Rain date from January 30. You must call before 9:30 pm Thursday February 4 to be added to this trip.

Feb. 12, 13, 14..................................................................Ski Trip at Blackwater Falls

Charles Hauser (CharlesHauser@allstate.com) - Two to three rooms available costing a total of 300 for three nights in.Canaan Valley   Timberline and White Grass cross country skiing.....Must know by Tuesday....Email or call Charles 757 810 7452. Great snow this year!!     

Ken Baker (749-3625 or lightfoot230@juno.com). Loop hike along the Cumberland Multi-Use Trail including a hike around Bear Creek Lake. This is a figure 8 loop - the first section is about 8 miles with an additional 5-mile loop for those wanting to hike the complete trail.

Norm and Sue Kropp (276-0070) The new bike trail will be hiked for 8 miles. Bring lunch. Pocahontas is on Beach Road (Rte.655) four miles west of VA 10 and the Chesterfield County Government Center. There is a nominal parking fee. Meet at the pool parking lot at 9:00 A.M. www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/poc.shtml.

Karen Marks (rivermountain@comcast.net). Shake off the winter blues and join me at James River State Park for a weekend of hiking, games, good food and just hanging out. The Lodge has 3 bathrooms and 6 bedrooms and will sleep up to 16 people: 2 rooms with a DBL, 2 rooms with 2 singles, and 2 rooms each with two sets of bunks. First responders get first bed choices. The cost is $45.00 pp (maximum) with the minimum of 12 responders; payment will be required prior to the weekend. Yummy dinners are being planned for an additional fee of approximately $5.00 a night or you can bring your own. The park is off US 60 about 2 hours west of Richmond on the James River with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/jam.shtml

Ted McGarry (218-1238) One in a series of two-hour morning hikes by Richmond native and retired City Planner. Coordinator’s choice: Ginter Park in Northside with bathroom stop. Optional lunch at an inexpensive eatery in the hike neighborhood. Meet at Ginter Park Baptist Church 1200 Wilmington Ave. at 10:00 am.www.mapquest.com.

Jenni Pendergrass (264-1633 or jennipendergrass@aol.com). ) This is Hike # 20 in Nathan Lott’s 60 Hikes within 60 Miles. This 7 mile hike along the Rivanna River is near Palmyra, about a one hour drive west from Richmond. Bring hiking boots, water and your appetite. After the hike, everyone is invited for Brunswick stew and country ham biscuits at my house in Fork Union. Carpool from the I-64 Rockville Park and Ride, Exit 173. The trip is limited to 12 people.

Ted McGarry (285-1341). One in a series of easy Sunday afternoon hikes in the mountains followed by a social meal. Coordinator’s Choice: Rivanna River Trail, Albemarle County, Hike # 3. Hike along the Rivanna River from the former Woolen Mills Dam (paved) (MP 0) northward through the natural flood plain (unpaved) of Darden Towe Park and return. Minimal elevation change. The Richmond departure time is after lunch, so allowing for travel time, plan for a 1:30 to 4:30 pm hike. Carpool from I-64 Parham Road Park and Ride exit 181South. Optional meal afterward at one of the Downtown Mall eateries. I will not be returning with the carpool after dinner. You must call before 9:30 pm Friday February 26 to go on this trip.

www.rivanna.avenue.org.

March 2 (Tuesday) ODATC Board Meeting…………………………………………………….N/A
Contact Theresa Duffey for details.

March 3 (Wednesday) James River Loop - Downtown…..…………………………………...…C/4
Jim Hunt (730-2364) Meet at 10:00 am in the parking lot just west of Tredegar Iron Works under the Lee Bridge. Hike the north bank trail from Tredegar to the Boulevard Bridge, the Buttermilk Trail on the south bank and return crossing Belle Isle and the Pedestrian Bridge. The hike is about 8 miles and will take over 3 hours to hike. Bring water and lunch.

March 3 (Wednesday) The James River Journal: A Year in the Life of a River………………N/A
The Science Museum of Virginia (2500 W. Broad St.) will have a lunchtime presentation by Richmond Times Dispatch reporter P. Kevin Morley and photographer Rex Springston as part of the 2010 Lunch Break Science series. The presentation is from 12:00 to 1:00 and is free.  This event will be repeated as part of the Henrico Adventure Series on Friday, March 5th.

March 5 (Friday) The James River (Henrico Adventure Series)………………………….….  N/A
The first presentation of the Henrico Adventure Series will focus on one of our area’s most treasured resources.  Richmond Times Dispatch environmental reporter Rex Springston and photographer P. Kevin Morley collaborated on a series titled the “James River Journal” that was featured in the newspaper from November 2008 through October 2009. Their work has since been made into a book:”James River Journal: A Year in the Life of a River.”  Join Springston and Morley as they present their series and discuss other environmental issues pertaining to the James River. Henrico County Administration Board Room, 4301 E. Parham Road, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. This is a free event. 

March 5 - 7 (Friday Evening – Sunday) St. Mary’s Wilderness Hike…………………..………A/3
Mark J Wenger (Animal) 757-253-0056 (H) or markwenger@cox.net. We will leave from Williamsburg at 5:00 p.m. Friday and pick up anyone in Richmond at the commuter parking lot at exit 173 on I-64 on the way.  We will eat a quick supper on the road and drive to the trail head at Cellar Mountain Trail on Forest Road 42 and camp at the trail head.  On Saturday we will hike 12 miles Cellar Mountain Trail to Forest Road 162A to Bald Mountain Trail to Mine Bank Trail to the campsite at the old ore processing site on St. Mary’s River.  For those who might want a shorter trip, they can skip Bald Mountain and Mine Bank.  On Sunday we will hike St. Mary’s Trail to Forest Road 162A back to Cellar Mountain Trail and the cars.  St. Mary's is a designated wilderness area so the trails are unmarked.  However, it is one of the most beautiful areas in the central Blue Ridge. This is considered n easy/moderate hike.

March 6 (Saturday)   Introduction to Backpacking …………………................................N/A
Mike Shelor (804-264-8308; trailguymike@aol.com).  Join Mike and Bob Bendl on Saturday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and learn the rudiments of backpacking.  We will be discussing technique, equipment, clothing, cooking, etc. There will also be a field practical at the Paul Wolf Shelter on April 10-11 so mark your calendars and extend those day hikes into an overnight adventures.  The class location will be at Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church at 5900 Hull St. Contact Mike to sign up.

March 10 (Wednesday) Dorey Park – Varina………………………………………………………D/4
Hank Harmon (804-264-8524 or hharman8@verizon.net) Shortly before World War I, Mr. Dorey came to the Richmond area from Wisconsin with his herd of cows. He established his dairy farm off Darbytown Road about 1 1/4 miles east of the present Laburnum Ave. His silo and barn are now part of the Park's office and visitor's center. Stop there on your way in and pick up a map, then go on to the beautiful small lake which has been enlarged from the Dorey farm pond. We will meet there at 10:00 am. The hike is about three miles over mostly level, wooded terrain. We only partly follow the route in Lott's book.

March 10 ODATC General Membership Board Meeting……………………………………. N/A
Join us for our second annual general membership meeting at the Science Museum of Virginia.  The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. but come any time after 6:00 for some social time with fellow ODTAC members. Contact Theresa Duffey for details.

March 11 (Thursday) James River Flood Wall – Southside…………………………………….C/3
Odelle Robertson (river.odie@verizon.net). This will be something a little different.  We will follow the flood wall and the Buttermilk Trail along the south side of the james River.  The Buttermilk has some ups and downs on it so it is not a flat walk.  Contact Odelle for meeting place and time.

March 12 and 13 (Friday and Saturday) 34th Banff Mountain Festival Tour   ……………….N/A
Annual favorite returns to Chesterfield County with two nights of film from the 34th Banff Mountain Festival World Tour.  Displays from the 2008 Banff Mountain photography competition are part of the presentation.  The films begin at 6:30 but you need to arrive early to snag seats down front with other ODATC folks. Location: James River High School, 3700 James River Road.  This is a free event offered by Chesterfield Parks and Recreation.

March 12 (Friday) Christmas in Patagonia (Henrico Adventure Series)…………………..….N/A
During Christmas 2008, students and faculty from Longwood University visited Torres del Paine National Park, and Pucon, Chile as volunteers with the Mapuche tribe and CONAF (National Park System).  The group trekked among the lakes, glaciers and granite spires of Torres Del Paine and climbed an active volcano in Pucon. Dr Rena Koesler of Longwood and Dan Caston of Ferrum College will present a slide presentation of the trip. Henrico County Administration Board Room, 4301 E. Parham Road, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. This is a free event.

March General Membership Meeting……………………………….Anytime after 6:00
Theresa.  Join us for our 2nd annual General membership meeting. Actual meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. but feel free to arrive anytime after 6:00 for some social time.  Features speaker will be  
March 13 (Saturday) SNP - Piney Ridge - Little Devil’s Staircase…..………………………….B/2
David Olli (864-1461 or dolli@smv.org) See Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park for a more detailed description of this fairly rigorous trek just outside Sperryville, VA. The @ 12 mile hike features a steep, boulder-strewn climb up Keyser Run, beautifully wooded trail, a few small creek crossings and a rest stop at an old family cemetery. I’ll take the first 12 responders, no children or pets please.

March 14 (Sunday) Motley Shades of Winter ………………………………………………………..C/4
Ted McGarry (218-1238). Last in a series of easy Sunday afternoon winter hikes in the mountains followed by a social meal. Coordinator’s Choice: Rivanna River Trail, Albemarle County, Hike # 4. Hike from Charlottesville’s Riverview Park MP 1.89 along the Rivanna River and Meadow Creek to McIntire Park, MP 5 and return. Minimal elevation change. The Richmond departure time is after lunch, so allowing for travel time, plan for a 1:30 to 4:30 pm hike. Carpool from I-64 Parham Road Park and Ride, Exit 181South. Optional meal afterward at one of the Downtown Mall eateries. I will not be returning with the carpool. You must call before 9:30 pm Friday March 12 to go on this trip. www.rivanna.avenue.org

March 17 (Wednesday) Classic Richmond Neighborhoods………………...……………………….D/4
Ted McGarry (218-1238 or tedmcgarry@juno.com).  One in a series of two-hour morning hikes by Richmond native and retired City Planner. Coordinator’s choice: Westover Hills. This historic 1920’s residential neighborhood in South Richmond is centered on the shops at Forest Hill Avenue and Westover Hills Boulevard.  Park on 48th Street south of Forest Hill Ave. next to O’Toole’s Restaurant and Pub at 10:00 am. It is St. Patrick’s Day, so the optional lunch with your Irish coordinator will be at O’Toole’s. www.otoolesrestaurant.com

March 19- 21, (Friday evening – Sunday) The Roller Coaster Revisited on the Appalachian Trail
Hike……………………………………………………………………………………………………A/2
Mark J Wenger (Animal) 757-253-0056 (H) or markwenger@cox.net) We will leave from Williamsburg at 5:00PM Friday and pick up anyone in Richmond at the Walmart parking lot of I-95 in Ashland on the way.  We will eat a quick supper on the road and drive to Harper’s Ferry and camp or stay in a motel.  On Saturday we will shuttle the vehicles and hike 16 miles south on the Appalachian Trail to camp near a spring.  On Sunday we will hike an additional 17 miles to Ashby Gap on US 50 and the cars.  Here is a chance to take on the roller coaster that you have heard about and at a time of year with no bugs or poison ivy.
March 20 (Saturday) Work Trip..............................................................................................N/A
Fran Leckie (270-6908) We will be working with Cyrus Brame with U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex (mouth full). Please call for more details. 

March 20 (Saturday) Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail – Nelson & Amherst Counties…………C/4
Ted McGarry (218-1238 or tedmcgarry@juno.com). I am still looking for the first ODATC hike on a new rails-to-trails section about 2 hours west of Richmond. The hike will be co-led with the Blue Sierra Club whose coordinator has legitimate access to an unopened portion of the new section. The former railroad bed has minimal elevation change and the valley and river views are best before foliage appears. From the parking area at Roses Mill we will hike eastwardly on asphalt which transitions to crushed stone, along the Piney River to the bridge ober the Tye river below its confluence with the Piney and return for a total of 8 miles. Hike can be extended westwardly 3.5 miles on the old section. Bring water and lunch. A portajohn is available only on the old section. Carpool from the I-64 Rockville Manakin Park and Ride, Exit 173. I have detailed directions for the drivers and by email. The number of hikers is not limited but you must contact me before 9:00 p.m. Thursday, March 18, to go on this trip. www.traillink.com/ViewTrail.aspx?AcctID=6017586.
March 20–21 (Saturday-Sunday) Paul Wolfe Shelter Backpacking Trip...................................C/4
Aseeyah Abdul-Karim (382-6186 or solitude1957@hotmail.com). Dust off your backpack and join me for an easy Spring overnighter to our Paul Wolfe Shelter.  We will hike 5 miles south along the AT from Rockfish Gap, spend the night and return the same way for a total distance of 10 miles. Meet at the Rockville/Manakin exit at 9:00.a.m.

March 24 (Wednesday) North Anna Battlefield Park – Hanover County……………………..D/4
Martha James (883-6252) This Hanover County Park is a pleasant woodland setting along the banks of the North Anna River especially in early spring.  There are no entrance fees or bathrooms.  Meet on the side of the Ashland Ukrop’s at the northeast quadrant of the intersection of VA 54 and US Rt 1 at 10:00 a.m.  Optional lunch at Suzanne’s afterwards.  This is hike #36 in Nathan Lott’s  60 Hikes Within 60 Miles.  www.co.hanover.va.us/parksrec/default.htm

March 26 (Friday) An Evening with MountainFilm……………………………………………..N/A
Each year in Telluride, Colorado, MountainFilm celebrates cultures unique to mountain communities with an international rendezvous of legendary mountaineers, environmentalists, filmmakers, authors, scientists, and artists. The mission of MountainFilm is to educate and inspire audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, and environments worth preserving.  You won’t want to miss this spectacular collection of short outdoors films that completes the Henrico Adventure Series.  This last series event will be at the Henrico Theatre at 305 E. Nine Mile Road from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Please note the time and location differs from the first 2 Adventure Series events!!  Free event.

March 31 (Wednesday) Maymont Park……………………………………………………………D/4
Mary Stahl (271-3976 or twilling@comcast.net). Mary’s brother-in-law is visiting Richmond this Spring so it is fitting he see Richmond’s crown jewel, Maymont.  Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Spotswood entrance parking lot (near Dogwood Dell) to enjoy this 4 mile walk through Richmond’s loveliest park.

April 3 (Saturday) Rivanna Trail Day in Charlottesville.............................................................A/3
Ken Baker (804-749-3625 or lightfoot230@juno.com) Loop hike along the Rivanna Trail encircling Charlottesville generally following the Rivanna River and other streams and joining various city parks and neighborhoods. Total distance about 19.5 miles. This is a fairly easy hike; don't let the distance scare you - doable by anyone in reasonable good physical condition.

April 7 (Wednesday) Downtown Canal Walk and Church Hill Flowers………....................………C/4
Jim Hunt (730-2364) Meet at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot just west of Tredegar Iron Works under the Lee Bridge and we will start the Canal Walk. Continue east to the Great Ship Lock, climb Libby Hill Park on Church Hill and return near St. John’s Church. The many species of Spring flowers on Church Hill are beautiful this time of year.

April 10 (Saturday) Rivanna River Paddle………………………………………………………N/A
John Festa (804-273-2107 or johnfesta@comcast.net) This will be a 3-4 hour beginner’s paddle along with the Coastals club on the scenic Rivanna River between Crofton and Palmyra with a lunch stop. Crofton is about one hour west of Richmond. You must provide your own boat and equipment including PFD’s.  Email is best in contacting John for information.

 Saturday, April 10 (Saturday) Three Ridges/Mau Har……………………………………….…A/1
Special hike led by Jess Barton to support the Breast Cancer Fund. This is a superb 14.4 hike that should be really pretty in April with lots of mountain flowers and waterfalls! Three Ridges is one of Virginia's most popular backpacking circuits. Situated in Central Virginia, just 30 miles southwest of Charlottesville, the hike has vista after vista along the Appalachian Trail, and many small waterfalls and pools on the Mau-Har Trail on Campbell Creek. We will meet at Panera Bread in the Willow Lawn Shopping Center (corner of Broad and Willow Lawn Dr.) at 8:00 am - leaving parking lot by 8:30.  A contribution of $10 is requested to support the Breast Cancer Fund.  For a description of the trail, visit http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/Three

April 10 -11 (Saturday - Sunday) Paul Wolfe Shelter Overnighter………………………..……C/4
Mike Shelor (804-264-8308 or trailguymaike@aol.com) Field practical for beginning backpackers. Test out what you learned (and bought) after the March Intro to Backpacking class. Other members are invited to join in on the fun.

April 9-11 (Friday- Sunday) Car Camping in Caroline…………………………………………N/A
Robert Duesberry (804-986-5229 or robduesberry@msn.com) Save the date.  All are invited to attend 3rd annual club wide event at my family farm in Caroline County.  Beautiful rustic home site with barns, fields, woods and 5-6 miles of walking trails.  We have electric hook-up, grills and cooking facilities.  Bring tents, chairs, camping gear, drinking water, flashlight, “beverage of choice”, etc. We will provide exquisite outdoor meals for a small donation. Big bonfire both nights and other activities planned, horseshoes, volleyball, hiking, etc.  And rumor has it that The Old Crusty Minstrels may make a rare guest appearance!  RV’s and ATV’s welcome! Children and pets allowed!
Bring a new potential new member! RSVP by Wed. April 7th to Robert Duesberry @ 804-986-5229 or
robduesberry@msn.com

April 14 (Wednesday) Windsor Farms and Pot-Luck Lunch……………………………………….D/4 
Larry Murtaugh (432-0635 or lpmurtaugh@gmail.com). This is a 4-5 mile hike on the streets of the Windsor Farms neighborhood in the City’s West End.  There will be a pot luck lunch following at Larry's house.  Meet at 10 AM and park on the street at Larry's home at 107 Berkshire Rd.  From Cary Street Road, turn south on Berkshire Rd which is opposite Mary Munford School.
April 17 (Saturday) Work Trip..................................................................................................N/A
Fran Leckie (270-6908) Back to our home land.  Mostly checking trail for down trees, and clearing trail also. Newcomers always welcomed.  Bring lunch, work gloves, water and money for car pool and eating out. Hope to hear from you. Please call.   
April 17-18 (Saturday/Sunday) Calf Mountain Backpacking Trip……………….…………….C/3
Aseeyah Abdul-Karim at (804)382-6186 or solitude1957@hotmail.com.
This is a moderate backpacking trip for those who want a little more experience carrying their packs.  We will hike 7 miles north along the AT through the SNP, spend the night at the Calf Mountain Shelter and return the same way.  Tent sites are available.  Beautiful view from the top of Calf Mountain!  Total distance 14.miles. Meet at Rockville/Manakin Park and Ride at 9:00 a.m.

 April 21 (Wednesday) Spotsylvania Battlefield ……………………………………………….... C/3
Hank Harman (804-264-8524 or hharman8@verizon.net) Many, many men in blue and gray struggled and died in this 1864 battlefield so allow three hours for traversing the five and a half mile interpretive trail. Bring lunch and water as we will picnic along the trail. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at  the Battlefield Exhibit Shelter on Grant Drive near its intersection with VA 613 about 45 miles from Richmond. See hike number. # 50 in Lott's book.  Contact Hank Harman for info and carpooling details.

April 21 (Wednesday) On the deck at Legends Brewing Co……………………………………..N/A
Odelle Robertson (river.odie@verizon.net) What say we get together on the deck (if the weather will not cooperate we will meet inside) and talk about our winter adventures/misadventures, new gear and upcoming trips? I’ll arrive about 5:00 p.m. Come join me at Legends, 321 West 7th St. www.legendbrewing.com

April 23-25 (Friday-Sunday) PATC Cabin……………………………………………..…..…….C/3
Odelle Robertson (river.odie@verizon.net) Come join me for a weekend in a rustic PATC cabin. Mutton Top sleeps a max of 12. Bring your sleeping bag and pad, food, water for the first night (there is a spring for refills), and “tonic” for what ails you. Last trip we bushwhacked up to the AT, which will be an option again. Great porch to just “kick back on”. If interested contact me for cost and other details.

April 24 (Saturday) Doyles River / Jones Run Day Hike…………………………….…………… C/3
Randy Wendell (r.s.wendell@att.net; 794-7833)  This is one of the most popular hikes in the southern section of the SNP – and for good reason:  much of this is hike parallels the Doyles River and Jones Run, which features some beautiful cascades and several waterfalls.   Randy plans on doing the slightly longer 8-mile version, but it is still very manageable with a 1,500 elevation gain.  Contact Randy for more details. 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

May1-2 (Friday evening–Sunday) Variations on Wild Oak/Ramsey Draft Trails…………….A/2 
Mark J Wenger (Animal) 757-253-0056 (H) Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.  We will leave from Williamsburg at 5:00PM Friday and pick up anyone in Richmond at the commuter parking lot at exit 173 on I-64 on the way.  We will eat a quick supper on the road and drive to the trail head at Wild Oak Trail on Forest Roads 95 and 101 and camp at the trail head.  On Saturday we will shuttle the cars and hike 12 miles Forest Road 101 to Grooms Ridge Trail to Wild Oak Trail to Hiner Springs in the Ramsey’ S Draft wilderness area and camp.  For those who might want a shorter trip they can hike in from Shenandoah Trail.  On Sunday we will hike 11 miles either Ramsey Draft Trail  and Bridge Hollow Trail to Bald Ridge Trail or Bald Ridge Trail the whole way to Braley’s Pond and the cars.  By weaving these trails together we can enjoy the very best of both.

May 28 – 31 (Friday evening – Sunday) Monday Appalachian Trail in New York……………A/2
Mark J Wenger (Animal) 757-253-0056 (H) Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.  We will leave from Williamsburg at 5:00PM Friday and pick up anyone in Richmond at the Walmart parking lot of I-95 in Ashland on the way.  We will eat a quick supper on the road and drive to New York staying at a motel or camp near the trail head.  On Saturday we will shuttle the vehicles and begin the hike at Bear Mountain Bridge on the Hudson and hike north on the Appalachian Trail 13 miles north to Fahnestock State Park where we have paid for a camping site for the evening and camp.  On Sunday we will hike north 17 miles to New York 55 and the cars and stay at a motel that night.  We will drive home that Monday morning.  A beautiful section of New York with great views of the Hudson Valley.

September 17–19 (Friday evening–Sunday) Gauley River Marathon………Moderate/Strenuous
Mark J Wenger (Animal) 757-253-0056 (H) Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.  This is the rafting trip you all have waited all year for.  The top white water in the America and one of the top in the world.  We will leave Williamsburg on Friday and drive to Oak Hill, West Virginia and camp at the outfitter ACE Adventure.  On Saturday we will raft all 23 miles and 110 rapids.  Of course you can also take other rafting trips on parts of the Gauley or on the New River.  In 2009 the cost for the marathon was $230 while parts of the Gauley or New were in the $165 range.  You must be at least 16 to do this trip.  The camping fee in 2009 was $12 a night.  On Saturday evening we will celebrate and drive home on Sunday.  If interested please let me know by the end of June.

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 20-27, 2010 (Saturday-Saturday) Yellowstone Yurt Camp and Ski Trip.
Larry Murtaugh (lpmurtaugh@gmail.com)."You've seen it on PBS now see it in person -Yellowstone in Winter.  We plan to spend 5 nights in the Yellowstone yurt camp and travel around the park on cross country skis or snowshoes.  If interested, contact Larry now.

.