The (Wilmongton, DE?) News Journal warms its readers hearts on 29 January 2007 with its version of the annual article on summer camp. This article, "Can-do Summer Fun For All," by Denise Morrison Yearian, lists a number of organized summer camps for kids, including the Spruce Lake Wilderness Camp, in Canadensis, PA.
Spruce Lake's option called "Surf and Turf" is aimed at 11-14 year olds. It "features five days of canoeing, camping and backpacking on the New Jersey Appalachian Trail.”
I'm thinking that maybe the canoeing part isn't actually on the New Jersey AT ... although last time I hiked through New Jersey there were some wet, marshy sections ... hmmmmm.
A little surfing of my own (the world wide web type) got me to the camp's web site, and revealed that the times this crew will be canoeing (or not) on the Appalachian Trail will be: 24-29 June and 1-6 July. They clear up their interpretation of the surfing part, too. They spend 2 1/2 days canoeing on the Delaware River and then "the other half of the trip will be spent backpacking about 10 miles on the internationally known Appalachian Trail in New Jersey."
Not just any Appalachian Trail, mind you, but the internationally known one.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Letter to the Editor Favors Wind Farm
The Kennebec Journal of 29 January 2007 printed a letter to the editor by ATC member, AMC member, and long-time seat belt advocate, Dr. Richard K. Jennings. Jennings laments the LURC rejection of the Redington wind mill installation.
He says, "We must not reject it. If, in fact, it means the sacrifice of the Bicknell thrush, or the view from the AT, that is sad, to be sure, but the alternative is by all measures far worse."
He says, "We must not reject it. If, in fact, it means the sacrifice of the Bicknell thrush, or the view from the AT, that is sad, to be sure, but the alternative is by all measures far worse."
Monday, January 29, 2007
Editor Strongly Backs Windmills
John W. Porter, the editorial page editor of the Maine Sunday Telegram writes a strongly-worded piece in the MaineToday.com version of their newspaper on 28 January 2007 titled "Lawmakers Should Set LURC Straight."
Pulling no punches, Porter parlays his post as pundit into a pulpit whence he preaches passage of a pro-pulmonary power pact in Portland.
I shouldn't have written that last sentence, because it trivializes this well-written column. He calls the LURC rejection of the Redington wind farm plans "a fit of immaturity."
A little further down he adds "The trail would still exist and be worth hiking. The subalpine habitat where the windmills would be anchored would continue to be viable, if slightly diminished. It's called a trade-off, and mature minds understand that problems get solved in this world by making sensible trade-offs."
Well, okay. Some folks just didn't want to make that trade-off, that compromise. They said that while the Trail would still be worth hiking, it wouldn't be worth as much as it could and should be.
Porter says he would like to see the legislislature define a "wind-power zoning law" under which LURC would pretty much have to approve this plan (and others).
Pulling no punches, Porter parlays his post as pundit into a pulpit whence he preaches passage of a pro-pulmonary power pact in Portland.
I shouldn't have written that last sentence, because it trivializes this well-written column. He calls the LURC rejection of the Redington wind farm plans "a fit of immaturity."
Furthermore, "A decade in the making, the Maine Mountain Power project would have transformed a high ridge overlooking the Appalachian Trail into a place where 90 megawatts of clean electricity would be generated, displacing fossil fuel production that contributes to global warming.
"LURC, however, took to heart the arguments of opponents who said a high ridge located within view of the trail was a less-than-ideal place to put a wind farm.
"Hard to argue with, that.
"In an ideal world, hikers on the trail would not have to look at big, lumbering turbines by day and blinking lights at night. In an ideal world, wind power would be located where absolutely no habitat for rare plant species was disturbed. Memo from Plato: We don't live in an ideal world. We live in this one."
A little further down he adds "The trail would still exist and be worth hiking. The subalpine habitat where the windmills would be anchored would continue to be viable, if slightly diminished. It's called a trade-off, and mature minds understand that problems get solved in this world by making sensible trade-offs."
Well, okay. Some folks just didn't want to make that trade-off, that compromise. They said that while the Trail would still be worth hiking, it wouldn't be worth as much as it could and should be.
Porter says he would like to see the legislislature define a "wind-power zoning law" under which LURC would pretty much have to approve this plan (and others).
Damascus Still Friendly
Boston Globe correspondent Diane Daniel writes in a 28 January 2007 article titled "Bikers, Hikers Trail Each Other to Damascus, Va" about that friendly town thru-hikers all love.
Mostly, the article is about the bicycling trail through town.
But she also writes: "Hikers have the Appalachian Trail. Damascus is one of nine communities along the route where the trail crosses the center of town, a cause for celebration if you are hiking the entire 2,175 miles and have been in the woods for a few weeks.
Mostly, the article is about the bicycling trail through town.
But she also writes: "Hikers have the Appalachian Trail. Damascus is one of nine communities along the route where the trail crosses the center of town, a cause for celebration if you are hiking the entire 2,175 miles and have been in the woods for a few weeks.
"Dubbed the 'friendliest town on the trail,' Damascus lives up to its nickname every May. Its Appalachian Trail Days Festival is a weeklong celebration planned around the time most hikers are passing through on their way to the trail's end in Maine."
File that "nine communities along the route" trivia under the heading of 'you learn something new every day.' At least for me. I'd never gone and counted them up.
Maintainer Charles Parry From Roanoke
There's a nice article in the 28 January 2007 Roanoke (VA) Times by Evelio Contreras ("Weather Doesn't Stop Trial Maintenance") about a day in the life of a trail maintainer.
And of his crew, of course.
This crew is part of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club. The article details their putting in three water bars at McAfee Knob. While it was snowing. And then raining.
Where would hikers be without folks like that? Wow!
Next work hike is 18 February.
And of his crew, of course.
This crew is part of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club. The article details their putting in three water bars at McAfee Knob. While it was snowing. And then raining.
Where would hikers be without folks like that? Wow!
Next work hike is 18 February.
Saddleback Mountain Development Described
In the 28 January 2007 MaineToday.com version of the article by Tux Terkle from the Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram titled "Saddleback Carving New Terrain" you can read a tiny bit about the struggle that ski resort folks go through just to make a living. For example, what do you do when there's no snow?
Not even referring to the general lack of snowfall that climate change is bringing about, Terkle goes into a number of financial stressors. One of his sources says that owners just don't make money on lift tickets, but that the real money is made in real estate -- building and renting condos, for example.
Now to the AT portion of the article:
"More than 20 years ago, a Massachusetts businessman bought the ski area with the intention of creating an "Aspen of the East." Donald Breen was able to build some condos and upgrade the ski operation, but not much else.
"In 2003, Breen sold the ski area and roughly 8,000 acres to Bill Berry and his family, for $7.5 million. . . . .
"Saddleback is in the unorganized territories, so development is controlled by Maine's Land Use Regulation Commission. The family won approval three years ago for some primary projects, including the lodge, condos, new lifts and better snowmaking. That work alone cost $25 million."
Just don't try to include a windmill!
Not even referring to the general lack of snowfall that climate change is bringing about, Terkle goes into a number of financial stressors. One of his sources says that owners just don't make money on lift tickets, but that the real money is made in real estate -- building and renting condos, for example.
Now to the AT portion of the article:
"More than 20 years ago, a Massachusetts businessman bought the ski area with the intention of creating an "Aspen of the East." Donald Breen was able to build some condos and upgrade the ski operation, but not much else.
"The Appalachian Trail runs along Saddleback Mountain's 3.5-mile summit, and Breen's plan to extend ski area development across the hiking corridor caught the attention of environmental groups and the National Park Service. The battle that followed put all development on hold by 1995. The parties finally reached a settlement in 2000, but the project never recovered.
"In 2003, Breen sold the ski area and roughly 8,000 acres to Bill Berry and his family, for $7.5 million. . . . .
"With the Appalachian Trail issue settled, the Berrys hope to avoid further controversy by limiting development in sensitive places. More than half of the property will be untouched by ski trails or construction.
"Saddleback is in the unorganized territories, so development is controlled by Maine's Land Use Regulation Commission. The family won approval three years ago for some primary projects, including the lodge, condos, new lifts and better snowmaking. That work alone cost $25 million."
Just don't try to include a windmill!
Skunk Feeder
In a 28 January 2007 column about skunks ("Close Encounter Prompts New Respect"), Scott Morris, the managing editor of the Decatur (AL) Daily recounts one of his AT experiences.
"Some friends and I once shared a backpacking shelter on the Appalachian Trail with a skunk that was living under the wooden bunks. In a gesture of mutual respect, we let the fat skunk steal any food that accidentally dropped on the floor. In return, the skunk let us live odor free. No one made any sudden movements."
"Some friends and I once shared a backpacking shelter on the Appalachian Trail with a skunk that was living under the wooden bunks. In a gesture of mutual respect, we let the fat skunk steal any food that accidentally dropped on the floor. In return, the skunk let us live odor free. No one made any sudden movements."
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Barefoot AT Hiker Zaleski
The online Hamptons.com from the far eastern end of Long Island, NY yields up a report by R. B. Stuart titled "A Former Vietnam Marine Takes the Long Walk Home." In a kind of parallel to the well-known story of the first AT thru-hiker, this man was changed by a war in Asia and friends who did not return.
Ronald C. J. Zaleski has been walking barefoot as a kind of self-imposed penance for being assigned to a state-side post while 5 buddies went to Viet Nam in 1970-72. Three of his friends were maimed for life. Two died there. And Zaleski stopped wearing shoes in 1972.
He sees a clear parallel situation in the war in Iraq, and vowed to raise awareness of the post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suffered by so many who have been in combat. "Part of the vow by this 56 year-old born on Veteran's Day is to walk the 2,174 mile Appalachian Trail across 14 states barefoot, in an attempt to bring attention to veterans past and present with PTSD, and to offer those soldiers free doctors visits to help them cope with this disorder."
"[Z]aleski began his walk at Mt. Katahdin, Maine. All of his gear was strapped to him and made out of a lightweight and durable white plastic Tyvek (the material used in express mail bags by the US Post Office, DHL, etc.). He would walk 10 - 20 miles each day, and sleep in a Tyvek tent and sleeping bag. By the end of the first portion of the walk, over four and half months he trekked almost 1,400 miles. He suspended his journey in Monto Bello, Virginia due to weather. In April, Zaleski will pick up where he left off completing his vision quest by July in Georgia."
I saw another article about him some months back when he was in Pennsylvania. This guy is the real deal.
Ronald C. J. Zaleski has been walking barefoot as a kind of self-imposed penance for being assigned to a state-side post while 5 buddies went to Viet Nam in 1970-72. Three of his friends were maimed for life. Two died there. And Zaleski stopped wearing shoes in 1972.
He sees a clear parallel situation in the war in Iraq, and vowed to raise awareness of the post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suffered by so many who have been in combat. "Part of the vow by this 56 year-old born on Veteran's Day is to walk the 2,174 mile Appalachian Trail across 14 states barefoot, in an attempt to bring attention to veterans past and present with PTSD, and to offer those soldiers free doctors visits to help them cope with this disorder."
"[Z]aleski began his walk at Mt. Katahdin, Maine. All of his gear was strapped to him and made out of a lightweight and durable white plastic Tyvek (the material used in express mail bags by the US Post Office, DHL, etc.). He would walk 10 - 20 miles each day, and sleep in a Tyvek tent and sleeping bag. By the end of the first portion of the walk, over four and half months he trekked almost 1,400 miles. He suspended his journey in Monto Bello, Virginia due to weather. In April, Zaleski will pick up where he left off completing his vision quest by July in Georgia."
I saw another article about him some months back when he was in Pennsylvania. This guy is the real deal.
AT Comparison in Tasmania
The Toronto, Canada Globe and Mail of 27 January 2007 carries an article by Darryl Leniuk titled "Tassie's Toughest Track" in which he compares a 70 kilometer (you do the math) trail on the island of Tasmania with our AT.
He writes that "the Overland Track is Australia's most popular multiday walk, attracting about 9,000 hikers each year. It cuts through the centre of the island, traversing alpine meadows, mountain lakes and craggy peaks. While the Track is more Appalachian Trail than Andes, I didn't expect to see snow."
Sounds like a nice hike. Maybe next time I'm down south ....
He writes that "the Overland Track is Australia's most popular multiday walk, attracting about 9,000 hikers each year. It cuts through the centre of the island, traversing alpine meadows, mountain lakes and craggy peaks. While the Track is more Appalachian Trail than Andes, I didn't expect to see snow."
Sounds like a nice hike. Maybe next time I'm down south ....
Bangor Writer Unhappy with Redington Result
In the Bangor (ME) Daily News of 27 January 2007, columnist Kent Ward vents his displeasure with the recent rebuff of the proposed Redington windmill project. Titled "Wind Towers for Some, Not Others," his piece makes the point that the windmills will likely end up somewhere else, ruining someone else's views.
"Spoiling the scenic view for Just Plain Folks in the central Aroostook area by turning one of its unique and spectacular God-given landmarks into something akin to a monstrous geologic pincushion is one thing. Ruining a scenic view for the upscale skiers and golfers of Sugarloaf and their shirttail cousins of the Appalachian Trail is quite another."
I'm not sure exactly what a shirttail cousin of an upscale skier or golfer looks like, but Ward's point may well be that it's outsiders who fought against the Redington site, and those same outsiders will now be in favor of the wind mills if placed elsewhere. Like in his back yard.
That's one of the things that made this issue so contentious: global warming and acid rain, or obstructed views with dead birds and bats. Take your choice.
"Spoiling the scenic view for Just Plain Folks in the central Aroostook area by turning one of its unique and spectacular God-given landmarks into something akin to a monstrous geologic pincushion is one thing. Ruining a scenic view for the upscale skiers and golfers of Sugarloaf and their shirttail cousins of the Appalachian Trail is quite another."
I'm not sure exactly what a shirttail cousin of an upscale skier or golfer looks like, but Ward's point may well be that it's outsiders who fought against the Redington site, and those same outsiders will now be in favor of the wind mills if placed elsewhere. Like in his back yard.
That's one of the things that made this issue so contentious: global warming and acid rain, or obstructed views with dead birds and bats. Take your choice.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Trail Angel's Story
The Reading (PA) Eagle newspaper correspondent Rita Floriani writes on 26 January 2007 about a "Hike to William Penn Shelter Borne of Necessity".
She tells a number of stories about her Trail experiences including one that starts "One very warm summer day I received a phone call from my friend Scott in the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club. He told me that a day or two earlier a thru-hiker had become seriously ill and had to be transported off the trail via an all-terrain vehicle." Ouch!
Floriani and a friend hiked up to the William Penn Shelter, gathered up the un-named hiker's gear and hauled it all to the hospital in Lebanon, PA where he'd been lodged. Talk about a trail angel!
"He wrote to me a short while later and let me know that he had recovered from his illness and that he was so grateful to have gotten his things returned to him."
It's nice to hear this kind of story from the trail angel's point of view for a change. Check it out.
Floriani, by the way, is listed as the papers "hiking columnist."
She tells a number of stories about her Trail experiences including one that starts "One very warm summer day I received a phone call from my friend Scott in the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club. He told me that a day or two earlier a thru-hiker had become seriously ill and had to be transported off the trail via an all-terrain vehicle." Ouch!
Floriani and a friend hiked up to the William Penn Shelter, gathered up the un-named hiker's gear and hauled it all to the hospital in Lebanon, PA where he'd been lodged. Talk about a trail angel!
"He wrote to me a short while later and let me know that he had recovered from his illness and that he was so grateful to have gotten his things returned to him."
It's nice to hear this kind of story from the trail angel's point of view for a change. Check it out.
Floriani, by the way, is listed as the papers "hiking columnist."
Friday, January 26, 2007
Carvers Gap On Two Wheels
If the quiet of the woods is getting to you, you might could hope that lots and lots of folks read the December 2006 article in Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine by Andrew Cherney, titled "2006 Motorcycle Tours - Roan Mountain."
Down toward the bottom of the article, Cherney writes: "Just down the other side of this rather large hill lies the fabled Blue Ridge Parkway, but to access the famous gardens (and the old Cloudland Hotel), it's best to hang a right at Carvers Gap onto the Forest Service road.
"Carvers Gap is a low notch in the ridgeline of Roan Mountain, and the adjacent parking lot also gives you a straight shot at the Appalachian Trail (AT). To the north, the AT crosses a series of grassy balds-nearly treeless areas that offer unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 10-mile stretch that includes Carvers Gap has been lauded by many an AT through-hiker as one of the most beautiful bits of the entire trail. Just south, the AT climbs to the high point of the ridge-6285-foot Roan High Knob."
So, there you are.
Down toward the bottom of the article, Cherney writes: "Just down the other side of this rather large hill lies the fabled Blue Ridge Parkway, but to access the famous gardens (and the old Cloudland Hotel), it's best to hang a right at Carvers Gap onto the Forest Service road.
"Carvers Gap is a low notch in the ridgeline of Roan Mountain, and the adjacent parking lot also gives you a straight shot at the Appalachian Trail (AT). To the north, the AT crosses a series of grassy balds-nearly treeless areas that offer unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 10-mile stretch that includes Carvers Gap has been lauded by many an AT through-hiker as one of the most beautiful bits of the entire trail. Just south, the AT climbs to the high point of the ridge-6285-foot Roan High Knob."
So, there you are.
Redington Saved! Windmill Plan Rejected!
The first paragraph of the storyby staff writer Alan Crowell in the Kennebec Journal Morning Standard of Thursday 25 January 2007 says it all: "In a decision that could have wide ramifications for the future of wind power in Maine, the Land Use Regulation Commission on Wednesday rejected a plan to place 30 turbines on two western mountains."
Or, says most of it. Here's more:
"Wednesday's vote was unusual because the commission voted 6-1 against the staff's recommendation. In a discussion before the vote, several commissioners called the document one-sided and largely inconsistent with guidelines that require the land use agency to protect natural resources and channel development into appropriate locations."
This long article bears reading.
And the struggle to satisfy America's energy appetite in a sustainable way is not over.
Or, says most of it. Here's more:
"Wednesday's vote was unusual because the commission voted 6-1 against the staff's recommendation. In a discussion before the vote, several commissioners called the document one-sided and largely inconsistent with guidelines that require the land use agency to protect natural resources and channel development into appropriate locations."
This long article bears reading.
And the struggle to satisfy America's energy appetite in a sustainable way is not over.
Balanced Report on Redington Decision
Donna M. Perry, a staff writer for the Lewiston (ME) Sun Journal writes on Thursday 25 January 2007 ("Wind Project Suffers Blow") about the LURC vote rejecting the propsals to build wind turbines on the Redington ridge in northern Franklin County, Maine.
Down in the middle of the well-written article, Perry writes: "Pam Underhill of the National Park Service asked the commission to not be responsible for desecration of the Appalachian Trail, a gift to the people, and the legacy it intended. The park service objected to the proximity of the Redington project to the Appalachian Trail and the resulting scenic impact. The wind farm would be located 1.1 miles from the trail at the closest point. The land would be rezoned from a protected mountain area subdistrict, which is land above 2,700 feet in elevation, to planned development."
Perry also points out that the project could come back again after some revisions to the plans.
Down in the middle of the well-written article, Perry writes: "Pam Underhill of the National Park Service asked the commission to not be responsible for desecration of the Appalachian Trail, a gift to the people, and the legacy it intended. The park service objected to the proximity of the Redington project to the Appalachian Trail and the resulting scenic impact. The wind farm would be located 1.1 miles from the trail at the closest point. The land would be rezoned from a protected mountain area subdistrict, which is land above 2,700 feet in elevation, to planned development."
Perry also points out that the project could come back again after some revisions to the plans.
Eagle Scout has Some AT Miles In
The Annapolis, MD Capital-Gazette Newspapers online version of 26 January 2007 carries an article by staff writer Lori Phelan about local high school sophomore Robert Andrew Morris who had just earned his Boy Scout Eagle rank at age 14.
As part of his background, the article mentions that Morris's "adventures in Scouting have taken him to the National Jamboree at Fort A. P. Hill in Virginia, various camporees, three summer camp programs at Broad Creek Scout Reservation, Appalachian Trail hikes, quite a few white water rafting trips and a three-week trip to Scotland and Ireland, where he toured the countries and attended the Scottish Jamborette in Blair Atholl, Scotland." [emphasis added]
Hmmm, I think I could do with 3 weeks in Scotland and Ireland, too.
As part of his background, the article mentions that Morris's "adventures in Scouting have taken him to the National Jamboree at Fort A. P. Hill in Virginia, various camporees, three summer camp programs at Broad Creek Scout Reservation, Appalachian Trail hikes, quite a few white water rafting trips and a three-week trip to Scotland and Ireland, where he toured the countries and attended the Scottish Jamborette in Blair Atholl, Scotland." [emphasis added]
Hmmm, I think I could do with 3 weeks in Scotland and Ireland, too.
Indiana's Keith Drury has AT on Resume
A Grant County, IN Chronicle-Tribune article by Whitney Ross ("New Name for YMCA Stays Hush-Hush") on 26 January 2007 reports that the folks at the Grant County Family YMCA will only learn the name of the facility at a dinner on Monday night, 29 January.
"In addition to giving updates about the building, attendees will hear Keith Drury, a religion professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, speak about his hikes. Drury has more than a dozen books and manuals published and he has hiked the Appalachian Trail and canoed the Missouri River." [emphasis added]
He was speaking on the 29th about his more recent hike "tracing the Pottawatomi Indians," as they walked what "is called the 'Trail of Death' and starts in Indiana. Drury walked the same 660-mile trail the American Indians walked when they were forced to move west."
"In addition to giving updates about the building, attendees will hear Keith Drury, a religion professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, speak about his hikes. Drury has more than a dozen books and manuals published and he has hiked the Appalachian Trail and canoed the Missouri River." [emphasis added]
He was speaking on the 29th about his more recent hike "tracing the Pottawatomi Indians," as they walked what "is called the 'Trail of Death' and starts in Indiana. Drury walked the same 660-mile trail the American Indians walked when they were forced to move west."
Monday, January 22, 2007
Friends Wilderness Center
According to an article in the Charles Town (WV) Herald-Mail of 22 January 2007 by Dave McMillon, there's a nature centure run by local Friends (a.k.a. Quakers) that is near the AT.
"Visitors to the center can enjoy a trail system that winds through the wooded area and campers can enjoy staying in the large treehouse that reaches about 15 feet into the air, a cabin that was built by the Niles' or a "yurt," a circular structure that was initially used by nomads in Mongolia."
The article mentions a couple times the center's proximity to the Trail, so I hunted up their web site which says "We're outside the borders of Harpers Ferry and across the Shenandoah River from the town itself -- the Postal Service just lists our mailing address that way. Our "street" address is on a gravel country lane off a dead-end road. We are in the very easternmost edge of West Virginia, actually bordering Virginia and the Shenandoah River and near the Appalachian Trail. We're within the private nonprofit "Rolling Ridge" sanctuary that is 20 minutes south of Harpers Ferry, WV,..."
Then, elsewhere on the site: "Some of our trails do feed into the Appalachian Trail, so be careful you don't wind up by accident in Maine or Georgia!"
Since among the things the retreat center offers are a treehouse that can sleep 20, a yurt that can sleep 6, primitive campsites, and possibility of meal preparation. Overnight stays run something like $15 per person. I don't know, seems like it's worth checking out if you're in the area.
Their street address is also said to now be 305 Friends Way, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. It's not on Mapquest as of today, so I don't know whether the Friends Wilderness Center is going to be an up and coming hiker hostel or not.
"Visitors to the center can enjoy a trail system that winds through the wooded area and campers can enjoy staying in the large treehouse that reaches about 15 feet into the air, a cabin that was built by the Niles' or a "yurt," a circular structure that was initially used by nomads in Mongolia."
The article mentions a couple times the center's proximity to the Trail, so I hunted up their web site which says "We're outside the borders of Harpers Ferry and across the Shenandoah River from the town itself -- the Postal Service just lists our mailing address that way. Our "street" address is on a gravel country lane off a dead-end road. We are in the very easternmost edge of West Virginia, actually bordering Virginia and the Shenandoah River and near the Appalachian Trail. We're within the private nonprofit "Rolling Ridge" sanctuary that is 20 minutes south of Harpers Ferry, WV,..."
Then, elsewhere on the site: "Some of our trails do feed into the Appalachian Trail, so be careful you don't wind up by accident in Maine or Georgia!"
Since among the things the retreat center offers are a treehouse that can sleep 20, a yurt that can sleep 6, primitive campsites, and possibility of meal preparation. Overnight stays run something like $15 per person. I don't know, seems like it's worth checking out if you're in the area.
Their street address is also said to now be 305 Friends Way, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. It's not on Mapquest as of today, so I don't know whether the Friends Wilderness Center is going to be an up and coming hiker hostel or not.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
"Where in the Blue Blazes?"
Today brings a couple news items about trails connecting with the AT, i.e., blue blaze trails.
First is an article on the MaineToday.com website of the Portland Press Herald and the Maine Sunday Telegram by Deirdre Fleming. It's an interview-ish announcement of a presentation by International Appalachian Trail founder Dick Anderson (Tuesday, 23 January at Portland Trails' annual meeting). In case you haven't heard, the IAT stretches way beyond Point Gaspe. "Anderson envisions the potential of a path that one day would pick up the trail beyond the Atlantic Ocean, north of Iceland, in Denmark and winding through sections of the same mountain range all the way to west Africa." Only a matter of time until someone hops into a sea kayak to paddle across the north Atlantic in order to be the first one to complete this portion of the trail.
Next, the Akron (OH) Beacon Journal has an article by staff writer Bob Downing about hiking options in and around Damascus, Virginia. That trail town is such a target for thru-hikers that they may not pay attention to all the rest of the hiking in the area. Downing's article outlines some of the loop hikes one could take in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, "one of the best hiking and backpacking areas in the East."
And then there's the (Lewiston, ME) Sun Journal article by staff writer Terry Karkos, datelined Bethel, and titled "On the trail of a trail." It describes a hike by some folks scouting out the best path for a trial extension. "Late last year, the Androscoggin River beside Route 2 was crossed by the longest recreational/snowmobile bridge in Maine, suddenly making it possible to create a trail connecting Bethel Village to Newry, Sunday River Ski Resort, the Appalachian Trail, and a nearly-complete 42-mile Grafton Loop backpacking trail in the rugged Mahoosuc mountain range. Bethel Area Trails [the group making the hike reported in the article] is a Mahoosuc Land Trust committee that formed in 2004 to expand the pathway system in the Bethel area." So I reckon one could blue blaze from the AT to all those places. Or the other way 'round.
First is an article on the MaineToday.com website of the Portland Press Herald and the Maine Sunday Telegram by Deirdre Fleming. It's an interview-ish announcement of a presentation by International Appalachian Trail founder Dick Anderson (Tuesday, 23 January at Portland Trails' annual meeting). In case you haven't heard, the IAT stretches way beyond Point Gaspe. "Anderson envisions the potential of a path that one day would pick up the trail beyond the Atlantic Ocean, north of Iceland, in Denmark and winding through sections of the same mountain range all the way to west Africa." Only a matter of time until someone hops into a sea kayak to paddle across the north Atlantic in order to be the first one to complete this portion of the trail.
Next, the Akron (OH) Beacon Journal has an article by staff writer Bob Downing about hiking options in and around Damascus, Virginia. That trail town is such a target for thru-hikers that they may not pay attention to all the rest of the hiking in the area. Downing's article outlines some of the loop hikes one could take in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, "one of the best hiking and backpacking areas in the East."
And then there's the (Lewiston, ME) Sun Journal article by staff writer Terry Karkos, datelined Bethel, and titled "On the trail of a trail." It describes a hike by some folks scouting out the best path for a trial extension. "Late last year, the Androscoggin River beside Route 2 was crossed by the longest recreational/snowmobile bridge in Maine, suddenly making it possible to create a trail connecting Bethel Village to Newry, Sunday River Ski Resort, the Appalachian Trail, and a nearly-complete 42-mile Grafton Loop backpacking trail in the rugged Mahoosuc mountain range. Bethel Area Trails [the group making the hike reported in the article] is a Mahoosuc Land Trust committee that formed in 2004 to expand the pathway system in the Bethel area." So I reckon one could blue blaze from the AT to all those places. Or the other way 'round.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Sunfish Pond Heroine Has Died
In her obituary, Helen Fenske is called "a lioness of the environmental movement in New Jersey." I never met her, but reading here her accomplishments, I'd have to agree. She died in on Friday, 19 January 2007, in Nashua, New Hampshire.
I'm not completely sure who the publisher of Helen Fenske's obituary by Garry Herzog is, although the title on the web page is "Recorder Community Newspapers." Under the section titled "Bernardsville News" for 20 January 2007, one can read about Mrs. Fenske's wide-ranging and influential fights on behalf of the environment.
For AT hikers, one of the most important battles she was involved with was the preservation of Sunfish Pond, in New Jersey, just north of Delaware Water Gap.
Lovely pond. Sounds like a lovely woman, too.
I'm not completely sure who the publisher of Helen Fenske's obituary by Garry Herzog is, although the title on the web page is "Recorder Community Newspapers." Under the section titled "Bernardsville News" for 20 January 2007, one can read about Mrs. Fenske's wide-ranging and influential fights on behalf of the environment.
For AT hikers, one of the most important battles she was involved with was the preservation of Sunfish Pond, in New Jersey, just north of Delaware Water Gap.
Lovely pond. Sounds like a lovely woman, too.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Redington Wind Farm Could End Up in Court
The 19 January 2007 John Richardson article in MaineToday.com (the web site of the Portland Press Herald and the Maine Sunday Telegram newspapers) says that several environmental "groups said the recommendation of the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission staff dismissed or ignored evidence presented by opponents. They also said the recommendation violates standards for development in the land use plan for Maine's unorganized territories. The state agency's director called those criticisms nonsense."
Is it prejudicial that the agency's director is using words like "nonsense" before the agency's vote on their staff's report?
While environmental groups have been divided about this particular wind farm, "Maine Audubon, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Appalachian Trail Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy repeated their opposition to the plan on Thursday at a news conference at the Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, saying the risks to the sensitive sub-alpine ecosystem and valuable recreation area outweigh the benefits. They also hinted strongly that approval by the commission could lead to a court appeal based on what the critics called legal flaws in the staff review."
It isn't about wind farming in general, but about this particularly bad location for one. (But, then, any wind farm along migratory bird flight paths is a bad idea in itself.)
Is it prejudicial that the agency's director is using words like "nonsense" before the agency's vote on their staff's report?
While environmental groups have been divided about this particular wind farm, "Maine Audubon, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Appalachian Trail Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy repeated their opposition to the plan on Thursday at a news conference at the Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, saying the risks to the sensitive sub-alpine ecosystem and valuable recreation area outweigh the benefits. They also hinted strongly that approval by the commission could lead to a court appeal based on what the critics called legal flaws in the staff review."
It isn't about wind farming in general, but about this particularly bad location for one. (But, then, any wind farm along migratory bird flight paths is a bad idea in itself.)
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Retiree Heading to Trail
According to the Pensacola (FL) News Journal of 18 January 2007 (in an article by Church Corder), retiring Milton High School girls' basketball coach Chuck Douglass has plans to hike the AT in retirement. Also "Trips to Canada and the Far East. [and] Leading primitive youth ministry camps along the Escambia River." I'm guessing he teaches through the end of the school year. Hope the hike goes well!
Tilting at Maine Windmills
It's not surprising news, but Portland, Maine's WCSH television's online content provider Rhonda Erskine reports on 18 January that "The Appalachian Mountain Club, Maine Audubon and other trail organizations are angry that the staff of Maine's Land Use Regulation Commission is supporting a major wind power project in Western Maine. ... Opponents believe it would ruin the view from the trail and damage a fragile ecosystem. They called on LURC to deny the permit next Wednesday."
We can hope.
We can hope.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Maine Land Being Protected
I don't exactly get this, but the Bangor Daily News of 17 January 2007 has an article by Kevin Miller which says that the "Land for Maine's Futures" is purchasing "a conservation easement on the Katahdin Iron Works property owned by the Appalachian Mountain Club." "The property is bisected by a section of the Appalachian Trail that leads to Gulf Hagas, a popular waterfall. Though the trail and Gulf Hagas are not on AMC land, they both are protected under earlier conservation agreements."
What I don't get is why AMC wouldn't pretty automatically have a conservation easement on its property.
There are some revved up snowmobilers (pun intended) who don't want the purchase to go through. The easement will close some trails to them. "AMC’s decision to set aside 10,000 of the 37,000 acres as an ecological reserve angered snowmobilers who used several now-closed trails in the reserve. Snowmobiling is still permitted on trails in the remaining 27,000 acres and the easement contains language guaranteeing a snowmobile corridor through the property connecting Greenville and Brownville." They say it will be yet another blow to Maine's economy.
Naturally, the conservationists are focusing on things like the "unadulterated, wild population of brook trout and rare plants."
What I don't get is why AMC wouldn't pretty automatically have a conservation easement on its property.
There are some revved up snowmobilers (pun intended) who don't want the purchase to go through. The easement will close some trails to them. "AMC’s decision to set aside 10,000 of the 37,000 acres as an ecological reserve angered snowmobilers who used several now-closed trails in the reserve. Snowmobiling is still permitted on trails in the remaining 27,000 acres and the easement contains language guaranteeing a snowmobile corridor through the property connecting Greenville and Brownville." They say it will be yet another blow to Maine's economy.
Naturally, the conservationists are focusing on things like the "unadulterated, wild population of brook trout and rare plants."
AT Again the "Gold Standard"
The St. Petersburg (FL) Times of 16 January 2007 published a piece by their outdoors editor, Terry Tomalin, about that state's 1,500 mile 'State Kayak Trail' to be completed there in 2008. The title and subtitle read "A Trail Unlike Anything Else; Organizers with the the Department of Protection call it 'the saltwater version of the Appalachian Trail'."
Okay, I'm a little confused. Is it unlike anything else? Or is it enough like the AT to call it the saltwater version thereof?
Maybe it doesn't matter. Two points remain: 1) the AT is the standard the other guys use to measure their trails; and 2) no matter how rainy it is up on the AT, there will still be more water on this Kayak Trail.
Published on the same date, an op-ed piece in the American Spectator by William Tucker (which is really about Pres. Bush's conduct of the war in Iraq) begins with the line "Last summer I hiked 125 miles from New York City to New Paltz on the Long Path, New York's equivalent of the Appalachian Trail."
Closer to the truth would be "...equivalent of Vermont's Long Trail," but let's not quibble.
(Actually, let's go ahead and quibble. What would be "New York's equivalent" of the AT? Would it be the Long Path when/if it reaches the Canadian border? Or would the trail have to run from New York City way out west to Buffalo?)
My point is only to highlight the use of the AT as the gold standard.
Okay, I'm a little confused. Is it unlike anything else? Or is it enough like the AT to call it the saltwater version thereof?
Maybe it doesn't matter. Two points remain: 1) the AT is the standard the other guys use to measure their trails; and 2) no matter how rainy it is up on the AT, there will still be more water on this Kayak Trail.
Published on the same date, an op-ed piece in the American Spectator by William Tucker (which is really about Pres. Bush's conduct of the war in Iraq) begins with the line "Last summer I hiked 125 miles from New York City to New Paltz on the Long Path, New York's equivalent of the Appalachian Trail."
Closer to the truth would be "...equivalent of Vermont's Long Trail," but let's not quibble.
(Actually, let's go ahead and quibble. What would be "New York's equivalent" of the AT? Would it be the Long Path when/if it reaches the Canadian border? Or would the trail have to run from New York City way out west to Buffalo?)
My point is only to highlight the use of the AT as the gold standard.
Carl Olsen, Section Hiker, Speaks in NH
Several notices in the Nashua (NH) Telegraph over the last week (10, 15 and 17 January) have called attention to a presentation by section hiker Carl Olsen at the Amherst, NH public library on Tuesday 23 January 2007 at 7:00 pm The supplied title is "Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Carl Olsen offers inspiration and tips for the trek."
The piece in the 15 January issue says that Olsen learned about the AT when his son Aaron attempted a thru-hike in 2002. Doesn't say whether Aaron finished the hike or not. Does say that Carl "makes his own equipment, to lighten the load, and prepares his own food." This summer's section is slated for 5 weeks. Go Carl!
Sounds like it'll be a worthwhile program.
The piece in the 15 January issue says that Olsen learned about the AT when his son Aaron attempted a thru-hike in 2002. Doesn't say whether Aaron finished the hike or not. Does say that Carl "makes his own equipment, to lighten the load, and prepares his own food." This summer's section is slated for 5 weeks. Go Carl!
Sounds like it'll be a worthwhile program.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Bryan Beckwith, AT Hiker and Soldier; Leslie Beckwith, AT Hiker and Army Wife
A column in the 14 January 2007 Boston Herald by city editor Jules Crittenden ("Son's Rugged Trail Led to Iraq") profiles Bryan Beckwith and his family's reaction to his having joined the U.S. Army in 2003. Beckwith is serving in Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division.
Down in the middle of the column, Crittenden writes "A graduate of New Hampshire’s Plymouth State College, Bryan had figured out in short order that he didn’t like office life. He spent the late 1990s landscaping and working at ski areas to support his new passion - a rugged life.
"He hiked the Appalachian Trail and met Leslie, a Delta flight attendant, on the way.
"Both of them hiked it again, and then the Pacific Crest Trail. Sept. 11 happened, and then the invasion of Iraq. Bryan had met some old soldiers on the trail who talked about the soldier’s life. He remembered his own dream of being one."
Bryan and Leslie were married somewhere along the line. The column doesn't say just when they were on the AT.
Down in the middle of the column, Crittenden writes "A graduate of New Hampshire’s Plymouth State College, Bryan had figured out in short order that he didn’t like office life. He spent the late 1990s landscaping and working at ski areas to support his new passion - a rugged life.
Bryan and Leslie were married somewhere along the line. The column doesn't say just when they were on the AT.
Stormville, NY profile
An article by Amy Winn in the Poughkeepsie (NY) Journal on 14 January 2007 ("Trail, pond, golf course are hamlet's attractions") details some of the attractions of this hamlet along the AT. Of particular interest are the paragraphs about Jim and Carol Reynolds, owner/operators of the Mountaintop Market Deli and Catering Business.
"The market is a frequent gathering spot for Stormville residents, whether for morning coffee or lunches on his picnic tables. In the summer, many Appalachian Trail hikers come in for supplies. The Reynoldses offer them water and, if they ask, space for camp sites." They're located between the RPH Shelter (5 miles to the south) and the Morgan Stewart Shelter (4 miles to the north).
Also of note: according to one of their neighbors, Debra Pagano, "'We fought as a neighborhood one time, because we had a neighbor who wanted to build a 50-foot tower for his ham radio. We were concerned about views from the trail. We fought it and won — it was important to us to keep that pristine look to the area. It can't all go to building,' she said."
"The market is a frequent gathering spot for Stormville residents, whether for morning coffee or lunches on his picnic tables. In the summer, many Appalachian Trail hikers come in for supplies. The Reynoldses offer them water and, if they ask, space for camp sites." They're located between the RPH Shelter (5 miles to the south) and the Morgan Stewart Shelter (4 miles to the north).
Also of note: according to one of their neighbors, Debra Pagano, "'We fought as a neighborhood one time, because we had a neighbor who wanted to build a 50-foot tower for his ham radio. We were concerned about views from the trail. We fought it and won — it was important to us to keep that pristine look to the area. It can't all go to building,' she said."
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Maine Editorial Against Redington Windmills
A well-written op-ed piece by Dain Trafton in the 13 Janaury 2007 Bangor Daily News slices and dices the recent recommendation by the Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) staff to the LURC commissioners that recommends going ahead with the wind turbine development at Redington. Trafton's view is that the staff recommendation is painfully one-sided.
"A powerful motive behind the staff (and much of the public) support for the project is the belief that it is urgently needed in order to reduce emissions from fossil fuels and to combat global warming. This belief apparently trumps all other concerns — the law that protects the area from development, the environmental damage that will undeniably result from heavy construction on the fragile ridges, the intrusion of industry close to the Appalachian Trail in one of Maine’s most spectacular mountain ranges, the potential harm to the area’s economy, which depends increasingly on tourism, and so on."
Unwrapping the usually knotty arguments, Trafton points out that "their job is not to answer the question, do we need wind power somewhere, but rather do we need it here in this highly sensitive site?" Indeed!
"A powerful motive behind the staff (and much of the public) support for the project is the belief that it is urgently needed in order to reduce emissions from fossil fuels and to combat global warming. This belief apparently trumps all other concerns — the law that protects the area from development, the environmental damage that will undeniably result from heavy construction on the fragile ridges, the intrusion of industry close to the Appalachian Trail in one of Maine’s most spectacular mountain ranges, the potential harm to the area’s economy, which depends increasingly on tourism, and so on."
Unwrapping the usually knotty arguments, Trafton points out that "their job is not to answer the question, do we need wind power somewhere, but rather do we need it here in this highly sensitive site?" Indeed!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Encroachment Planned in Pawling NY
According to the Pawling News Chronicle article by John M. Benson on 12 January 2007, a builder "is proposing to subdivide a property of 216.3 acres into 50 residential lots for single-family homes. The property is located on the eastern side of West Dover Road, north of Deerfield Ponds, with Mistover Farm the neighbor to the south, and the Appalachian Trail to the north."
"The final public hearing on the proposed Boniello subdivision on West Dover Road will be held by the Town of Pawling Planning Board at the business meeting on Monday, Feb. 5."
"There are two wetlands on the property, one a DEC wetland that extends from the Appalachian Trail into the center of the property and one town wetland in the southwest corner."
This trail-side construction has been under consideration by the Town of Pawling Planning Board since 21 March 2005. The article makes it sound like final approval is pretty much a done deal.
"The final public hearing on the proposed Boniello subdivision on West Dover Road will be held by the Town of Pawling Planning Board at the business meeting on Monday, Feb. 5."
"There are two wetlands on the property, one a DEC wetland that extends from the Appalachian Trail into the center of the property and one town wetland in the southwest corner."
This trail-side construction has been under consideration by the Town of Pawling Planning Board since 21 March 2005. The article makes it sound like final approval is pretty much a done deal.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Housing Development Along Pennsylavnia AT
In the (Carlisle and Shippensburg, Cumberland County, PA) Sentinel, on 10 January 2007, there was an article by Jennifer Marrs entitled "Reduced housing plan is delayed; developer says planners won't consider it tonight." The developer spoke about "preliminary plans for 262 homes on South Mountain in Monroe Township" Pennsylvania. Lot sizes are slated to be less that half an acre, so this will be fairly dense development.
This is within spitting distance (i.e., about 3 miles) south of the AT Regional Office in Boiling Springs, PA, right near Center Point Knob.
"The Cumberland County Appalachian Trail Club also has many concerns, club secretary Melanie Wertz said Tuesday night. She and other club members were prepared to speak at tonight’s meeting. ...
"Club members treasure South Mountain and the beautiful White Rock Ridge, which has a breathtaking view of the 17-mile stretch of Cumberland Valley in between South Mountain and North Mountain, she said.
"The development 'goes right up and (would) greatly impact the White Rock trail,' an offshoot of the Appalachian Trail, which also runs through South Mountain’s forests, she said. 'It basically goes in and bulldozes the whole side of the mountain.'
"Yentzer’s [the developer's] proposed central site covers the entire White Rock Ridge, Wertz said, adding the corridor around White Rock Ridge is owned by the National Park Service.
"Wertz said club members are concerned about all of the threatened species, vernal pools and wildlife habitat areas on White Rock Ridge, as well as run-off that could affect the Yellow Breeches Watershed.
"While Monroe Township’s entire South Mountain area is in a conservation zone, Wertz said, the 'township zoning language for the conservation zone is very weak,' with just a half-acre required minimum per lot. In South Middleton Township, the minimum is 10 acres per lot, she said."
What is it about Pennsylvania townships and developing land right up to the AT corridor?
This is within spitting distance (i.e., about 3 miles) south of the AT Regional Office in Boiling Springs, PA, right near Center Point Knob.
"The Cumberland County Appalachian Trail Club also has many concerns, club secretary Melanie Wertz said Tuesday night. She and other club members were prepared to speak at tonight’s meeting. ...
"Club members treasure South Mountain and the beautiful White Rock Ridge, which has a breathtaking view of the 17-mile stretch of Cumberland Valley in between South Mountain and North Mountain, she said.
"The development 'goes right up and (would) greatly impact the White Rock trail,' an offshoot of the Appalachian Trail, which also runs through South Mountain’s forests, she said. 'It basically goes in and bulldozes the whole side of the mountain.'
"Yentzer’s [the developer's] proposed central site covers the entire White Rock Ridge, Wertz said, adding the corridor around White Rock Ridge is owned by the National Park Service.
"Wertz said club members are concerned about all of the threatened species, vernal pools and wildlife habitat areas on White Rock Ridge, as well as run-off that could affect the Yellow Breeches Watershed.
"While Monroe Township’s entire South Mountain area is in a conservation zone, Wertz said, the 'township zoning language for the conservation zone is very weak,' with just a half-acre required minimum per lot. In South Middleton Township, the minimum is 10 acres per lot, she said."
What is it about Pennsylvania townships and developing land right up to the AT corridor?
AT Hiker Michael "Lion King" Daniel Interviewed
There's an interview in the 11 January 2007 Pegasus News by John P. Meyer of film maker, AT hiker and Mt. Hood climber Michael Daniel. He created the DVD "Walking With Freedom" which is a documentary of his 2003 AT hike. He also spent 7 months on the Pacific Crest Trail somewhat recently before the interview.
This interview doesn't refer much to his AT experience, except that Daniel says that "the first DVD (WWF I) has sold almost 4,000 copies. All through self-distribution. Campmore.com, Amazon, those two places... I got on the phone with different stores by the Appalachian Trail on the east coast... every store out there that has 'em has sold out three or four times. I send 'em some, they sell 'em out. And the response with the hiking community online has been excellent.
This interview doesn't refer much to his AT experience, except that Daniel says that "the first DVD (WWF I) has sold almost 4,000 copies. All through self-distribution. Campmore.com, Amazon, those two places... I got on the phone with different stores by the Appalachian Trail on the east coast... every store out there that has 'em has sold out three or four times. I send 'em some, they sell 'em out. And the response with the hiking community online has been excellent.
"There's like 18 songs, quality songs, all original music... and from Georgia to Maine, everything, you know, you've got wildlife, people - it's different, too, it's not a history or "how to", it's the emotional side of being out there, which - I'd rather see that. If you want history, read a book. You wanna know how to do it, get out there and do it." Well, yeah.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
AT Thru-Hiker Jeffrey Hunter Speaks
In the (Louisville, KY) Courier-Journal of 10 January 2007, Linda Stahl writes about a couple presentations of interest to hikers, including one by Jeffrey Hunter from the American Hiking Society. He's speaking about the planned "Great Eastern Trail," the 5,000 mile trail system being plotted for the southeast.
"Hunter is an avid hiker, fisherman and birder who has hiked many thousands of miles, including the Appalachian Trail and California’s John Muir Trail. His talk should be suitable for all ages and will be a chance to learn about big trail projects and about the American Hiking Society." Doesn't say when he was on the AT or what his trail name was. [Ah, but his profile on the AHS web site says he thru-hiked in 2000!]
"Hunter is an avid hiker, fisherman and birder who has hiked many thousands of miles, including the Appalachian Trail and California’s John Muir Trail. His talk should be suitable for all ages and will be a chance to learn about big trail projects and about the American Hiking Society." Doesn't say when he was on the AT or what his trail name was. [Ah, but his profile on the AHS web site says he thru-hiked in 2000!]
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
AT Viewshed Protected Near Roan Mountain
The Winston-Salem (NC) Journal reported in a 9 January 2007 opinion piece titled "Victory in Avery," that a 97 acre tract on Hump Mountain has now been preserved through the efforts of the Southern Appalachians Highlands Conservancy. The supportive piece says the area "includes grassy bald mountaintops and Fraser fir forests. Bats from the nearby Cranberry Iron Mine habitat forage in the area. The tract also includes the headwaters of the Elk River and Cranberry Creek, a trout stream." Furthermore, "it borders the Pisgah National Forest and is near the Appalachian Trail."
Jay Leutze, a Conservancy trustee, pointed out that "It's part of the viewshed of the Appalachian Trail - that's the benefit of it." Let the people say 'Amen!'
(The column refers back to an article in the same paper by Monte Mitchell last week. )
Jay Leutze, a Conservancy trustee, pointed out that "It's part of the viewshed of the Appalachian Trail - that's the benefit of it." Let the people say 'Amen!'
(The column refers back to an article in the same paper by Monte Mitchell last week. )
Monday, January 08, 2007
Missing Hiker Found with Relatives
Several newspapers (the Rocktown Weekly article by Dan Kipperman on 6 January 2007; the Richmond (VA) Times Dispatch, on 7 January, by Calvin Trice; the Culpeper (VA) Star Exponent, Rhonda Simmons reporting on 6 January; and an unsigned 'Metro Brief' in the 6 January Washington (DC) Times) all reported on the 4 day search for a Warrenton, VA man who parked at Thornton Gap along the Skyline Drive -- where the AT crosses the SD and Route 211 -- and more or less promptly disappeared. Some 50 searchers, with dogs and helicopters, went looking for him as he hiked south for two days, left the Shenandoah National Park at Route 33 in Swift Run Gap (34.6 AT miles distance), walked west to Elkton, VA, and then "yellow-blazed" to Madison, WV where he got in touch with his wife.
Somehow or other, the reports say, he found out he was being searched for and responded by hiding during the day and hiking at night.
There was a full moon in the middle of the time he was "missing."
Somehow or other, the reports say, he found out he was being searched for and responded by hiding during the day and hiking at night.
There was a full moon in the middle of the time he was "missing."
Not Much Snow in Maine
With both pictures and prose, blogger Carey Kish, in a MaineToday.com post dated 8 January 2007, shows what it's like this "winter" way up north. Can you say 'climate change'?
Kish describes a day trek in the area of Rumford Whitecap Mountain, including the sentence: "Turning into the wind I could trace the course of the Appalachian Trail and its serrated route curving northward from the Mahoosucs and bent on Katahdin miles away."
What does a warmer than usual, less snowy than usual winter auger for black flies this spring? And for water sources this summer?
Kish describes a day trek in the area of Rumford Whitecap Mountain, including the sentence: "Turning into the wind I could trace the course of the Appalachian Trail and its serrated route curving northward from the Mahoosucs and bent on Katahdin miles away."
What does a warmer than usual, less snowy than usual winter auger for black flies this spring? And for water sources this summer?
Trail Town Pearisburg and Area Profiled
The Wytheville (VA) Enterprise carries an article by staff writer Mary Beth Jackson, dated 8 January 2007, and titled "Giles County a Destination." It is indeed, especially for AT hikers headed north through Virginia. The county seat is Pearisburg, a mile or so off the Trail.
Describing some of the shopping and recreation opportunities in the county, Jackson does admit that "the crowning glories of Giles County are its natural wonders. The Appalachian Trail winds through Giles."
If you're hiking through southwest Virginia, you might first want to check some of the links to relevant websites provided in the article.
Describing some of the shopping and recreation opportunities in the county, Jackson does admit that "the crowning glories of Giles County are its natural wonders. The Appalachian Trail winds through Giles."
If you're hiking through southwest Virginia, you might first want to check some of the links to relevant websites provided in the article.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Disabled former AT hiker in NY Times
From a New York Times 7 January 2007 article by Lisa Chamberlain (in the Real Estate Section) - the article talks about architectural modifications designed to ease the day-to-day life of folks with various disabilities. The lead off paragraph talks about Sharon M. Brown "who had once hiked 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail." Brown was hit by a drunk driver 6 years ago. Now, in her St. Louis, MO apartment, the article says, "living independently is more important than having hiked on the Appalachian Trail. 'Being able to take care of yourself — you don’t appreciate that until you’re told you can no longer do it,' she said." Bless you, Ms. Brown.
AT a resume builder
From the Martinsville (VA) Bulletin 7 January 2007 -
"Richard E. Killingsworth, who will become the executive director of The Harvest Foundation" shortly, has an impressive resume. One of the last paragraphs in the news story says that he "also volunteers a lot of his time to local efforts and issues. He is an avid runner, hiker and outdoor recreation enthusiast and has hiked portions of the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail." Being an AT hiker is probably not what got him this great new position, but it surely didn't hurt. That, and he and his family will be living a whole lot closer to the AT, and that's always a good move! Congrats on the new job!
"Richard E. Killingsworth, who will become the executive director of The Harvest Foundation" shortly, has an impressive resume. One of the last paragraphs in the news story says that he "also volunteers a lot of his time to local efforts and issues. He is an avid runner, hiker and outdoor recreation enthusiast and has hiked portions of the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail." Being an AT hiker is probably not what got him this great new position, but it surely didn't hurt. That, and he and his family will be living a whole lot closer to the AT, and that's always a good move! Congrats on the new job!
David "Awol" Miller gives slide talk
Originally published 7 Jan 2007 in the "Tallahassee Democrat" newspaper's sports calendar.
"Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail with 'Awol' ” Program: Feb. 13. David Miller, whose trail name is "Awol," will discuss his 2003 thru-hike at 7 p.m. at Woodcrest Office Park, 325 John Knox Rd., Bldg. F (first on right). Miller will show slides with facts and scenes from the trail and will bring his backpack and exhibit gear used during the hike. Contact Linda Patton at (850) 668-4334.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Lengthy Blue Blaze Being Built in NC
In the 6 January 2007 News & Observer from the Raleigh-Durham-Cary-Chapel Hill region of North Carolina, there's an article about the building of a really, really long 'blue blaze'. 940 miles' worth.
It's the Mountains-to-Sea-Trail, anchored in the west at Clingman's Dome, and in the east at Jockey's Ridge on the Outer Banks. The article, by Wade Rawlins, describes a trail building event for a 6 mile stretch. He writes "'In North Carolina, we're in the position that the Appalachian Trail volunteers were 50 or 60 years ago,' said [Chris] Underhill, 56, of Cary, who has worked on the trail about three years. 'We have pieces of the trail along the route. The challenge is to connect the pieces together'."
Pretty cool. They have monthly volunteer events scheduled. "People interested in volunteering to help build the trail can reach the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea-Trail at 868-6274 or by e-mail at jdbrewer [AT] bellsouth.net."
It's the Mountains-to-Sea-Trail, anchored in the west at Clingman's Dome, and in the east at Jockey's Ridge on the Outer Banks. The article, by Wade Rawlins, describes a trail building event for a 6 mile stretch. He writes "'In North Carolina, we're in the position that the Appalachian Trail volunteers were 50 or 60 years ago,' said [Chris] Underhill, 56, of Cary, who has worked on the trail about three years. 'We have pieces of the trail along the route. The challenge is to connect the pieces together'."
Pretty cool. They have monthly volunteer events scheduled. "People interested in volunteering to help build the trail can reach the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea-Trail at 868-6274 or by e-mail at jdbrewer [AT] bellsouth.net."
Florida Hiking Event Connected to AT
I'm not sure exactly how this works out, but at Oscar Scherer State Park, in/near Osprey, FL - as reported by Tom Becnel in the (Sarasota, FL) Herald Tribune on 6 January 2007 - on Saturday 13 January 2007, there is going to be a hike of all 12 miles of trails in the park. That part I get.
What I don't quite get is where Russ Delaney, a retired Army colonel from Fairfax, VA, is quoted as saying that "the Appalachian Trail Club has decided to make it their feature event." Is there an Appalachian Trail Club in southwest Florida? Is this somehow connected with the IAT?
Delaney is said to have gotten "the trail day idea from an Appalachian Trail event in Maryland." And I do know about the hike-the-entire-AT-in-Maryland events. I happened to start a southbound section hike at Pen-Mar in 2005 after they'd all headed down to Harpers Ferry earlier that same day. Nothing left but footprints by the time I was there. That, and some bewildered northbounders asking if I knew what "all those people" were about earlier on.
Whatever. Any day on a trail is better than a day in the office. Sounds like a fun event.
What I don't quite get is where Russ Delaney, a retired Army colonel from Fairfax, VA, is quoted as saying that "the Appalachian Trail Club has decided to make it their feature event." Is there an Appalachian Trail Club in southwest Florida? Is this somehow connected with the IAT?
Delaney is said to have gotten "the trail day idea from an Appalachian Trail event in Maryland." And I do know about the hike-the-entire-AT-in-Maryland events. I happened to start a southbound section hike at Pen-Mar in 2005 after they'd all headed down to Harpers Ferry earlier that same day. Nothing left but footprints by the time I was there. That, and some bewildered northbounders asking if I knew what "all those people" were about earlier on.
Whatever. Any day on a trail is better than a day in the office. Sounds like a fun event.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Bryson's Book "Really Amusing Story"
An unsigned column titled "Nature May Be Beautiful, but Beware Her Teeth" in the Lynchburg (VA) News and Advance dated 3 Janaury 2007, begins with a mention of Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" and then goes on to talk about other things related to dangers outdoors.
The relevant words are: "My daughter and her husband, who were visiting from Texas over the holidays, gave me a copy of Bill Bryson’s book, A Walk in the Woods. This is a really amusing story of two men, neither of whom are accomplished hikers, and their adventures as they head off to tackle the Appalachian Trail. One particularly funny chapter is devoted to the fears that the author had to overcome before the trek even begins."
It's been a couple years since I read the book, but I do recall that Bryson read a lot of material about the dangers of bears before he went on his hike.
The relevant words are: "My daughter and her husband, who were visiting from Texas over the holidays, gave me a copy of Bill Bryson’s book, A Walk in the Woods. This is a really amusing story of two men, neither of whom are accomplished hikers, and their adventures as they head off to tackle the Appalachian Trail. One particularly funny chapter is devoted to the fears that the author had to overcome before the trek even begins."
It's been a couple years since I read the book, but I do recall that Bryson read a lot of material about the dangers of bears before he went on his hike.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Thru-Hiker Jason "Mouse" Mosakowski Profiled
The 1 January 2007 issue of the Birmingham (AL) News carries an article by staff writer Kelli Hewett Taylor that profiles the thruhike by 28 year old Jason Mosakowski of Pinson, AL.
Let's see if I can summarize:
His online trail journal is at http://www.trailjournals.com/mouse/ and reading it may ferret out why he spent what seems to me to be so much.
Let's see if I can summarize:
- hiked NO-BO, April to September;
- "near-frostbite at Virginia's Mount Rogers, aching feet from Pennsylvania's boot-destroying rocks along the Susquehanna River [I object! The worst rocks aren't anywhere near the Susquehanna!! They're up closer to Wind Gap.], sleeping in rain-drenched tents and hiking through scorching heat.";
- "Much of his trip involved a seven-member "trail family," a tradition among hikers who become friends and comrades along the trek."
"Pairs of boots worn: 4.
"Number of nights in a tent: 104.
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"Average miles per hiking day: 15.46.
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"Days to complete the hike: 160.
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"Longest hiking day: 45 miles.
- "Cost: about $4,500, plus $2,500 in equipment and the loss of six months' salary."
His online trail journal is at http://www.trailjournals.com/mouse/ and reading it may ferret out why he spent what seems to me to be so much.
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