odatc newsletter march-april 2016...

website: www.odatc.net

The WalkerNewsletter of the Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club

Volume 24, Issue 2

President’s Message

With the holiday season winding down and winter settling in we have a few weeks to take stock of our gear and contemplate the adventures we might have in 2016 before spring arrives and sends us back out to the trail. In between snows there have been some opportunities to get some hiking in and by the looks of our activity calendar folks are taking advantage of them – great! One word of caution means streams are running full and crossings can be a challenge and had to re-learn on the Conway River a couple of weeks ago! Check the hike descriptions about seasonal stream crossings before you go and plan accordingly. Even though the weather has kept ustaking place. Mike Shelor held his annual introduction to backpacking class at the Science Museum on Saturday February 27. attended. The hike leader dinner was also a huge this month, both of which are some of the club’s tokens of appreciation for the volunteers that help make the trail and club what they are today maintainers for being the strong backbone of ODATC!The upcoming March membership meeting club’s volunteers. ODATC will recognize a handful of volunteers with over 100 hours of trail service, 18 volunteers with over 250 hours of s1,000 hours of service and one volunteer with over 4,000 hours of service who will be receiving the “Take Pride in America Presidential Award”. Please come out and support these folks, and all the volunteers, that ODATC and the AT. The club has many needs for additional volunteers, so if you’d like to join in with these seasoned veterans please contact a board member and we will work with you to find a position that best suits your talents and availability. The VP position is still open for anyone interested in working with the volunteer awards program and the club’s fiscal planning. On the fiscal note, the board finalized the 2016 budget at the February 9th board that will be posted on the “Members Only” portion of the web site soon. You’ll see that funds were allocated for the Website re

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The Walker

Newsletter of the Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club

President’s Message

With the holiday season winding down and winter settling in we have a few weeks to take stock of our gear and contemplate the adventures we might have in 2016 before spring arrives and sends us back out to the trail. In between snows there have been some opportunities to get some hiking in and by the looks of our activity calendar folks are taking

great! One word of caution – late winter/early spring hiking often means streams are running full and crossings can be a challenge and cold as a couple of us

learn on the Conway River a couple of weeks ago! Check the hike descriptions about seasonal stream crossings before you go and plan accordingly.

has kept us off the trail there have been a number of other activities his annual introduction to backpacking class at the Science

Museum on Saturday February 27. It was a great learning opportunity for

was also a huge success, and a maintainer pot luck lunch iswhich are some of the club’s tokens of appreciation for the volunteers

that help make the trail and club what they are today – great! Thank you hike leaders and g the strong backbone of ODATC!

The upcoming March membership meeting will also shine the spotlight onclub’s volunteers. ODATC will recognize a handful of volunteers with over 100 hours of trail service, 18 volunteers with over 250 hours of service, a couple of volunteers with over 1,000 hours of service and one volunteer with over 4,000 hours of service who will be receiving the “Take Pride in America Presidential Award”. Please come out and support these folks, and all the volunteers, that generously donate their time and effort to support ODATC and the AT. The club has many needs for additional volunteers, so if you’d like to join in with these seasoned veterans please contact a board member and we will work with

t best suits your talents and availability. The VP position is still open for anyone interested in working with the volunteer awards program and the club’s

On the fiscal note, the board finalized the 2016 budget at the February 9th board that will be posted on the “Members Only” portion of the web site soon. You’ll see that funds were allocated for the Website re-design and the Privy re-construction projects and I’m

P.O. Box 25283

Richmond, VA 23260-5283

March/April 2016

With the holiday season winding down and winter settling in we have a few weeks to take stock of our gear and contemplate the adventures we might have in 2016 before spring arrives and sends us back out to the trail. In between snows there have been some good opportunities to get some hiking in and by the looks of our activity calendar folks are taking

late winter/early spring hiking often cold as a couple of us

learn on the Conway River a couple of weeks ago! Check the hike descriptions

number of other activities his annual introduction to backpacking class at the Science

opportunity for everyone who

maintainer pot luck lunch is happening which are some of the club’s tokens of appreciation for the volunteers

great! Thank you hike leaders and

many of the club’s volunteers. ODATC will recognize a handful of volunteers with over 100 hours of

ervice, a couple of volunteers with over 1,000 hours of service and one volunteer with over 4,000 hours of service who will be receiving the “Take Pride in America Presidential Award”. Please come out and support

generously donate their time and effort to support ODATC and the AT. The club has many needs for additional volunteers, so if you’d like to join in with these seasoned veterans please contact a board member and we will work with

t best suits your talents and availability. The VP position is still open for anyone interested in working with the volunteer awards program and the club’s

On the fiscal note, the board finalized the 2016 budget at the February 9th board meeting and that will be posted on the “Members Only” portion of the web site soon. You’ll see that

construction projects and I’m

Volume 24, Issue 2 The Walker March/April 2016

website: www.odatc.net P.O. Box 25283


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CARPOOLING Please honor the following suggested donation to your driver when carpooling to and from hikes: $10 per rider for travel to and around the Charlottesville area (60-70 miles approx.) $15+ per rider for travel beyond Charlottesville (over 75 miles).

ODATC Hike Rating Codes

Hiking boots are strongly recommended for all hikes. Hikers must be properly equipped, aware of their limitations & hike within their ability. In the interest of safety, activity coordinators may refuse to allow participation by club members or their guests.

Terrain 1 = Very Strenuous 2 = Strenuous 3 = Moderate 4 = Easy

Distance A = More than 13 miles B = 9 to 13 miles C = 5 to 9 miles D = Under 5 miles

President’s Message - continued

Just to pass on a couple of miscellaneous notes:

• REI’s “Member Only Garage Sale” is set for 3/12. They also have a few camp cooking classes scheduled for March to help ease any cabin fever you might have. ODATC’s board continues to work with ATC and Dominion Power on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline crossing of our section of the AT. A primary and contingency alternative are needed and we will be conducting field visits with ATC and Dominion in the near future to scout and discuss possible locations.

• If you haven’t checked out ATC’s new website, give it a look at: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/

• If you don't know about this website check it out! Google street view of trails - including AT sections (Reed's Gap north).

http://www.terrain360.com P.S. ATC is hiring a Graphic & Web designer and a number of Seasonal positions. They will be posting for their “Visitor Management Program Manager” any day now. This position will have a lot of focus on the new Katahdin Hiker Registration program going into effect in the near future. Happy Trails – be safe!

DaveDaveDaveDave




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Trips, Treks, and Talks/Weekday Hikes

March 2 (Wednesday) Pocahontas State Park – Chesterfield (C/3)

Jeff Samuels (796-7949 or [email protected] ). A 5.5 mile hike on wide hiking and multi-use trails. Nice views of Swift Creek, Swift Creek Lake, and Beaver Lake including a walk through the Conversion Area and a small section of campground. A wee bit of park history to round things out. Restrooms (heated) at beginning and again at 1.5 miles. Park entrance is on Beach Road (Rt. 655) 4 miles west of Rt. 10 (Ironbridge Rd). Parking fee without park pass. Meet in the big parking lot near the pool/picnic area at 9:50AM. March 8 (Tuesday) ODATC General Membership Meeting at the Science Museum of

Virginia

Join fellow ODATC member Bert Norfleet’s presentation of his June 2015 170 mile hike along The Camino Francés trail in northern Spain. Bert will give a brief history and legend of the Camino de Santiago, what is involved in hiking the Camino, and some of the sites along the way. The meeting begins at 7 PM, but members are encouraged to arrive at 6:30 PM for socializing. Snacks to share are always welcome. March 9 (Wednesday) Robious Landing Park – Chesterfield (C/4)

Paul Miller (804-901-8689). Hike the trails of one of Chesterfield County’s newest parks, as well as areas immediately outside the park with beautiful views of the James River for 5.1 miles total. The park is adjacent to James River High School off Robious Road, just east of Rt. 288. See https://www.plotaroute.com/route/169393. Meet in the park’s main lot at 9:50 am. March 11 (Friday) Great Dismal Swamp – Chesapeake (C/4)

Art Ritter ([email protected]). Why have a dismal Friday at work? Play hooky on Friday, and join me on a hike in the Great Dismal Swamp. We will meet at 7:30 am at the Panera Bread near White Oak Village at 4483 S Laburnum Ave. (take the Laburnum exit from I-64 east of town and head south). We leave for the trailhead at 7:45 am sharp. The hike will be 9.0 very flat miles (out and back) to Lake Drummond, one of two natural lakes in Virginia. The last time I hiked here, I saw five river otters, lots of waterfowl, black bear scat, and the many interesting sights typical of a large wooded swamp. Bring binoculars. Hopefully, we will get to the lake in time for lunch. Here is an account and photos of the last time that I hiked there: http://o2bhiking.blogspot.com/2013/02/great-you-bet-dismal-no-way.html.

March 14 (Monday afternoon) Buttermilk/Northbank Trails Loop - James River Park

RVA (C/2)

Diana Nunez-Hoyle ([email protected] or 317-4779). This is one of a series of fast paced Monday afternoon hikes taking advantage of Daylight Savings Time. The 8 mile hike traverses Browns Island to the pipeline, crosses the 14th street bridge and connects




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with the Buttermilk via the Floodwall, recrosses the River on the Boulevard Bridge, connects to the Northbank Trail ending at the cars. Meet at the free parking lot on Tredegar St. between the Lee Bridge and 2nd St. Bring water and snacks. Dinner option at Piccola’s near VCU. Meet at 5:00 pm..

March 16 (Wednesday) Dodd Park (aka Point of Rocks) – Chesterfield (D/4)

Jim Hunt (730-2364). This 4.0 mile hike along the Appomattox River is # 12 in Johnny Molloy’s new book Best Easy Day Hikes – Richmond Virginia. Take I-95 to Exit 61 Hopewell, follow Rte. 10 East for 3.1 miles, turn right on Bermuda Orchard Lane (Rte. 828). After 1.6 miles the road ends and the park entrance is 100 yards on the right. We will meet in the parking lot for Shelters 1&2 at 9:50 am. March 21 (Monday afternoon) Buttermilk/Northbank Trails Loop - James River Park

RVA (C/2)

Diana Nunez-Hoyle ([email protected] or 317-4779). This is one of a series of fast paced Monday afternoon hikes taking advantage of Daylight Savings Time. The 8 mile hike traverses Browns Island to the pipeline, crosses the 14th street bridge and connects with the Buttermilk via the Floodwall, recrosses the River on the Boulevard Bridge, connects to the Northbank Trail ending at the cars. Meet at the free parking lot on Tredegar St. between the Lee Bridge and 2nd St. Bring water and snacks. Dinner option at Piccola’s near VCU. Meet at 5:00 pm.

March 23 (Wednesday) Powhatan State Park - Powhatan (C/3)

Jim and Meredith Henry ([email protected] or 804 740-3501). Come out and join us on this 5 mile hike which is moderately difficulty with one long climb and several challenging inclines. From Richmond, go to the interchange of Rt. 288 and Patterson Avenue (Rt. 6) drive west approximately 13 miles, taking a left onto US 522 South, cross the river, and after 1.9 miles look for the Powhatan State Park sign. Turn right onto Rt. 617. From Southside, take US 60 West from Midlothian, then US 522 North to a left turn at Rt. 617. Travel on Rt. 617, 1.4 miles, turn right into the Park, follow the entrance road taking the first left on River Launch Road. Meet in the parking area at its end. We will end the hike back at the picnic shelter adjacent to the boat launch. Those who are interested should bring a picnic lunch. A fee or a park pass is required to enter the park. Meet at 9:50 am.

March 30 (Wednesday) High Bridge Trail State Park - Farmville (C/3) Jack Martin (804/678-8083 or [email protected]). First leg of the High Bridge Trail, between Burkeville and Rice is 6.8 miles. Shuttle required. Red bud will be at peak and open vistas of farmland. Afterwards, optional visit to Jack’s property, containing a Civil War battlefield, near Sailor’s Creek. Meet at the High Bridge Trail’s parking lot in Rice off US 460. Bring a lunch. If you want to carpool, contact Jack. Meet at 9:50 am.




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April 4 (Monday afternoon) Buttermilk/Northbank Trails Loop - James River Park

RVA (C/2)


April 6 (Wednesday) Byrd Park and Boulevard - RVA (C/3)

Bill Tennant (282-0590 or [email protected]). The 6 mile hike goes around Byrd Park and on paths around the Pump House on the Kanawha Canal, and along the Boulevard in the Museum District to the Stonewall Jackson Monument and return. Meet at Maymont at the Spotswood Road entrance parking lot (off Boulevard Park Drive/Nickel Bridge). Optional lunch in the Fan. Meet at 9:50 AM. April 6 (Wednesday) Lunch Break Series at SMV – Noon RVA

David Grimes, President and Mike Shelor, Land Management Director of the Old Dominion Appalachian Club (ODATC) – Another Walk in the Woods: Hiking and

Backpacking the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. April 11 (Monday) Skyland to Thornton Gap SNP (B/1) Howard Davis ([email protected] or 434-964-1242). An 11 mile day hike over Stoney Man Mountain and Mary’s Rock with 3000 plus feet of elevation change. Not an introductory hike. Hike limited to 12. April 11 (Monday afternoon) Buttermilk/Northbank Trails Loop - James River Park

RVA (C/2)


April 13 (Wednesday) The Highlands and a Social – Chesterfield (D/4)

Tim Gilbert (804-304-8841 or [email protected]) and Ann Lankey (804-338-1771 or [email protected]) will lead a 5-mile hike through the Highlands subdivision including 0.5 mile on the neighborhood nature trail. The hike will begin and end at 11101 Sterling Cove Drive, Chesterfield. From Chesterfield Courthouse take Beach Rd Rte 655 and begin making all left turns at Nash Rd. Rte 636, Eastfair Dr. (The Highlands entrance)




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and five streets to left at Sterling Cove. The hike will be followed by lunch at Tim's house. Burgers will be grilled and munchies will be available. Bring your beverage and anything else you want for your lunch. Meet at 9:50 am. April 18 (Monday afternoon) Buttermilk/Northbank Trails Loop - James River Park

RVA (C/2)


April 20 (Wednesday) Capital to Capital Trail – Henrico (D/4)

Alec Alexander (833-0361 or [email protected]). One in a series of two hour hikes on different portions of the paved Virginia Capital Trail (official name). For this section meet at the Four Mile Creek Park parking area east of I-295 on the north side of Route 5 opposite the Exxon store. Hike will be eastwardly in a mostly rural wooded portion of the Trail and return. Bathroom availability on this section is unknown. Meet at 9:50 am. April 25 (Monday afternoon) Buttermilk/Northbank Trails Loop - James River Park

RVA (C/2)


April 27 (Wednesday) Cary Street to VCU/RVA (C/3) Jack Martin (804/678-8083 or [email protected]) Walk 5 miles from Carytown to VCU via the Fan District. Meet at Carytown Martin’s Food Store parking lot, 3522 W. Cary Street at 9:50 am. April 28 (Thursday) Classic Richmond Neighborhoods –Westham Ridge west of

University of Richmond - RVA (D/4)

Ted McGarry (218-1238). Virginia Historic Garden Week is a once a year opportunity to see unforgettable private gardens and beautiful homes at the peak of Spring color. Westham, in the late 18th Century, was an old trading town which prospered in what is now this idyllic neighborhood. The tour includes 5 architecturally diverse homes from different periods which are situated on expansive, mature and landscaped wooded lots. The yards




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showcase parterre and avian gardens and a native azalea sanctuary. Join me for about three hours of touring split by lunch at a local neighborhood eatery. Shuttle buses will be in use but not needed for every home. Ticket sales benefit the Virginia Garden Club restorations and are $45 pp in advance, $50 the day of the tour. Or you can tour fewer homes for less cost and time. Call for meeting place. Meet at 9:50 am.

Trips, Treks, and Talks/Weekend Hikes

March 6 (Sunday) Madison Fire Rd/Austin Mountain Trail (B/4)

Jenni Pendergrass ([email protected]) or 221-3226). This is a 10 mile up and back hike on the Madison Run Fire Rd from the SNP park boundary to Skyline Drive and back. Easy walk on a gravel surface road with a long slow elevation climb to Skyline Drive. Good hike to ease back into the spring hiking season. Bring lunch and water. Call or e-mail Jenni for time and meeting place. March 13 (Sunday) New Off Trail Hike, Pocahontas State Park - Chesterfield (C/3)

Jeff Samuels ([email protected]) or 796-7949, 536-2671 (c). Up to 3.5 miles of this 8-9 mile hike will be off trail to several scenic areas between, and including, the NW shoreline of Swift Creek Lake and Third Branch Creek (west of Beaver Lake). Off trail conditions on hike day may affect route selection and the mileage of a bailout option that will be available for those preferring a shorter hike. Be prepared for uneven terrain and shallow stream crossings (rock hop). Bring lunch and water. Heated restrooms. Park entrance is on Beach Road (Rt. 655) 4 miles west of Rt. 10 (Ironbridge Rd). Parking fee without park pass. No need to contact Jeff unless you have questions. Meet in the big parking lot near the pool/picnic area at 9:30 AM March 19 (Saturday) South River Falls (B/3)

Jack Martin ([email protected] or 804/678-8083). This 10.2 mile circuit hike with 1,800 ft. elevation change is # 19 in PATC’s Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park. Bring a lunch. Meet at I-64 West Exit 167 Oilville Park and Ride at 8:30 am. Contact Jack in advance with your contact information in case weather causes cancellation. March 26 (Saturday) Bear Creek State Park (B-3)

Bill Tennant ([email protected] or 282-0590) Here’s a good hike for the early Spring. We’ll hike about 10 miles on the gently rolling hills of Bear Creek State Park and parts of the connecting Willis River Trail and a little of the Cumberland multi-use trail. The hike includes a walk along the shore of Bear Creek Lake and gives us a chance to explore and enjoy one of Virginia’s State parks. This is less than an hour west of Richmond and hike-able in any weather that the early spring may throw at us. Contact Bill for time and meeting location.




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April 2 (Saturday) Cold Mountain (B/3)

Let's hit the road fairly early and head out to hike Cold (Cole) Mountain, rated as the 5th most scenic day hike in Virginia by one experienced hiker! Cold Mountain is near Pleasant Mountain, and features about a 5.8 mile loop with steady but not steep elevation gains (about 1,400 feet of gain and loss). There are outstanding views from the balds at the top, and scenic forest hiking along several trails to reach those views. Call or e-mail for meeting time and place. Alec Alexander [email protected] or 833-0361 April 2 (Saturday) Afton to Calf Mountain Shelter (A/3)

Jenni Pendergrass ([email protected] or 221-3226). Out and back 14 mile hike from the Afton parking area to the Calf Mountain shelter. We’ll have lunch at the shelter before heading back to Afton. Be prepared for some moderate climbs with some nice views along the way. Call or e-mail Jenni for time and meeting location. April 9 (Saturday) Rocky Mountain/Brown’s Mountain (B-2)

Bill Tennant ([email protected] or 282-0590) Here’s one we haven’t done in a while. It’s in the Southern District of Shenandoah National Park so it won’t take all day to get there. It starts with a ridge walk with some nice views then descends to Big Run Creek. We walk along Big Run then pick up Rocky Mountain Run as we head back up to Skyline Drive. At 10.1 miles, 2100 feet of elevation and a few rock hopping water crossings, it’s not a beginner’s hike but it should be a nice walk in the Park on a fine Spring day. Contact Bill for time and meeting place. April 10 (Sunday) Hiking the Great Discontinuity with David Spears - State

Geologist (A/1)

State Geologist David Spears will accompany us on a hike across the Great Discontinuity to provide insights on the geology of the Skyland, Hawksbill and White Oak Canyon portions of the Blue Ridge. The complete circuit hike is approximately 15 miles (+) from White Oak Canyon to Skyland to Hawksbill then down Cedar Run to return to the starting point. Hikers that don’t want to do the entire circuit are invited to work with other hikers to position vehicles in order to join / leave the hike through individual sections of the circuit. There are three vehicle drop points: White Oak, Skyland and Hawksbill. Please note that the car pool(s) carrying hikers that intend to hike the entire loop will not be shuttling section hikers back up to Skyland or Hawksbill due to the time required to complete the circuit. The entire circuit hike is rated "A-1" (strenuous and over 13 miles). The sections from Skyland to Hawksbill and Hawksbill down Cedar Run are more moderate but some of the trail going down Cedar Run can be a bit rugged in spots. The complete circuit hike has over 3,500 feet of elevation gain between the bottom of White Oak Canyon and Hawksbill summit. I would like to limit this hike to 10 in addition to myself and David Spears so there will be a manageable “class” size when David Spears is talking about things (also in keeping with LNT guidelines). I estimate the complete circuit hike will take about 8 hours so we’ll be




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getting an early start. I will work out a starting time once Daylight Savings Time begins. Contact me at [email protected] if you are interested in this hike April 16 (Saturday) Crabtree Falls to Monticello Fish Hatchery( B/ 1)

This 9 mile and 3610 foot climb will see if you are in shape. Call or e-mail for meeting time and place. Alec Alexander [email protected] or 833-0361 April 23 (Saturday) Jones Run/Doyles River Falls (C/3)

Jack Martin ([email protected] or 804/678-8083). This 8.4 mile circuit hike with 1,800 ft. elevation change is #24 in PATC’s Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park. Bring a lunch. Meet at I-64 West Exit 167 Oilville Park and Ride at 8:30 am. Contact Jack if you plan to go. April 30th (Saturday) Prince William Forest Park C/3

Aseeyah and Tom Rhinesmith invite you to a pleasant walk in the woods at Washington D.C. area's signature national park. We will do our usual loop with an additional in and out section increasing our mileage to about 9. All those interested should meet us at the Manakin P & R no later than 8:00 A.M. See you there! Contact information – Preferred - email [email protected]. Phone number (804)382-6186 May 1 (Sunday) Bear Church Rock (B/ 2)

Come to church with me Sunday, May 1 - Bear Church Rock. This hike is about 5 miles each way out and back through mountain forests, with a great view point at the turn around point. There is about 2,800 feet elevation gain and loss, with a lot of up and down. The last time I did this hike, I actually did see two young black bears, but no guarantees! We will meet at 7:30 at the Rockville park and ride ( Manakin (exit - 173 - on the north side of I-64 Park and Ride at exit 173 on I-64), and carpool to the trailhead, leaving the Park and Ride at 7:45. You can see photos and an account of the hike here: http://o2bhiking.blogspot.com/2012/06/bear-church-rock.html Art Ritter ([email protected]) E-mail Art to confirm you are going.




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Courtesy of Theresa Duffey

TIME TRAVELERS: A FREE WEEKEND OF RICHMOND HISTORY

FEATURING 14 HISTORIC SITES IN THE REGION

The Richmond Region's most renowned historic sites offer visitors a “passport” to time-travel during a special admission-free weekend on Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13. Tourists and locals alike are invited to discover the area's treasures, spanning 400 years of fascinating history and including the homes of John Marshall, Jefferson Davis, John Wickham, Major James Dooley and other important Virginians. Fourteen participating sites – Agecroft Hall, The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, Chesterfield County Museum, Chimborazo Medical Museum, Dabbs House Museum, The John Marshall House, Magnolia Grange House Museum, Maymont, Meadow Farm Museum, Museum & White House of the Confederacy, Poe Museum, The 1812 Wickham House, The Valentine First Freedom Center and Wilton House Museum – will offer complimentary admission to visitors who show a Time Travelers Passport, available via download from any website of participating attractions (see below). This special offer equates to savings of more than $65 per person. (Some restrictions may apply.)

Agecroft Hall

Agecroft Hall, home to Richmond’s Tudor house, was first built in England in the 1500s, then transported across the ocean and rebuilt in Richmond in the 1920s. Today it is a museum furnished with art and artifacts from 17th century England. Located just west of Carytown at 4305 Sulgrave Road, visitors are encouraged to take a guided tour, stroll the manicured gardens overlooking the James River, explore the architectural exhibit, and shop in our museum store. Open Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12:30 to 5 p.m. For more information, call (804)353-4241 or visit www.agecrofthall.org.

The Branch House

(The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design) Imagine a design museum housed in an architectural masterpiece. Designed in 1916 by John Russell Pope as the private residence of the Branch family, this Tudor Revival structure was built to serve as a social and cultural destination for the community. Located




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at 2501 Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia's historic Fan District, the 27,000 sq. ft. house is listed on the national register of historic places. As a museum, the mission of The Branch is to reveal the inherent beauty of the created form and space, igniting a passion for design. The Branch will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tours are available. For more information, call (804) 644-3041 or visit www.branchmuseum.org.

Chimborazo Medical Museum

(Richmond National Battlefield Park) Chimborazo became one of the Civil War's largest military hospitals. When completed it contained more than 100 wards, a bakery and even a brewery. Although the hospital no longer exists, a museum on the same grounds contains original medical instruments and personal artifacts. Other displays include a scale model of the hospital and a short film on medical and surgical practices and the caregivers that comforted the sick and wounded. The site is located at 3215 East Broad Street in Richmond, Virginia, is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is free. For more information, call (804) 226-1981 or visit www.nps.gov/rich.

Dabbs House Museum

The Dabbs House, built in rural eastern Henrico in 1820, gained attention as Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s field headquarters during the summer of 1862. The museum provides a place to learn about the history of the house from its use as a residence for the Dabbs family to its tenure as Henrico’s police headquarters from 1941 to 2005. Visitors can tour the 1862 field headquarters, browse the exhibit galleries, and view a video on the history of the house. On September 17, 2010, Henrico County opened its first Tourist Information Center, which is located inside the Dabbs House Museum and provides visitors with resources on many other Richmond area attractions. This facility is owned by the County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks. Dabbs House Museum will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and is located at 3812 Nine Mile Road in eastern Henrico. For more information, call (804) 652-3406 or visit www.dabbshouse.henricorecandparks.com.

The John Marshall House

The John Marshall House, built in 1790 in the fashionable Court End neighborhood of Richmond was the home of the “Great Chief Justice” for forty-five years. Listed on the National and Virginia historic registers, the John Marshall House has undergone remarkably few changes since Marshall’s lifetime. The property remained in the Marshall family until 1911. It is currently owned and operated by Preservation Virginia. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the house, stroll the garden, and visit the Museum Shop. The John Marshall House will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday and is located at 818 East Marshall Street in Richmond. For more information, call (804) 648-7998 or visit www.preservationvirginia.org.

Magnolia Grange, Chesterfield County Museum and 1892 Historic Jail

Built in 1822 by William Winfree, Magnolia Grange is a handsome Federal-style plantation house named for the circle of magnolia trees that once graced its front lawn. Noted for its distinctive architecture, the mansion contains elaborate ceiling medallions, as well as




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sophisticated carvings on mantels, doorways and window frames. The house has been carefully restored to its 1820s look and feel. The Chesterfield Museum is a reproduction of the colonial courthouse of 1750. Its collections tell the history of Chesterfield County from prehistoric times through the 20th century. Exhibits include early Indian culture, artifacts from the first iron and coal mines in America, which were in Chesterfield County, early household and farming tools and a country store of the late 19th century. The Old Jail, built in 1892, houses historical exhibits from the county’s Police department that are displayed downstairs. Upstairs, visitors may view cells as they were when they housed their last prisoners in 1962. Magnolia Grange, the County Museum and Historic Jail will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Magnolia Grange is located at 10020 Iron Bridge Road; the County Museum and Jail are located nearby at 6813 Mimms Loop in Chesterfield. For more information, call (804) 796-1479 or visit www.chesterfieldhistory.com.

Maymont

Maymont, a 100-acre American estate, was the home of New South business leader James Dooley and his wife Sallie from 1893 through 1925 and an extraordinary gift to the city of Richmond. Marvel at the 21 restored rooms that offer an unusually complete depiction of upstairs-downstairs life in the Gilded Age. The opulent upstairs interiors are adorned with Tiffany stained glass, frescoed ceilings and other sumptuous detailing and filled with original furnishings and artwork. Downstairs service rooms tell the story of household tasks and technology and the challenges of working in domestic service during the Jim Crow era. The surrounding landscape features Italian and Japanese gardens, magnificent trees, and a carriage display as well as Virginia wildlife exhibits, a Children's Farm and the Robins Nature & Visitor Center. Maymont Mansion will be open 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and is located at 1700 Hampton Street in the heart of Richmond. (Grounds are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) For more information, call (804) 358-7166, ext. 310 or visit www.maymont.org.

Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park

Meadow Farm, one of the last remaining 19th century farms in Henrico County, is now an 1860 living historical farm focusing on middle-class rural life just before the upheaval of the Civil War. Costumed interpreters provide insights into the lives of Dr. John Mosby Sheppard, the owner of Meadow Farm, and his family. Daily and seasonal activities are portrayed in the farmhouse, barn, doctor’s office, blacksmith’s forge, kitchen, fields and pastures. The Museum also offers a schedule of special events, living history programs, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. The Meadow Farm Museum Orientation Center features a reception area for visitors, two exhibit galleries and a gift shop. This facility is owned and operated by the County of Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks. Meadow Farm Museum will be open 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and is located at 3400 Mountain Road in old Glen Allen. (Grounds are open from dawn to dusk.) For more information, call (804) 652-1455 or visit www.henricorecandparks.com.




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Poe Museum

Opened in 1922, Virginia’s only literary museum, the Poe Museum in Richmond, boasts the world's finest collection of Edgar Allan Poe's manuscripts, letters, first editions, memorabilia and personal belongings. The Poe Museum provides a retreat into early nineteenth century Richmond where the author of “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart” lived and worked. The museum explores Poe’s life and career by documenting his accomplishments with pictures, relics, and verse, and focusing on his many years in Richmond. One of the structures in the museum’s four-building complex is the ca.1754 Old Stone House, the oldest residential structure in the original city limits of Richmond. The Poe Museum will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and is located at 1914 East Main Street in Richmond. For more information, call (804) 648-5523 or visit www.poemuseum.org.

The Valentine First Freedom Center

The Valentine First Freedom Center houses 2,200 square feet of exhibits that delve into America’s experience of religious liberty from its European antecedents through today. It is located on the site where Thomas Jefferson’s Statute for Religious Freedom was enacted into law by the Virginia General Assembly in 1786. Outside, a 27-foot spire, a limestone wall etched with the enacting paragraph of the Statute, and a 34-foot banner of a seminal Jefferson quote imprint the importance of the “first freedom” on all who come upon that busy corner. The Valentine First Freedom Center is located on the corner of South 14th & Cary streets and will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is available on the street or in public pay lots. For more information, call (804) 649-0711 or visit www.thevalentine.org/firstfreedomcenter.

White House of the Confederacy (Museum of the Confederacy)

The house was home to Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, and his family from August 1861 until the evacuation of Richmond on April 2, 1865. It served as the political and social epicenter of wartime Richmond. The White House currently holds a large number of furnishings and artifacts that were in the house with the Davis family. All of the remaining items are original to the period, except for the textiles which are reproductions based on original fabrics or period patterns. All tours are guided. The White House of the Confederacy will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 1201 East Clay Street in Richmond. For more information, call (804) 649-1861 or visit www.acwm.org. Please note: Time Travelers Passport Holders will only receive free admission to the house tour. The Museum of the Confederacy entrance fee is $10 and will not be free for the promotional weekend.

The 1812 Wickham House (The Valentine)

The Wickham House, built in 1812, is a spectacular example of 19th-century Federal architecture and displays some of the country’s finest examples of interior decorative painting. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, the Wickham House, built by John and Elizabeth Wickham, illustrates the lives of one of Richmond’s most prominent families. The Wickham House was purchased by Mann Valentine, Jr., and in 1898 became the first




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home of the Valentine Museum. It is managed and operated by the Valentine. All tours are guided. The Valentine and the 1812 Wickham House will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday and is located at 1015 East Clay Street in Richmond. The Valentine’s current exhibitions, Valentine Garden, Edward V. Valentine Sculpture Studio and the Valentine Store will be open as well. For more information, call (804) 649-0711 or visit www.thevalentine.org.

Wilton House Museum

Overlooking a placid stretch of the James River, Wilton House has been welcoming guests since constructed in the 1750s as the centerpiece of a sprawling tobacco plantation by the prominent Randolph Family of Virginia. Here, friends, relations, and weary travelers such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette were welcomed. An impressive example of 18th-century Georgian Style architecture, Wilton House boasts its original and richly detailed paneling and an exquisite collection of fine and decorative arts from the Colonial and early Federal eras. When development threatened Wilton House in the 1930s, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Virginia purchased and restored the property. Wilton House Museum will be open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday and is located at 215 South Wilton Road in Richmond. For more information, call (804) 282-5936 or visit www.wiltonhousemuseum.org. For information on any of the sites listed above, please contact them directly via their website or phone number listed above. For general information regarding the Time Travelers Passport Program, please contact: Domenick Casuccio (804) 467-2431 (text or call) [email protected]

Upcoming ODATC Programs

March 8, 2016 - Join fellow ODATC member Bert Norfleet’s presentation of his June 2015 170 mile hike along The Camino Francés trail in northern Spain. Bert will give a brief history and legend of the Camino de Santiago, what is involved in hiking the Camino, and some of the sites along the way. May 10, 2016 - It’s our annual pot luck dinner/club presentation night and a formal return of the club gear swap! Bring a covered main and/or side dish then sit back and enjoy as members have @ 5 minutes to briefly talk about a few of their outdoor experiences over the past year. Submit/attach no more than 5 images in an Email to David Olli at [email protected] no later than Tuesday, May 3 and I’ll put ‘em all in a PowerPoint presentation for the evening. We’re also encouraging everyone to bring any gear they’re looking to barter or give away. Here’s your chance to finally rid of that extra backpack, tent, camp stove,




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cooking gear, snake bite kit, anything clogging up your outdoor gear storage area to someone in need.

All general club meetings are now being held on the second Tuesday of January, March, May, September and November at The Virginia Science Museum located at 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond VA 23220-2057. The meetings officially begin at 7:00 PM, but members are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early for socializing. Snacks to share are always welcome. For more information contact David Olli at [email protected].

Thank you, Trail Maintainers! Trail Maintainers are already busy even though the first monthly work trip on the AT isn't scheduled until March 19th. Recall our work trips are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month from March to November. On February 6th a first aid/CPR class was made available. Twelve ODATC members attended a class led by long-time Red Cross instructor and Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue member Tommy Wilson. First aid and CPR training is an important skill for all and especially when working in the back county where EMS response times may be extended. Maintenance of a current first aid/CPR certification is also a requirement for our sawyers to keep their USFS certification. The class was held at the James River Park HQ at Reedy Creek. The room was provided free to us and offered a great view of the river. Last year's work season started slowly. Our work day at James River Park, where we were to remove a log jam at one of the creek crossings, was cancelled due to a winter storm that left the logs iced-over. Then our trip to Presquile National Wildlife Refuge had to be cancelled due to rain and wind. I am glad to report that this season's February work trip at James River Park in Richmond was held on a beautiful warm and sunny February 20th. We fielded a strong team of 13 workers to help the Park staff improve the Northbank trail-head at the corner of Hampton St. and Kansas Ave. Users of the trail were cutting across a switchback so it was decided to simply build a stair case along this natural line. Additionally, the team assisted with "amouring" a portion of the trail. In essence large cobbles were set into the trail to protect if from erosion and wear from bicycle traffic. Mike Burton, Trails Manager, City of Richmond, wrote me saying that "It was a great group - both the skill level and hard-working nature of the folks there was impressive." More energy than typical was available to focus on the project because the work site was only steps from our parked cars and the Park staff delivered all of the tools as well as rock to the site. Normally a good part of our work day on the AT is spent lugging tools up to several miles to the work site and then farming stone from the general area.




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As noted above the next work trip is scheduled for March 19th on the AT. We meet at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor's Center at 9:00 AM. We also have several park and ride options from the Richmond area. This year's work trip at Presquile NWR is on April 9th. If interested in these, or other trips, please let me know at 804-928-8757 or [email protected].

Saturday, February 20, 2016 Work Trip




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Full Day Intensive Backpacking Workshop March 12, 2016 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Location: American Legion Hall in Stanardsville, VA

(near Swift Run Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park)

Spring backpacking is right around the corner! Come get ready with our intensive backpacking seminar! Want to find out how to safely backpack and learn gear and technique without all the added bulk? Are you a seasoned backpacker who wants to learn some new information or just get excited about the upcoming season and network with fellow hikers? In this workshop, participants will learn the ins and outs of backpacking. Conducted by Lauralee Bliss, a two time Appalachian Trail hiker with over 6,500 AT miles, thru hikes of the Long Trail, Foothills Trail and Allegheny Trail, ridge runner for Shenandoah National Park, an author and speaker, this workshop will get you ready for whatever the trail can dish out and have fun at it, too. Topics include planning your adventure, dissecting the backpack (a participant favorite), lots of backpacking gear, cooking and water demonstrations, a first aid and safety session, and much more. Tent and gear displays, outdoor demonstrations, and a literature table. ALSO - Great door prizes offered by Great Outdoor Provisions of Charlottesville

including gift cards and an Opsrey backpack!

$45 registration per person includes the workshop, program materials and light refreshments. An optional $5 lunch plan is available. Seating is limited! Full information and registration can be found at: http://www.blissfulhiking.com Questions: [email protected]

Welcome to New Members

ODATC would like to recognize and welcome our newest members!

Theresa Conti Mark Dooley Susan Fleetwood Steve and Darlene Watson Danna Cody Ed Duval Camille Kurtz Franklin Wolf Tim and Connie Boggs




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Notes from the Trail

WHERE YA FROM, WHERE YA FROM ALL I EVER HEAR THAT SAME OLD QUESTION EVERYWHERE I GO EVERYONE I MEET WHERE YA FROM, WHERE YA FROM IF I TELL YOU NEW JERSEY OR MISSISSIPPI WHAT WOULD YOUR OPINION BE WHY IN THE HELL DO YOU ASK ME WHERE YA FROM, WHERE YA FROM THAT SAME OLD QUESTION I’D RATHER KNOW WHERE I’M GOING CAN’T TELL FOR THIS I DO NOT KNOW NICE TO KNOW YOU FOR THE TIME BEING JUST PLEASE NO MORE QUESTIONS WHERE YA FROM MY FRIEND

*From Shelter Register – April 2013




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2016 ODATC Board of Directors (Area Code 804)

President David Grimes 833-8974 [email protected]

Vice President Open Position [email protected]

Secretary Sue Kropp 276-0070 [email protected]

Treasurer Jack Martin 784-1979 [email protected]

Programs David Olli 928-8702 [email protected]

Land Mgmt. Mike Shelor 264-8308 [email protected]

Membership John Spindler 746-4717 [email protected]

Trail Maint. Mark Heede 364-1658 [email protected]

Activities Jim Hunt (weekend events) 730-2364 [email protected]

Ted McGarry (weekday events) 218-1238 [email protected]

Newsletter Brooks Godwin 263-6572 [email protected]

Outreach Aseeyah Rhinesmith 382-6186 [email protected]

Webmaster Larry Kidd 784-3617 [email protected]

Board meetings are typically held the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December. Meeting dates are occasionally changed so please

contact the president for times and location. All meetings are open to the membership.

Lest we forget…

The ODATC Mission • The construction and maintenance of foot trails for hikers, including the

trail between Reeds Gap and Rockfish Gap.

• The provision of excursions on such trails or other areas

• Offering educational activities related to the need for preserving the great outdoors.




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Three Ridges Mau Har

February 20, 2016

THE WALKER The Walker is published bi-monthly

with the submission deadlines by the 15th

of the pre-publication month.

Club member stories and photos are welcome! Please send your material to [email protected].

odatc newsletter march-april 2016...

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