Blog
What on Earth? By Ray Barbehenn Photos by David Cox and Karen Hendershot.
President's Log: January 2025 By Jim Fetig
What's That Flower? Snead Farm Loop 5 By Richard Stromberg
Keep Calm and Read On: Just Kidding By Wayne Limberg
Last Call: Hoodlums Close Out 2024 By Tom Moran, Michael Gergely, Jim Fetig & Wayne Limberg
Meet Your New Elected Officials By Jess LaPolla
Get Cozy at Catoctin Hollow Lodge By Jess LaPolla
Cadillac Crew: PATC TrailFest and the Chapel Hill Trail By Dan and Ellen Feer
Ryan Jones was, on all accounts, the type of person that lit up a room. He had a bright, easygoing energy that made people gravitate towards him. According to his dad, Chris, he was “happy, mellow, knowledgeable and easy going. His favorite stories to share were often about trail work trips and overnighters in PATC cabins.” His friends would describe him as loyal and caring, deeply devoted to his friends, his family, and his faith. An accomplished sommelier, Ryan was just as at home in the backcountry as he was in an upscale restaurant. Always an adventurous spirit, Ryan fell in love with the outdoors as an infant. According to Chris, Ryan’s mom Toni took Ryan to many of the Fairfax city and county parks. “From rides on the Burke Lake Kiddie train, to the hay rides at Cox’s Farm, Ryan was always outside. It is at these parks that he got his first lessons in wildlife and love for the outdoors.” As he got older, Ryan pursued his love for the outdoors by hiking, camping, skiing, fishing, traveling, playing rugby, and volunteering with PATC. Ryan grew up in PATC, helping his dad maintain the Jones Mountain Trail as a teenager, going on work trips with friends, and spending countless nights in PATC cabins. Ryan and his family volunteered with PATC for over 30 years. They stayed in countless huts and cabins operated by PATC while performing trail maintenance at Jones Mountain, the Laurels, on the Appalachian Trail, and many other trails in the region. In addition, they often cooked for cabin crews, volunteered for cleanup after ice storms, and stepped in when certain trail sections were short on volunteers. PATC volunteers are some of the most dedicated you’ll find anywhere, and Ryan and his family were the embodiment of that notion. Ryan’s entire family loved outdoor recreation and being in the mountains. After meeting the love of his life, their trips grew to include Kitty, Ryan’s wife, their dogs, and his sister Erin’s husband and kids. They created many memories together over the years, and staying at PATC cabins was one of their favorite things to do together. As Ryan battled with neuroendocrine carcinoma, it became more and more difficult for him to travel, but he was able to go on one last adventure before he passed. He visited Vining cabin with his family, taking in the beauty of nature one last time. Next time you’re having a glass of wine, pour one out for Ryan, who will be very missed by his friends, family, and the many people in his life who he impacted.
Hurricane Helene Cleanup Efforts By Jim Fetig Several club members have asked if they could volunteer to help the trail clubs in the areas clobbered by Hurricane Helene. Over the weekend, I was in contact with ATC and club leaders. Before anyone jumps in to repair or clear the AT, a comprehensive condition assessment will be required. That will take time. After that, the local clubs will have to determine if they need help, and if so, how to accept and organize it. In any case, ATC will have the lead in the solicitation and coordination of outside assistance. The keys to a successful effort will be ATC coordination with local clubs (they fiercely guard their prerogatives, as does PATC), the USFS, and APPA - there's a lot of paperwork to cover workman's comp etc. Then there are logistics. Road access may be limited for a long time. Local support services may not be available in a lot of places. Do we stage in campgrounds/functional hostels/motels or do we camp along the trail? Can some of the costs be covered? There are plenty of questions. The final part is organization. There has to be a plan with priorities and people in charge. Everybody can't just show up. My guess is that, if help is needed in the Southern Region, it will be late winter before we know for sure and plans can be developed. One note of optimism. Trails are designed to be amazingly robust. In 2018, Shenandoah got nearly twice its annual rainfall - almost 100 inches. The trails held up very well, so the issues related to Helene may skew more toward blow-downs and less to tread work. Only a comprehensive assessment will tell. To those interested in volunteering, please stand by. We will keep you informed.