Working Together
On January 3, Kate Hoffmeyer and Bev Carver planned a workday for their sections of the AT. Word spread to other maintainers that may want to help out. Roger Smith and Kevin Cwalina joined Kate to help clear waterbars from Ivy Creek Hut to Frazier Discovery Trail. Pat Doyle, former president of the ODATC joined Bev from Frazier Discovery Trail to Loft Mountain Campstore. Michael Durland received news of the plans and contacted his co-maintainer, Heather Warren. Michael and his wife Kim, along with Heather worked on their area from Loft Mountain Campstore to Loft Mountain Amphitheater.
It was a Lofty party !! There were enough helpers to divide up the tasks and get all the trails cleared-waterbars cleaned out in this area.
Kate and Bev have another work day planned for February 7. Let's have more people join in.
Awesome teamwork everyone!!
On January 3, Kate Hoffmeyer and Bev Carver planned a workday for their sections of the AT. Word spread to other maintainers that may want to help out. Roger Smith and Kevin Cwalina joined Kate to help clear waterbars from Ivy Creek Hut to Frazier Discovery Trail. Pat Doyle, former president of the ODATC joined Bev from Frazier Discovery Trail to Loft Mountain Campstore. Michael Durland received news of the plans and contacted his co-maintainer, Heather Warren. Michael and his wife Kim, along with Heather worked on their area from Loft Mountain Campstore to Loft Mountain Amphitheater.
It was a Lofty party !! There were enough helpers to divide up the tasks and get all the trails cleared-waterbars cleaned out in this area.
Kate and Bev have another work day planned for February 7. Let's have more people join in.
Awesome teamwork everyone!!
Award Winning Shelter Maintainer
Chuck Troutman began his caretaking of AT shelters when he noticed a help wanted ad for Blackrock Hut. Retired and looking for a way to get involved, the shelter was close to his home in Staunton and a great beginning. As things seem to happen when you volunteer, one thing leads to another and he stacked on a few more responsibilities: the trail leading to Blackrock Hut, AT from Horsehead Overlook to Blackrock Gap, and finally Ivy Creek Shelter.
When he first took over Ivy Creek, it had many briars around it. The road leading to the shelter was about the only thing in good shape. The most interesting experience at the shelter occurred when Chuck was asked to investigate potential vandalism at the privy. Upon seeing the damage, he instantly knew it was not caused by a human. Chuck stated "I worked at a rec center. I know what vandalism looks like!" He put in many hours of work at the shelter clearing overgrown vegetation, cleaning up inside, and fixing privy destruction by a bear. He has more projects in mind: trying to find a solution to the fireplace flue and rework the outside fire pit.
Helped by his partner, Margaret, it is easy to see why Chuck was the winner of the Hawksbill award from both the SNP District Cabins and Crapper Crew.
We are lucky to have Chuck and Margaret among our crew.
Chuck Troutman began his caretaking of AT shelters when he noticed a help wanted ad for Blackrock Hut. Retired and looking for a way to get involved, the shelter was close to his home in Staunton and a great beginning. As things seem to happen when you volunteer, one thing leads to another and he stacked on a few more responsibilities: the trail leading to Blackrock Hut, AT from Horsehead Overlook to Blackrock Gap, and finally Ivy Creek Shelter.
When he first took over Ivy Creek, it had many briars around it. The road leading to the shelter was about the only thing in good shape. The most interesting experience at the shelter occurred when Chuck was asked to investigate potential vandalism at the privy. Upon seeing the damage, he instantly knew it was not caused by a human. Chuck stated "I worked at a rec center. I know what vandalism looks like!" He put in many hours of work at the shelter clearing overgrown vegetation, cleaning up inside, and fixing privy destruction by a bear. He has more projects in mind: trying to find a solution to the fireplace flue and rework the outside fire pit.
Helped by his partner, Margaret, it is easy to see why Chuck was the winner of the Hawksbill award from both the SNP District Cabins and Crapper Crew.
We are lucky to have Chuck and Margaret among our crew.
Welcome New Maintainers
Since last month, we have welcomed three new maintainers.
*Andrew Summers joins Lisa Swales and Linda Beights to co-maintain the section from Riprap Trail to Hairpin Switchback. After retiring from a career in law enforcement, Andrew was looking for a way to get involved as he loves using the trails. One of his favorite adventures was a section hike from Front Royal to Swift Run Gap. His interest in trail maintenance began when he helped on a worktrip organized by Mark Perschel and Marit Anderson to paint blazes on their section from Crimora Lake Overlook to Turk Gap. That trip brought him to join us as a co-maintainer. Andrew's girlfriend, Emilie Eckart plans to help occasionally as well.
Beth Bowers and Julie Liskey are sisters and also long-time friends with Chuck Troutman. Both retired, Julie worked as nurse and Beth, an educator and administrator. On a trip to Europe, they decided that they wanted a way to stay in shape as well as give back to help the environment. They enjoyed visiting Shenandoah National Park and knew about Chuck's work on the trail. They asked to help and their training began. Chuck will turn the section from Blackrock Gap to Horsehead Overlook over to them in the spring. Beth and Julie's family will help them out too. What a great way to pass along the love of the trail to family and friends!!
Since last month, we have welcomed three new maintainers.
*Andrew Summers joins Lisa Swales and Linda Beights to co-maintain the section from Riprap Trail to Hairpin Switchback. After retiring from a career in law enforcement, Andrew was looking for a way to get involved as he loves using the trails. One of his favorite adventures was a section hike from Front Royal to Swift Run Gap. His interest in trail maintenance began when he helped on a worktrip organized by Mark Perschel and Marit Anderson to paint blazes on their section from Crimora Lake Overlook to Turk Gap. That trip brought him to join us as a co-maintainer. Andrew's girlfriend, Emilie Eckart plans to help occasionally as well.
Beth Bowers and Julie Liskey are sisters and also long-time friends with Chuck Troutman. Both retired, Julie worked as nurse and Beth, an educator and administrator. On a trip to Europe, they decided that they wanted a way to stay in shape as well as give back to help the environment. They enjoyed visiting Shenandoah National Park and knew about Chuck's work on the trail. They asked to help and their training began. Chuck will turn the section from Blackrock Gap to Horsehead Overlook over to them in the spring. Beth and Julie's family will help them out too. What a great way to pass along the love of the trail to family and friends!!
South District AT Hike #1
Pam Heinrich is leading a series of hikes this year to help others hike the AT in the South District. On January 11th, twelve other hikers joined her for a shuttle hike from Beagle Gap to Rockfish Gap. Even with a chilly wind and snow squall at the finale, the group enjoyed the outing and fellowship. Hikers that joined the fun were: Laura Longley, Peggy Shy, James Downes, Karen Ballen, John Ballen, Lane Quarles, Michael Groah, Kathy Schwartz, Sidney Rabon, Betsy Solomon, Gary Forrest and William Jones.
Also to be noted, William is 78 years old and working on hiking all the trails in Shenandoah National Park. We are excited to help out with part of his accomplishments.
What do you know about Bear Den Mountain?
Have you ever wondered who put the old tractor seats on top of Bear Den Mountain?
The shortest route to reach the summit of Bear Den and see the tractor seats is to begin at Beagle Gap (Mile 99.5 on the Skyline Drive) and hike south approximately 0.5 Miles. The history of the tractor seats has been passed down as spot for the family that owned this property to have picnics, cookouts and bonfires. It supposedly made a great viewing area to watch the fireworks on July 4th.
The family that owned the property was identified as the Bocock family, and were major shareholders in Royal Orchard, bordering Shenandoah National Park. Eventually, they sold their property on Bears Den Mountain to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy/Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Thanks to Jeff Monroe for the history of the tractor seats. More information from his writings can be found here: SNP's South End
Have you ever wondered who put the old tractor seats on top of Bear Den Mountain?
The shortest route to reach the summit of Bear Den and see the tractor seats is to begin at Beagle Gap (Mile 99.5 on the Skyline Drive) and hike south approximately 0.5 Miles. The history of the tractor seats has been passed down as spot for the family that owned this property to have picnics, cookouts and bonfires. It supposedly made a great viewing area to watch the fireworks on July 4th.
The family that owned the property was identified as the Bocock family, and were major shareholders in Royal Orchard, bordering Shenandoah National Park. Eventually, they sold their property on Bears Den Mountain to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy/Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Thanks to Jeff Monroe for the history of the tractor seats. More information from his writings can be found here: SNP's South End
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