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.

“We started going to the cabins together, and the rest is history.” - Mary Jorgensen Thomas and Mary Jorgensen have been together for 25 years and have been PATC members for just as long, and in Thomas’s case, even longer. About 30 years ago, Thomas was a single parent and regularly hiked and camped on the Appalachian Trail with his son, who was a boy scout. They began making use of some of the cabins along the trail. “We went to Sugar Knob, and the front door was off, the window was busted out and it was snowing. We did the best we could to repair it.” After making those repairs Thomas was “shuffled” into PATC, being handed a set of keys to another cabin that needed repairing shortly after. When Mary met Thomas through mutual friends, she became a PATC member and began volunteering with him. They spent their free time hiking around and maintaining the cabins in their region. Thomas is now the Volunteer District Supervisor of the Shenandoah Valley, and both he and Mary are Tract Managers for Mutton Hollow, the largest tract in PATC. The work they do as volunteers includes overseeing and assisting with the maintenance of seven cabins in the Shenandoah Valley, along with various other projects. According to Thomas, they maintain “everything from electric cabins all the way down to, well you would debate whether it was a cabin or a wooden tent.” As Tract Managers, Mary and Thomas have also recently been working on clearing invasive plants from a meadow and installing the largest Native Flower Garden that PATC has seen. “We tend to chip in anywhere we’re needed”, said Mary after they continued to list off a number of projects they were working on, including the renovation of the Trout Run School House, which has been well known as a gateway to outdoor activities in the Central Appalachian Mountains. Thomas and Mary spent about six months working on the cabin during the height of the pandemic, doing most of the work themselves. These renovations included everything from cleaning and painting to installing a heat and AC system. Mary and Thomas have rightfully been bestowed the title of Honorary Lifetime Members, and they plan on continuing their work with PATC as they enjoy their semi-retirement. They currently spend about eight days a month volunteering, either up in the mountains on the trail or working on a cabin. When asked about their favorite part of volunteering, they both mentioned the camaraderie between other volunteers, PATC members, and their cabin neighbors. Thomas and Mary also enjoy spending time together in nature and making those memories together. “We’re more than just husband and wife, we’re companions.” Looking toward the future, Mary and Thomas are looking forward to taking more vacations, along with exploring more of PATC’s cabins and lands. Mary noted that they love to travel, and they end up doing “mostly outdoorsy things. We love to find waterfalls and explore the area that we’re going to.” Thomas noted, “It’ll be nice as we get [our cabins] up to being the best in the system, and then we’ll be able to spread out a little bit. We’ll be able to go back to other cabins that we’ve worked on in the past or go to some that we’ve never stayed at.” PATC is lucky to have dedicated volunteers like Thomas and Mary, whose love for nature and for each other is inspiring to see. Be sure to say hi if you see them out on the trail!

There are a ton of different sleeping pads on the market for campers, hikers, and backpackers. They are diverse in their materials, intended use, and r-value. As an avid backpacker and hiker, I’ve always aimed to find a balance between warmth and weight in my gear, specifically in my sleeping pad. When I first started backpacking, terms like r-value and paragraphs about thermal resistance made my eyes glaze over. Not to fear though, I’m going to take you through everything you need to know about R-values and how to optimize your sleep system, and hopefully keep you awake in the process. What is R-value? Let’s start with the basics-what exactly is R-value and what does it have to do with sleeping pads? In simple terms, R-value is a measure of thermal resistance. Thermal resistance determines the heat insulation property in textile materials, like the materials used to make sleeping pads. The higher the thermal resistance, the less heat is lost. Meaning, the higher the R-value of your sleeping pad, the better it will insulate you and the warmer it will be. R-value is a tested measurement that depends on the type of fabrics or materials used, the thickness of the materials, and other qualities. How is R-Value Measured? Most sleeping pad manufacturers use a thermally sealed container to test and measure the R-value of their sleeping pads. The pad is placed between two metal plates, one which uses sensors and is kept at a steady temperature using an electrical current. A pad with higher insulation or a higher r-value will keep the plate with the sensors warm, causing the sensors to use less energy. A pad with a lower r-value and less insulation will cause the sensors to use more energy to maintain the same temperature. How Does This Affect Your Camping Experience? Have you ever rolled off of your sleeping pad in the middle of the night and woken up from being too cold? This is due to a process known as conductive heat loss. Basically, the heat from your body is being transferred to the cold ground. If you’re having a hard time picturing this, think about a time you sat down on a cold metal chair. After a few minutes, the chair would feel warmer, because of conduction. Creating an insulating barrier with a sleeping pad and sleeping bag when camping can prevent heat loss and keep you warm throughout the night. With the right materials, a sleep system can keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures. How to Factor in R-value When Choosing a Sleeping Pad Though higher R-values can provide more warmth in a sleeping pad, there may be circumstances when you want to choose a pad with a lower R-value. Typically you will see sleeping pads with an R-value between 1-7, with 7 being the warmest. Sleeping pads with an R-value of 1-2 are good options if you plan on doing summer camping or backpacking. This is what you’ll see in most inflatable pads and air pads. R-values of 3-4 are great for three-season use. If you plan on camping through shoulder seasons or in winter, you will need a pad with a higher R-value, usually made of thicker foam materials. Your sleeping bag temperature rating will also factor into what kind of sleeping pad you need to bring with you. For instance, if you have a bag rated to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and you are planning on camping in 40 degree temperatures, you have some wiggle room when it comes to choosing a sleeping pad. Vice versa, if you have a sleeping pad with an R value of 6.5, you may not need to bring that heavy 0 degree bag and could get by with a lighter one. Generally, you will want to err on the side of caution and pack on the warmer side, especially if you are expecting chilly conditions. You can always adjust your gear on future hiking trips based on how you slept. This is especially important for cold sleepers. It is much easier to cool down in the night by unzipping your bag or taking off a layer than it is to warm up because you didn’t pack the right gear. Sleeping Pad Recommendations From ultralight backpacking to winter car camping, these are some of my favorite sleeping pads. These comfortable pads will keep you warm and cozy in the backcountry, with something for every season. Sea to Summit Ultralight Sleeping Pad At 13.9 ounces, this ultralight sleeping pad weighs less than a roll of paper towels, and packs down smaller than one as well. It has an R-value of .7, making it ideal for summer/warm weather backpacking. Despite the minimalist design, this pad uses an integrated inflating device to give you four inches of cushioning and protection from the cold ground. Ripstop nylon increases durability and prevents leaks and punctures but does come with a repair kit in the event of a tear. If you want to increase your warmth with this pad, pair it with a light closed-cell foam pad or use a warmer sleeping bag. Therm-A-Rest Basecamp Sleeping Pad This self-inflating open cell foam pad with an R-value of 6 will keep you warm and comfortable during cold weather camping. At 2.8 pounds, this pad is best used for car camping or base camping but could be used for winter backpacking as well. The valve system allows for easy inflation and easy deflation, saving you time at camp. Nemo Tensor Alpine Sleeping Pad The Nemo Tensor insulated sleeping mat balances warmth, weight, and comfort impressively and effectively. Weighing 1 pound 4 ounces, this lightweight pad has an R-value of 4.8 and a temperature rating of -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for winter backpacking or mountaineering. It is also comfortable enough for car camping. The stuff-sack doubles as a pump, making it super easy to inflate. There are many variables that contribute to the warmth and efficiency of your sleep system, and R-Value is one that is often overlooked despite its importance. Some trial and error may be necessary when selecting a sleep system that works for you, but hopefully, this article has highlighted a few key points to consider when shopping. If you have questions about R-values, sleeping pads, or need help choosing a new sleeping pad that is right for you, reach out to an expert here at Curated. We will help you choose the best sleeping pad and create the perfect sleep system based on your needs.

Let’s face it, there is nothing better than sitting down at the end of a long day of hiking and being able to enjoy a warm meal, or waking up to watch the sunrise with a steaming cup of coffee in your hand. That is why selecting a backpacking stove is essential for any multi-day excursion. There are a handful of different options on the market, and which type of stove you decide to purchase depends on a few different factors: - How long is your trip? Some stove and fuel options are heavier than others, making them less desirable for longer treks. - What is the anticipated weather/climate? Wind and rain can be a deterrent for certain types of stoves. - Where is your trip? (the United States or abroad?) Some types of fuel are difficult to find outside of the United States. - Are there restrictions or regulations regarding fires or kindling collection in your destination? National Parks and Forests may restrict or forbid certain practices. - Are you cooking for yourself or multiple people? If cooking for a group of people, you may want to go with a stove that can accommodate that. The answers to these questions will help you decide which type of stove is appropriate for your needs. Now, let’s go over the different types of stoves. Canister Stove: Canister stoves are user-friendly stoves that require very little maintenance and are known for their durability and easy upkeep. These stoves can weigh as little as a few ounces (oz) and some fold up small enough to fit in your pocket, making them a desirable choice for backpackers and thru-hikers. They screw onto the top of self-sealing fuel canisters containing isobutane and propane, which are typically sold separately. No priming is required, and some even have a piezo ignitor (all you have to do is turn the valve to open and press the ignitor button) below the burner. Others require you to light them with a match or a lighter after opening the fuel valve. The flame control is quite good and is generally easy to adjust on canister stoves, making them ideal for both cooking food and boiling water. Some canister stoves even have a built-in pressure regulator, which can improve performance at high elevations and in colder temperatures. A couple of downsides to canister stoves: They can be difficult to balance on uneven surfaces and are typically too small to hold larger pots and pans, making them preferable for solo-hikers. Though the stoves themselves are lightweight, fuel can be heavy depending on how much you have to carry, and it is difficult to tell how much fuel you have left at any given time. The fuel is also more expensive than other types and can be difficult to find outside of the U.S. They should not be used with a windscreen, as it can lead to the fuel exploding. This may make canister stoves difficult to use in windy conditions. Integrated Canister Stove: Similar to the regular folding canister stove, these stove systems screw onto a separate fuel bottle or canister. They are taller, featuring an integrated cooking pot and lid with a built-in windscreen. They offer more stability than a folding canister stove though they are not as compact. They have a fast boil time and though some models are not ideal for cooking, many designs offer more versatility. These stoves are a great choice but do tend to be a bit heavier than their folding stove counterpart. Remote Canister Stove: This type of canister stove sits on its own base, which might make it more stable than other models. It also has a fuel hose that attaches to the canister. This stove packs down easily but weighs slightly more than a folding canister stove. However, some are designed to be used in cold weather and high altitudes and can support larger pots. Liquid Fuel Stove: Liquid fuel stoves run on white gas, which is preferable to other types of gas for several reasons. The efficient fuel burns very hot, performing well in alpine conditions, and is much less expensive compared to the fuel you would use for a canister stove. Some can even be used with multiple fuel types, such as kerosene, diesel, or in desperate circumstances, unleaded gasoline, making them an excellent choice for international trips, when you are unsure of what will be available. These stoves tend to do well on uneven surfaces and are overall easy to use. They tend to be heavier than canister stoves and do require periodic maintenance, due to the stove having many different little pieces. Most liquid fuel stoves also require priming, by igniting a few drops of fuel to preheat the fuel line. They can also run on the expensive side. Wood Burning Stove: Wood-burning stoves are pretty self-explanatory. They function by burning sticks and leaves that you gather in the backcountry. This makes them a nice option for longer trips because you don’t have to carry extra fuel and don’t have to worry about running out of fuel (depending on your location). There are a variety of models, including lightweight titanium and easily packable stoves. Other models boast the ability to generate enough electricity to charge your phone, making it multi-functional. The downsides to this type of stove are fairly obvious. If you are in a wet or rainy climate, it may be difficult to find dry fuel. If you are hiking in alpine environments, you may not have access to fuel. Some protected areas also prohibit the use of wood-burning or solid fuel stoves or the collection of wood/fuel. Alcohol Stove and Tablet Stove: Alcohol stoves and tablet stoves are very popular stoves amongst ultralight backpackers, only weighing an ounce or two. They are ideal for any length trip because you only have to carry the amount of alcohol or the number of tablets needed. These stoves also burn super quietly. Denatured alcohol is easy to find in the United States but can be difficult to find abroad and you almost always have to use a windscreen, as alcohol does not burn as hot as other types of fuel. This also means it may take longer to boil water and cook food. Some tablets may produce an odor as well. These stoves are inexpensive, and some can even be constructed at home using materials you already have. Stove Safety Tips : No matter which type of stove you end up purchasing, there are a few things to consider when you are in the backcountry and decide to break out your stove. -Never use your stove inside your tent or an enclosed space, as there is a risk of fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide poisoning. -Try to find a flat surface to cook on, as you don’t want your boiling water or food spilling over. -If your stove has a fuel line or hose, check for leaks and perform required maintenance as needed. -If your stove has a piezo igniter or automatic ignitor, bring matches or a lighter in case it fails. -If you’re not sure how much fuel you will need, try experimenting at home first. This will ensure you carry enough fuel with you, while not carrying unnecessary weight. There are plenty of great options out there when it comes to choosing a backpacking or camp stove. Make sure to research the areas you’ll be hiking and traveling in before deciding on which stove is right for you and always do a test run before hitting the trail with a new piece of gear. You may find that you need more than one type of stove, depending on your goals. If you need help deciding, reach out to one of our experts here at Curated! We will happily guide you through the process of selecting the best backpacking stove for you, along with any other gear you may need. Happy hiking!

Senator Tim Kaine joined a group of Appalachian Trail (AT) advocates at Bluemont’s Bears Den Trail Center on July 13 th to talk about the perilous state of AT road crossings in Northern Virginia. AT hikers must routinely run across lanes of speeding traffic on Routes 50, 7 and 9 (Ashby, Snickers and Keys gaps) to continue on the trail. Though yellow crossing signs were installed recently, serious concern about the safety of pedestrians remains. Senator Kaine met with Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) President Jim Fetig, PATC District Manager Chris Brunton, Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) President Sandi Marra, Clarke County Administrator Chris Boies, Clarke Board of Supervisors Vice-Chair Terri Catlett, Commonwealth Transportation Board Member Scott Kasprowicz and AT Community ambassadors from Round Hill, Hillsboro and Bluemont. Following a roundtable discussion of the issues hikers face at each of the crossings, the group gathered at the site of the Route 7/Harry Byrd Highway crossing to look at the hazards faced by hikers trying to safely cross there. Clarke County supervisors have worked with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to approve tentative designs for a pedestrian bridge over the highway. The AT stakeholders meeting with Senator Kaine agreed that the Route 7 pedestrian bridge should be the first priority, and Kaine offered advice for securing federal funding for the proposed triple-span, steel bridge. The project would require a modest realignment of the AT, and both ATC and the PATC support this. Scott Kasprowicz made suggestions about safety improvements that could be made at Rte. 50 and Rte. 9, including solar-powered, motion-sensitive warning lights and clearly defined crosswalks. Kaine, who documented his 544-mile completion of Virginia’s section of the Appalachian Trail in his recent book, Walk Ride Paddle: A Life Outside, expressed a commitment to stay involved with work to improve AT safety in Northern Virginia.

Event to feature a dozen hikes plus campfires, hands-on workshops, and live music

PATC Collaborates with the Virginia Black Bear Festival (VBBF) On Saturday June 1, the town of Stanardsville, Virginia hosted the first Virginia Black Bear Festival (VBBF), “a one-day event designed as "a celebration of nature and mountain exploration in Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail”. PATC was asked by the Greene County Department of Economic Development and Tourism to partner with them at the Festival. 12 members of the PATC Southern Shenandoah Valley and Charlottesville chapters volunteered at the large and very busy booth right in the center of Festival activities. Several more PATC members stopped by to give their support. Volunteers led two afternoon hikes for Festival attendees on nearby Greene County trails that are maintained by the PATC. Through talking with people who stopped by the booth and by directing them to key websites, volunteers helped: · showcase the Club’s work – including land conservation, trail maintenance, led hikes, cabin offerings · generate greater interest in PATC · get new hikers onto local trails · sign up new members · enlist new volunteers for upcoming projects Various organizations that honor nature, promote outside activities and adventures, and celebrate the emergence of black bears were on hand to celebrate the Shenandoah National Park, the Appalachian Trail, and Virginia’s wild spaces. All things BEARS were going on – from led-hikes and professional storytellers, to bear- and honey-themed food at area food trucks, appearances by Sasquatch and Smokey the Bear, BEARd and porridge-eating competition, live music, and demonstrations (a master falconer and a pro-bird watcher were present, as well a live bee display, for example). Next year’s Virginia Black Bear Festival will be celebrated on National Black Bear and National Trails Day – the first Saturday in June 7 th 2025. 

Navigating my fear of heights on the mountains By Umar Farooq You might think that having a crippling fear of heights is an obstacle to hiking high up in the mountains. While there may be some truth to that, I have learned that you can also grow to respect and embrace your fear of heights while continuing to enjoy the beauty of nature up close. I learned this the hard way when I hiked the famous, for me infamous, Old Rag trail for the first time in my life. The trip began on a Saturday morning in late autumn. I was on my way to Shenandoah National Park to complete this hike I had always wanted to do since I was about 11 or 12 years old. I arrived at the trailhead a few minutes before 7 am and grabbed my backpack in which I packed everything I could need, except for bear spray, which I later learned is a helpful accessory for a solo hiker. The trail started off simply enough, but I quickly realized why people from all over the country travel to hike this trail. After a lengthy uphill walk, the traversable path seemed to disappear, and I came face to face with a fat slab of rock. I stared at the slab curiously, wondering where the trail went. Then, a man came up from behind and stopped a few feet behind me. He was from Michigan and had traveled all the way to visit Shenandoah and hike this trail. It wasn’t his first time. He told me this was the trail, and that I’d need to scale the rock formation in order to continue. He also told me if I was afraid of this, there were far greater things to be afraid of ahead of me. After the brief rock climbing stint, more trail continued before I found myself perched up on an open-faced ledge, staring out into an abyss. The weather was overcast that day, and that high up on the mountain I was walking in and among the clouds themselves. It also meant that while on this ledge, I could not see how high up I was. The unknown height was even scarier to me, and I stayed squatted down with my back leaned against the mountain for a good 15 minutes. My heart rate increased by probably an additional 20 beats a minute, and my body seemed unable to move from its position no matter how much I tried. Passersby came and went, asking if I needed any help. I told them I was fine, and just needed a moment to get my bearings straight. On top of my fears, I was incredibly frustrated, even angry at myself. Part of the reason I chose to do this hike was that I wanted to vanquish my fear of heights once and for all. It was a fear that only I seemed to have in my social circles, and it’s something my wife playfully teases me about. I envied those who could just walk up to the edge of a ledge and stare down at what was below them. But as I sat there motionless and unable to continue the trek, a realization struck. What I thought was a “crippling” fear that hindered me was actually an important and potentially life-saving instinct. After all, I was doing this hike by myself, and there were no harnesses or ropes that would keep me from falling off this mountain if I wasn’t careful. With that realization, I slowly got up, hugged the side of the mountain, and carefully finished the hike. I then reached the summit, where I saw many people perched up on the ledges enjoying their time. I sat myself down far from them, next to a large rock that I could lean back on. I sat there for a while, eating my lunch and observing those around me. A different version of me would have seen me as lesser-than, but I completed the same hike as them. And it was my fears that helped me to do so. All in all, I was able to complete it in about eight hours. And as I headed back to the parking lot, I walked away from my sojourn on Old Rag with a newfound respect for my fear of heights, and a recognition that that fear is not my adversary, but an ominous guide just trying to help.