Potomac Appalachian January 2016

24 Pages·2015·1.82 MB·English

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE POTOMAC APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB
JANUARY 2016 - VOLUME 45, NUMBER 1
GUEST SPEAKER RANDY MINCHEW TALKS ABOUT THE VALUE OF CONSERVATION;
TREASURER JOE LOMBARDO REVIEWS THE CLUB’S FINANCES. ALL PHOTOS BY STANLEY TURK
PATC ANNUAL MEETING & BANQUET DRAWS A CROWD
On Nov. 17, PATC volunteers, members and staff gathered for the Annual Dinner and
Awards Banquet to celebrate 88 years of conservation and service to the hiking community.
Accompanied by the beautiful lights at the Atrium of Meadowlark Garden in Vienna, Va.,
BANQUET COVERAGE
guests enjoyed conversation, camaraderie and a hearty buffet dinner. The highlight of the
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evening was a presentation by Del. Randy Minchew (Va.-10), who spoke passionately about the
value of conservation.
In addition to celebrating the club’s history and accomplishments, the annual dinner is also
an opportunity to recognize those who have gone “above and beyond” on the club’s behalf
over the past year. PATC President Dick Hostelly and Vice President for Volunteerism Steve
O’Connor led the way in handing out a variety of awards to deserving recipients, capped
off by the presentation of Myron Avery Awards – the club’s highest honor – to Georgia
Harris, Randy Motz, Jayne Mayne and Lee Sheaffer, all of whom were instrumental in the
HIKER'S NOTEBOOK
planning and execution of the ATC Biennial Conference last summer (see article on p. 3).
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Congratulations to all award winners and thank you to all PATC members for another
wonderful year!
WHAT'S THAT
FLOWER?
13
118 PARK STREET, S.E.,
VIENNA, VA 22180‑4609
WWW.PATC.NET (L-R) Finance Coordinator Mona Filchock, Sales Coordinator Diane Yang, DC Metro District Manager
ISSN 098‑8L54 Alex Sanders and Stephanie Sanders
to set our challenges. I am hopeful, and A special thanks goes out to Randy
I will encourage Action Officers to look Minchew, of the 10th District of the
to both PATC membership and staff Virginia House of Delegates. Randy
to come forward and volunteer on the gave the keynote address, taking us back
various committees that will be created. through a bit of history, relating stories
from past U.S. presidents and their
PATC must look at ways to improve
conservation efforts. Thank you, Randy.
communications, get staff involved in
the decision process, reorganize and I feel the club is at a crossroads. How
undertake many other efforts. Speaking we define ourselves this year will
of reorganization, the structure of the define us for the years to come. We
organization has not been looked at for have accomplished a lot this past
a long time, but now is the time. With year and I am looking forward to our
any organizational change there is a accomplishments this next year.
lot of commotion about the way it was
before and the way it will be after. I wish everyone the best for the
New Year. May the challenges be
I look at this as a necessity and a many and successes just as many.
new challenge for the club moving
DICK'S MUSINGS forward, and ultimately an opportunity —DICK
to make it – and us - better.
Accept the challenges so that you can feel the
The New Year is upon us and now it is The Annual Banquet was a success. exhilaration of victory – George S. Patton
time to change the calendar. In doing so, I want to give special thanks to the
PATC will begin a new journey. On Jan. staff and volunteers for their energy
9, the Executive Committee (EXCOM) and enthusiasm in the planning and
will meet at Bears Den Lodge and Hostel putting on the enjoyable event. From
to both look backward and look forward. what I could tell all had a good time.
You can read more about the banquet
Looking backward, we will see many
and see photos beginning on p. 3.
success and accomplishments of the
club. Looking forward, we will review
of the PATC Strategic Plan as our guide
FIRST OF DEADLINE FOR POTOMAC APPALACHIAN ARTICLES AND FORECAST
THE MONTH Articles to be considered for publication in PA should be submitted to [email protected]. Digital photos
are welcome if they meet the requirements for a print publication, good contrast and at least 5x7
inches assuming a print resolution of 300 dots per inch. Please supply information for photo caption
and name of photographer. Photographs need not be connected with a story.
Forecast items to be included should be posted to the PATC calendar at patc.net by the deadline.
HOW TO CONTACT US
Headquarters, Sales, Cabin Reservations, and Membership Information
Address: 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, Va. 22180 Staff, During regular business hours
Phone #: [phone] Position Staff Ext E‑mail
Fax #: [phone] Staff Director Edna Baden 105 [email protected]
Club E‑mail: [email protected] Trails Management Coordinator Heidi Forrest 107 [email protected]
Internet: www.patc.net Sales Coordinator Diane Yang 103 [email protected]
Club President (leave a message), Finance Coordinator Mona Filchock 106 [email protected]
Dick Hostelley: 703/242-0315 Cabin Coordinator Anne Corwith 108 [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. IT Coordinator Kit Sheffield 109 [email protected]
Club Officers and Chairs Contact Info Potomac Appalachian
Contact list is online at www.patc.net/contacts
Editor Rachel F. Levin [email protected]
Change of Address? Log on to www.patc.net
Co-Editor Dan Pulskamp
and update your address online, or contact
Forecast Editor Jack Bowie [email protected]
[email protected] Co-Forecast Editor Dan Varela
Layout Designer Carey Dueweke
Co-Layout Designer Tara Jones-Oxenrider
2 JANUARY 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
for when buildings needed to be opened
MYRON AVERY AWARD 2015 and closed during the conference.
RANDY MOTZ AND GEORGIA HARRIS Their quick reference guide to all the
people involved with the conference
The 2015 ATC biennial was helped all parties; steering committee;
unquestionably the largest and most ATC and Shenandoah University
complex event that PATC has done stay in touch and get in touch with
in a long time. It took years to plan the right person at the right time.
and coordinate and the amount of This one document alone illuminated
volunteers needed was staggering. No the few problems and issues that
Myron Avery Award winners Randy Motz
one put in more time and contributed we had with the university.
and Georgia Harris. Photo by Stanley Turk
more to the success of the Biennial
than the husband and wife team of In addition to this, both Randy and
Randy Motz and Georgia Harris. Georgia had to work with a myriad of After compiling all of the hikes
outside groups to make the programs recommended by many hikers, consulting
Their assigned duties were many and they ran seamless. The technical aspects with the Club’s trail experts, and
they did them all in an exceptional of holding over 80 workshops with as extensive research on her own part
and professional manner. These duties many different leaders as well as the she came up with 70 hike, with many
included major areas of the Biennial such technical aspects of multiple nightly offered more than once for a total of
as workshops, excursions, entertainment entertainment, five different receptions 180 hikes. Then she had to sort them
and promotions. Their additional duties and three separate ATC functions all with to fit the required categories since
which they took on themselves and their their own unique technical requirements there were non-AT hikes and AT hike,
organizational skills were instrumental make the fact that all these event ran divided into three categories, Slow,
in a well-planned and well run Biennial. smoothly a remarkable accomplishment. Faster, and Restricted and to add to the
complexity there were seven hike theme
The organizational charts that this In addition to this, both Randy and
categories to be blended into the mix.
couple created helped the entire steering Georgia were responsible for recruiting,
committee, the host university and the training and supervising a large number Jayne enlisted the aid of the GPS
many side parties know when and where of volunteers in order to make all the Rangers who surveyed each hike and
things were happing. Their “conference” areas that they were responsible for run then Jayne wrote up the descriptions
at a glance gave a day by day, hour smoothly. The hours that they devoted after scouting each hike and the trail
by hour look at what was happing to this effort are incomprehensible heads hike to ensure the trail head
and when it was supposed to happen and the quality of those volunteer directions could in fact be followed
throughout the week long conference. hours is without question the best and the hike was as described.
Their profile of building use gave the that any organization can expect.
steering committee and the Shenandoah Once this was done then she had to
University an in-depth look at what It is for these reasons that we would like finding leaders and co-leaders, in
buildings where in use and at what time. to nominate Randy Motz and Georgia many cases guides for the Theme
Harris for the 2015 Myron Avery Award hikes, and to ensure she had back
At a conference where activities began
up leaders since there was a 30
at 5:30 a.m. and went through 10 p.m., JAYNE MAYNE
percent drop out or no-show rate.
this was an invaluable tool for both the
The 2015 ATC biennial was
chairmen and the school. In fact the Of note, no hikes had to be canceled
unquestionably the largest and most
school often referred to this document because there were no leaders. She
complex event that PATC has done
worked with Brian Goudreau, PATC
in a long time. It took years to plan
Map Chairman to develop and produce
and coordinate and the amount of
a map book with each hike in it.
volunteers needed was staggering.
Individual maps could be purchased
along with the whole book. Many
One of the major events and the reason
people wanted the map for their hike.
seventy percent of the attendees come
This map book received universal
to this event is to go on the hikes,
praise and was a very good seller both
many come to do large sections of the
as a book and individual maps.
AT and others come just to be able to
be with an organized group. For over
Because of her exceptional and
four years, Jayne spent hundreds hours
professional work and organization hikes
organizing the hikes which entailed
went off with very few issues and what
determining the number of hikes,
issues there were the general public never
types of hikes: AT, non-AT, short,
saw. From both the ATC Staff report and
President Dick Hostelley presents a Myron medium, and long, easy to hard.
the comments from the post Conference
Avery Award to Jayne Mayne
JANUARY 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 3
in a long time. It took years to plan issues, personalities and legal issues to
and coordinate and the amount of hammer out an outstanding MOU.
volunteers needed was staggering.
Many things one would think would
Lee served as Co-Chairman for this not be a problem took an inordinate
event and steered the Committee for over amount of time and negation, he work
five years to its successful conclusion. through them quietly and efficiently.
He hit the ground running from the Because of his constant vigilance he
beginning resolving the problem of ensured the MOU responsibilities
getting a truck load of Conference were carried out by all parties which at
materials back up to PATC with virtually times became very contentious. During
Lee Sheaffer receives a Myron Avery
no notice, and no help from ATC. the Conference Lee in his calm way
Award from President Dick Hostelley
resolve problems and soothed “ruffled
With his connections with Shenandoah
feathers” to every ones satisfaction.
survey 2015 Biennial has been rated University the Steering Committee
as one of the best Biennials and hikes was able to use these outstanding I do not think I can ever list all that
played a very large part of this rating. facilities. He took the lead to coordinate Lee did to make this a success, but
with the University Staff and because I think the best testimony to Lee’s
Jayne’s organizational skills were of him the working relationship leadership of this event is summarized
instrumental in a well-planned and well could not have been better. by this comment in an email to the
run Biennial is for these reason that we co-chairs from ATC: “We (ATC Staff)
would like to nominate Jayne Mayne Lee was instrumental in overseeing the all felt that this 2015 biennial was one
for the 2015 Myron Avery Award. promotional video for the conference of the smoothest and best organized”
and for composing the Registration
—Lee Sheaffer and Rush Williamson, and Program Books. One of the —Rush Williamson, co-chair Shenandoah
co-chairs, Shenandoah 2015 Committee’s biggest issues was working 2015
out the MOU with ATC and Lee took
LEE SHEAFFER
the lead for this effort, taking almost
two years. With his strong leadership
The 2015 ATC biennial was
and calm demeanor he was able to
unquestionably the largest and most
deal with numerous problematic
complex event that PATC has done
2015 Hawksbill Award Winners
Jeanne McSorley
Matthew Murray
Mary Clark
Zoe Sollenberger
Casey Buboltz
Tom Wolf
Jackie Wolf
Kirsten Elowsky
James Rice
Phil Paschall
Richard Leslie
Jim Tabor
Mike Cohn
Ian MacKay
Mark Walkup
Charlie Miracle
Fritz Gottschalk
David Sylvester
Robert Fina
HAWKSBILL AWARDS Rich Powley
Michael Seth
Mike Allen
The Hawksbill Award is presented by each crew, district, committee,
Frank Haas
chapter, section, Trail Patrol, and SMRG to a PATC member who has
shown outstanding volunteer performance over the last year. The individuals
receiving this award are selected by their respective team members.
4 JANUARY 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
Appreciation Awards
Primarily for non-members, Appreciation
Awards are given to those individuals
or groups who have made some
special contribution to the club and
its objectives. Recipients may include
government officials (federal, state,
local) who have assisted the club in its
activities, individuals who have donated
VP of Volunteerism Steve O’Connor and Staff Director Edna Baden present
land or facilities to the club, retired Appreciation Awards for Philip Bietsch (not pictured) and Steve Keiper (not
PATC employees, or anyone else who pictured), Dewey Clark accepting on their behalf
has helped the club in a significant way.
PATC presented these Appreciation
Awards at the annual meeting:
Mark Nebhut (in service to the
SNP North Hoodlums)
Bruce Nebhut (in service to the
SNP North Hoodlums)
Patricia Adelstein (for work
on the Strategic Plan)
Cathleen Szebrat (for work
VP of Volunteerism Steve O’Connor and Staff Director Edna Baden present
on the Strategic Plan)
Appreciation Awards for Bruce and Mark Nebhut (not pictured), Janice Cessna
accepting on their behalf
Philip Bietsch (for service in
Michaux State Forest)
Steve Keiper (for service in
Buchanan State Forest)
2015 Honorary Life Member
PATC A.T. SNP South District
We are privileged to enjoy the
continued all-around support of
Joseph E. (Radar) Raynor.
Radar Raynor is a person whose
VP of Volunteerism Steve O’Connor and Staff Director Edna Baden present an
personal courage and vitality belie his Appreciation Award to Patricia Adelstein
quiet, unassuming presence. Radar
has been extraordinarily active in the
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club for
more than 32 years yet few of our
most active members know him—
although many have heard of him.
Radar began working with the PATC in
1983 when he became an active member
of the brand-new Charlottesville Chapter.
In 1985, he assume responsibility for
maintaining Hightop Hut in Shenandoah
National Park, and accepted the role
of PATC district manager for public
hiking trails in the Pedlar District of the
Don White, DM for the SNP South AT District, accepts on behalf of Joseph
George Washington National Forest.
Raynor an Honorary Life Membership from President Dick Hostelley.
JANUARY 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 5
After the PATC moved from the Pedlar
District, Radar began working in the Lee
Ranger District of GWNF in Catherine
Furnace. In 1989, Radar rejoined the
PATC and stepped back into his work
maintaining Hightop Hut and added
to that the work of maintaining the
Appalachian National Scenic Trail from
Hightop Mountain Summit to Smith
Roach Gap Parking Area in the South
District of Shenandoah National Park.
Radar quietly promotes the PATC
with his volunteer work for the Nature
Conservancy in Virginia, which routinely
cites him for devoting 50 hours of work
in various preserves. Radar doesn’t stop
there, either: each year, he volunteers
his trail expertise working within units
of the Richmond National Battlefield President Dick Hostelley presents a plaque to Daphne Sloan, widow of long-time club
Park. He is an exemplary ambassador General Counsel Chuck Sloan
for the PATC and our work.
In 2011, Radar suffered a stroke. He
has conducted an aggressive recovery
program, incorporating his trail and hut
maintenance work into his rehabilitation
program. While he informed his district
manager of his condition, but did not
step down from his PATC tasks. Indeed,
he has continued and expanded his work
with PATC, the Nature Conservancy,
and the Richmond National Battlefield
Park since he was stricken.
It is my great pleasure to nominate
Joseph E. (Radar) Raynor for
Honorary Life Membership in the
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
—Donald H. White, district
manager, A.T. SNP-South Distric
VP of Volunteerism Steve O’Connor presents a 50-year membership award to John Pfaltz
Other Recognition In Memoriam: Jane Plakias
Pierce Beij Willard Rahn
These additional individuals
Frank Benslay Amanda Reiblich
were recognized at the annual
Julius Csorba Charles Sloan
meeting and banquet.
SV Dove, Jr.
50‑year Members:
Ruth Geran
Geraldine Asher
Barbara Graber
John Pfaltz
Owen Howard Griffing
Charles Cromwell III
George Kamm
Charlotte Pryor
Harry LeVine
Renee Dunham
6 JANUARY 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
SERVICE AWARDS Mills Kelly Edwin Murawski Patrick Stark
Eric Keltz Peter Muschamp James Stauch
Dick Kerr Russell Muter Jean Stephens
Service Awards are presented to PATC members who
Ralph Kerr Jerry Naeve Richard Stickley
have outstanding volunteer service over the current year. Phyllis Kimmel Barbara Nash Carol Stielper
Awardees were selected by their respective team members. David Kirkwood David Nebhut Joseph Stielper
Thomas Kloster Uyen Ngueyn Janis Stone
Peter Aagaard Geoffrey Chase Heidi Gardner Joe Kolb Carol Niedzialek Richard Stromberg
Bruce Agnew Isabel Chavez Sammy Gardner Todd Kutyla Harry Nogle Sybille Stromberg
John Allen Dewey Clark David Garman Nancy Lake Lynn Olson Marian Styles
Mark Allen Mary Clark Betty Gatewood Robert Lake Rhett Orndorff Sarah Sullivan
Michael Allen Mike Cohn Mark Gatewood Alexandra Lampros Kelly O'Rourke James Surdukowski
Terry Allen Doug Connell Peter Gatje Billy Lancaster Stephen Osbrach Leigh Surdukowski
Stephanie Allgaier John Conover Eric Geilker Jeffrey Landis Emeline Otey William Susa
Max Alvarado Barbara Cook Alan Gerber Lauren Lang Wendy Pacek Suzanne Swain
Marit Anderson Larry Corcoran Patricia Getty Joann Langston Patti Parrish David Sylvester
Luke Arbogast Anne Corwith David Geyer Rob Lauchner Phil Paschall Jim Tabor
William Archer John Corwith Iva Gillet Joseph Laws Dick Peacock Jane Talarico
Cynthia Ardecki Paul Costin Ellen Glynn Michael Leahy Melanie Perl Jeremiah
Janet Arici Danny Cunningham Robert Goldberg Peter LeComte James Peterson Tamagna-Darr
Bob Athey Joan D'Alonzo Jean Golightly Gene Leese Robert Pickett Jerry Taylor
Todd Athey Steph Danahy Ann Gordon Stephen Lillis Catherine Pipan Pat Thomas
Esther Aulthouse Bill Daniels Fritz Gottschalk Wayne Limberg Rich Powley James Thompson
Robert Austin Anstruther Davidson Brian Goudreau Lawrence Linebrink Rick Purvis Jane Thompson
Jennifer Azzariti Don Davis Eugene Groshong Luke Lisell Kevin Quinn Jim Tomlin
Edna Baden Howard Davis Bob Grossman James Little Ted Rabkin Keith Tondrick
Steve Bair Alan Day Janine Grossman Robert Livezey Dan Ralston Robert Torla
Charles Balch Saleena DeVore Charlie Gutberlet Eugene Locke Ash Rao David Torraca
Christy Barber Monideep Dey Frank Haas Robert Look Richard Rapp David Trone
Hope Barber Bill Downes Thomas Hall Don Looney Joseph Raynor Courtney Trusty
Stephen Barber Eric Downes Hal Hallett John Lord Michael Reese Glen Tsaparas
Dick Batiste Janice Downes Roger Hanson Thomas Lupp Marie Restrepo Jen Tullman
Allison Berberick Andrew Drennon Georgia Harris Hollis Luzecky Richard Rhoades Stanley Turk
Bruce Berberick Daniel Dueweke Peter Harris Dennis Lykins Russell Riggs Dee Utz
Patrick Bishop Gary Dufour Michael Heckman Kathy Lykins Jon Rindt Bill Van Tassell
Alvin Black Sheryl Dufour Katrina Hedlesky James Lynch Katherine Rindt Mike Wagner
Larry Blaskopf Richard Dugan John Hedrick John Lyon Richard Rooney Mark Walkup
Lauralee Bliss Marilyn Duncan Adam Henderson Ian MacKay Robert Root George Walters
Mitchell Bonanno Scott Duncan Paul Hession Charlie Macleod George Ruben Alison Warfield
David Borszich Sean Dunn Clyde Hicks Martha MacLeod Steve Rupert David Warfield
Leander Bowen Michael Dyas Harry Hicock Justin Maimone Thomas Ryan Heather Warren
John Bridges Bette Dzamba Ellen Hill Susan Malone David Saah George Weissbach
Ed Brimberg Dick Eagan Charles Hillon Chris Mangold Keith Salley Dale Welter
Scott Briscoe Brandon Easley John Hobler Lee Manning Alex Sanders Rick Werner
Larry Broadwell Larry Eavey John Holman Michael Manning Randy Sanders Richard Weyrick
Bob Brown Karl Eiholzer Mark Holsteen Barbara Martin Meriam Schroeder Allen Wheeler
Karen Krehbiel Brown Mark Ellis Gerald Hopkins David Martin Lowell Schuetze Gene Whitaker
Karsten Brown Melvin Ellis Dick Hostelley Kenneth May Bob Scott Donald White
Lindsay Brown Kirsten Elowsky Greg Houchens Jayne Mayne Stuart Scott Joe White
Peter Brown Eliza Beth Engle David House Ben Mayock Eric Seaborg David Wilcox
Gary Bruner David Erdman Charles Hughes John McCrea Kathleen Seiler Karl Wilkerson
Chris Brunton Ray Evert Michael Hughes Bob Mccullough David Sellers Andrew Willgruber
Casey Buboltz Audrey Ewin Douglas Humphrey Elizabeth McGowan Michael Seth Rush Williamson
Michael Bucci Kathy Fairfield Timothy Hupp Judith McGuire Philip Shanholtzer Dan Wilson
Carol Bungay Craig Falk Jim Hutzler Tom McIntosh John Shannon Melanie Wilson
Ron Bungay Patricia Fankhauser Dan Innamorato Stephen McLaughlin Terry Shaw Patrick Wilson
Ron Burger David Fellers Suzanne Izzo Terri McLellan Lee Sheaffer Robert Wise
Frank Burke Joanne Fenninger Jim Jengeleski Jeanne McSorley Kit Sheffield Douglas Wolf
Nathan Caldwell Vincent Ferrari Lisa Jenkins Mel Merritt Karen Shull Jackie Wolf
Dennis Calhoun Jim Fetig Michael Jenkins Jim Micklewright Phil Silas Tom Wolf
Heather Callahan Victor Fickes Scott "Possible" John Miller Josh Silverman Andy Wolfe
Lynn Cameron Greg Fife Jenkins Scott Miller John Singleton Gail Wolfe
Malcolm Cameron Robert Fina Douglas Jessup Steve Miller Sir Small Mark Wray
Laura Campbell Curtis Finney Mike Johnson Peter Minderman Alice Smith Constance Wright
Nathan Campbell George Finney Thomas Johnson Charlie Miracle Daniel Smith Jennifer Wright
Richard Canter Tawnya Finney Dave Jordahl Jeff Monroe Walt Smith Jeffrey Zarbo
Paul Cantrell Christopher Firme Mary Jorgensen Francis Moran Judy Smoot David Ziobro
Beverley Carver Ben FitzGerald Thomas Jorgensen Michael Moran Zoe Sollenberger
Brad Case William Ford Lou Juliana Chip Morgan Thomas Sowers
Scott Cates Barry Freeman Jay Jupiter Stef Morris James Speicher
Janice Cessna Noel Freeman Richard Kafka Randy Motz John Spies
Jennifer Chambers Lynn Gallagher Cynthia Kelly Shellie Moubray John Stacy
JANUARY 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 7
NEW MAPS FEATURE of the Natural Bridge Appalachian
Trail Club at the Pedlar District’s
REVISIONS AND UPGRADES
headquarters in Natural Bridge Station.
The USFS allowed Rangers to stay in
PATC has just published newly revised
one of their buildings when Rangers
trail maps covering trails in the Pedlar
completed GPS measurements of
District of George Washington National
Pedlar District trails in February
Forest, including the Appalachian
2015. Input also came from members
Trail. Map 12 covers the area just
of the Tidewater Appalachian Trail
south of Shenandoah National Park,
Club, which maintains trails from
from Rockfish Gap to the Tye River.
Reids Gap to the Tye River, while the
Map 13 covers from the Tye River
Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club
south into the Jefferson National
maintains trails south of the Tye River.
Forest south of the James River. Each
of these maps features comprehensive
Trail changes are not the only alterations
revisions, as outlined below.
to these maps, however. While each
map includes updates since the previous
Although the areas covered by Maps
editions were published (such as the Blue
12 and 13 lie outside the maintenance
Ridge Tunnel – a new rail-trail being
footprint of PATC, our organization
constructed under Rockfish Gap, and new
has a long history of producing trail
properties acquired by the U.S. Forest
maps in these areas. Both areas were first
Service), there are additional upgrades. In
covered in a single 1933 map that covered
the past 20 years, the trails around local
Rockfish Gap to Lee Highway just north A look at a few of the many improvements
hiking hotspot Humpback Rocks have
of Roanoke. In 1948, the second edition made to Map 12.
expanded greatly, thanks to work by the
covered a smaller area, from Rockfish
Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club.
Gap to the James River, the area now
the trail, taken by PATC volunteers, are
These increased trail options are detailed
covered by both Maps 12 and 13. This
also integrated into the back of these
in a new inset map found on Map 12.
area was split into the present two maps
maps. For the first time, these maps are
in 1975 (the “1st Revised Edition” of
Map 13 has been expanded to cover a complete resource for the novice hiker
each), and this coverage continues to
new territory. Previous editions covered seeking to learn about trails in these areas.
this day, with the printing of Map 12’s
a couple of major hiking hotspots:
12th Edition and Map 13’s 7th Edition. The maps themselves contain many
the Priest Wilderness/Crabtree Falls/
changes from the previous versions.
Spy Rock area and the Mount Pleasant
PATC maps remain the preferred maps
National Scenic Area, featuring
for trail maintenance clubs covering A sampling of the completeness
the Appalachian Trail’s spectacular
this region. An example of this is found of the alterations can be seen in a
summit hike over the bald top of Cold
on a kiosk at Maupin Fields on the comparison of a small portion of Map
Mountain and the fantastic view from
Appalachian Trail just north of the Three 12, Editions 11 and 12, showing the
the summit of Mount Pleasant. The
Ridges Wilderness. This section of trail Blue Ridge Parkway and Three Ridges
new version extends coverage south
is one of the more popular overnight Wilderness. Just in this small area,
of the James River, and now includes
backpacking loops in the Blue Ridge changes on the new map include:
the James River Face Wilderness.
Mountains south of Shenandoah National
• Removal of nonexistent
Park. The Tidewater Appalachian Trail
James River Face was the first federal random roads in Three Ridges
Club, which constructed and maintains
wilderness area in Virginia and remains Wilderness (shown in white)
this kiosk along with trails and shelters
an extraordinary destination for overnight
in the area, includes a PATC map • Corrected wilderness boundary along
backpacking trips for all ability levels.
behind Plexiglas for hikers to review. the forest road to Maupin Field Shelter
The location track of each trail in this
Wilderness have been verified by GPS • Correct location where this same
Revisions to each of these maps
– a statement that no other trail map forest road meets Blue Ridge Parkway
replace the 11th edition of Map 12
publisher for this area can make. and correct location of gate
(2011), and the 6th edition of Map
13 (2010). Extensive input has been • Removal of a nonexistent
Upgrades are not limited to the
integrated into these two revisions. connector road between Love
map portions of these publications.
Gap Rd and Sherando Road
Information previously contained in the
The PATC GPS Rangers measured
PATC’s “Hiking Guide to the Pedlar • Improved fonts that are easier to read,
every existing trail in the Pedlar
District, George Washington National with less interference from linework
District after Rangers Chair Jim
Tomlin and Jeff Monroe met with Forest, 3rd Edition,” by Lee Sheaffer, • Crisper colors and lighter shaded
U.S. Forest Service Pedlar District has been updated and added to the back relief for improved legibility and
representatives and with Norman Sykora side of Maps 12 and 13. Photos from standardization with other PATC maps
8 JANUARY 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
• A more accurately located
Maupin Field Shelter
• Correct classification of the
northern end of Mau-Har as
a trail, not a forest road
• Updated highway shields that
resemble the ones used on road signs
• Corrected spelling of “Reids
Gap” in the upper left corner
Thanks go to many folks for their help
increasing the accuracy of these new
maps, including Forest Rangers David
Whitmore and Jonathan Wheeler of the Campers hone their outdoor survival skills. Photo by W. Alan Day
Glenwood/Pedlar District of George
FAIRFAX COUNTY 5TH & 6TH Citizen scientist Sheryl Pollock showed
Washington and Jefferson National
campers the local pollinators that are
Forests; the Natural Bridge Appalachian GRADERS ENJOY CAMPING
essential to healthy vegetation and
Trail Club; the Tidewater Appalachian
AT WOLF TRAP
conducted a tour of the vegetable
Trail Club; the PATC GPS Rangers; and
garden behind the Filene Center. Orvis
PATC Maps Chair Brian Goudreau.
Tysons Corner fly fishing instructor
First-time campers had a fun experience
—Submitted by Brian Goudreau Jason Isaccs demonstrated the basics
at an overnight camp at Wolf Trap
of fly fishing to the campers and
National Park for the Performing Arts
helped them with the fishing tackle.
over Columbus Day weekend 2015.
In addition to setting up tents and
Campers learned the basics of archery
cooking their own meals using Dutch
from Donna Kissane and her son on a
ovens and camp stoves, the campers
range set up behind the Filene Center.
learned archery, fly fishing, gardening
They also engaged in different yoga
and yoga, and had a lesson on insect
exercises, demonstrated by Eileen
pollinators. Wolf Trap Ranger Will
Kragie of Yin and Yang Yoga.
Rifenbark also took the campers on a
backstage tour of the Filene Center. This was the third Wolf Trap camp out;
previous events were held in September
The camp out was run by youth leaders
2014 and April 2015. As part of its
from Boy Scout Troop 55 and Girl Scout
effort to connect with underserved
Troop 1146, supported by Wolf Trap
youth, Wolf Trap plans to sponsor these
staff, adult leaders from the scout troops,
camp outs in the spring and fall outside
Friends of Wolf Trap, and the Potomac
the performance period. Registration
Appalachian Trail Club. PATC also
for the spring camp out, to be held
provided planning, logistical support,
April 22-23, is currently underway.
and donated money and sleeping bags
for needy campers. Nine campers —W. Alan Day
were able to participate because of the
availability of these “camperships”.
Scouts participated in hikes on the
Wolf Trap trail built and maintained
by PATC and led by Ronalda Meson
and Alan Day. Ronalda pointed out
many of the natural features at Wolf
Trap such as the pond, a turkey vulture
that was feeding in Wolf Trap Creek,
and locations where fawns hide during
the day while the mother feeds.
Wolf Trap Gardener Edgar Deskins
Future PATC trail maintainers?
guided campers who were planting in the
Photo by Rolanda Meson
Shade Garden behind the Filene Center.
He also conducted a tour of the Dimple
Meadow in front of the Filene Center.
JANUARY 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 9
HIKER'S NOTEBOOK condor are also sometimes considered (that would be 20:5), the location of a
raptors even though they eat carrion. mate is facilitated by the chiaroscuro
BALD EAGLE
of the white head in contrast to black
Perhaps this better explains why the
An American Icon body. Mate selection is permanent for the
bald eagle eats carrion like vultures and
approximate 20 years remaining should
The resurgence of the bald eagle hunts live prey like hawks and kites; its both have normal eagle longevity. The
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus) population from diet is mostly fish (56 percent) but also couple’s honeymoon enterprise is to build
a low of about 500 nesting pairs in the rodents (14 percent) and other birds (28 a nest at or near the top of a tall tree that
contiguous United States in the second percent). The carrion-eating behavior is in close proximity to open water.
half of the 20th century to ten times that of the bald eagle is typically considered
many today is a promising harbinger pejorative, a blot on its symbolic dignity. As a permanent home, the nest is
for reining in the excesses of the However, it should be noted that the embellished and expanded annually to
Anthropocene Epoch. There is perhaps bald eagle is a very large raptor, second the extent that it can reach mammoth
nothing more inspiring to those who seek only to the California condor in size; it is dimensions: the record is 10 feet wide
nature on the trails than to be able to accordingly at the top of the food chain and 20 feet tall weighing about 5,000
appreciate the majesty of the bald eagle, with no predators other than humans. pounds. Two to three young eaglets
as much a preeminent symbol for Native hatch after about a month of incubation
The consequence of having a large body
Americans as it for us who came later. in their nest and grow rapidly, fledging
(about 12 pounds including 1 pound
at two months, reaching full size
As the only eagle that is unique to of feathers and a half pound of bone) in three months, and departing on
North America, it is fitting that it is the need to consume a substantial a five year odyssey culminating in
was chosen as the symbol for what quantity of food. It also necessitates baldness. There is something of the
the newly independent Americans having a wingspan of about 6 feet to anthropomorphic in this progression.
aspired to be— strong and free. provide needed aerodynamic lift to
get its large bulk off the ground. The Next month: The decline and recovery
Accipiters (Latin for hawk), generally maneuverability of an antaean raptor of America’s majestic symbol
considered to be birds of prey and operating within the physically confining
synonymous with the more loosely restraints of the eastern forests mean —Wm. Needham
defined term, raptors, are taxonomically it is limited to mostly open areas with
assigned due to their characteristic arboreal habitats only suited for roosts.
hooked beaks, curved and grasping
talons, and keen vision (eagle-eyed). They While the bald eagle can reach speeds
include both bald and golden eagles in of about 40 miles per hour in open air
addition to hawks, kites and osprey. and almost 100 miles per hour in a dive,
this does not necessarily help in the
Sea eagles are a separate genus Haliaeetus successful prosecution of predation.
in the family Accipitridae due to their
preference for fish as a dietary staple. However, the rapid plunge of a bald
The generic name is from the Greek eagle directed at any other predator
hali meaning “sea” and aietos, meaning that has successfully concluded a hunt
“eagle” to characterize the riparian is almost guaranteed to chase it away
habitat of the fish-eating accipiter. from its prey. This is undoubtedly a
matter of evolutionary survival and
The closest relative of the bald eagle is the logic; why bother to expend all that
Eurasian white-tailed eagle (H. albicilia). energy in the likely fruitless enterprise
The two parted ways about 15 million of chasing rabbits when the same As the only eagle that is unique to North
America, it is entirely fitting that the bald
years ago (Mya) as the Atlantic Ocean result can be achieved vicariously.
eagle was chosen as the symbol for what
broadened the separation of the North
the newly independent Americans aspired
American plate from the Eurasian plate. Once an eaglet reaches sexual maturity
to be: strong and free. Photo by Dave
at about five years of age, it advertises
Menke/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
An international team of more than 200 its fecundity with a change of plumage.
researchers recently completed a revision Immature eagles have mottled feathers
to the avian family tree based on the full that cover the entire body and head
genomes of 48 species. In addition to uniformly until molting triggered by
the finding that the ancestor of all birds hormonal factors produces the contrasting
(the so-called teeth-to-beak transition) white-feathered crown and nape of
lived about 116 Mya, the study found the pubescent adult; the species name
that the closest relatives to the eagles are leucocephalus literally means “white head”.
new world vultures. New world (turkey
and black) vultures and the California With eyes almost as large as a human’s
but with vision four times more acute
10 JANUARY 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN