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

24 Pages·2016·1.9 MB·English
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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

Description:
Program, John McCall, decided to design and coordinate the summer 2016 experience. For this Trace principles that impress upon the participants the importance of being a good . days of the onset of these symptoms.” . followed by a buffet-style dinner. Northern copperheads and timber.
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