the newsletter of the potomac appalachian trail club uva freshmen orientation at patc cabins

24 Pages·2016·1.9 MB·English

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE POTOMAC APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB
SEPTEMBER 2016 ‑ VOLUME 45, NUMBER 9
CORBIN CABIN PROVIDED A PLACE FOR STUDENTS TO HANG OUT.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COAR
VOLUNTEER OF THE
MONTH
6
UVA FRESHMEN ORIENTATION AT PATC CABINS
We would like to express our appreciation to PATC which has provided us, Cavalier Outdoor
Adventure Retreat (COAR) and the Outdoor Recreation program, both part of the Intramural
Rec Sports Department at the University of Virginia, the opportunity to host and provide
the COAR experience to the incoming first year class at the University of Virginia.
HIKER'S NOTEBOOK
11 This is the first summer that COAR has provided its experience to new incoming first year
students at UVA. During the summer of 2015, we ran a pilot program of three experiences
and used the Doyles River Cabin and the surrounding trails in Shenandoah National Park.
Given the response and support that the participants in the pilot program, the UVA summer
orientation sessions, and our department gave us, the Director of the UVA Outdoor Recreation
Program, John McCall, decided to design and coordinate the summer 2016 experience.
For this summer, the COAR program was expanded to provide nine outdoor-oriented
experiences, each three-and-a-half days, three nights, which take place after the first
WHAT'S THAT
evening in Shenandoah National Park and make use of PATC’s Doyles River and
FLOWER
Corbin cabins. Different groups stay at each cabin and follow similar itineraries while
12
utilizing the unique trails and outdoor environments around their respective cabin.
Being at these locations and hiking the trails that we do, this also allows the COAR
program the opportunity to not just introduce but practice the appropriate Leave No
Trace principles that impress upon the participants the importance of being a good
steward of the national park and its resources. The groups take the opportunity to
118 PARK STREET, S.E., come to understand some of the historical uniqueness of SNP and its trail systems,
VIENNA, VA 22180‑4609
the history of the cabins, and the extensive use of the AT and its thru hikers.
WWW.PATC.NET
ISSN 098‑8L54 continued on P. 3
the chairman of the Appalachian Trail up of a number of small nooks and
Conference (now Conservancy). crannies, making air conditioning
and heating a problem. We must
Until Avery’s death in 1952, it
correct this problem, but it is costly.
was questionable whether ATC or
PATC was running the Appalachian • Blackburn Septic System
Trail. But it was PATC. Fundraising – This fundraising
effort has proven to be a worthwhile
Of course, we all know the best birthday
undertaking, thanks to the efforts
parties focus on honoring the wisdom
of Brewster Thackeray. I also want
that comes with age, celebrating a life
to say a special thank you to all
well lived and hoping for many happy
those donors who have generously
years to come. That is what PATC will be
given their support of this important
celebrating in 2017, our 90th birthday.
improvement in the septic system at
Our Staff Director, Brewster Thackeray,
Blackburn. (See related story on p. 5)
is beginning to look at ways to celebrate
the year and specifically the day. He no • Hunting Policy – As many of you
doubt will have more to say about the may be aware, PATC cabins are
celebration in the months to come. mostly found in a “wilderness”
DICK'S MUSINGS environment, which attracts hunters,
I hope when Brewster calls for
both legally and illegally. A motion
volunteers, a number of you will
is being prepared and is moving
Birthday celebrations can be meaningful come forward and make the occasion
through the vetting process that
and memorable at any age, and a great celebration of a great club.
will grant permission to hunt on
celebrating a milestone birthday like 90
any PATC property. The hunter
certainly deserves a party! The details There are presently a number of things
must carry on their person a signed
of the celebration look different for EXCOM and the staff are working on
written copy of such permission at
each occasion being celebrated, but that I would like to make you aware of:
all times while hunting on a specific
each should be a memory that lasts.
• Building Keying – For a number property and must display it to any
You are no doubt wondering what I of years, keys have been a problem. PATC overseer, district manager
am talking about. Well, let me share It seems people who are entrusted or officer upon request. This
a brief bit of PATC history that Tom with a key for a specific purpose permission will be granted for a
Johnson shared with me sometime want to hold onto the key after the specified time period, and must
ago. I must add this disclaimer: I may purpose no longer exists. There be reauthorized on an annual
paraphrase occasionally but most of is a desire to eliminate this use of basis. All hunters must obey local
the following words are Tom’s. keys. So, research is under way for hunting rules and regulations,
a method of entry to Headquarters and must carry appropriate valid
On Nov. 22, 1927, “Six Immortals” and inter-offices by individuals hunting licenses for the locale
got together in the conference room who are authorized such entry in which they are hunting. It is
of a bank building in downtown for a specified period of time. planned to have this in effect prior
Washington, D.C., and formed the Once the time comes and goes, to the 2016 hunting season. Please
organization that we know as the entry is no longer permitted. watch the PA for an announcement
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Those as well as the PATC website.
six were Andy Anderson, Myron Avery, • Air Conditioning Update – Air
Homer Corson, P.L. Ricker, Frank conditioning continues to be a • Accounting Position – Our auditing
Schairer and Lawrence Schmeckebier. problem. In spring and summer it firm made a strong suggestion that
is hot, in fall and winter it is cold, we consider hiring an Accounting
These gentlemen set out to scout a route and there is no balance. Attempts Assistant. That is in process as I
in Northern Virginia, from Harpers Ferry have been made to correct the prepare this “Musing.” EXCOM
south to the northern boundary of the problem, with little success. Presently has agreed that this position is a
planned Shenandoah National Park, and a 10-ton unit and a 5-ton unit do necessity because the club’s financials
later continued on to Rockfish Gap, the the air conditioning; this in itself is are becoming more involved as
planned southern boundary of the park. not a balance, and we must correct time moves on. The position
this problem. Several heating and announcement is being prepared
In a short time, Myron Avery, Frank cooling companies have looked at the and will be forthcoming in the
Schairer and their rapidly increasing problem and presented solutions, but next couple of weeks, with a start
team of minions had scouted, selected the solutions do not work. The 5-ton date sometime in the early fall.
and cleared 260 miles to Duncannon,
unit is not doing the job, or maybe
Pa. At the same time he was president • “Big Gulp” – Waste needs to be
the 10- and 5-ton units are not doing
of the PATC, Myron Avery was also removed from cabins and huts with
the job. Plus the second floor is made
septic systems and vaulted privies.
2 SEPTEMBER 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
In most instances, the cabin or hut difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia COAR
is located in an area that is extremely (fear of water). Death usually occurs within CONTINUED FROM P.1
difficult for a septic truck to service. days of the onset of these symptoms.”
Therefore, the purchase of “Big In all, the total number of users for
Gulp,” a 350-gallon container and Please exercise caution if you happen this summer’s program that benefitted
motor mounted on a trailer for ease to see a rabid animal; they are from the use of the cabins and the
of transport. With this acquisition dangerous. Please report their presence; park’s acreage totaled 91 people,
comes a bit of learning; the “Big you will be performing a service. which includes 76 participants, 7 staff
Gulp” team will visit club septic members, and 8 faculty/staff volunteers.
One last thing; for those of you who
systems in cabins and vaulted privies
have placed your name as a nominee for
at shelters and huts as needed. Cavalier Outdoor Adventure Retreat is a
office, mark the date of Jan. 7, 2017 as
new UVA outdoor orientation program.
• Rabies – A recent incident with the off-site meeting of EXCOM. This Its goal is to foster relationships between
two thru hikers who were bitten meeting will address the transition of new first year students, create a strong support
and scratched by a rabid skunk on members and their respective EXCOM network, increase awareness of the many
the AT reminds us that rabies is roles. The meeting will be held at Bears outdoor opportunities around UVA and
a problem that requires attention. Den Lodge and Hostel from 9 a.m. until the Blue Ridge Mountains, and introduce
John Hedrick was notified and 3:30 p.m. In the past we have found students to UVA faculty and staff in a
made the necessary contact with this to be an excellent meeting, and it more relaxed and personal setting. The
the hikers and medical personnel helps set the stage for the coming year. program is organized by UVA Outdoor
along the trail. They have been Recreation and all food, equipment,
In addition, once an announcement
medicated and to the best of John’s and transportation is included.
is made (Aug. 15) of office nominees,
knowledge and are either moving
I would like to invite all nominees
up the trail or staying in place and In closing, we would like to express our
to attend EXCOM and Council to
getting the proper treatment. appreciation of being able to be a user
get a flavor of the discussions and
of the resources within SNP and the
The point I would like to make is this: how each body operates. The dates PATC cabins, which we feel provide a
If a PATC volunteer becomes aware of for the respective meetings may unique venue for the COAR program to
an affected animal, please notify the be found on the club website. take place. The program also appreciates
crew leader, who will notify the proper the level of maintenance and care that
If you wish to comment, please
authorities to catch or remove the the cabins receive. That being said, as a
do so at [email protected].
animal. Under no circumstance should possible service opportunity, we could
any volunteer be put in a position to —DICK continue to develop this partnership
either capture or cause death to the and create a service day at a cabin which
animal. Park personnel are trained as “Give me the splendid silent sun with all would be provided by COAR participants
to the method of capture and handling his beams full-dazzling” Walt Whitman as another way to say thank you.
of the animal, regardless of size.
—The University of Virginia Outdoor
Here is what the Centers for Recreation Program, Cavalier Outdoor
Disease Control and Prevention Adventure Retreat (COAR)
has to say about rabies:
“Rabies is a preventable viral disease of
mammals most often transmitted through
the bite of a rabid animal. The vast
majority of rabies cases reported to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) each year occur in wild animals
like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.
The rabies virus infects the central nervous
system, ultimately causing disease in the
brain and death. The early symptoms of
rabies in people are similar to that of many
other illnesses, including fever, headache,
and general weakness or discomfort. As the
Incoming UVa freshmen got a real
disease progresses, more specific symptoms
outdoors experience at PATC cabins.
appear and may include insomnia, anxiety,
Photo courtesy of COAR
confusion, slight or partial paralysis,
excitation, hallucinations, agitation,
hypersalivation (increase in saliva),
SEPTEMBER 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 3
PATC NEEDS YOUR VOTE!!!! Staff Director (if you received it by mail, SHENANDOAH’S JIM
return it in the envelope provided).
NORTHRUP TO KEYNOTE
Next month is the biennial election 3. Absentee ballots must be returned PATC’S 89TH ANNUAL
issue of the PA. It will include brief to the PATC Office in Vienna no later MEETING & AWARDS
statements from the candidates running than 5 p.m. on the day of the election/
BANQUET NOV. 17
for office, describing what they have Annual Dinner, Nov. 17, 2016.
to offer to the club and its members.
4. Your absentee ballot will remain
Jim Northrup, superintendent of
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ sealed in its envelope until it is
Shenandoah National Park, will be the
THEIR STATEMENTS, and to call opened and put straight into the
keynote speaker at PATC’s 89th Annual
or email them to learn more. But most ballot box at the Annual Dinner. Meeting and Awards Banquet on Nov. 17.
importantly, PLEASE VOTE; these are
You may vote if you have:
the leadership and staff for YOUR club! “I am delighted that Jim will be our
speaker,” said PATC President Dick
1. An individual, senior
There are two ways for members to vote: Hostelley, who extended the invitation.
individual, individual life, or
“2016 is the 100th anniversary of the
1. Attend the Annual PATC Dinner honorary life membership.
National Park Service, and Jim has been
in November and receive and submit
2. A student membership and with the agency for more than a third
your ballot there (even if you’re not
are 18-20 years of age. of that century. Given PATC’s long and
participating in the dinner, you can
enduring relationship with Shenandoah,
receive and submit your ballot at the
3. A couple, senior couple, life couple, this is a terrific opportunity for our
registration table on Nov. 17 at the
or life-and-spouse membership – both members to hear the latest from him.”
dinner site, Meadowlark Gardens. Bring
members of the couple may vote.
your membership card or a photo ID). Northrup was named superintendent
4. A family membership - only of Shenandoah National Park and
2. Request and return an absentee ballot.
two people over the age of 21 and Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National
living at the same address may vote Historical Park in January 2013. He
For some time, less than 200 members
(dependents under 18 cannot vote due previously served as superintendent of
have participated in the elections,
to their age; those 18 or older need Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
with most of the ballots coming from
their own membership to vote). in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and as
members attending the Annual Dinner.
This year, the Election Committee chief ranger at Great Smoky Mountains
Thank you!
would like to see more absentee National Park. He began his Park
ballots than ballots cast at the dinner! Service career as a seasonal ranger at
This is YOUR club – we need your Shenandoah National Park in 1979.
voice! Please help us reach this goal
PATC members will gather for
by requesting and submitting an
the Annual Meeting and Awards
absentee ballot. Here’s how to do it:
Banquet once again in the Atrium
at Meadowlark Gardens, at 9750
1. Starting on Sept. 15 request your
Meadowlark Gardens Court in Vienna,
absentee ballot from the PATC Staff
Virginia, on the evening of Thursday,
Director by e-mail, phone call, a letter,
Nov. 17. We will begin the festivities
or a visit to the PATC office in Vienna:
at 6 p.m. with a social gathering,
Brewster Thackeray ([email protected]) followed by a buffet-style dinner.
Staff Director
Registration
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
118 Park St, SE
The cost is $45 per person and the RSVP
Vienna, VA 22180
deadline is Nov. 7. We encourage you to
703/242-0315, x 105
register early as this event was at capacity
last year and may sell out. Registration
When requesting a ballot, state
and payment online is easy and secure
whether you are requesting
by going to www.patc.net/2016meeting.
ballot(s) for an individual, student,
You can also mail your payment and
couple, or family membership.
names of attendees to PATC, 118
2. After you receive your ballot, complete Park Street, SE, Vienna, VA 22180.
your vote, put your name and signature
Banquet Brigade Upgrade
on the outside, and hand deliver it to Jim Northrup, superintendent of
the PATC headquarters or mail it to the Shenandoah National Park, will be the
Please consider saluting PATC’s 89 years
keynote speaker at November's Annual
Meeting and Awards Banquet. of service on the trails by upgrading to a
4 SEPTEMBER 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
Banquet Brigade Ticket for $89. Banquet
Brigade Members will be listed in the
event program and will receive special
tokens of appreciation at registration.
2016 Elections
PATC’s biennial elections will be held
at the 2016 Annual Meeting. Voting
may be conducted in person at the
meeting or by absentee ballot. You
must be a PATC member to vote.
Absentee ballots may be requested
from the club Staff Director by email
([email protected]), phone (703/242-
0315 x105), or by writing to PATC, 118
Park Street SE, Vienna, VA 22180. THANKS TO GENEROUS DONORS, PATC IS ON ITS WAY TO REPLACING BLACKBURN
CABIN'S SEPTIC SYSTEM.
Silent Auction PHOTO COURTESY OF PATC
PATC Staff are organizing a small silent
auction at this year’s Annual Meeting
ASSESSMENT OF An engineer and backhoe professional
and Awards Banquet that will launch
recently headed to Blackburn Trail
fundraising for the organization’s BLACKBURN SEPTIC
Center to assess the septic system
upcoming 90th anniversary year. BEGINS; MEMBERS PUSH
options. As expected, they confirmed
If you are in a position to make a
FUNDRAISING EFFORT PAST that a conventional system will not
donation of an auctionable item
work. Meetings are continuing to
valued at $50 or more, please contact $25,000
determine the best option to replace
Staff Director Brewster Thackeray.
the center’s aging sanitary facilities.
Silent auction contribution ideas include: Member financial support for the
Tax-deductible gifts may be mailed to
Blackburn Trail Center modernization
• Hotel nights PATC, and a special “Blackburn 21” fund
effort has held strong and will ensure
• Backpacking and outdoors gear that the club will be able to soon dive has been added at www.patc.net/donate.
• Trail-inspired or related artwork into getting the work done. Seventy-
five donors contributed last month,
• Services, e.g. massage, training
bringing the total to 184 who have
• Restaurant and other gift certificates pitched in so far, with $25,000 now
raised to upgrade Blackburn’s sanitary
• Food basket
facilities to 21st century standards.
• Theatre or concert tickets
Thank you, donors, for your support!
• Autographed memorabilia
Directions to Meadowlark Gardens
Take I-495 to Northern Virginia to Yes! I want to help bring Blackburn Trail Center into the 21st century
Exit 47 (Leesburg Pike/Rte. 7) towards
Tyson’s Corner (westbound). Proceed 4.5 □ I am enclosing a check for □  $100 □  $50 □  $ made out to PATC with
miles on Leesburg Pike and turn left on “Blackburn 21” on the memo line
Beulah Road (Rte. 702). Go 1.7 miles on
Send checks to:
Beulah and turn right into Meadowlark
PATC, 118 Park St., SE, Vienna, VA 22180.
Gardens Court. Park at the Atrium (the
building on the right when you enter).
□ Please charge $ to my Visa or Mastercard:
Please join our partners and friends for Account # Exp. /
this special event. For more information, Name on card:
contact Staff Director Brewster
Signature
Thackeray (contact information above).
□ I will contribute online at www.patc.net/donate (on the “select fund” menu, click
See registration form on back page.
Blackburn 21)
SEPTEMBER 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 5
MIKE MORAN WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN CREATING THE WOLF TRAP TRAIL.
CABIN RENTAL POLICY PHOTO BY ALAN DAY
REMINDER
Hard to believe – but winter is coming!
Please remember that effective Jan.
1, 2016, the “no-fault winter policy”
for cabin rental was rescinded. That
rule was hard to administer and led
to inconsistent results. Cabin renters
should be aware of the current rule.
The current rule is that within seven
days of the first day of a rental period,
no refund is available for a cancellation.
Specifically, there is no weather-related
refund policy--with one exception. For
the seven cabins that are accessible from
Skyline Drive, there is a refund available
for any night that the park closes the
section of the drive leading to the cabin.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: youth programs such as the TRACK
The relevant cabins are Range View, MICHAEL MORAN Trails, Kids-in-the-Park, and First-time
Rock Spring, Corbin, Pocosin, Campers events. Mike has worked
Doyles River, Argow, and Schairer, with the Youth Conservation Corps,
but not Jones Mountain. Mike Moran is the overseer for the Eagle Scouts, and Girl Scouts.
trail around Wolf Trap National Park
For a full explanation of the He has actively participated in creating
for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Va.
cancellation/refund policy for cabins, wildflower and woodland gardens, and
He played a major role in bringing this
consult the PATC website cabins developing and leading interpretive walks
trail into existence and establishing
pages at www.patc.net/cabins. with the pre-Wolf Trap performance
a connecting trail between Wolf
events. He has also prepared an illustrated
Trap and the Fairfax Cross County
guide for interpretive hike leaders
trail. As a result of this process, Mike
and the Kids-in-the-Park program.
maintains an excellent relationship
with park staff and with members of
Mike worked most of his life developing
the communities around Wolf Trap.
sustainable agricultural development
programs abroad, particularly in
Working with Shouse Village, Cinnamon
Latin America and the Caribbean,
Creek, Wolf Trap Den and Wolf Trap
and educational activities related
Woods, he has established connector
to environmental improvement.
trails with the park. These communities
have approximately 600 families.
SALES and CABINS DESKS He views Wolf Trap trails as a connector
link to all the unique and beautiful areas
Hours EXPANDED! He was awarded the PATC
of the park. It is a unique environment
Hawksbill award in 2014.
Beginning Sept. 14, our situated where over a million people in
Headquarters Sales and Cabins Mike is an avid national and the Washington, D.C., area can enjoy
desks will be open international hiker/backpacker; in the park to enhance their spirit, have
2010 he hiked the 220-mile John fun and learn. Mike views partnership
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS,
Muir Trail in 19 days and in 2014, of PATC with the National Park for the
6‑8 p.m.
the Canadian Rockies. Having joined Performing Arts as one important way
If you would like to volunteer for one PATC in 2002, he has led Vigorous to promote and facilitate appreciation
or more Wednesday evenings a month Hikers groups for more than 12 years. of the park's natural resources.
at the sales desk, contact Emeline
Otey ([email protected]). For the Mike promotes nature, conservation, —Alan Day
cabins desk, contact Steve McLaughlin youth involvement and public
([email protected]). participation at every opportunity.
He is a founding board member of
First‑hand knowledge of hiking trails
Friends of Wolf Trap that supports the
and/or PATC cabins in the mid‑Atlantic
park’s native garden, biodiversity, and
region is a plus.
6 SEPTEMBER 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR
To the Editor: I have tried to make sense of “Dick’s
FEELING THE BERN, SUPER‑DELEGATES, Musings” over the past few newsletters,
THE RIGGED SYSTEM AND NEPOTISM regarding the command structure of PATC.
If I had to explain my understanding of what
Let me start by explaining my personal
I read to someone with no knowledge of the
experiences with volunteering at PATC.
situation it would be thus: A bunch of old
After many years of membership and trail
white guys are in charge, they intend to stay
work with another trail system I joined
in charge, and they do not want anyone to
PATC. I received the newsletters and saw mess that up. Therefore, they have created $ 1 1. 2 0
an urmeqeureosuts f eomr haeill pa twteimthp GtsP IS f minaapllyp irnegc. eAivfteedr a the rigged system, with super‑delegates, and (m e m b e r )
keep themselves in power with a two‑book
call from the person in charge of the project.
accounting system. If the old white guys
I was asked if I had familiarity with a specific
feel threatened they reject a volunteer for
computer program that was to be used. I
nothing more than threatening the status
answered that I had no experience with it
quo. And on top of that, if they feel the urge,
but would like to learn something new. I was The 15th edition (2016) of the
they remove a capable volunteer to be
told that I could not be of any help to them. I “Appalachian Trail Guide to
replaced with a relative or spouse of one of
should look elsewhere. Shenandoah National Park and
the old white guys. I would tell the uninitiated
A newsletter informed that a cabin crew that EXCOM stands for excommunicate the Side Trails” has just been released.
needed help in Pennsylvania. I called the outsiders. Debbie Wasserman‑Schultz is This edition, with the familiar
leader to find out how to get there. After looking for work, I’m told. black bear on the cover, contains
determining that it was going to be a several essential information about hiking
In summary, you say “Change cannot be
hour drive, I asked the gentleman if I could and resources in SNP as well as
simply done with a click of fingers.” Tell that
go up the night before and camp at the site. current park regulations related
to the volunteers booted out or rejected
He dissuaded me from doing so because, in to hiking and camping. The edition
because the old white guys felt threatened.
a round‑about way, he implied some of the also includes extensive information
Looks more like one finger doing the flicking.
gang go up the night before but being a new about first aid along the trail, and
person I might not be welcome to intrude on I’m sure I will not be called now about the the human history, geology, and
their party. Really. new cabin overseer posting even though I
natural history of the park. There
have been on the waiting list for 5 years.
Another newsletter announced that PATC have been no major changes to the
needed cabin overseers. I got the form and Respectfully, AT or to the side trails since the last
filled it out, citing a multitude of experience, Jeff Tucker edition. New to this edition are GPS
and sent it in. I never heard another word coordinates, using North American
from PATC. Datum 83, for parking lots and key
So when you allege all the warm road crossings. The trails in this
welcomes to volunteers, the words guide are shown on PATC Maps 9,
ring hollow with me, and that is before 10, and 11.
I get to the point of this letter.
Prices are $11.20 for members, $14
for non‑members.
VOLUNTEER WITH
Be a part of the team that produces the PA each month. We are looking to fill the
THE POTOMAC
following position.
APPALACHIAN!
Layout designer: Responsibilities will be shared with current Graphic Designer
of the newsletter. Commitment to approximately 15 hours of design work every
other month is expected. Education in graphic design and experience with Adobe
InDesign (CS4 minimum) is required.
Email Rachel at [email protected] if you are interested.
SEPTEMBER 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 7
PATC WORKS TOWARD Because of a recent incident in which KICK OFF FALL HIKING WITH
a suspect was found in possession of
FOREST HEALTH THE WANDERBIRDS’ 2ND
300 plants poached from the park,
IN SHENANDOAH ANNUAL JAMBOREE!
volunteers have signed an agreement
NATIONAL PARK that includes removal of invasive weeds
in their scope of work. REMEMBER,
For the second year, Wanderbirds
it is NOT our land and any control
Hiking Club has reserved the
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club work must be done under the
entire Camp 2 (Mawavi) at Prince
volunteers are working with the staff of direction of land management staff.
William Forest Park in Triangle,
Shenandoah National Park to combat
Va., from Friday evening, Sept.
the spread of invasive plants within The volunteers will freely walk trails
23 to Sunday morning, Sept. 25. We
the park. In the course of two one- and use the app to record their
are inviting hikers from Capital
day workshops, Jake Hughes (SNP observations; potentially walking the
Hiking Club and other regional clubs
Invasive Plant Specialist) instructed 15 same trails several times a year since
to join us for two days to celebrate
PATC volunteers on the issues related plant cover changes during the year.
hiking and hiker camaraderie with
to invasive plants in the mid-Atlantic
As of July 31, these volunteers have games, dancing and good food!
forest and the importance of their control
donated over 80 hours to the park. Those
to the Shenandoah National Park.
Camp 2 is one of several Civilian
who have stepped forward are: Jen
Conservation Corps-built summer
The backgrounds of these 15 volunteers Brown, Mary Perkins, Kenneth Hooker,
camps that are now on the National
ranged from current trail overseer to Andy White, Stuart Scott, Sandy and
Registry of Historic Places! You can find
Virginia Master Naturalist to having Nancy Christmas and Bernie and Sue
a map of Camp 2 at https://www.nps.
done college coursework in ecology. Olmstead, Wayne Morris, Stef Morris,
gov/prwi/planyourvisit/upload/CC2a.
Some participants commented that Jim Surdowski, Leigh Surdowsky,
pdf and photos at https://www.nps.gov/
they like this work because they find Richard Annan and Brenda Jones.
media/photo/gallery.htm?id=2B850EC0-
themselves aging out of trail work
One of the next projects the PATC Forest 1DD8-B71C-0702C9CE5CF7AE17.
but still want to help in the forest.
Health Squad will be assisting the SNP
Our group gatherings will be held in
Jake taught people how to use a free with is the creation of invasive free shelter
the main dining lodge, which has a
smart phone app, MAEDN, which is and bivouac sites. The Hoodlums Trail
large fireplace. We may also use the
available for Android and iOS. This Crew has kindly spoken up to pitch in.
camp's campfire ring that is a short
app is designed to be an integral first
If you are interested in helping to distance from the dining lodge.
line defense in early detection and
protect the health of the mid-Atlantic
early response to invasive plants in the
Camp 2 features 2-, 4- and 6-person
forest on any land unit on which
United States. Information collected
cabins. We urge you to combine a
PATC works, please contact the
by the app is reported directly to the
group of friends to reserve a larger
chair of the Naturalist Committee at
EDDmapS database used by professional
cabin! All of the cabins are within a
[email protected]
ecologists to locate and treat invasive
few yards of bathroom and shower
plants. The database can be viewed
—Dewey Clark facilities. You will need bedding, towels
by anyone and displays reports on
and your personal items, including a
a map down to the county level.
flashlight/headlamp. Be set for hiking!
Jake identified 12 invasive species of
Wanderbirds will provide
importance to the park and led a field
dinner Friday night, breakfast and dinner
trip so the volunteers could learn first-
Saturday, and breakfast Sunday morning.
hand how easy this reporting system
The cost will be $25 per night, which
is. It has a plant ID guide stored on the
will include breakfast the following
phone, takes the photo of the suspected
morning for a weekend total of $50.
plant from within the app and appends
BRING YOUR OWN beverages (other
it to the report, and also appends the
than coffee) and food for lunch/snacks.
location from the phone’s GPS receiver.
On Saturday, there will be hiking
This information goes to a reviewer (in
opportunities leaving directly from the
this case, Jake Hughes) who verifies
camp. Sunday will feature a regularly
the report and approves it for inclusion
scheduled Wanderbirds hike that
in the database. Within the park, this
Jake Hughes instructs PATC volunteers Jamboree-ers will pay $5 directly to
information will be used to find invasive
in how to spot and report invasive plants. the hike leaders as a “carpool” fee.
“hotspots” along the trail the park staff L‑R: Jake Hughes, Wayne Morris, Stef
may not have yet found, potentially Morris, Jim Surdowski, Leigh Surdowsky, Reserve your spot online here: http://
allowing for eradication before the Richard Annan, Brenda Jones. wanderbirds.org/jamboree.html or
invasive plant becomes established. Photo by Dewey Clark
8 SEPTEMBER 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
by sending the following registration
BLACK BEAR NEAR CORBIN CABIN.
form with a check made payable
PHOTO BY MILLS KELLY
to Wanderbirds Hiking Club to:
Emil Friberg, 1121 Arlington Blvd.,
#821, Arlington, VA 22209.
The cut-off for making reservations
is Sept. 16, 2016. No refunds
will be provided after Sept. 9.
Email any questions to
[email protected].
THE FURRY ‑ AND NOT SO
FURRY ‑ CABIN GUESTS
There are things that PATC does
Fall Hiking Jamboree Registration Form
not promise about a cabin rental
September 23 – 25, 2016
experience – clean sheets, a chocolate
Prince William National Forest
on the pillow, and no critters.
Cabin Camp #2 (Mawavi)

Many renters are very familiar with
Last Name __________________________________ First Name _______________________________ cabin mice. And who can blame the
mice? Especially when renters leave
Email address ______________________________ Preferred Phone # _______________________
yummy leftovers behind or crumbs

Please check the events for which you plan to be in attendance: on the floor. As many renters have
experienced, mice love paper towels
_______ Friday, 9/23 Dinner _______ Saturday, 9/24 Breakfast and toilet paper to use in their nests.

An empty cabin during the week is the
_______ Friday, 9/23 Cabin _______ Saturday, 9/24 Dinner
perfect time to explore, find these helpful
_______ Saturday, 9/24 Cabin _______ Sunday, 9/25 Breakfast items, and live a life of luxury….until
the next renters arrive, or the snakes
_______ Sunday, 9/25 Wanderbirds Hike (Jamboree attendees will pay a fee
get wind of a new dinner option.
of $5 directly to Wanderbird hike leaders, no additional signup action necessary)

What is better for a snake’s dinner than
Camp 2 has 8 cabins with 2 beds, 24 cabins with 4 beds, and 4 cabins with 6 beds. You are welcome a selection of mice? And a selection
to name a group of friends with whom to share a larger cabin. Each cabin lies a few yards from of mice available in a nice dark cabin
bathroom and showers. Reservation requests will be given every consideration but cannot be
in the woods is even better! Of course
guaranteed.
renters are not too thrilled to find a
Cabin Capacity Preference _________________ Cabin Capacity Alternate _______________ No preference ___ black ratsnake lounging on the table
when they arrive at a cabin. Luckily, the
Please provide the Name(s) of your Cabin mates:
ratsnakes are nonvenomous and rather

____________________________________ ______________________________________ harmless. Yes, they can bite, but usually
shooing them out the door is enough.
____________________________________ ______________________________________
Northern copperheads and timber
____________________________________ ______________________________________
rattlesnake can be a bit more challenging.

If they are in the cabin when a renter
____________________________________ ______________________________________
arrives, the best thing to do is to try to
shoo them into the garbage can (available
One Night: $25 _________ Two Nights: $50 _________ (Each night includes dinner, cabin and
to store food), place the lid on and then
breakfast the next morning.)
move them outside. Black racers are

known to kill copperheads and rattlers.
Please remember that reservation priority will be give to those staying 2 nights and on a first come, So, not only are they good to keep the
first served basis. Reservations will not be considered definite until payment has been received.
mice population down, but could help
This payment can be made check payable to Wanderbirds Hiking Club mailed to Emil Friberg, 1121
keep the venomous snakes away.
Arlington Blvd., #821, Arlington, VA 22209. You will receive a confirmation of your reservation
PtheLreEafAteSr. E MAIL THIS FORM NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 16.
Cabin renters should always be aware of
the area surrounding the cabin. In the
continued on p. 10
SEPTEMBER 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 9
CRITTERS TRAILRUNNING? TAKE The story has a happy ending and
CONTINUED FROM P.9 PRECAUTIONS. several lessons learned. The crew
located the husband, who had made
past, we have had reports of copperheads progress down the mountain with the
guarding an ash pit, and others trying to Wikipedia tells us “The ranks of trail assistance of other hikers who had
sneak onto porches trying to enter into runners are increasing annually. They provided him water and salted peanuts.
cabins. In one unfortunate case, a curious have grown from 4.5 million to more The wife meanwhile cooled down in
family dog was bitten. After seeking than 6 million in the United States alone the Rindt’s air-conditioned vehicle as
immediate medical attention, it was fine. between 2006 and 2012.” One can only they sought a landline and called 911.
imagine what that number is today.
Some renters have commented on The park was notified and sent a
hearing or getting a glimpse of a large “Runners often cite less impact stress vehicle down the fire road from Skyline
rodent. These larger “mice” are actually compared to road running, as well as the Drive to collect the husband. The
wood rats, which, depending on the landscape and non-urban environment, crew members returned to the cabin
state falls into “species of concern” as primary reasons for preferring trail covered in sweat and needing their
(Virginia) or “endangered” (Maryland) running,” according to Wikipedia” For second showers for the evening having
and cannot be killed. Dealing with nearly identical reasons, most PATC “booked it” half way up Old Rag.
these critters is when we contact the members would rather hike or backpack
While none of us are likely to be able to
Natural Resources staff at Shenandoah in the backcountry rather than pound
stop runners (or inexperienced hikers)
National Park as to what to do. leather on the streets of San Francisco.
from attempting a strenuous hike in
Bears are another concern at cabins, and With this expansion of trail running less than ideal weather conditions, as
another reason why there is a “leave no comes an increase in novices who are stewards of the trails, we should try.
trace” policy. Bears are attracted by trash ill prepared for woodland trails and We can also do more to be prepared to
and food left in and around a cabin. make you say to yourself, “What the provide even the most basic assistance.
One does not want to have an urgent heck were they thinking?” Shenandoah
The first rule in any outdoor adventure
need for the outhouse, only to find that a National Park has taken to positioning
is to know your surroundings. Not one
bear has sniffed out some dinner items. rangers at trailheads, checking
person on the crew (even yours truly, who
“hikers” to make sure they have water
The cabins also attract smaller guests has been working on the cabin monthly
at a minimum, and some food and
such as lady bugs and those awful since sometime in 2012), knew that there
other necessities for longer hikes.
stink bugs! These guests can play an was an emergency phone on the side of
important role. For example, lady bugs So it wasn’t surprising when on one of the ranger’s hut at the SNP parking lot.
were introduced to the area around the hottest Saturdays of the year, the
The young woman had run past the crew
Cliff’s House in order to eat the woolly Cadillac Crew encountered a hiker in
at the cabin, down to the lot to seek help
adelgid scale insets that are killing distress. The crew had spent the day
from the (absent) rangers, stopped at
the surrounding hemlock trees. working on the new Old Rag parking
the (absent) neighbor’s house seeking a
lot connector trail and had just polished
Moths and other flying creatures are
off dinner when a young female hiker
attracted to headlamps, lamps and
approached, covered in sweat and frantic.
candles. There is nothing like having
a moth fly into your face while trying She was fashionably dressed for
to dramatically lay down your full running and carrying no water. Her
house while playing cards at night. husband was up on Old Rag, suffering
from cramps and running low on
PATC’s cabins offer renters the
water. She had left her husband her
opportunity to enjoy nature….
water and run some 4 miles to find
including the critters. It’s all
him help in 90-100 degree heat.
part of the cabin experience.
For the second time this year, the crew
—Anne Corwith
sprang into action. After giving the
woman water and calming her down,
crew member and volunteer EMT
Ann Melle gathered personal history
about the runner’s husband. Ann,
Wilderness First Aid certified Robert
Fina and Janet Arici gathered supplies
and headed up Old Rag to attend to the
husband while Jon Rindt drove the wife Trailrunning gives you the best of both
Mouse at Range View.
to find a cell connection or landline. worlds: vigorous exercise and the
Courtesy http://gallery3.jwbasecamp.com/
outdoors. Photo courtesy pixabay.com
RangeView-08/
10 SEPTEMBER 2016 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN