deno Contosof ATC’s Konarock Crew will be instructing. Anyoneinterested in learning these skills should make reser-vations. You do not need to be an overseer toattend. Attendance will be limited to 15 persons,reservations required. INFO: Pete Brown([email protected]) 410/343-1140.

5 (Saturday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Rock Creek ParkWashington, DCRock Creek Park 8:15 a.m. to noon. This is the finalstretch of the trail project season in Rock CreekPark. It’s also the best time of year to see thebeauty of the park as you wield a shovel. Meet atthe Rock Creek Nature Center. INFO: MarkAnderson ([email protected]) 202/462-7718or Ranger Ken Ferebee 202/426-6834, ext. 31.

5 (Saturday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Yankee Clippers Trail CrewAppalachian Trail, PAMeet at US 30 and PA 233 at the parking lot ofCaledonia State Park. Departure 9:00 a.m. sharp.INFO: Charlie Irvin 301/447-2848 or Pete Brown([email protected]) 410/343-1140.

5 - 6 (Saturday - Sunday)iCABIN WORK TRIP - Tulip Tree CabinShaver Hollow, VAThe cabin is looking almost finished now with itsnewly finished windows and trim. Inside the cabinthe walls and ceiling are sparkling and bright. Thetasks at hand now are installing doors, varnishingall that woodwork on the inside, and completingthe landscaping around the outside of the cabin.The weather should be perfect now for working.

Rain or shine we have plenty of work to do bothinside and out. Regardless of the weather we willhave fun and eat well in the warm dry confines ofour summer kitchen. INFO: Charlie Graf([email protected]) 410/757-6053.

5 - 6 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - North District Fire SquadShenandoah National Park, VAJoin the Fire Squad as we continue work belowthe north side of Hogback Mountain in SNP. Somesidehill and installation of log waterbars andcheckdams are on the schedule. Overnight atRange View Cabin. I promise the usual greatmeal for those who want to partake. Meet atPiney River maintenance area at 9:30 a.m. Bringgloves, water, lunch, etc. INFO: John McCrea([email protected]) 610/352-9287.

5 - 6 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - South MountaineersAppalachian Trail, MDWe are working on a major construction projectwith the ATC Mid-Atlantic Crew. It is fun, chal-lenging, and a guarantee to get your knees dirty.INFO: Mark Mitchell ([email protected])301/461-7048.

7 (Monday)` HIKE - Family HikeSterling, VAClaude Moore Park. Come join us for a 3 milemostly shaded hike. We will be hiking at kids’pace, and eat lunch along the way. The trail isjogging stroller passable with some roots androcks. We’ll meet in the visitor’s center, where thekids can enjoy the displays and the turtles.Designed for the under 5 crowd, all ages wel-come. INFO: Lauren Lang ([email protected])703/631-9278, prefer e-mail.

8 (Tuesday)\MEETING - PATC Council, 7:00 p.m.

9 (Wednesday)\MEETING - Mountaineering Section, 8:00 p.m.

9 (Wednesday)\MEETING - WV ChapterHighacre House, Harpers Ferry, WV7:00 p.m. Just Discovered: The AmericanSerengeti is in Nevada. Paul Wilson will give a slideshow on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge,which is in the far NW corner of Nevada. His slideswill include the wildlife and especially the birding,which are UNBELIEVABLE. This high desert plateauis more simpatico with car camping and shortday hikes than backpacking. Paul has presentedfabulous slide shows in the past of his trips outwest. He has a knack for finding extraordinary outof the way places. Everyone is welcome to join us.INFO: Judy Smoot ([email protected])540/667-2036.

10 (Thursday)~ CLASS - Trail Patrol Backpacking 202PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VAClass 1, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Trail Patrol presents the firstof three classes that teach you how to plan andcarry out an early winter backpacking trip.Classes cover equipment selection and use, routeplanning, food planning, safety, comfort, andLeave No Trace principles. A November weekendtrip accompanied by experienced instructorsgives you the opportunity to try out your new skills.Pre-registration required. INFO: John Browne([email protected]) 703/425-5645.

12 (Saturday)` HIKE - North ChapterDarlington Trail, PAModerate hike 9.0 miles in length. Check out thenewly purchased and relocated portion of theDarlington Trail. Once again land was purchasedthrough the Central PA Conservancy and deed-ed to the State Game Commission. TheDarlington Trail connects to the Tuscarora Trailand the AT east of Dean’s Gap. INFO: ChristopherFirme ([email protected]) 717/794-2855,after 6:00 p.m.

12 - 13 (Saturday - Sunday)s SPECIAL EVENT - Annual Pig RoastBlackburn Trail Center, Round Hill, VAMembers and friends alike are welcomed to joinour 19th annual Pig Roast at the Blackburn TrailCenter. INFO: Chris Brunton([email protected]).

12 - 13 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Acme Treadway CompanyShenandoah National Park, VAAcme Treadway Board Meeting. If you missed outon the startup of Project Pinnacles, now is thetime to get onboard. All you need are your legs,arms, some clothing appropriate to the weather,strong gloves, and a good sweatband. Overnightat our luxurious campsite. All who participatereceive a crew T-shirt to commemorate their firsttrip. RSVP to confirm participation. INFO: DonWhite ([email protected]) 804/795-2914.

12 - 13 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Blue and White Crew Shenandoah National Park, VAThe Blue and White Crew and the ATC Mid-Atlantic Crew join forces to rebuild a CCC-eracribwall on the AT in Shenandoah National Park.The Crew will host a dinner for the ATC group onSaturday night. Overnight accommodations areat the Pinnacles Research Station. INFO: KerrySnow ([email protected]) 301/570-0596.

12 - 13 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac CrewVining Tract, Lydia, VAThe views and color should be singularly beautifulfrom Mutton Top. Join us for a little tree work,brush clearing, and trail development. Bringwater and a lunch for Saturday noon.Community dinner on Saturday night. Overnightat PATC’s Mutton Top Cabin. INFO: Fran Keenan([email protected]) 703/938-3973 or JonRindt ([email protected]) 540/635-6351.

12 - 14 (Saturday - Monday)~ BACKPACKING TRIP - GW National ForestGeorge Washington National Forest, VAEnjoy the long weekend and fall colors on a mod-erate backpack in the George WashingtonNational Forest. We will average 8 to 10 miles aday; maybe less on Monday. Exact location TBDdepending on group size and forest conditions(dry or wet depending on rainfall levels). DepartFriday evening. INFO: John Koutze or KathyMcDermott 703/846-9207.

14 (Monday)\MEETING - New Members (ShenandoahMountain Rescue Group), 7:30 p.m.

15 (Tuesday)` HIKE - Vigorous HikersMassanutten Mountain, VA Bring back memories of past Dogwood Events.Signal Knob Trail, then down to Tuscarora Trail on


FORECAST

Three Top Mountain returning via Powell FortCamp and the not so muddy Mudhole Gap Trail.15 miles and 3000 feet. INFO: Chris Nolen ([email protected]) 301/469-8931, before 9:30 p.m.

16 (Wednesday)` HIKE - Easy HikersLake Fairfax Park, Restion, VAA 5 mile hike on natural trails with variable terrain.Take beltway (I-495) exit 47A west (Leesburg Pike,RT 7) for 6.5 miles. Turn left on RT 606, CameronBaron Avenue. Take second left onto Lake FairfaxDrive. Meet at the Park office building (1400 LakeFairfax Drive) overlooking the lake. Bring lunchand water. No pets. Starts at 10:15 a.m., rain orshine. INFO: Henri Comeau([email protected]) 703/451-7965.

17 (Thursday)` HIKE - In-Between HikersGreat Falls, MDHike 8 to 9 miles on the Gold Mine and Billy GoatTrails. Meet at parking lot across from Old Angler’sInn on MacArthur Boulevard at 10:00 a.m. INFO:Nena Ewing 301/652-9147.

19 (Saturday)` HIKE - Massanutten Mountain SeriesNew Market, VAThe ninth hike will be a 17 mile circuit from NewMarket Gap to Catherine Furnace on theMassanutten Mountain South, Bird Knob andRoaring Run Trails. Total elevation gain is 3200 feet.PATC Map H. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the OaktonShopping Center parking lot. Contact leaders forrequirements and details. INFO: Jack Thorsen([email protected]) 703/339-6716 or WilliamNeedham [email protected]) 410/884-9127.

19 (Saturday)` HIKE - Meet the Trail PatrolCentral District, Shenandoah National Park, VAHike with the Trail Patrol and learn what thePATC’s goodwill ambassadors do. These adven-turous, dedicated men and women monitor theClub’s 1,000 miles of trails, helping people,instructing them in safe hiking practices, andreporting on the conditions of the trails. We hikemany wonderful trails. This moderate, 10 mile hiketakes us up Nicholson Hollow and Hot-ShortMountain Trails. INFO: Catherine Pipan ([email protected]) 703/263-0420.

19 (Saturday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - South MountaineersAppalachian Trail, MDThis is the perfect time of year to volunteer on ourcrews. The weather is good for working and thecolors are simply gorgeous! Hope you can makeit. INFO: Mark Mitchell ([email protected])301/461-7048.

19 (Saturday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Stonewall BrigadeShenandoah County, VAGreat North Mountain on the VA/WV state line.Join the Stonewall Brigade at Wolf GapRecreation Area at 9:00 a.m. to get tools thenwork on Little Stoney Creek Trail in the nearbyarea. Bring lunch, work gloves, water, seasonalclothing, and hiking shoes. INFO: Hop Long([email protected]) 301/942-6177.

19 (Saturday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Yankee Clippers Trial CrewTuscarora Trail, PACall for meeting place and other details. INFO:Charlie Irvin 301/447-2848.

19 - 20 (Saturday - Sunday)iCABIN WORK TRIP - John’s Rest CabinHood, VA Help finish the Club’s newest cabin. Wonderfulwoodland area surrounds the cabin with bub-bling stream close by. Community mealsSaturday evening and Sunday morning. INFO:Joel Anderson 301/898-0047.

19 - 20 (Saturday - Sunday)iCABIN WORK TRIP - Tulip Tree CabinShaver Hollow, VAThe weather should be ideal for what ever needsto be done on the cabin. There will be a couple ofpeople at least varnishing ceilings and walls. If it isnot raining there will still be some landscaping workto do. Maybe by this time there will be some effortbeing put into building the solar heated shower.We are getting down to the finishing touches withless than a year to go on the project. INFO: CharlieGraf ([email protected]) 410/757-6053.

19 - 20 (Saturday - Sunday)iCABIN WORK TRIP - Vining Tract CrewLydia, VAThe Vining Tract crew meets once a month towork on cabin and land management projectson the beautiful Vining property. We are nowbuilding a small cabin using logs from an old barn,as well as projects at Conley and Wineberry cab-ins and around the property to keep everything intop shape. Come join us and raise a hammer, apaintbrush, or a log in the cause. Overnight atConley and Wineberry. INFO: Larry Lang 703/631-9278 or Hugh Robinson 703/525-8726.

19 - 20 (Saturday - Sunday)CLASS - Wilderness First Aid (WSA)Alexandria, VAA program of the Wilderness Safety Council, thiseighteen-hour class includes classroom study,hands-on practice, and results in a two-year certifi-cation. The cost is $140. Registration is limited to 25people. More information and registration at:http://wfa.net. INFO: Christopher Tate 703/836-8905.

19 - 20 (Saturday - Sunday)` HIKE - Natural History WeekendMassanutten Mountain, VASpend a fall foliage weekend in the GeorgeWashington National Forest at the wonderfulGlass House in the scenic Massanutten Mountain.We will do about an eight mile hike on bothSaturday and Sunday. Saturday evening will be aBob Pickett traditional chili and ambrosia dinnerwith Texas toast and such good things as that.Costs for the weekend will include cabin rentaland food costs, in addition to carpooling. Thisarea is full of wonderful views and both of ournative chestnut trees; the Allegheny chinkapinand American chestnut. Reservations required.INFO: Bob Pickett 301/681-1511.

19 - 20 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - North District HoodlumsNorth District, Shenandoah National Park, VAOKTOBERFEST! This is the month for changingfoliage colors, cooler autumn temperatures, andthe Hoodlum’s annual Oktoberfest worktrip.Come one and all. The Hoodlums Trail Crew workson the AT in the North District of SNP, performingtreadwork and major trail projects. We build rocksteps and log waterbars, and engage in similaractivities by day, but after a good day’s work, thecrew settles down to enjoy the theme meal andfestivities at a facility within the park. No trail workexperience is necessary and newcomers arealways welcome. Check out our website atwww.patc.net/volunteer/trai ls/hoodlums/hoodlums.html for more information. Come forthe day, stay for the evening meal, camp outovernight in SNP, lots of options. We generallymeet at the worksite or at Piney River RangerStation, MP 22 on Skyline Drive, at 10:00 a.m. onSaturday morning. Please RSVP by mid-weekprior. INFO: George Walters ([email protected]) 410/426-2724.

21 (Monday)~ CLASS - Trail Patrol Backpacking 202PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VAClass 2, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Trail Patrol presents thesecond of three classes that teach you how toplan and carry out an early winter backpackingtrip. Pre-registration required. INFO: John Browne([email protected]) 703/425-5645.

21 (Monday)` HIKE - Family HikeTurkey Run Park, VAPotomac Heritage Trail, Virginia Side near thebeltway and GW Parkway. Enjoy the Fall weatheron this rugged and beautiful trail. We will hikeabout 2 to 3 miles on this out and back hike. It willbe kid paced. We’ll stop for lunch along the way.INFO: Lauren Lang ([email protected])703/631-9278, prefer e-mail.

22 (Tuesday)` HIKE - Vigorous HikersShenandoah National Park, VAA 15 mile circuit with 3700 feet ascent begins atHawksbill parking lot, goes south on the Skyland -Big Meadows Trail to the Rose River Loop Trail, upthe Dark Hollow Falls Trail to Big Meadows for a biglunch, returning on the Lewis Spring Trail to the ATending with climb of Hawksbill. INFO: Chris Nolen([email protected]) 301/469-8931, before 9:30 p.m.

23 (Wednesday)CLASS - Crossing Divides (REI)REI, Bailey’s Crossroads, VA7:30 p.m. A couple’s story of cancer, hope, andhiking Montana’s Continental Divide. CrossingDivides artfully blends Scott Bischke and his wifeKate Gibson’s agonizing struggle against Kate’sadvanced, recurrent cancer with the story oftheir three month, 800 plus mile hike along theContinental Divide Trail across Montana. Scott’spresentation will couple a beautiful slideshowdepicting the magnificence of Montana’sContinental Divide wild lands with part inspira-tional, part poignant, and part humorous read-ings from Crossing Divides. INFO: Mark Nelson([email protected]) 703/379-9400.


FORECAST

23 (Wednesday)` HIKE - Easy HikersGreat Falls Park, VAThe Easy Hikers will hike about 5 moderate miles inGreat Falls Park. Meet at 10:15 a.m. at the ParkVisitor Center. Bring lunch and water. FromBeltway Exit 13, go west on Georgetown Pike (VA193) 4.1 miles to Old Dominion Drive. Turn right intopark. INFO: Shirley Rettig 703/836-0147.

26 (Saturday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Rock Creek ParkWashington, DCRock Creek Park 8:15 a.m. to noon. Help us finishthe final trail project of the year and set somegoals for next year. Meet at the Rock CreekNature Center. INFO: Mark Anderson([email protected]) 202/462-7718 orRanger Ken Ferebee 202/426-6834, ext. 31.

26 - 27 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Acme Treadway CompanySyria, VAEnd-of-Summer Holiday Picnic for all members ofthe Acme Treadway Company. If you have EVERparticipated in a trip conducted by theCompany, you are eligible to participate in thisFest at Meadows Cabin. Please RSVP. INFO: DonWhite ([email protected]) 804/795-2914.

26 - 27 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Blue and White CrewShenandoah National Park, VAThe Blue and White Crew will revisit the Entry RunTrail project. Help us build the trail that will even-tually link the John’s Rest Cabin, the Rosser LambCabin and Shenandoah National Park. Overnightaccommodations will be at the MuttontopCabin. Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast arepot luck. INFO: Kerry Snow([email protected]) 301/570-0596.

26 -27 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac CrewBlackburn Trail Center, Round Hill, VAThe crew will be finishing the trail rehab projectstarted last year on the side trail to the AT. ChrisBrunton may have additional projects for thecrew at Blackburn, so join us for an interesting Fallweekend. The foliage should be close to primecolor. Bring a lunch for Saturday noon.Community dinner on Saturday night. Overnightat Blackburn Trail Center. INFO: Fran Keenan ([email protected]) 703/938-3973 or JonRindt ([email protected]) 540/635-6351.

28 (Monday)` HIKE - Family HikeCentreville, VAManassas Battlefield, Stone Bridge. This 2 mile kidfriendly hike features lots of variety. We will startacross the Stone Bridge and along a long board-walk. We will hike up into an open meadow andback into the woods. We will complete the circuitvia the trail along Bull Run. INFO: Lauren Lang([email protected]) 703/631-9278, prefer e-mail.

29 (Tuesday)` HIKE - Vigorous HikersShenandoah National Park, VAAscend Leading Ridge Trail to the AT south toCorbin Cutoff, climb Indian Run Trail to CorbinMountain. Return via AT north and down CrusherRidge. 18 miles 4000 feet elevation gain. INFO:Chris Nolen ([email protected]) 301/469-8931,before 9:30 p.m.

29 (Tuesday)\MEETING - Shenandoah Mountain RescueGroup (Business meeting), 7:30 p.m.

30 (Wednesday)CLASS - Black Bear (REI)REI, Bailey’s Crossroads, VA7:30 p.m. The word "Bear" electrifies any back-country trail situation. With bear encounters in ourregion on the rise, we need to know: What dobears do when they’re not being filmed for doc-umentaries, and what should we do when wemeet one? Karina Blizzard, Associate Director ofMaryland’s Wildlife and Heritage Service, willanswer that question as she details the life cycleof black bears, their resurgent population, andbest advice for human behavior in the presenceof bears. INFO: Mark Nelson ([email protected])703/379-9400.

30 (Wednesday)~ CLASS - Trail Patrol Backpacking 202PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VAClass 3, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Trail Patrol presents thethird of three classes that teach you how to planand carry out an early winter backpacking trip.Pre-registration required. INFO: John Browne([email protected]) 703/425-5645.

30 (Wednesday)` HIKE - Easy HikersRiley’s Lock, Seneca, MDFive mile easy canal hike. Bring lunch and water.Take beltway to River Road exit towardsPotomac. Continue until River Road dead ends atSeneca and turn left. Turn left again at Riley’sLock Road and park at the lot by the canal. INFO:Harriet Rotter 202/363-5095.

31 (Thursday)` HIKE - In-Between HikersLangley, VAScotts Run Nature Preserve to Turkey Run Park, 9 to10 miles at a moderate pace. Joint event with theSierra Club MWROP. Varied terrain includes sever-al small stream crossings. Boots recommended.Start at 10:00 a.m. at second parking lot. From I-495, exit 44 west on VA 193 (Georgetown Pike) .5miles to Swinks Mill Road and right into lot. Bringlunch and water. No pets. INFO: Henri Comeau([email protected]) 703/451-7965.

November1 (Friday)DEADLINE - December Potomac AppalachianHeadquarters, Vienna, VA5:00 p.m. All items for the next issue of the newslet-ter must be submitted electronically, if possible, toheadquarters, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Allowone week for postal service delivery. Please e-mail Forecast events to [email protected].

1 - 3 (Friday - Sunday)~ BACKPACKING TRIP - Jones Mountain CabinShenandoah National Park, VACome join us for some spectacular scenery as webackpack about 4 miles on Friday into the rusticJones Mountain Cabin in the central section ofSNP where we will spend Friday and Saturdaynights. This circa 1850 cabin was the home ofmoonshiner Harvey Nichols and is one of the bestPATC cabins. On the way in, we will see firsthandthe results of the Great Flood of ‘95. On Saturdaywe will day hike about 9 miles in a circuit throughsome virgin forest, past the remains of humanactivity in the park, and enjoy the splendid view

of the Staunton River valley from Bear ChurchRock. On Sunday we’ll hike back to the cars andreturn. Due to the elevation changes, this trip isstrenuous and is limited to 10 people. INFO: KevinHaney ([email protected]) 301/271-5023.

2 (Saturday)` HIKE - Canaan MountainCanaan, WVHike with us for approximately 10 miles onCanaan Mountain utilizing some of its beautifultrails. Though we will be past the peak of fall color,the woods will still be alive with evergreens andflowing brooks. Those wishing to spend the nightmay do so at the Canaan campground or thelodge nearby. INFO: Susan Bly([email protected]) 304/876-5177 or 304/258-3319, after 7:00 p.m.

2 (Saturday)` NIGHT HIKE - Family HikeCentreville, VAEllanor Lawrence Park. Bring your flashlight and joinus for a short night hike through this beautiful park.We will have a picnic dinner under the pavilionnear the pond, then head into the woods oncedarkness falls. Pre-registration required as we havespecial permission to use the park after dark.Designed for families with young children, all ageswelcome. INFO: Lauren Lang([email protected]) 703/631-9278, prefer e-mail.

2 (Saturday)s SPECIAL EVENT - Annual Cross-Country Ski FairPATC Headquarters, Vienna, VANoon - 5:00 p.m. Free admission. Sign up for cross-country ski trips near and far, from December toMarch, including learn-to-ski weekends; look overnew ski gear for every application from city parksto Telemark slopes; let our slide shows and tripreports transport you to snowy vistas under distantskies; meet prospective ski buddies; and learnabout membership in the PATC Ski TouringSection. Bring on the winter! INFO: Dave Holton([email protected]) 202/364-7055.

2 (Saturday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - South MountaineersAppalachian Trail, MDThe air is getting crisp, come out and enjoy theautumn colors. Work hard and get dirty like whenyou were a kid. We meet at 9:00 a.m. in FrederickCounty. INFO: Mark Mitchell([email protected]) 301/461-7048.

2 (Saturday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Yankee Clippers Trial CrewAppalachian Trail, PAWork trip followed by Charlie’s annual corn roast(reservations required). Meet at US 30 and PA 233at the parking lot of Caledonia State Park.Departure 9:00 a.m. sharp. INFO: Charlie Irvin301/447-2848 or Pete Brown([email protected]) 410/343-1140.

2 - 3 (Saturday - Sunday)iCABIN WORK TRIP - Tulip Tree CabinShaver Hollow, VAThere may still be some lingering Fall color at thelower elevations, which is exactly where Tulip TreeCabin is. This is my favorite time of year in the BlueRidge Mountains when the weather is cool andcrisp and the trees and shrubs are all decked outin the splendor of their Fall foliage. It is a goodtime to lay back and celebrate the accomplish-ments of the ending Summer season, to enjoy thecomforts of the Fall season, and prepare for thestark beauty and cold indignities of the coming


FORECAST

Winter. Did I mention that we will be working onthe cabin? Meals and relaxing in the evening willbe done in the comfort of the enclosed andheated summer kitchen. INFO: Charlie Graf([email protected]) 410/757-6053.

2 - 3 (Saturday - Sunday)CLASS - Trail Patrol Hike Leadership CoursePrince William Forest Park, VAThe Trail Patrol is hosting a Hike Leadership Trainingcourse at Prince William Forest Park. The two daycourse uses classroom and hands-on instructionto teach the essential skills for leading safe, enjoy-able hikes with minimal environmental impact.The topics to be covered include: medical emer-gencies, planning, personal equipment, LeaveNo Trace, leadership skills, standard procedures,emergency procedures, and navigation andmap reading. INFO: Ben Fernandez 703/327-9788.

4 (Monday)` HIKE - Family HikeVienna, VAMeadowlark Gardens Regional Park. Get out ofthe house and breathe some fresh air at thisbeautiful park. The trails are hilly and stroller friend-ly. There are fountains and stepping stones acrossa small section of a pond. We will have lunchunder their trellis after the hike, weather permit-ting. Designed for families with young children.INFO: Lauren Lang ([email protected])703/631-9278, prefer e-mail.

5 (Tuesday)\MEETING - Trail Patrol, 7:30 p.m.

6 (Wednesday)\MEETING - New Members (PATC), 7:30 p.m.

7 (Thursday)` HIKE - In-Between Hike Great Falls Park, VAGreat Falls Park (VA) and Riverbend Park. Hike 5 to9 miles at moderate to fast pace. Start 10:00 a.m.Meet at Great Falls Park (VA) Visitor Center park-ing lot. From Beltway, take Exit 44 west on VA 193(Georgetown Pike) for 4 miles to Old DominionDrive. At traffic light turn right. Go 1 mile to parkentrance. Fee $5 per vehicle or Park Pass. Bringlunch and water. INFO: Mary Siu 703/533-1430.

9 - 10 (Saturday - Sunday)CLASS - Land Navigation Class (REI)REI, Bailey’s Crossroads, VAThis comprehensive two-day course teaches allskills necessary to use map and compass in anintegrated land navigation system. Saturday,10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., is spent in intensive class-room exercises concentrating on map readingand interpretation, position plotting, compassfundamentals, declination, and azimuth. Sunday,8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is spent in Prince WilliamForest Park, primarily off-trail, engaging in practi-cal navigation exercises of increasing complexity.The course fee is $85 and includes workbook text,course materials, compass, map, grid reader, andlunch on Saturday. Registration required. INFO:Mark Nelson ([email protected]) 703/379-9400.

9 - 10 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Acme Treadway CompanyShenandoah National Park, VAAcme Treadway Board Meeting. Come out andjoin us as we continue Project Peach Orchard nearLinden, VA. You’ll find the commute worth it, in allrespects. Overnight camping at a wonderful sitebeneath the stars and atop the ridge. All who par-ticipate receive a crew T-shirt to commemoratetheir first trip. RSVP to confirm participation. INFO:Don White ([email protected]) 804/795-2914.

9 - 10 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Cadillac CrewNorth District, Shenandoah National Park, VAJoin the Cadillac Crew near Front Royal, VA, aswe rehab a side trail to Gravel Springs Hut and dosome erosion control on the AT. Should be a greattime to enjoy the cooler weather and Fall in theSNP. Bring a lunch for Saturday noon. Communitydinner on Saturday night. Overnight at Rindt’shouse. INFO: Fran Keenan([email protected]) 703/938-3973 or JonRindt ([email protected]) 540/635-6351.

9 - 10 (Saturday - Sunday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - North District Fire SquadNorth District, Shenandoah National Park, VAJoin the fire squad as we work on an AT section inthe North District. Bring water, lunch, gloves,appropriate weather gear. Overnight at RangeView Cabin with a great dinner. We will workaround the cabin on Sunday morning. INFO: JohnMcCrea ([email protected]) 610/352-9287.

11 (Monday)` HIKE - Family HikeRoyal Lake, Fairfax, VAJoin us for a 2.5 mile circuit hike around RoyalLake, with a playground stop halfway. Joggingstroller passable, some log steps along theway. We’ll eat lunch at the playground. INFO:Lauren Lang ([email protected]) 703/631-9278, prefer e-mail.

11 (Monday)\MEETING - New Members (ShenandoahMountain Rescue Group), 7:30 p.m.

12 (Tuesday)\MEETING - PATC Council, 7:00 p.m.

13 (Wednesday)\MEETING - Mountaineering Section, 8:00 p.m.

16 (Saturday)` HIKE - North ChapterColonel Denning State Park, PAModerate to difficult hike 9.5 miles in length. Wewill do a circuit hike using the Tuscarora Trail, theWarner Trail, and the Woodburn Trail. We willhike past the newly built Wagon Wheel Shelterand take in the view of the Cumberland Valleyfrom Flat Rock Vista. This hike will actually be afigure 8 hike. INFO: Christopher Firme ([email protected]) 717/794-2855, after6:00 p.m.

16 (Saturday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - South MountaineersAppalachian Trail, MDSome of the most fun you will ever have being avolunteer. Bring lunch, water, gloves, and boots.INFO: Mark Mitchell ([email protected])301/461-7048.

16 (Saturday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Stonewall BrigadeShenandoah County, VAGreat North Mountain on the VA/WV state line.Join the Stonewall Brigade on Waites Run Road at9:00 a.m. to get tools then work on the CaponTrail. This trail is near the road and several housesand not likely to be subject to hunting. PleaseRSVP by Wednesday evening if you plan toattend. Bring lunch, work gloves, water, seasonalclothing, and hiking shoes. INFO: Hop Long([email protected]) 301/942-6177.

16 (Saturday). TRAIL WORK TRIP - Yankee Clippers Trail CrewTuscarora Trail, PACall for meeting place and other details. INFO:Charlie Irvin 301/447-2848.

16 (Saturday)` HIKE - Massanutten Mountain SeriesRunkles Gap, VA The tenth hike will of the series will be a 16-milehike in the GWNF from Cub Run Road to CampRoosevelt on the Massanutten and Tasker GapTrails with a 6-mile shuttle. The elevation gain is1600 feet. PATC Map H. Meet at the OaktonShopping Center parking lot at 7:30 a.m. Contactleaders for requirements and details. INFO: JackThorsen ([email protected]) 703/339-6716 orWilliam Needham ([email protected]) 410-884-9127.

16 - 17 (Saturday - Sunday)iCABIN WORK TRIP - Tulip Tree CabinShaver Hollow, VAFall is an ideal time to be working in the woods onthe lower western slope of the Blue RidgeMountains. Tulip Tree Cabin is perfectly situated totake advantage of this Phenomenon, but is therea bad time to be working on such a project asTulip Tree Cabin? I think not! I can find somethingintriguing about any season in Shaver Hollow, Notto mention my passion for working on Tulip TreeCabin. Join our crew this weekend and learn whyso many people have been working on this laborof love for 8 years. Sadly we are approaching theend of the project but for the time being there isstill plenty of interesting and challenging work todo. INFO: Charlie Graf ([email protected])410/757-6053.

16 - 17 (Saturday - Sunday)iCABIN WORK TRIP - Vining Tract CrewLydia, VAThe Vining Tract crew meets once a month towork on cabin and land management projectson the beautiful Vining property. We are nowbuilding a small cabin using logs from an old barn,as well as projects at Conley and Wineberry cab-ins and around the property to keep everything intop shape. Come join us and raise a hammer, apaintbrush, or a log in the cause. Overnight atConley and Wineberry. INFO: Larry Lang 703/631-9278 or Hugh Robinson 703/525-8726.

26 (Tuesday)\MEETING - Shenandoah Mountain RescueGroup (Business meeting), 7:30 p.m.

30 - December 1 (Saturday - Sunday)iCABIN WORK TRIP - Tulip Tree CabinShaver Hollow, VAWinter may be upon us but for the Tulip TreeCabin Crew that only signals the transition towarmer clothing and the call to enclose the sum-mer kitchen and bring in the firewood. Most taskscan now be done in an enclosed and heatedcabin. Those hardy individuals among us may stillbe working outdoors putting the finishing toucheson the landscaping. INFO: Charlie Graf([email protected]) 410/757-6053. ❏


FORECAST

rich tradition of being experienced hikers,we individually began scrambling up thesides of the steep hills, each looking for anysemblance of an alternate trail. Remainingbehind to keep an eye on each brave explor-er as they inched up the slopes, I soonnoticed the appearance of three youngwomen, who had been behind us, followingthe same path as we. Dressed in shortshorts, tank tops, and sneakers, carryingonly the most miniscule lumbar packs, theybreezed past me without so much as a helloand reached where the trail dead-ended. Wesmirked with our vast trail wisdom, know-ing that the “Sissy Girls,” as we began refer-ring to them, would soon be bestowing uswith many thanks for finding an obscure butperfect way around the high water.

We stood with mouths agape as the SissyGirls, somehow without a second thought,found a place to walk along the water’s edge,side-stepping the rushing stream, werequickly beyond the roadblock, and weregone on ahead. All our brave explorers werecalled back. With heads hung low, we fol-lowed the footsteps of the Sissy Girls andeasily made it past the narrow gap, sloshingthrough inch-deep water. It hurt badly to beso completely humiliated on our very firstday. But our pride slowly recovered whenwe found a timely sunny lunch spot on arock outcropping in a huge meadow over-looking Bow Glacier Falls. After lunch, wereturned without incident the same wayback down the canyon. ❏

—Jim Tomlin

Next issue - The Iceline and Emerald Lake


Tails from the Woods by George Walters

The Atrium is located next to theMeadowlark Gardens on Beulah Street,Vienna, VA. Take I-495 to NorthernVirginia to the Vienna/Tyson’s Corner/Rte.123 exit. From Rte. 123, turn right ontoCourthouse Road. Then go through thestop sign and continue on Beulah Street.The Gardens are on the left. Shuttle servicewill be available at 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.at the Dunn Loring metro station. Please

call Pat Fankhauser at 703/242-0693, Ext.17 if you will be using the shuttle service.

Reserve your seat by filling out the attachedform and mailing it back to PATC no laterthan November 4, 2002. Space is limited. Asalways, we will need a lot of volunteers tohandle various tasks to help coordinate asuccessful event. If you’re interested, pleasecontact Pat Fankhauser at 703/242-0693,Ext. 17 or [email protected]. ❏

Registration for PATC’s 2002 Annual Meeting/DinnerTuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, at 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority’s Atrium. For more information, pleasecontact Pat Fankhauser at 703/242-0693, Ext. 17, or [email protected].

Name(s): ____________________________________________________ E-mail: ____________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________Number of adults: ______________ Number of children: ____________ Phone: __________________________________________Please enclose a check in the amount of $15 per adult/$5 per child for dinner.

( ) Here is an additional $75 to celebrate 75 years on the trails( ) Sorry, I can’t attend the banquet, but here is $75 to support PATC

For 75 years the Club has led hikes; constructed and renovated shelters and cabins; mapped the trails; taught trail construction, safety,and conservation; and built and cleared the trails in rain, snow, and shine. Your contribution will be used to enhance those activities. Let’scelebrate and start the next 75 years!

Mail to: PATC - Annual Meeting/Dinner 2002, 118 Park Street, SE, Vienna, Virginia 22180 Attn: Monica Clark, Business Manager

Because PATC pays for dinners in advance, no refunds after Nov. 4, 2002.

Rockies, from page 5

Banquet, from page 1

Bob Pickett’s Appalachian Nature:


October is a good month to observedeer signs and behavior. This is the

beginning of the fall rut. Dominanceamong both the females and males is beingdetermined. Dominance hierarchies aremaintained through complex, stereotyp-ical behavior and threat displays, includ-ing stares, head bobbing, kicking, chas-ing, and various vocal sounds. During therut, bucks are more likely to be seen dur-ing the day and are less wary ofhumans/predators due to the raging hor-mones that have been stimulated by theshortened day length. The rut causes anincrease of movement by does in estrus and bybucks that are searching for them. By October,deer may triple their normal range. They arealso fattening up for the rut, eating up to 300acorns a day, spitting out the caps. While tan-nins found in the acorns can cause digestive diffi-culties if eaten exclusively, deer are known to dilutethe tannins by eating brush as a “chaser.”

The first rut in October is a low-key event, occur-ring in the middle of the month in this Appalachianregion. The does tend to come into heat together,at a 28-day interval. Does are only in heat for 24to 48 hours. The November rutting is the majorevent. A final rut occurs in December for does

that weren’t mated in the first two ruts. Scrapes are found dur-ing these months, either in the form of rubs on small treetrunks that bucks have made with their antlers and rubbedwith their forehead glands, or cleared, pawed-out oval areas,

where bucks have urinated over his tarsal glands to depositscent. The scrape both marks his breeding territory and

attracts receptive does. Several bucks and does can use a singlescrape.

The concept of large bucks sheparding a harem is largely a mis-nomer. In fact, it appears to be quite the opposite. Research hasshown that does can freely enter or leave these loosely grouped

harems. It seems more likely that the doe chooseswhich harem to join.

Subsequent to the rutting season, thebucks will regroup and remain in smallgroups separate from the does and juve-

niles, as they do for the rest of the year.(The Shenandoah National Park study

found winter group size ranging fromone to 28, with a mean of 3.4.)

Deer Diets ChangeDeer utilize microorganisms in their

stomachs to help digest food. Interestingly,while the deer’s diet changes from herba-

ceous plants in summer to buds and twigs inwinter, so the microorganisms in the gut change according to whatspecies are then in abundance. This explains why a deer in winter candie with a stomach full of grasses or hay presented by good-inten-tioned persons.

It is estimated that there are about 25 million deer living in Canadaand United States. This is believed to be about the same number ofdeer that existed here at the time of the first colonists. However, inVirginia, we now have approximately 1,000,000, compared with anestimate of 500,000 in 1607. This would be the result of fewerwoods, more secondary forests, and the loss of predators.

John James Audubon is widely known for his historic work, “Birds ofAmerica.” However, subsequent to this work, Audubon set out toconduct the same definitive work on all the mammals of NorthAmerica. His book, “The Viviparous Quadrupeds of NorthAmerica,” has many wonderful anecdotal stories about the frontierlife of the 1830s west of St. Louis. Regarding deer, he talks about thecustom of many of the Indian tribes of eating the contents of thestomach without benefit of cooking or any other preparations.Noting that “hunger and hardships seldom fail to give a zest to theappetite,” Audubon reveals that, “as we have never been subjected tothe necessity of testing the virtues of this primitive chowder, we areunable to pronounce it a delicacy, and must leave the decision tothose who may be disposed to make the experiment.” ❏

—Bob PicketFor more stories from Audubon’s book, you can go to www.bobpickett.org,

and click on Appalachian Mammals.

Volunteers Appointed - AugustShelter OverseersShawn O’Brien Dick’s Dome ShelterDave Hazzard Rock Spring Hut

Trail OverseersNoelle Olson Tuscarora/Overall Run Trail -

Thompson Hollow/Overall Run Junction to Mathews Arm Trail

Frank Gallagher Tuscarora/Overall Run Trail - AT to Mathews Arm Trail

Bob Benson Massanutten Trail - Moreland Gap Road to Jawbone Gap Trail

Marie Grenan Western Ridge - Military Road to Boundary Bridge

Don Titus Valley Trail - Military Road to Boundary Bridge

Mike Marx Tuscarora Trail - Veach Gap to US 340 Everett George Chancellorsville History LoopSammy Merrill Lee Drive NorthJohn F Hagarty Pole Bridge Link TrailJohn D Hagarty Pole Bridge Link TrailTom Kuenning Appalachian Trail - the Denton Shelter

to PowerlineBrendan Crotty Corbin Cabin Cutoff


NOTICESNEW NOTICESLAND MANAGER NEEDED - No ExperienceRequired - PATC needs a land managerfor a pristine 75-acre tract just south ofSnickers Gap (Va Rt 7). It has a waterfall,road access, and borders theAppalachian Trail near Buzzard Hill. Fordetails about tract management posi-tions, contact Tom Johnson [email protected], or 540/622-6422.

BACKPACKING TRIPS - WildsideAdventures for Women, October 4-6.Combine backpacking and a day ofkayak instruction on this week long trip inTennessee, October 13-18. If two-wheels isyour adventure fix, take part in a week-end bike trip on the Greenbrier River Trailin West Virginia, October 25-27. Long-dis-tance hiking workshop, November 1-3,2002. This workshop is designed for thebeginner or experienced backpackerwho dreams of a long distance hike - beit 100 miles or all 2,168 miles of theAppalachian Trail. This workshop will beheld at Anna Michener Cabin near the ATin Michaux State Forest, Pa. Price: $95. Fordetails on these trips and upcoming offer-ings, check out our website at www.wild-sideadventures.com, e-mail us [email protected], or give usa call at 540/384-7023. A discount isoffered to all PATC members.

LOST AND FOUNDLOST – PAIR OF LEKI HIKING POLES, July 1,one of the poles has initials “JHR” carvedin it. Poles were left in Harpers Ferry at theintersection of the AT and Chestnut HillRoad (Route 32). Reward if returned.Contact James Reeves at 703/356-0810.

FOUND: “PEAK” EQUIPMENT BAG, smallblack, containing several headlamps – 2Pretzl and one Energizer. Weekend of May18-19, at intersection of Keyser Run FireRoad and Little Devil’s Stairs – ContactAnne at 301/774-6491.

HIKING OPPORTUNITIESNOVEMBER 2, 2002 – JOIN US for a 10 +/-hike on Canaan Mountain utilizing someof its beautiful trails. Though we will bepast the peak of fall color, the woods willstill be alive with evergreens and flowingbrooks. Those wishing to spend the night,may do so at the Canaan campgroundor the lodge nearby. Contact Susan Bly [email protected] or 304/876-5177 or304/258-3319 after 7 p.m. with any ques-tions and for reservation.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL SECTION HIKEOpportunity: AT Section Hiker (200 mile sec-tions) seeks fellow hikers as companion/s foradventure on the AT in Fall 2002. The firstsection starting from Georgia will be in theFall of 2002. Be prepared to hike an aver-age of 20 miles per day carrying a 35-40 lbpack, over the course of 10-12 days, with 1travel day on either end of the trip. If youare reasonably fit and eager to getinvolved in such an undertaking pleasecontact me [email protected].

DONATIONS WANTEDDONATIONS WANTED – BEARS DEN HOSTELis in need of a used cell phone without

service provider for use on 911 calls only.Phone 540/554-8708 or e-mail Dave [email protected].

LAPTOP AND COMPUTER PROJECTORNEEDED: The PATC Officers, Staff andCommittee Chairpersons need a laptopcomputer and computer projector whichcan be used to make presentations atconferences, meetings, and communitypresentations. Projection at 1024 X 768desired. If you work for a corporationwhich might make such a donation, con-tact Mike Sutherland [email protected] or 703/591-8330.

EQUIPMENT WANTEDWANTED – BACKPACK – Hiker looking for 1)Kelty Tioga Backpack Size Large or “Ultra”2) Old AT guidebooks from any era.Contact Ed Talone at 301/565-6704 x202or [email protected]

FOR SALEFOR SALE – BACKPACK Brand new Lowealpine Sirocco 2 ND 70x15 internalBackpack. Used one time on 17 mile hike.Paid $239.00 from Blue Ridge Mt. Sport.Will sell for $150.00. Contact JohnHolderfield (540)894-0489 or [email protected].

CHRISTMAS PLATES to fill gaps at a bar-gain. Bing & Grondahl plates for Christmas1960, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1971-74, 1976,1980. Royal Copenhagen Christmasplates for 1974, 1982. $15 a plate plus ship-ping. (Christmas 2002 plates are priced at$62 each.) Paula M. Strain, 301/216-4569

CONSERVATION OPPORTUNITIESDO YOU WANT TO BE A LANDOWNER alongthe AT? And have a home in the woods!Are you in a position to become aConservation Buyer through theAppalachian Trail Conference Land Trust?Our program matches conservation buy-ers – people like you – with people whoare selling land along the AT. You locateyour home or cabin out of sight from theTrail. All we ask is that you donate a con-servation easement on the rest of theproperty. A conservation easement “runswith the land;” that is, no present or futureowner can develop it! AND, because aneasement is an irrevocable gift of a prop-erty right, you get a nice income taxdeduction equal to the value of the ease-ment. Contact Bob Williams, Director ofLand Trust Programs, [email protected], or at304/535-6331, or write to P.O. Box 807,Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.

TRAIL OVERSEER OPPORTUNITIESPATC OVERSEERS get discounts from thefollowing merchants who support ourvolunteer programs: Blue RidgeMountain Sports (Charlottesville,Tidewater) – 20%, Hudson Trail Outfitters(Metro DC) – 15%, The Trailhouse(Frederick, Md.) – 15%, CasualAdventures (Arlington, Va.) – 10%,Campmor (mail order via PATC HQ) –10%. Check the back page of the PA forthe latest trail, cabin, and shelter over-seer opportunities. All PATC membersreceive a 10% discount from Blue RidgeMountain Sports. Be sure to have yourmembership ID or overseer ID readywhen you shop.

Notices are published free of charge forPATC members only. PATC cannotvouch for any of the advertised items.No commercial advertisement or per-sonal notices unrelated to hiking will beaccepted. Deadline for inclusion is thefirst day of the month precedingissuance of the newsletter. Notices willbe run for 3 months unless we are other-wise advised. ❏

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESDAYTIME SALES DESK VOLUNTEERS BADLYNEEDED every Thursday and/or Friday atthe PATC Headquarters between 12Noon and 2 p.m. We will train you. Onceor twice per month. If interested call PatFankhauser at 703/242-0693, Ext. 17, or e-mail at [email protected] orMaureen Estes at Ext. 19, or [email protected].

ALSO NEEDED: COOKS/WORK CREWS, WEAVER CABIN -Contact Thomas Jorgensen [email protected] or 540/248-7009 (w)540/456-4760 (h) .

PROJECT LEADERS / CONSTRUCTIONFOREMEN, for info call Charlie Graf at:410/757-6053 or e-mail [email protected].

SHENANDOAH MOUNTAIN RESCUEGROUP (SMRG) is seeking people. INFO:SMRG Operations 703/255-5034, thenpress #5.

MEDICAL CHAIR VACANCY: If interestedplease contact Mickey McDermott [email protected].

NOT INTERESTED IN WORKING IN

THE GREAT OUTDOORS?It takes a lot more than trail workers tokeep the Club going! INFO: Wilson Riley,[email protected] or 703/242-0693,ext.11.

PUBLICATIONS CHAIR NEEDS HELP on abook. Please contact Aaron Watkinsat 410/740-7082 or [email protected].

THE SALES OFFICE is looking for volunteersplease contact the Sales Coordinator,Maureen Estes, by either calling head-quarters at 703/242-0693, ext. 19, or bye-mail at mestes@ patc.net.

NEEDED: PEOPLE TO HELP PLAN and con-duct our Club events. If you are willing,please contact Liles Creighton,Membership Secretary at 410/573-0067,[email protected] or Pat Fankhauser at Clubheadquarters - 703/242-0315 x 17,[email protected].

The wet spring has given way to a mid-summer drought, and theweeds are finally beginning to die. That was until the rain of

late August. Hopefully, the weeds are far enough gone and we arejust left with the odd bramble hanging over the treadway. With thecooler, bug-free fall, get out and join one of the trail crews before theseason ends. Check the Forecast section of the PA for an excitingopportunity to contribute to the PATC mission.

Filibusters?After a long stretch of writer’s block, the D.C. Trail Crew may havefinally struck upon a catchy name that competes with the colorfulcrews roaming the Blue Ridge looking for waterbars to clean. Drumroll please: The Rock Creek Filibusters. The “Filibusters” portion ofthe name was first raised by Overseer Joseph Kolb, who almostinstantly blanched at the suggestion. Rock Creek District ManagerMark Anderson, who has an affinity for Congress where he plies histrade as a reporter, quickly warmed to the notion. Those with a dic-tionary nearby may be quick to note the word filibuster means “theuse of irregular or obstructive tactics.” You may also know the termis most commonly used in relation to nefarious blocking tactics by aminority in Congress. Mark has weighed these issues carefully andthinks that, despite these arguments in the negative, the word fits.First, the D.C. crew spends a lot of time filling and busting. If thatwasn’t enough, the primary aim of our work on the D.C. trails is toblock the erosive effects of water. So, starting next spring we hopeyou’ll join Rock Creek Filibusters’ trip. Maybe we’ll even get a Webpage and a T-shirt.

Mark also reports the D.C. Trails Crew (Rock Creek Filibusters) hasbeen fertile ground this year for recruiting Overseers of specific sec-tions of trail in D.C. First, longtime attendee and skiing aficionadoDavid Holton agreed to help out with a couple sections of theGlover-Archbold Trail through the park by the same name inNorthwest Washington. Holton has been a regular at Saturday worktrips for years. He often arrives by bicycle. An official in the PATCSki Touring Section, he longs for the occasional big snow that allowsfor cross-country skiing on the D.C. trails. John Hampton, anotherregular attendee, took on two sections of the Western Ridge Trailand has already done some major work there. His greatest feat thusfar had nothing to do with physical labor but with recruiting yetanother regular to take a section of trail. Mark had asked Don Titusto take a trail section earlier this year, but Titus deferred. After help-ing Hampton with his trail, however, Don said he was ready to go.So he took on a section of the Valley Trail starting in August.

AT Relo In SNP South DistrictSaturday, Aug. 10, 13 ambitious volunteers met at McCormick Gapto flag the proposed re-route of the AT around the summit of ScottMountain. John Shannon and several others from the CharlottesvilleChapter, Mike Karpie, the South District Trails Manager for the AT,and several first-time volunteers joined Don White and the Acme

Treadway Co. for the flagging fun.With that many people showing upjust for flagging there will probablybe a horde of volunteers for the dig-ging party! Pending approval, thedigging should have already begunby the printing of this issue and willbe happening again the weekend ofOct. 12 and 13. To join the fun, callMike Karpie at 540/785-9553.

SNP Central District Crew WeekDuring the week of Aug. 19 to 23, a five-person volunteer crew assist-ed Shenandoah NP Central District Trails Supervisor C.T. Campbellin rehabilitating a trail section of the White Oak Canyon trail directlybelow the upper falls overlook. Despite the hot weather, the crew suc-cessfully rebuilt several waterbars, installed stone and locust log steps,rebuilt a lateral drain, installed riprap to narrow the trail, and regrad-ed the repaired trail section. The result was a much improved sectionthat received many compliments from passing hikers. The crew alsohad the distinction of providing assistance to several hikers who failedto bring adequate water for the hot weather. An extremely congenial,hard-working group of folks, luxury accommodations at the PinnaclesResearch Station, and a tour of Luray’s fine restaurants provided for avery successful project and a wonderful “vacation” for all participants.Crew leader Hal Hallett hopes the entire crew will find the time for afirst annual reunion work week in 2003.

PHT – Blowdowns and WeedwackingBernie Stalmann used his expert chainsawyering skills to help keepthe PHT clear as he took on two blowdowns blocking the trail, one

Trailhead


The North District Hoodlums’ “Jamaican” trail crew pausesfor a Kodak moment at Piney River ranger station in SNP

during the August worktrip.

Don White explains the trailscouting process to John

Shannon as other volunteerslisten in.

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North Distrist Hoodlums Kevin Kraditor, Terry Allen, andWayne Limburg (L-R, rear) were installing a waterbar on theAT south of Elkswallow when a southbound thru-hiker, Vinny,

(front) came along and lent a hand with the heavy rocks.

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of which was a 27-incher. In addition, heperfectly felled a couple of dead treesbetween towering growth in preparation fora training workshop in late September. The10 newly cut waterbars are now in perfectposition for a great training session.

Co-overseer John Regas and DistrictManager Bruce Glendening braved over100-degree heat index weather for a finalweedwacking of the Theodore Roosevelt toWindy Run section. The dry and hot sum-mer weather helped their efforts by retard-ing kudzu growth and has helped make thePHT fully passable year-round. For theupcoming years, the group dreams ofattacking the ever-present kudzu on a morelong-term basis, and the Park Service lent ahand by providing an initial herbicide spray.

Lastly, the Park Service removed the lastsafety concern on the PHT by painting asimple crosswalk across the entrance/exitramp of the GW Parkway and VA 123. NowPHT hikers see the safest place to cross andcan find their way to continue along the trail.

Diggin’ to Reggae In the heat of August, the North DistrictHoodlums trail crew went to Jamaica, mon!Jamaica me make rock waterbars on the AT?Noooooo problem!

Okay, maybe we never made it to Kingstonbut we DID tackle the section of trail overSouth Marshall and built 42 rock and logwaterbars and check dams along the way.Stephanie Bill and Tex Herbel maintain thissection of AT, and they already had a water-bar in place when the rest of the crewshowed up Saturday morning. After thatworkout, the crew reggaed on down toIndian Run Hut where rasta chefs preparedan island feast of salted fish and Ackee, jerkchicken, flambe plaintains, rice and peas,and tropical fruits.

Park Ranger Steve Bair took up the invita-tion for dinner, and we celebrated his birth-day with a pineapple upside-down cake,courtesy of new Club members Bill andJeanne Marie Jarrett, and Jose Rojas treatedthe crew to a great Sunday morning break-fast at the hut. Hey mon, life is good!

Blue and White AdventureBlue and White crew’s August adventureentertained a near record turnout of 20 trailmaintainers at the Pinnacles research sta-tion. The crew installed rock steps—includ-ing a curved stairway up a steep and winding

section of the trail – cut sidehill, and builtlocust-log waterbars on Laurel Prong Trailunder the watchful eye of LP OverseerMelanie Falk. Despite warnings of impend-ing thunderstorms, the crew enjoyed thecool, dry, and bug-free working conditionstypical of all Blue and White summer out-ings. Master Chef John McCrea prepared acrowd-pleasing evening meal of chickenParmesan, punctuated by numerous sidedishes and premium malt beverages.

Sunday morning the crew was greeted to aspecial breakfast of gourmet French toast,bacon, and melons prepared by the otherMaster Chef Alexandra Lampros, assistedby Chef McCrea. Following breakfast, thecrew returned to Laurel Prong to completeefforts begun on Saturday. OverseerMelanie Falk was delighted with the finalresult, which has significantly improved thispopular trail.

The Blue and White crew was supplement-ed with the entire five-person crew fromweek No. 1 of the SNP Central District firstweek summer crew. After a week of heavylifting and work on the White Oak CanyonTrail, they were still inspired to lend theirimproved trail-building skills to the LaurelProng Trail project.

Gore Relo Opened Completing a two-year project in August, theCadillac crew opened a relocation of theTuscarora Trail just south of Gore, Va. Thenew trail passes through PATC’s Howze-Gore Tract and utilizes adjacent easementsobtained by Lloyd MacAskill. Soon-to-beDistrict Manager Walt Smith and TractManager Andy Halls were on hand for theoccasion. Recognizing a campsite on the old

trail was not located on the Howze-GoreTract, Walt and Andy selected a new locationfor the campsite. Of course, it has to be built,so the crew has been coerced into buildingthe campsite on a work trip in October.Come join us – swing a pick mattock.

Crusher Ridge ConnectorAt the request of Cabin Construction ChairCharlie Graf, five members of the CadillacCrew met at Tulip Tree cabin in late Augustto determine a connecting trail from TulipTree to the SNP Crusher Ridge Trail acrossthe Lambert property. Led by Fran Keenan,the Crew flagged and cleared a proposedroute using suggestions from DarwinLambert. The Tulip Tree Cabin, being built from theground up using traditional techniques andonly hand tools, is scheduled for dedicationnext year. The new trail will give renters accessto the SNP trail system. Tulip Tree is locatedon five acres obtained from Darwin and EileenLambert, longtime PATC supporters. Please send any interesting tale, technicaladvice, individual or group accomplish-ments, and trail-maintenance questions toTrailhead, c/o Jon Rindt, 621 Skyline ForestDrive, Front Royal, VA 22630 or [email protected]. ❏

Trailhead


POTOMAC APPALACHIAN(UPS-440-280) ©2002, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Inc.Published monthly by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, VA 22180.Periodical class postage paid at Vienna, Va.Postmaster: send address changes to: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street, S.E.,Vienna, VA 22180Subscription: [Free with PATC membership]$6.00 annually; $.50 single copies.

The Cadillac crew enjoys some old-fashioned log slicing at Tulip Tree Cabin.

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SHELTER OVERSEERSWANTED

CONTACT FRANK TURK, 301/249-8243

E-mail:[email protected] Knob Shelter - MD

Co-Overseer for Wagon Wheel Shelter- PA

DISTRICT MANAGER WANTED

CONTACT KERRY SNOW, 301/295-5084

E-mail: [email protected] Manager - Massanutten South

TRAIL OVERSEER OPENINGS.CONTACT THE DISTRICT

MANAGER FOR THE SECTIONTHAT INTERESTS YOU.

PENNSYLVANIA - MAP 2-3,4,J,KCONTACT PETE BROWN, 410/343-1140

E-mail: [email protected] Trail

Rattlesnake Run Road to PA 16 (5 miles)Appalachian Trail co-overseer

Gas Pipeline to Rattlesnake Run Road (3 miles)Tuscarora Trail

Warner Trail to PA 233/ Col. Denning State Park (4 miles)

Tuscarora TrailCowpens Road to 3 Square Hollow Road (4 miles)

SNP CENTRAL BLUE-BLAZED

[NORTH END] – MAP 10CONTACT DAN DUEWEKE, 703/266-3248

E-mail: [email protected] OVERSEERS NEEDED

FOR REMOTE TRAILS.HARD WORK, LOW PAY, ADVENTURE GUARANTEED.

Catlett Mountain TrailHannah Run Trail to Hazel Mountain Trail

(1.2 miles)

SNP SOUTH AT – MAP 11CONTACT MIKE KARPIE, 540/785-9553


Powell Gap to Flattop Mt. Summit (1.7 miles)

SNP SOUTH BLUE-BLAZED – MAP 11CONTACT PETE GATJE, 434/361-1309

E-mail: [email protected] Peak Trail

Rocky Top Trail to West Park Boundary (2.6 miles)Rocky Mount Trail

Gap Run [upper] to Summit of Rocky Mt.Trail (1.2 miles)

Rockytop Trail – co-overseerBig Run Loop Trail to Lewis Peak Trail (2.2 miles)

Rockytop Trail – co-overseerLewis Peak Trail to Big Run Portal Trail

(3.5 miles)

TUSCARORA SOUTH – MAP F, G, 9CONTACT RICK RHOADES, 540/477-3247


Rock marker to Massanutten Trail (1.5 miles)

MASSANUTTEN NORTH – MAP GCONTACT MIKE SUTHERLAND,

703/591-8330E-mail: [email protected]

Massanutten Trail Rte. 758 to 7-Bar-None Trail (3.3 miles)

Massanutten Trail 7-Bar-None Trail to Bear Trap Trail (2.7 miles)

Massanutten Trail Bear Trap Trail to Peters Mill Run Trail (1.6 miles)

Massanutten Trail Jawbone Gap Trail Crisman Hollow Rd. (4.8 miles)

MASSANUTTEN SOUTH – MAP HCONTACT BILL SCHMIDT, 301/585-2477

E-mail: [email protected]

Massanutten Mt. South Trail

TV Tower to Pitt Spring (3.40 miles)

Massanutten Mt. South Trail

Pitt Spring to Morgan Run Trail (3.3 miles)

Second Mountain Trail

Boone Run trail to Kaylor Knob (1.1 miles)

Morgan Run Trail

Cub Run Rd. to Massanutten Mt. South Trail

(2.6 miles)

GREAT NORTH MOUNTAIN – MAP FCONTACT HOP LONG, 301/942-6177


Mill Mountain Trail

Big Schloss Cutoff Trail to the Tuscarora Trail

(3.3 miles)

Mill Mountain Trail

Wolf Gap Recreation Area to Big Schloss Cutoff

Trail (2.8 miles)

Great North Mountain Trail

Stack Rock to FR 720 (4.2 miles)

Big Schloss Trail

2.3 mile marker of Mill Mt.Trail to Big Schloss

View (.3 miles)

SUBURBAN MARYLAND – MAP DCONTACT LILES CREIGHTON, 410/573-0067


Cabin John Trail

Tuckerman Lane to Goya Drive (1.5 mile)

Tavern Spur Trail

Goldmine Loop Trail to Tavern (.2 mile)

Stop Lock Spur Trail

Goldmine Loop Trail to Stop Lock (.3 mile)

Anglers Spur Trail

Goldmine Loop Trail to Old Anglers Inn (.5 mile)

TRAIL, SHELTER and CORRIDOR OVERSEERS/MONITORS WANTED

PeriodicalPostage

PAIDVienna, VA

118 Park StreetVienna, VA 22180-4609

Telephone: 703/242-0315Mon.-Thurs. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Thurs. & Fri. 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.

issn 098—8154 in our 75th year! · 2002 annual meeting/dinner on tuesday, november 12 in vienna...

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