Hikers Raising Funds for Clean Water

The Chillicothe (OH) Gazette ran an article titled "Couple attempts to raise clean-water awareness" on 21 January 2010. The article, by staff writer Ashley Phillips, that starts:

A former southern Ohio couple with ties to Chillicothe is preparing to part with many of their possessions and take a 2,200-mile journey on foot to raise awareness of natural resources problems in other parts of the world.

Justin Meeker, of Lucasville, and his wife, Jessica, will be departing their home in Lexington in April.

They're actually selling their home and most of their possessions in order to attempt their money-raising thru-hike.

These self-described "outdoors people" who "love to go camping" hope to raise $10,000 to help two communities in developing countries provide safe drinking water to their citizens.

A.T. Inspired English Trail

According to Shelton A. Gunaratne writing "On touring nothern [sic] England" in the 22 January 2010 Sri Lanka Guardian, England's Pennine Way "national trail was the brainchild of journalist Tom Stephenson, who was inspired by his experience with the Appalachian Trail in the United States." Stephenson wrote about his dream for an English trail in 1935.

Just Like the A.T.

The Bluefield (WV) Daily Telegraph for 22 January 2010 carries an article by Greg Jordan titled "Great Eastern Trail needs volunteers to build Mercer section".

In it, Jordan quotes Steve Clark, an extension agent with West Virginia State University in Pineville. The 1,800 mile trail from Alabama to New York

is like the Appalachian Trail, he said.

"It's the newest, greatest addition to the national trail system. We're excited to have it run through this area," Clark said. "It will have economic and health and recreation benefits."

So pitch in and help build the West Virginia section. Okay?

Trail Talk on Sunday in Cleveland Area

The 22 January 2010 News-Herald from Cleveland lists the following Appalachian Trail event: on Sunday 24 January 2010, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township, Joe Cluts will present a talk on the early years of hiking the trail from Kent, CT to the northern terminus at Mt. Katadhin, ME. He's calling it "The Good Old Days on the Appalachian Trail." For more information, call the Geauga Park District at 440-286-9516.