Base Camp Clean-up March 22-26

Pods were hoisted and new supports were installed this fall (the cinder blocks will be removed once the concrete hardens).

The Forest Service folks have been busy at base camp repairing pods as well as working on other projects. In addition to their work, a spring Volunteer "clean-up" is scheduled for March 22-26 (Thur-Mon). Volunteers will be working on a number of projects to help get camp ready for the 2007 season including painting buildings, fixing screen doors on the pods, etc. If you are interested in helping out one or all five days (yes, you can earn a t-shirt for the week) please shoot me an email (kwood@appalachiantrail.org) and I'll get the additional information to you.

Cheers,

Kerry

Before and After

So often, crew Volunteers get to see the fruits of their labor right off but might not revisit that section of Trail to see how their work stands up. On a hike of Firescald Ridge last week, I had a chance to revisit work the Konnarock crew did in the 2006 season. What is more, I had a chance to see some of my own work (I do get out of the office occasionally).

Trail before (a slippery boulder)

and

Trail after

At times, working on a 10 ft. section of trail might feel insignificant but those sections add up into a better and better trail experience for all those who "seek fellowship with the wilderness."

Happy New Year,

Kerry

Volunteer Hour Totals

After crunching totals for Konnarock Volunteers in 2006, I am pleased to recognize our top "earners." These folks dedicated a lot if not most of their summer to working on the AT and deserve a hearty pat on the back (sorry, that's all the ATC can afford!). In all seriousness though, a deep-felt thanks goes out to these individuals and, to everyone who volunteers on the Konnarock Crew!

The totals:

1st-Brittany Spencer (250 hours)-Brittany, a student at UNC Chapel Hill spent several weeks at Unaka Mtn as well as other projects with a smile on her face (especially when on crush & fill). We hope to see Brittany back next year; there's a chance you'll see her in a crew leader or ridgerunner position.















2nd (tie)-Ming Hsu & Yu Ju Chien (245 hours(seated on left))-Originally from Taiwan, Ming and Yu Ju spent multiple weeks on crew working on Humpback Rocks, Pearis Mtn, and the Shelter Roofs project. Presently, Yu Ju is working on her Phd in Minnesota while Ming lives in Taiwan and has made frequent presentations about her experiences on an AT trail crew.




















3rd-Jim Kolonair (201 hours)-Jim, a Konnarock alum, lives in Ohio and traveled to base camp multiple times throughout the summer (he did not Volunteer consecutive weeks) to come work with the crew. A great asset to the crew, Jim brings his previous experience and willingness to help out whenever needed every week.

Honorable Mention:

Frank Klien (192 hours)
Leah Riley (191 hours)
Cory Zimmerman (162 hours)
Sara Zocklein (162 hours)

Well, there you have it; the top "earners" of 2006. Who will it be next year? It's anyone's guess; hope to see everyone back in 2007!

Happy Holidays,

Kerry

Pictures from Georgia

Here are a few photos sent by Gary Monk, GATC's Trail Supervisor. The crew will be heading down to GA for a two week stint in 2007 to work on the Stover Creek Relocation. Last year, the crew headed to Atlanta for a Braves game during their two days off!

Thanks for the photos Gary!

Kerry

Did you see us in AT Journeys?

If not, turn to the back side of the Nov-Dec issue. Show your friends!

25th Anniversary T-Shirt Design

As many of you may know, 2007 marks the 25th anniversary of the ATC trail crew program. As with earlier anniversaries, we make sure to mark the occasion with a special crew t-shirt. So, without further a due, here it is! Well, this is the actual sketch but you get the idea…

Kerry

More Photos

Although they are not of Konnarock, I thought I'd post a link to view photos from another great ATC trail crew, Rocky Top.

To view the photos, click here.

Enjoy,

Kerry