Hikers Say Thanks

I received a note from Laurie Potteiger, Information Services Manager for the ATC with a message from hikers at this years "Gathering" saying thanks to the crew for their hard work in protecting the AT. In addition to the signed card above, Laurie included some kind words from a hiker.

“I owe a big, giant, super duper thank you … to the volunteers who keep the trail alive and continue to make it what it is.” -- Anthony Magee, ”Chili Pepper” 2007-2008

So, give yourself a big pat on the back and know your work does matter a lot to hikers on the AT!

Happy Holidays,

Kerry

Another way to Keep Track of Krock Folks.

If you do the Facebook thing, there is a group for folks who have Volunteered on AT Trail Crews called "I've Volunteered on an Appalachian Trail Crew."

Here's a link.

Just in case you wanted to know....

Kerry

Passing of a Friend

Sugar Bear working at Humpback Rocks in 2008

A group shot at Humpback Rocks (Sugar Bear at top)

It's with deep regret that we see the passing of fellow Konnarock Crew Volunteer and friend, Larry "Sugar Bear" Regan (1946-2008). Sugar Bear started Volunteering on the AT in 2007 and worked 5 weeks last season on Konnarock. Although his time on crew was short, his calm but fun loving demeanor was infectious.

Always quick to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it, Sugar Bear embodied the best of what Konnarock is about, a cooperative, friendly spirit to get anything done.

We'll miss you Sugar Bear,

Kerry

2009 Trail Crew Staff Wanted

Hey folks! Be one of the few, the proud, the dirty.......an Appalachian Trail Crew Leader! ATC is now accepting applications for 2009 Trail Crew Staff.

You can find information about available positions as well as an application on our main website here.

Also, feel free to contact the office (540.953.3571) if you have questions.

Cheers,

Kerry

Tye River Relocation Video

For everyone that worked on the Tye River Relocation in 2008 (and anyone else that wants to waste time at work today), the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club has produced a video of the project.



Enjoy!

Kerry

2009 Applications Up

New Volunteer applications for 2009 are up on ATC's website here (scroll to the bottom of the page under "To apply." For you alumni, please contact us at crews@appalachiantrail.org and we'll send you an alumni application (we'll also have paper applications in the mail soon).

Remember, Week #1 almost will certainly fill up quickly (we've already got spots filled) so if you want that week, act fast!

Cheers,

Kerry

Wedding.....AT Style.

Ted and Jaimie get hitched.

Clean clothes and all.

You can't do a group shot without one of these.

Your once fearless leader, Ted Wilson and frequent Konnarock Volunteer, Jamie Hickman got married on a beautiful November afternoon last weekend. What's more, we've documented for you what a trail worker looks like without dirty clothes (see above).

Kerry

2009 Schedule Up...

Headin' to camp after a day on the Trail.

The 2009 Konnarock Schedule is up on the ATC website here. As you will notice, there is a wide variety of projects we'll be tackling next season from serious sidehillin' on the New River Relocation to some pretty involved rock work and griphoist action atop Three Ridges.

We don't have the 2009 application complete yet (for new or alumni) but it should be ready soon (we'll have a notice posted on the blog).

Cheers,

Kerry 

Ted and Adam recieve their awards from the US Dept of Agriculture

 (Ted moonlights as Edward Scissorhands)

Hey, you know when we talk safety we mean it! I bet some alumni could recite our "safety talk" that preceeds every work week with the crew. Well, it finally paid off! I mean....thanks to everyone for making the 2008 Konnarock season a Zero Injury (lost time, save for the occasional blister or bee sting) season.

The crew was officially recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USFS) for our accomplishment and we're pretty proud of it. So, when you're at camp next season, have an extra piece of cake on me......

Just in case you don't get the idea on Wed night....Safety Robot........

Cheers,

Kerry

Dean Sims, ATC Volunteer of the Month

The Dean-a-Bomber (long story, ask Dean next season)

If you've been part of the Konnarock Crew (esspecially Week #1), you probably know Dean Sims, Konnarock's longest serving Volunteer (25 years and counting). Last May, Dean was presented with a 25 year service award for all his hard work over the years. And, now he's the ATC Volunteer of the Month for October! Check out his profile on the ATC website here.

Cheers to you Dean!

Kerry

2009 T-shirt

It could happen.......

We're looking for a design to grace the 2009 Konnarock t-shirt. If you've got an idea for a design and would like to send it in, you can send it via email at kwood@appalachiantrail.org or by snail mail: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, CO: T-shirt Design, PO Box 174, Blacksburg, VA 24063.

Basically, the design needs to have a trail or trail work theme and a place for "Konnarock Trail Crew."

If I don't get any designs, I'll have to start drawing stick figures.....

Kerry

Support the GIVE Act of 2008 (S.3429)

Tell your Congressional Representatives to support the Shumer bill, Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere (GIVE) Act of 2008 (S. 3429)!

As you know, volunteers are essential to implementing the mission of the Partnership and many other non-profits. Volunteering these days can be a problem if it involves a significant amount of driving our personal cars. Unfortunately, current federal tax law allows a charitable mileage deduction of only 14 cents per mile, and this has created a barrier that is preventing many people from volunteering as much as they would like. As a result, nonprofits from coast to coast have been losing volunteers because of high gas prices and this unfair tax statute.
 
I am asking you to give your strong support to the Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere (GIVE) Act of 2008 (S.3429).

 

Introduced August 6, by U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and John Ensign (R-NV), and co-sponsored by Sen. Dodd of Connecticut, the Act addresses the adverse impacts on volunteers of high gas prices and the current discriminatory tax policy towards nonprofits by (1) setting the charitable volunteer rate at 70% of the standard business mileage rate, as adjusted by the IRS, in effect raising the charitable mileage deduction from 14 cents to almost 41 cents; and (2) making this change permanent, rather than requiring annual legislation.

 

A letter of support for the "GIVE Act" already has been sent to Senators Schumer and Ensign by the National Council of Nonprofit Associations, 34 other state associations of nonprofits, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, Independent Sector, and United Way of America. We are now asking AMC members and volunteers to add their voices.

 

Congress will be in session for only a few weeks before it adjournes at the end September or early October. Now is the time to contact our Senators and Representatives to ensure passage by both chambers within the next few weeks - a very short time given the large number of bills to be considered.

 

Take Action: What You Can Do
- Contact your U.S. Senators and your Representative now by phone, fax, and/or email to urge them to support and to co-sponsor the GIVE Act; (write your elected officials electronically by visiting:

http://givevoice.org/campaign/giveact

 

- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper urging your Senators and Representatives to support the GIVE Act and make sure it gets passed in September. This bill is extremely important for the Partnership and other non-profit organizations across the nation. So please add your voice today by using the letter below or adding your own experiences. 

2009 Schedule

Wow, it's only been a month since we ended the 2008 season and already we're getting requests for the 2009 schedule. Hold your horses!! Really though, I'll have dates and projects out real soon. However, week #1 will most likely start May 7th so you can guess on the rest of the weeks but in case you can't, we'll have them out soon I promise!

Cheers,

Kerry

Well, there you have it....

Crew 1 at the end of week 12.

Steps couresty of Dannon et al.

Beautiful sidehill, that's what I like to see!

Trail so good even the wildlife prefer to use it!

Like Tom and Ray say on Car Talk, "Well, there you have it. You've just wasted another perfectly good week on the Konnarock Trail Crew." But, just like the show, you know you didn't waste your time but had a good time and probably learned something on the way (whether it is useful or not is up for discussion).

Another season with the Crew has ended and talk about successful! The Crew was able to put the finishing touches on two long-term relos (Tye River and Unaka Mtn) as well as several other projects. In a week or two (I do have to go on vacation), I'll have some stats on what was accomplished this season. Without a doubt, I know we did a lot. And, what is more? Not a single Volunteer lost-time injury (that hasn't happened in a long time!!); of course the Volunteers deserve a good bit of that credit so thank you!

The staff spent today cleaning up camp, sharpening tools, and packing up to head out tomorrow but not before a good dinner together (and maybe a beer or two). We had a great season and thank everyone for helping to make it that way!

Cheers,

Kerry, Dave, Christine, Ted, Dannon, and Adam

Frank happy to be painting blazes on the newly opened Unaka Mtn Relocation (Frank has the most weeks on this project-10).

If you're at Unaka Mtn, you have to hit the falls.

Longhorn smiles for the camera on the Pine Swamp Relocation.

Even the local fauna came out for the Pine Swamp Relocation opening.

How beautiful is that?

Trail opening at Unaka Mountain with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club.

It's really nice to finish a relocation or two from time to time and Week #11 saw both crews puttin the finishing touches on a long-term project and on not-so-long-term project. Anyway, Crew #1 finished the Pine Swamp Relocation (a two week project started this year) and Crew #2 finished the Unaka Mountain Relocation (a 10 week project started in 2006). No matter what the size, a relocation is a relocation (even though the big ones are really, really nice to finish) which means lots of work and in the end more great trail to hike courtesy of the Konnarock Crew!

We're off for a few days then we'll be hitting the Trail for our last week of the season (wow!). Next Monday as usual we'll have dinner for the returning Volunteers of the week but anyone is welcome and encouraged to come say goodbye to another successful season. If you'd like to come please let us know by calling camp ((276) 677-4055)).

Cheers,

Kerry

Week 10, Crew-a-lishous....

At least his teeth are clean....(aka "I want some Dairy Queen please!")

Sod-bustin'

Cutting a watermellon Konnarock style (actually we'd use a pulaski or chainsaw instead of a machette).

Kent wants it on-the-level.

Frank! Where are you Frank?

It's summer, you must grill!

Crush and Fill!

Crew #2 at Overmountain Shelter.

I'm not sure how it happened, but it probably origionated with a certian Volunteer or Volunteer(s) from Nashville that came to name everyone on Crew #1 something with XXXX-a-lishous. Unfortunatley I don't remember a single name (you'll have to ask Christine for a couple).

Anyway, both crews had good weeks with Crew #1 working on the New River Relocation and enjoying the great campsite (complete with bear) and an easy hike to the worksite (150'). Crew #2 enjoyed their last week (of three) at Roan Mountain and as you can see by the picture, it was pretty foggy on some mornings.

We've got two weeks left for the season with August coming quick!

Kerry

Week 9

Crew leaders start to get loopy late in the season.

Cribbing good enough to put a baby in (I mean the Trail)!

Leah works, Dwight supervises....

Cushy PATH-style camping

Trail rehab on Matt's Creek

Someone's first pancake (you know who you are!).

Ted and Dave cutting at Matt's Creek.

What would a trip to Matt's Creek be without a dinosaur picture?

Sorry about the late post as we've been pretty busy! Week #9 has come and gone and we're already onto week #10! Crews enjoyed slightly drier conditions during week #9 but with the dry came the hot! This week is shaping up to be better temps-wise as today has been dry and in the mid to upper 70's; perfect for sidehillin' (which is what both crews are working on this week). For me, I'm headed out to meet Christine's crew for the night and a little work tomorrow!

See ya!

Kerry

Week 8, gRoaning on and Dam Camping...

Crew #2 at Overmountain Shelter.

Blurrrrrry work.

Father and Son.

Work to be proud of.

Smoke on the water (really it's fog but smoke sounds cooler).

Dam comfortable camping.

Swing!

Smiles in the rain.

Another great week on the Trail has come to a close. While Crew #1 enjoyed some Dam fine camping at Fontana Dam (including seduction of a campground trashcan (really long, but intersting story), Crew #2 enjoyed another fine week on Roan Mountain.

We've got four weeks left this season and there are still spots left on most remaining crews so if you haven't been out this season or are contemplating coming back, we'd love to see you!

Until next week,

Kerry

Lucky Number Seven

Volunteers place a log step on S. Yellow Creek Gap



This is what happens when you give Volunteers some free time...



Enjoying the whole dam view....(I couldn't resist).

A "Limberjack" used during Saturdays blluegrass music.

Adam really wants to be part of the Trail community.

Under the pavilion at Sherando Lake, Crew #2 eats well courtesy of the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club.

Crew #2 stands atop the Tye River Bridge on the way out for the day (Konnarock built this bridge in the mid 90's).

I'd like to know how they convinced Rex to get in...

Volunteers build new trail while Ted looks on (don't we look professional with the new helmets?)

With a well rested staff, crews headed out for the second half of our 26^th season.

Christine, Dannon and a crew of eight started their first week of the S. Yellow Creek Gap Rehabilitation just south of the Fontana Dam (largest dam east of the Mississippi River) in North Carolina. After a long climb uphill to the worksite, Volunteers worked on heavily eroded sections of trail with the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club.

Meanwhile, Ted, Adam and a crew of eight headed north to restart work (this project was last worked on in 2005) on the Tye River Relocation. Volunteers worked hard building new trail along with the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club and then headed back to their “luxurious” accommodations at Sherando Lake where they enjoyed bluegrass music and a showing of “Alvin & the Chipmunks” as part of July 4^th festivities.

This week, Christine heads back to S. Yellow Creek Gap and Ted heads back to Roan Mtn!

Cheers,

Kerry