June 15 – 21 James River Batteau Festival (Rating N/A)*
Bob Bendl (540-366-5341 Bobbendl@aol.com or Mike Shelor 264-8308) Join the Batteau men as they ply their way down the mighty James River. This year’s festivities should begin June 15th in Lynchburg and end on June 21st at Maiden’s Landing. The group will camp each night along the river and a camping fee of $25.00 for the entire week (or $5.00/day) is required. Participants may participate the whole week or for multiple days. You can learn more about the festival at http://www.batteaufestival.com/river/index.asp as we get closer to June the site will be updated to reflect this year’s schedule.
June 21 (Saturday) WORK TRIP (Rating N/A)*
Fran Leckie (270-6908, atcfran99@mycidco.com) Well into summer. Need to bring water, work gloves, lunch, and money for car pool and eat out. Call Fran.
June 21 (Saturday 4:00 PM) Kayaking: Pamunkey River Natural Tour (Rating N/A)*
Brian Townsend (btowns9414@aol.com) Bring your kayak or rent from our guide, Garrie of Mattaponi Canoe & Kayak, (see web site for info. www.mattaponi.com) with plans to explore the freshwater tidal wetland systems of the Pamunkey River. The launch site is located on a beautiful alcove, near the reported site of Chief Powhatan's grave. The "flat water" conditions present at this location on the river make it ideal for individuals with little or no previous paddling experience, so all skill levels welcome. Our trip will be scheduled around the "flood" stage of the tide cycle, providing an opportunity to explore up several tidal creeks, with excellent opportunities to view Osprey, Bald Eagles and other waterfowl. Expect 3-4 hours of paddling. Fees: $15 per paddler with own kayak and gear or $35 per paddler for equipment provided. Please, no children and no pets.
June 22 (Sunday) Caledon Natural Area/Eagles (Rating C/3 to D/4)*
Brian Townsend (btowns9414@AOL.com) We plan to get an early start on Sunday morning and arrive at Caledon Natural Area at 8AM to hike the trails (or come up on your own later and skip the hiking), then at 10 AM it’s “All Aboard” on the hay wagon for a guided tour of the eagle nesting area at Caledon. This is a wonderful chance to explore this natural area and view the eagles. There is a $6 tour fee per person. BYOB/F Group size limited to 20. No children or pets, please.
June 29 (Sunday) AT Hike/ODATC Central Section (Rating C/3)*
Brian Townsend (btowns9414@aol.com) We will be walking the central section of the ODATC trail. We will leave the Humpback Rocks parking area, hike north on the blue blaze trail then take the new Jack Albright trail over Dobie Mountain to connect with the AT. Then we head south on the AT, taking the relocation trail around Humpback Mountain back to the junction of the old AT. Then it’s down to Humpback Rocks and back to the parking area, experiencing first hand all the trail improvements from the Konnarock weekends. Nature study included. No children or pets, please.
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July 4 – 22 ( Friday – Tuesday) Appalachian Trail
VT 11/30 near Manchester Center, Vermont north to US 2 on the NewHampshire/Maineborder Hike
(Rating: A/1)
Mark J. Wenger “Animal” (757-253-0056 (H)
markwenger@cox.net ) We will leave from Williamsburg on Friday and start
the hike on Saturday at VT 11/30. This hike will be 2 1/2 weeks with the need
for multiple food drops and as it will complete the Green Mountains in Vermont
and White Mountains in New Hampshire it will be some of the most difficult
hiking on the entire AT. Also the cost will be not only transportation,
shuttle, food but also we will be staying at fee camp sites and several full
service huts. We will cover over 240 miles. Because of the difficult logistics
you must let me know by early April if you plan to go and meet with me to review
the plans to be sure you are prepared. VERY STRENUOUS Please call early for
this trip.
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July 6-9 (Sunday morning - Wednesday evening) Silberman
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Cabin and Tuscarora Trail in Pennsylvania (Rating: A/2)
Hank Harmon ( 264-8524). Hank and Pete Harman plan to bite off another 20
miles of the Tuscarora Trail in South Central Pennsylvania. They will be based
at the PATC Silberman Cabin, 225 miles from Richmond which holds eight persons.
Others can hike with them, take shorter hikes or enjoy the lake and beach at
nearby Cowans Gap State Park. Children are welcome. Pets are allowed.
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July 12/13 (Saturday/Sunday)
Patterson Ridge Backpack (Rating: B/2)
Brian Townsend (btowns9414@AOL.com) Leaving early from Richmond on Saturday
morning, we will be hiking the seldom used and not easily accessed Patterson
Ridge trail. We will park at the Ivy Creek Parking Area and then head south on
the AT. After an ice cream stop at Loft Mountain Wayside, we then descend
Patterson Ridge Trail to camp at a great creekside site, for a day total of
about 5 miles. Time available for additional hiking or exploring the creek.
Sunday morning we will be hiking about 4.5 miles with 1500 feet elevation gain
and a short road walk for our return. Group size limited to 8. No children or
pets, please.
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July 15 - October 10
Continental Divide Trail Hike (Rating: A/1)
Ken Baker (804-749-3625 or lightfoot230@juno.com) South bound hike along
the CDT - the most remote and difficult of the long trails, posing route
finding, elevation, and weather challenges, but the payoff is a backpacking
experience of unrivaled beauty and purity. Start in Rawlins, WY and hike south
through Colorado and New Mexico. A total distance of about 1400 miles.
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July 16 (Wednesday) Picnic
in the park (Rating: N/A)
Odelle Robertson (river.odie@verizon.net)
Lets meet at Rockwood park (on Courthouse Rd just west of Hull St) for a
leisurely get together. Hamburgers (meat or not) and hot dogs and if it is not
too hot a bit of volleyball or a walk through the park. Bring a cover dish if
you like. A donation to the food would be appreciated. Please email to give me
an idea of how many to expect.
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July 16 (Wednesday) NO
ODATC GENERAL MEETING
David Olli (dolli@smv.org) The club does not meet as a group in July. The
next General Meeting is Wednesday, September 17, 7:00 p.m. in the Discovery Room
of the Science Museum of Virginia. More details in the September – October
issue of the Walker.
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July 19: Conway River
& Slaughter Trail (Rating: B/2)
Jenni Pendergrass
(804-264-1633 or
japendergrass@co.hanover.va.us)
Starting at Bootens Gap
in SNP, this approximately 11 mile
circuit hike takes us on an easy walk down the scenic Conway River Road and then
it’s a steep climb back up to the AT on the Slaughter Trail. There are several
creek crossings and one wide crossing of the Conway River so bring your Crocs
and Tevas. Once we get back to the AT, we’ll hike 2 miles north past Bearfence
Mountain to the parking lot. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Rockville Manakin exit off
of I-64.
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July 19 (Saturday) Work Trip (Rating: N/A)
Fran Leckie (270-6908) Have set up for either July or August for a work
shop. As of now I do not know which month so Please call.
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July 20 (Sunday) Pocosin Hollow/South River Falls
(Rating: B/3)
Brian Townsend (btowns9414@aol.com)
Our hike will take us past the ruins of Pocosin Mission, through a mountain
swamp, on to a mountain cemetery and then to the third highest falls in the
park…All that excitement in 10 miles of hiking. Nature study and awareness
skills included. Please, no children and no pets.
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July 25/27 (Friday/Sunday)
Jones Mountain Cabin/SNP Hiking (Rating: B/2)
Brian Townsend (btowns9414@AOL.com
We will be leaving Richmond Friday afternoon (or come up on your own Saturday
morning) with the plan to arrive at the cabin before dark and sit on the porch
and watch the stars come out. There is a 3.7 mile backpack, with some steep
sections, to get to the cabin from the parking area. Plenty of hiking options
on Saturday, from a 12 mile loop to include a visit to Camp Hoover or just
hanging at the cabin, your choice. Fee of $10 per hiker. BYOB/F Group size
limited to 8. No children or pets, please.
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August 2 (Saturday) Jack Albright Trail – Paul
Wolfe Shelter (Rating: C/3)
David Olli (dolli@smv.org)
From the Humpback Rocks parking area we’ll loop around the Jack Albright
Trail to the AT, down to the Paul Wolfe Shelter for lunch, back up the AT
and south for a stop at Glass Hollow Overlook before heading back to the
cars. Only 5 to 6 miles of moderate hiking leaves us time for a stop at the
HB Visitor Center and Rockfish Gap Outfitters. I’ll take the first 12
responders and, please, no children or pets.
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August 3 (Sunday) Kayaking: Morris Creek
Paddle…………………….N/A
Brian Townsend (btowns9414@aol.com)
An early start from Richmond will put us in the water during the cooler
morning temps, as we paddle this interesting tributary of the Chickahominy,
near Williamsburg. An easy put-in and definitely flat water paddling the
marsh areas and headwaters of the creek. Easy paddle, suitable for all
skill levels, but some boat traffic a possibility. Nature study and
awareness skills included. Please, no children and no pets.
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August 7 (Thursday) “Little Shop of
Horrors”…………………………. N/A
Randy Wendell (794-7833,
r.s.wendell@att.net)
No, this is not an outing to Fran’s tool shed. If you enjoy comedic
musicals then you’ll definitely want to come to the Dogwood Dell outdoor
theater and enjoy Richmond Recreation’s production of the Broadway
hit “Little Shop of Horrors.” The show begins at 8:30 (and is free), but
Randy recommends that you arrive an hour early (7:30) with a picnic dinner
and favorite beverage. Be sure to bring a beach chair and extra clothing.
No RSVP necessary. Rain date is August 8- same Bat-time same Bat-channel.
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August 9 (Saturday) Annual James
River Canoes Only
Float Trip (Rating: N/A)
Ted and Caroline (285-1341) will do a summer float/lazily paddle of the
flat, scenic Seven Islands section of the James River located between the
Hardware River and New Canton only 60 miles west of Richmond off Route
6. You must provide your own equipment including PFD's. Canoe rental may be
available in Scottsville at
www.reelingandrafting.com. Call or email
tedmcgarry@juno.com before 9:30 pm "Thursday August 7"
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August 9/10 (Saturday/Sunday) Rocky Mount Loop
Backpack (Rating: B/2)
Brian Townsend (btowns9414@aol.com)
To quote Johnny Molloy’s “Day and Overnight Hikes in SNP”…”If you like
wilderness hiking in solitude, take this ambitious loop.” Early start on
Saturday morning for this overnight hike will allow us time to stop to enjoy
the views (and catch our breath) with plans to set up camp early afternoon
alongside a nice creek. About 6.0 miles on Saturday and 4.2 on Sunday with
some elevation gain on both days. Group size limited to 8. Please, no
children and no pets.
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August 12 (Tuesday) Belle Island……………………………N/A
Odelle Robertson (river.odie@verizon.net)
Picnic on west end of Belle Island. Bring your
bathing suit and play in the river. Info on the history of the island and
the rapids surrounding it will be available. Bring a picnic with you and
enjoy a summer evening.
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August 13 (Wednesday) Bottoms Up Pizza
David Olli (dolli@smv.org)
Join us for yet another ODATC social gathering at the long-time favorite
Shockoe Bottom bistro. I’ve asked the folks at Bottoms Up Pizza
http://www.bottomsuppizza.com to set aside outside tables and chairs to
watch the overhead trains go by. Anytime after 5 p.m.
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August
16 (Saturday) Work Trip (Rating: N/A)
Fran Leckie (270-6908) Have set up for either July or August for a work
shop. As of now I do not which month so call Fran
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August 16 (Saturday) Rose River Loop
Trail in Shenandoah National Park (Rating: C/3)
Hank Harmon ( 264-8524). This hike is planned for the "chronologically
challenged" but younger folk and strong children welcome. This 5 1/2 mile
loop goes from Big Meadows down into Dark Hollow to the Rose River, passes
waterfalls and returns via the A.T. One of the more beautiful hikes in the
Park - but, unfortunately, also one of the more popular.
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August 23/24 (Saturday/Sunday) “Climbing Mt.
Fuji” Backpack (Rating: A/2)
Brian Townsend (btowns9414@aol.com)
“O Snail, Climb Mt. Fuji, But Slowly, Slowly”…. A favorite haiku of John
Donovan is the theme for this backpack (this hike is one of my favorite
memories of hiking with John) and we are headed out for a perfect John
Donovan weekend… Stretches of 6 different trails and a road walk (lots of
chances to get lost), great views, waterfalls, camping at one of the best
swimming holes in SNP (John never could pass up a swimming hole) and an
afternoon trek to a “trail town” for dinner (think “frugal”…John style) and
beverages. Please expect about 5.0 miles of backpacking and another 6.0
miles roundtrip of slack packing for the visit to town on Saturday and 7.0
miles on Sunday with some serious elevation gain as we… Climb, Slowly,
Slowly… back to the car. Group size limited to 8. Please, no children and
no pets.
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August
30-September 2 (Saturday to Tuesday) Douthat State Park Main Lodge (Rating:
C/2 to D/4)
Brian Townsend (btowns9414@AOL.com)
We have reserved the Main Lodge at Douthat State Park for the Labor Day
weekend. Our plan is to arrive at the park Saturday for hiking, with check
in at the Lodge available after 3:00 PM, and stay until Tuesday morning.
The “Main Lodge” is a wonderful rustic log cabin lodge, built by the CCC in
the 1930’s. The Lodge overlooks the park with great views from the patio.
40 miles of wooded hiking trails
to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult.
Contact me for lodging rates. BYOB/F Group size
limited to 13. No children or pets, please. .
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September 5-7 (Friday/Sunday) False Cape State Park and
Back Bay ..N/A
Jane and Lee Hesler (jane.hesler@comcast.net
or lee.j.hesler@comcast.net)
The kids are back in school - come join us for hiking, nature studies,
swimming and kayaking. We will be staying in the Wash Woods Environmental
Center (noon Friday until noon Sunday). The cost per person will be in the
range of $40 to $60
depending on how many folks we have and how many are interested in the
sunset kayak trip on Back Bay.
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- October 8 (Wednesday) Kayaking: Dragon Run Tour with Teta Kaine (Rating N/A)*
Brian Townsend (btowns9414@aol.com) Bring your kayak or rent from our hosts, The Friends of Dragon Run, as we join our wonderful guide Teta Kain to paddle Dragon Run. You may have heard Teta give a talk a while ago about Dragon Run, "… a unique ecosystem which has been ranked second in ecological significance among 232 areas investigated in a Smithsonian Institution study which covered 12,600 square miles of the Chesapeake Bay region." Expect 3-4 hours of paddling. Fees/Donation to FODR: to be determined. Please, no children and no pets.
- October 10 - 12, Friday Evening - Bike the Allegheny Highlands Trail and part of the Greenbrier Trail in West Virginia
Bike....EASY
Mark J. Wenger (Animal) 757-253-0056 (H) markwenger@cox.net We will leave from Williamsburg around 5:00PM Friday and pick up anyone in Richmond on the way. We will eat a quick dinner on the road and drive to Elkins, West Virginia and stay in a motel. On Saturday we will shuttle to Thomas, West Virginia and bike 35 easy miles back to Elkins via the beautiful Blackwater Canyon on the Allegheny Highlands Rails to Trails. We will stay in a motel in Elkins Saturday night. On Sunday we will drive to Marlinton, West Virginia and shuttle back to Cass and bike the Greenbrier trail 25 easy miles back to Marlinton to our cars and have dinner and drive home. Call for further information.
- October 25 (Saturday) ODATC Club Party and Picnic (Rating N/A)*
Jim Hunt (730-2364) ODATC is hosting a free outdoor dinner and party at the Humpback Rock picnic area. More details to follow but look for local day hikes of varying length and difficulty and/or a work trip followed by a late afternoon outdoor dinner. Enjoy the fall foliage with a hike, trail maintenance or just join the party. Mark your calendar!
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- November 7 - 11 - Friday evening to Tuesday hike the Tuscarora Trail from Gore, Virginia north to Hancock, Maryland
Hike....MODERATE
Mark J. Wenger (Animal) 757-253-0056 (H) markwenger@cox.net We will leave from Williamsburg Friday evening and pick up anyone in Richmond on the way. We will eat a quick dinner on the road and stay at a motel in Hancock Friday night. On Saturday we will shuttle south to Gore and begin the hike north 10 miles and camp. The second and third days we will hike 18 and 16 miles respectively and camp as shelters are not available. On Tuesday we will hike 6 miles to the car and head for home. You will need money for motel, food, gas, and shuttle. Call for further information.
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