News from the Valley Trails
Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter of PATC
July 2021 Newsletter
Welcome to our newsletter for July, 2021.
If you have a Facebook page, be sure to look for and like our page, PATC Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter. On there, we will try to post updates as we have them. If you don't already receive them, you can also subscribe to our email blast by using the link on our home page: SSVC PATC
If you have a Facebook page, be sure to look for and like our page, PATC Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter. On there, we will try to post updates as we have them. If you don't already receive them, you can also subscribe to our email blast by using the link on our home page: SSVC PATC
Anna on one of her training hikes through Three Ridges Wilderness
MacKaye AT 100-Challenge Spotlight: Anna McAllister
It is Anna’s dream to be a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail. She has been preparing for that by purchasing backpacking supplies and learning about long distance hiking. She bought a stove and some other ultra light equipment including a new backpack. Her first trial-run was to take some weekend trips over this past winter. On April 10, she began her first big trip by backpacking the length of the Appalachian Trail through Shenandoah National Park.
Along with her friend Karen, Anna planned to hike the 105-mile section from Rockfish Gap to the Northern Virginia 4-H Center near Front Royal in seven days. With an itinerary that included camping near the huts each night, their first day of hiking covered 8 miles and ended with a stay at Calf Mountain shelter. They increased their daily mileage throughout the week to complete their goal. Having the endurance to hike longer distances each day was easy for Anna as she has also trained and competed in marathons.
Anna stated that the best part of the hike was meeting other hikers, especially ones that were completing the same route as she had planned. Her favorite group was a father-daughter team that was on a 5-day hike through the Shenandoah National Park. The daughter was 18 years old and her father decided to join her to keep her company. Finding many friendly and helpful hikers helped Anna be less nervous about her safety.
Her least favorite part was two nights of heavy rain. Anna described the first night as feeling like she was in a tornado as strong winds shook her tent. She also said the heavy rains made her feel like a duck. Between the rain and strong wind, she decided to sleep inside the hut for one night. This meant dealing with mice. Anna stated that she would rather have Mickey and Minnie as her friends for the night if it meant she could stay dry.
Anna loved her trip so much, she is planning another section. During the week of July 26, Anna and her husband, Brent, are hiking the Appalachian Trail from Front Royal to Harpers Ferry. This will be Brent’s first long distance backpacking trip. To practice, they are planning a trip over the weekend of July 3-4.
Best wishes to Anna on her future adventures. Congratulations on completing the mileage for the MacKaye AT 100 Challenge. Just as other hikers were inspirational to Anna, she hopes her journeys encourage someone to believe in themselves.
It is Anna’s dream to be a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail. She has been preparing for that by purchasing backpacking supplies and learning about long distance hiking. She bought a stove and some other ultra light equipment including a new backpack. Her first trial-run was to take some weekend trips over this past winter. On April 10, she began her first big trip by backpacking the length of the Appalachian Trail through Shenandoah National Park.
Along with her friend Karen, Anna planned to hike the 105-mile section from Rockfish Gap to the Northern Virginia 4-H Center near Front Royal in seven days. With an itinerary that included camping near the huts each night, their first day of hiking covered 8 miles and ended with a stay at Calf Mountain shelter. They increased their daily mileage throughout the week to complete their goal. Having the endurance to hike longer distances each day was easy for Anna as she has also trained and competed in marathons.
Anna stated that the best part of the hike was meeting other hikers, especially ones that were completing the same route as she had planned. Her favorite group was a father-daughter team that was on a 5-day hike through the Shenandoah National Park. The daughter was 18 years old and her father decided to join her to keep her company. Finding many friendly and helpful hikers helped Anna be less nervous about her safety.
Her least favorite part was two nights of heavy rain. Anna described the first night as feeling like she was in a tornado as strong winds shook her tent. She also said the heavy rains made her feel like a duck. Between the rain and strong wind, she decided to sleep inside the hut for one night. This meant dealing with mice. Anna stated that she would rather have Mickey and Minnie as her friends for the night if it meant she could stay dry.
Anna loved her trip so much, she is planning another section. During the week of July 26, Anna and her husband, Brent, are hiking the Appalachian Trail from Front Royal to Harpers Ferry. This will be Brent’s first long distance backpacking trip. To practice, they are planning a trip over the weekend of July 3-4.
Best wishes to Anna on her future adventures. Congratulations on completing the mileage for the MacKaye AT 100 Challenge. Just as other hikers were inspirational to Anna, she hopes her journeys encourage someone to believe in themselves.
Proposed patch for the MacKaye AT 100 Challenge
MacKaye AT 100 Challenge
It's not too late to join the challenge.
To complete the challenge you can:
To view the full list of challenge rules and information, please visit www.patc.net/MackayeAT100
It's not too late to join the challenge.
To complete the challenge you can:
- Hike 100 miles on the Appalachian Trail maintained by the PATC.
- Complete 100 hours of trail maintenance.
- Combination of hiking and trail work to equal 100.
To view the full list of challenge rules and information, please visit www.patc.net/MackayeAT100
Mark Your Calendar: Hikes and Work Trips
July can be a hot month for hiking. A few of our hikes have plans for ways to cool off. More hikes and work trips may be added as our leaders finalize their plans. Watch your email for upcoming hikes for the week.
Saturday, July 3: Bearwallow Trail in Laurel Fork in the northwestern corner of Highland County. This is one of the most beautiful and biologically diverse areas in Virginia with its Red spruce trees, beaver dams, ferns, and trout stream. 5.5 miles. It takes 1 3/4 hours to drive to the trailhead. Leisurely pace to allow time to look at plants. Option to stop for dinner at High’s Restaurant in Monterey on the way home. Plan to get home around 8 p.m. Meet at Churchville TasteeFreez at 8:30 a.m. To attend, contact Lynn and Malcolm Cameron, (540) 234-6273 or slynncameron@gmail.com.
Wednesday, July 7: Work trip and Hike: AT-Sawmill Run Overlook-Turk Mountain. Approximately 5 miles moderate. We will begin at Sawmill Run Overlook and hike north on the AT to the intersection of Turk Mountain Trail. We will clip vegetation as we hike the AT section. We will take a break from trimming to hike to the summit of Turk Mountain and enjoy the view. We will return by the same route. No trail work experience is needed. We will be using hands clippers to trim. Please let us know if you need a tool to use. This is a moderate climb and the trail is in pretty good condition. We could use extra help in keeping it clear of growing vegetation. This is a great way to earn some trail work hours if you are working on the MacKaye Challenge. Meet at 8:30 at Sawmill Run Overlook, mile 95.3 on the Skyline Drive. To attend, contact Jean Stephens (jtstephens12@yahoo.com or 443-986-5649) or Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
Saturday, July 10: Trayfoot Mountain-Paine Run Loop
Hike # 27 in PATC's Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park book
A moderately strenuous 9.6-mile loop hike with 2,200 feet in elevation change. The Hike begins with a fairly long and steep climb up to Blackrock Mountain from the Blackrock Gap parking lot on Skyline Drive, then continues up to Trayfoot Mountain. After that, the trail stays pretty level and passes interesting rock formations. A series of long switchbacks descend to Paine Run. There will be five stream crossings on the long but gradual climb back up to complete the loop. Meet at 9:00 AM at the Blackrock Gap parking area between mileposts 87 and 88 on Skyline Drive. The meeting place is in the southern section of Shenandoah National Park midway between the Rockfish Gap and Swift Run Gap park entrances. To attend, contact John Kolp (JLKolp@yahoo.com or 540-887-1235).
Tuesday, July 13: Emerald Pond, 8 miles, moderate, circuit hike. This hike begins at the former Massanutten Visitor Center as you cross New Market Gap on Rt 211. We will make a loop using Massanutten South Trail and Bird Knob Trail. Highlights of the hike include great views and the opportunity to cool off with a swim at Emerald Pond. We will gather at Lowes in Harrisonburg at 8:30 for anyone interested in carpooling. To attend, contact Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595) and Michael Seth (sethmj@jmu.edu).
Saturday, July 24: Kaylor Knob, 6 miles, moderate with 1,200 feet elevation. We will hike to the summit of Kaylor Knob and enjoy the view. After the hike, you can cooling off as we stop by the river for a swim. There are also places by the river where you can sit on the rocks and just put your feet in. We will meet at Massanutten Presbyterian Church at 9:00 for anyone interested in carpooling. To attend, contact Michael Seth (sethmj@jmu.edu) and Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
Wednesday, July 28: Doris True Memorial Hike and Gathering at Braley Pond to celebrate Doris' life. Doris and Bill were part of the original members of our SSVC Chapter. They served as hike leaders, trail overseers, and presidents and got whatever was needed done for many years. Doris recently passed away. As testament to the True Family’s tireless commitment to the SSVC, their daughter Jean Stephens is now serving as our chapter president. There will be a short hike, about 3 miles. Afterwards, we will gather at Braley Pond Picnic Area to share memories and a brief history of our 35-year-old chapter. Bring your bag lunch and chairs. Desserts and beverages will be provided. Come and enjoy this special celebration in honor of all the True family has done. Contact Karen/Mike Waterman for more details if you are able to attend. Home phone: 540-337-1273 or karenswaterman@gmail.com.
Saturday, July 31: Work Trip on the Club's Section of the AT. Join Jeff and Jon Bolander to help on our section of the AT: Pinefield Gap to Ivy Creek Overlook. Priority of work will be waterbars and vegetation clipping. Due to summer heat, we plan for an early workday from 9AM to noon. No experience needed and a great way to help out on the trail To attend, contact Jeff Bolander (jblndr@hotmail.com or 540-421-9275).
Saturday, August 7 and/or Sunday, August 8: AT Vista. This is a PATC event day. We would like to plan some events and hikes celebrating the AT. If you have ideas for activities on/about the AT, send them to Jean Stephens (jtstephens12@yahoo.com or 443-986-5649) or Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595). It would be great if we could offer a variety of choices. More information on the AT Vista is included in this newsletter.
Saturday, August 14: Our leader, Sharon Carderelli is planning a hike. She is in the process of making her final plans. More detailed information will be available soon.
Sunday, August 22: Family Day. We are hosting a Family Day at Sherando Lake and have the picnic shelter reserved. We are making our plans but hope to offer hikes, games, and a picnic. The picnic may be mostly bring your own. Also, the beach is open with limited capacity. Contact Jean Stephens (jtstephens12@yahoo.com or 443-986-5649) and Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595) if you would like to help out that day or have ideas to share.
July can be a hot month for hiking. A few of our hikes have plans for ways to cool off. More hikes and work trips may be added as our leaders finalize their plans. Watch your email for upcoming hikes for the week.
Saturday, July 3: Bearwallow Trail in Laurel Fork in the northwestern corner of Highland County. This is one of the most beautiful and biologically diverse areas in Virginia with its Red spruce trees, beaver dams, ferns, and trout stream. 5.5 miles. It takes 1 3/4 hours to drive to the trailhead. Leisurely pace to allow time to look at plants. Option to stop for dinner at High’s Restaurant in Monterey on the way home. Plan to get home around 8 p.m. Meet at Churchville TasteeFreez at 8:30 a.m. To attend, contact Lynn and Malcolm Cameron, (540) 234-6273 or slynncameron@gmail.com.
Wednesday, July 7: Work trip and Hike: AT-Sawmill Run Overlook-Turk Mountain. Approximately 5 miles moderate. We will begin at Sawmill Run Overlook and hike north on the AT to the intersection of Turk Mountain Trail. We will clip vegetation as we hike the AT section. We will take a break from trimming to hike to the summit of Turk Mountain and enjoy the view. We will return by the same route. No trail work experience is needed. We will be using hands clippers to trim. Please let us know if you need a tool to use. This is a moderate climb and the trail is in pretty good condition. We could use extra help in keeping it clear of growing vegetation. This is a great way to earn some trail work hours if you are working on the MacKaye Challenge. Meet at 8:30 at Sawmill Run Overlook, mile 95.3 on the Skyline Drive. To attend, contact Jean Stephens (jtstephens12@yahoo.com or 443-986-5649) or Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
Saturday, July 10: Trayfoot Mountain-Paine Run Loop
Hike # 27 in PATC's Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park book
A moderately strenuous 9.6-mile loop hike with 2,200 feet in elevation change. The Hike begins with a fairly long and steep climb up to Blackrock Mountain from the Blackrock Gap parking lot on Skyline Drive, then continues up to Trayfoot Mountain. After that, the trail stays pretty level and passes interesting rock formations. A series of long switchbacks descend to Paine Run. There will be five stream crossings on the long but gradual climb back up to complete the loop. Meet at 9:00 AM at the Blackrock Gap parking area between mileposts 87 and 88 on Skyline Drive. The meeting place is in the southern section of Shenandoah National Park midway between the Rockfish Gap and Swift Run Gap park entrances. To attend, contact John Kolp (JLKolp@yahoo.com or 540-887-1235).
Tuesday, July 13: Emerald Pond, 8 miles, moderate, circuit hike. This hike begins at the former Massanutten Visitor Center as you cross New Market Gap on Rt 211. We will make a loop using Massanutten South Trail and Bird Knob Trail. Highlights of the hike include great views and the opportunity to cool off with a swim at Emerald Pond. We will gather at Lowes in Harrisonburg at 8:30 for anyone interested in carpooling. To attend, contact Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595) and Michael Seth (sethmj@jmu.edu).
Saturday, July 24: Kaylor Knob, 6 miles, moderate with 1,200 feet elevation. We will hike to the summit of Kaylor Knob and enjoy the view. After the hike, you can cooling off as we stop by the river for a swim. There are also places by the river where you can sit on the rocks and just put your feet in. We will meet at Massanutten Presbyterian Church at 9:00 for anyone interested in carpooling. To attend, contact Michael Seth (sethmj@jmu.edu) and Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
Wednesday, July 28: Doris True Memorial Hike and Gathering at Braley Pond to celebrate Doris' life. Doris and Bill were part of the original members of our SSVC Chapter. They served as hike leaders, trail overseers, and presidents and got whatever was needed done for many years. Doris recently passed away. As testament to the True Family’s tireless commitment to the SSVC, their daughter Jean Stephens is now serving as our chapter president. There will be a short hike, about 3 miles. Afterwards, we will gather at Braley Pond Picnic Area to share memories and a brief history of our 35-year-old chapter. Bring your bag lunch and chairs. Desserts and beverages will be provided. Come and enjoy this special celebration in honor of all the True family has done. Contact Karen/Mike Waterman for more details if you are able to attend. Home phone: 540-337-1273 or karenswaterman@gmail.com.
Saturday, July 31: Work Trip on the Club's Section of the AT. Join Jeff and Jon Bolander to help on our section of the AT: Pinefield Gap to Ivy Creek Overlook. Priority of work will be waterbars and vegetation clipping. Due to summer heat, we plan for an early workday from 9AM to noon. No experience needed and a great way to help out on the trail To attend, contact Jeff Bolander (jblndr@hotmail.com or 540-421-9275).
Saturday, August 7 and/or Sunday, August 8: AT Vista. This is a PATC event day. We would like to plan some events and hikes celebrating the AT. If you have ideas for activities on/about the AT, send them to Jean Stephens (jtstephens12@yahoo.com or 443-986-5649) or Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595). It would be great if we could offer a variety of choices. More information on the AT Vista is included in this newsletter.
- August 7: Frazier Discovery Trail and the Appalachian Trail at Loft Mountain. 5.5 miles with moderate difficulty. We will start with the northern portion of the Frazier Discovery Trail until it intersects with the AT. Going south, we will hike around the Loft Mountain Campground, leaving the AT for the spur trail to the amphitheater. That will lead us to the camp store (restrooms) and back to the AT. We will hike north on the AT until we arrive back at the Frazier Discovery Trail and finish with the southern section. We will have a couple of great viewpoints on the Appalachian Trail and a unique overhanging rock ledge on the Frazier Discovery Trail. Meet at the Loft Mountain Wayside at 9am. This is located in the southern section of the park at milepost 79.5. To attend, contact Millie Davis (pisgahdavis@gmail.com or 540-292-0869
Saturday, August 14: Our leader, Sharon Carderelli is planning a hike. She is in the process of making her final plans. More detailed information will be available soon.
Sunday, August 22: Family Day. We are hosting a Family Day at Sherando Lake and have the picnic shelter reserved. We are making our plans but hope to offer hikes, games, and a picnic. The picnic may be mostly bring your own. Also, the beach is open with limited capacity. Contact Jean Stephens (jtstephens12@yahoo.com or 443-986-5649) and Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595) if you would like to help out that day or have ideas to share.
Notice for all hikes
All SSVC hikes will follow Covid-19 guidelines. At this time, we are offering carpooling options for hikers. Hikers may also meet the group at the trailhead. Attendance will be limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. Preference will be given to PATC members. PATC rules do not permit children under the age of 18 to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. Dogs are not allowed on our Chapter hikes.
All SSVC hikes will follow Covid-19 guidelines. At this time, we are offering carpooling options for hikers. Hikers may also meet the group at the trailhead. Attendance will be limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. Preference will be given to PATC members. PATC rules do not permit children under the age of 18 to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. Dogs are not allowed on our Chapter hikes.
What is AT Vista?
Plans are underway for the inaugural A.T. Vista weekend event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Benton MacKaye's 1921 article, "An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning”. If you enjoyed previous ATC Biennial programs, the new A.T. Vista will continue to provide an opportunity for people who cherish the Appalachian Trail to hike, attend workshops on topics of common interest, take excursions to points of interest in the region, attend evening entertainment programs, and connect with other kindred spirits. The 2021 AT Vista will be held August 7-8.
A.T. Vista in 2021 will be a virtual celebration - Celebrating 100 Years: Local hikes will be conducted along the Appalachian Trail and other nearby trail hikes in the 14 states. Access to pre-recorded online workshops will also be available. The link to the activity will be available by mid-July 2021. Check out the website at ATVista.org. SSVC is planning on offering several hikes. Anyone wishing to lead a hike for this celebration is encouraged to contact Pam Heinrich to get on the schedule.
Plans are underway for the inaugural A.T. Vista weekend event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Benton MacKaye's 1921 article, "An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning”. If you enjoyed previous ATC Biennial programs, the new A.T. Vista will continue to provide an opportunity for people who cherish the Appalachian Trail to hike, attend workshops on topics of common interest, take excursions to points of interest in the region, attend evening entertainment programs, and connect with other kindred spirits. The 2021 AT Vista will be held August 7-8.
A.T. Vista in 2021 will be a virtual celebration - Celebrating 100 Years: Local hikes will be conducted along the Appalachian Trail and other nearby trail hikes in the 14 states. Access to pre-recorded online workshops will also be available. The link to the activity will be available by mid-July 2021. Check out the website at ATVista.org. SSVC is planning on offering several hikes. Anyone wishing to lead a hike for this celebration is encouraged to contact Pam Heinrich to get on the schedule.
35 miles for 35 years Challenge Update
We had one member complete our challenge in June. Congratulations to our chapter's president, Jean Stephens.
Jean enjoys hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail and hopes to complete the 14-state challenge (hiking a section of the trail in each state). She also enjoys exploring less-traveled trails in Shenandoah Mountain and traveling to see unique wildflowers. Jean is known for her vast knowledge of flowers.
Along with her work for our chapter, Jean is a volunteer for Shenandoah National Park. She works on projects including treating Ash trees and removing invasive plants.
Thanks, Jean for your leadership and dedication to our chapter.
We had one member complete our challenge in June. Congratulations to our chapter's president, Jean Stephens.
Jean enjoys hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail and hopes to complete the 14-state challenge (hiking a section of the trail in each state). She also enjoys exploring less-traveled trails in Shenandoah Mountain and traveling to see unique wildflowers. Jean is known for her vast knowledge of flowers.
Along with her work for our chapter, Jean is a volunteer for Shenandoah National Park. She works on projects including treating Ash trees and removing invasive plants.
Thanks, Jean for your leadership and dedication to our chapter.
35 miles for 35 years Challenge
It's not too late to join us on this challenge.
All you have to do is hike on our official PATC chapter hikes for a total of 35 miles in one year. Miles will be tracked using the sign-in sheets turned in to the President by hike leaders. All who qualify will receive a patch at our annual meeting (or later if completed after meeting date) in 2021.
Official Rules:
1. All 35 miles must be hiked on official SSVC PATC hikes.
2. Hikers must be PATC members.
3. Hikes must be taken between December 5, 2020 and December 10, 2021.
Hope that you can join us during the year and earn your anniversary patch.
It's not too late to join us on this challenge.
All you have to do is hike on our official PATC chapter hikes for a total of 35 miles in one year. Miles will be tracked using the sign-in sheets turned in to the President by hike leaders. All who qualify will receive a patch at our annual meeting (or later if completed after meeting date) in 2021.
Official Rules:
1. All 35 miles must be hiked on official SSVC PATC hikes.
2. Hikers must be PATC members.
3. Hikes must be taken between December 5, 2020 and December 10, 2021.
Hope that you can join us during the year and earn your anniversary patch.
North River District Volunteers Learn Treadwork Skills
Seven PATC Trail Maintenance volunteers learned skills to improve drainage and make trails more sustainable in the George Washington National Forest (GWNF) during a training session on June 19-20. Scotty Bowman and Rebekah Morrisson, trail maintenance experts from Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS), conducted the training, which was funded in part by National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Toyota Motor North America, IP, and the Hilton Effect Foundation.
We learned techniques to improve failing treadways that are slipping down the mountainside or suffering from erosion, using two trails in the North River District as practice work areas. On the first day, we carried shovels, mattocks, rogue hoes, and McLeods two miles to a remote section of Shenandoah Mountain Trail where the trail has been slipping down the mountainside for years. After several hours of digging, sculpting, and contouring to prevent erosion and make the trail more sustainable, we improved 450 feet of trail. The second day, we worked on Crawford Knob Trail near Churchville, VA, lengthening two switchbacks on a steep section of trail SSVC had just finished clearing. We built a rock wall to support the switchback turn.
Now several of our volunteers will know how to address common trail tread problems. Participants included: Jim Fye, John Burkhardt, Brian Nixon, Roger Orndorff, Tom Berkeley, and Lynn and Malcolm Cameron. We hope to have more opportunities for Trail Maintainers in the North River District to dig in the dirt and learn these skills.
Lynn and Malcolm Cameron
North River District Managers
Seven PATC Trail Maintenance volunteers learned skills to improve drainage and make trails more sustainable in the George Washington National Forest (GWNF) during a training session on June 19-20. Scotty Bowman and Rebekah Morrisson, trail maintenance experts from Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS), conducted the training, which was funded in part by National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Toyota Motor North America, IP, and the Hilton Effect Foundation.
We learned techniques to improve failing treadways that are slipping down the mountainside or suffering from erosion, using two trails in the North River District as practice work areas. On the first day, we carried shovels, mattocks, rogue hoes, and McLeods two miles to a remote section of Shenandoah Mountain Trail where the trail has been slipping down the mountainside for years. After several hours of digging, sculpting, and contouring to prevent erosion and make the trail more sustainable, we improved 450 feet of trail. The second day, we worked on Crawford Knob Trail near Churchville, VA, lengthening two switchbacks on a steep section of trail SSVC had just finished clearing. We built a rock wall to support the switchback turn.
Now several of our volunteers will know how to address common trail tread problems. Participants included: Jim Fye, John Burkhardt, Brian Nixon, Roger Orndorff, Tom Berkeley, and Lynn and Malcolm Cameron. We hope to have more opportunities for Trail Maintainers in the North River District to dig in the dirt and learn these skills.
Lynn and Malcolm Cameron
North River District Managers
Meet a Few New Trail Maintainers in North River District
Please welcome Kylee Mohler and her family who have taken on Braley Pond Loop. They have been clipping vegetation and weedeating grass on the 3-mile-loop and on Braley Branch Trail. They even removed some of the poison ivy on the trail around the pond.
Jen and Todd Fowler have signed up for North River Gorge Trail from Wild Oak Parking across the swinging bridge and on to the first North River crossing. This popular trail needed some attention and will benefit from having regular maintainers.
Photo: Jen Fowler checking out North River Gorge Trail
Photo: Kylee Mohler and sons at Braley Pond
Foraying Into the Forests with PATC Fathers
Jeff and Jon Bolander are a father-son team that maintain a portion of the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. Since November 2018, they have taken care of the Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter’s section of trail and coordinated group workdays. One of their most memorable experiences as Trail Maintainers was this past winter when they took a Wilderness First Aid course in the snow at the Rockingham County Virginia fairgrounds. They were faced with sub-freezing temperatures, new material, and COVID-19 restrictions - however it was a worthwhile experience all the same. (Fortunately they haven’t had to use any of their newly learned skills on the trail yet!) They also love hiking and other outdoor activities including kayaking and climbing. Working on the AT together has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience, especially when they are thanked by fellow hikers for keeping the trail in great shape.
In addition to introducing Jon to Trail Maintenance, Jeff has supported him in his Scout career. In 2020, Jon was awarded Scouting’s highest rank and promoted to Eagle Scout. Volunteering as a Trail Maintainer was instrumental in gaining outdoor experience and developing his leadership. Use of trail tools, learning how to plan group workdays and how to treat potential accident victims were just some of the skills he gained from his duties as a Co-trail Maintainer with his dad. Scouting and PATC have a long tradition of supporting each other, and Jeff finds it rewarding to continue to witness this symbiotic relationship and its role in Jon's life.
This article about Jeff and Jon first appeared on the PATC's Facebook and website as part of their Father's Day spotlight. We are so happy to have them as part of our chapter.
Jeff and Jon Bolander are a father-son team that maintain a portion of the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. Since November 2018, they have taken care of the Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter’s section of trail and coordinated group workdays. One of their most memorable experiences as Trail Maintainers was this past winter when they took a Wilderness First Aid course in the snow at the Rockingham County Virginia fairgrounds. They were faced with sub-freezing temperatures, new material, and COVID-19 restrictions - however it was a worthwhile experience all the same. (Fortunately they haven’t had to use any of their newly learned skills on the trail yet!) They also love hiking and other outdoor activities including kayaking and climbing. Working on the AT together has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience, especially when they are thanked by fellow hikers for keeping the trail in great shape.
In addition to introducing Jon to Trail Maintenance, Jeff has supported him in his Scout career. In 2020, Jon was awarded Scouting’s highest rank and promoted to Eagle Scout. Volunteering as a Trail Maintainer was instrumental in gaining outdoor experience and developing his leadership. Use of trail tools, learning how to plan group workdays and how to treat potential accident victims were just some of the skills he gained from his duties as a Co-trail Maintainer with his dad. Scouting and PATC have a long tradition of supporting each other, and Jeff finds it rewarding to continue to witness this symbiotic relationship and its role in Jon's life.
This article about Jeff and Jon first appeared on the PATC's Facebook and website as part of their Father's Day spotlight. We are so happy to have them as part of our chapter.
