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Upcoming Events    Trip Checklists     

	Hiking boots are strongly encouraged for all hikes!
	Hikers must be properly equipped, be aware of their limitations, and hike within their ability.
	In the interest of safety, activity leaders may refuse to allow participation by club members or their guests.

Hike leaders:  download hike leader form.

JANUARY HIKES

January 3 (Saturday) Pocahontas State Park ............................................................C/4

We are leading our annual six mile walk in the winter woods which includes occasional vistas of two freshwater lakes.  Fifty foot elevation change. This has a lunch stop, picnic tables and heated bathrooms. Meet at the parking lot next to the pool. Pocahontas is on Beach Road, route 655 which connects to Route 10 at the Chesterfield County Government Center. There is a nominal parking fee.

January 6 (Tuesday) Board Meeting 7:30pm

Come ring in the New Year with a hip new Board. Note change of venue: this month we’ll be converging on Mike Shelor’s swinging pad; call for directions…264-8308.

January 7 (Wednesday) Fredericksburg Historical Trail .........................................C/4

Something new for the New Year. The seven-mile circular trail on city sidewalks includes 32 points of interest, although one can slice off a couple of miles if one wishes to miss a part of it. Call Hank about car pooling and also traveling by AMTRAK. At any rate, meet at the Fredericksburg AMTRAK station at 10AM. Bring lunch or join some of us at a Fredericksburg restaurant.

January 10 (Saturday) AT Hike #5 Lewis Mountain to Hawksbill Gap .................A/2

This is the fifth in a series of eight hikes on the AT through Shenandoah National Park (re-scheduled from 12/6 due to storm).

January 14 (Wednesday) 7PM: Field Guide Series: Frogs and Toads …N/A

Join Herpetologist, Joseph C. Mitchell, PhD to spend an evening reviewing visual and auditory recognition of the frogs and toads of our region. We will meet at 7 PM at the Science Museum of Virginia. Moderate fee for evening lecture.

January 16-19 (Friday – Monday) Canaan Valley Ski Trip ....................................N/A

The Club’s 15^th annual ski-trip! We’re headed to wild, wonderful West Virginia’s Camp Horseshoe, run by the YMCA. This is a great base from which to go hiking, cross-country of downhill skiing, or just lounge by the fire at Canaan Valley or Blackwater Falls State Park. Two plans are available: 3 nights with 7 meals at $93 or 2 nights with 5 meals at $77. Reservations and payment must be received before December 31 to avoid a late charge of $15. Make check payable to John J. Fox, Jr. and mail to 6425 Handy Lane, Richmond, VA 23226-3109.

January 17 (Saturday) James River "Bankside" hike……

Join us in "scouting" the rapids of the James River through Richmond from the (safe and dry) shore. We will hike on the Southside of the river from Pony Pasture to Reynolds (about 6-7 miles) and view many of the major downtown rapids. The hike will mostly be within city's James River Park. It will involve one (unbridged) stream crossing.

January 17 (Saturday) Work Trip .............................................................................N/A

Please call, since we will be doing a special project this month. Bring work gloves, lunch and water.

January 20 (Tuesday) 7:30 PM General Membership Meeting ..............................N/A

Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 2605 Dumbarton Road. Dragon Run is an isolated, naturally wild swampland that forms the headwaters of the Piankatank River on the Middle Peninsula. Teta Kain, President of "Friends of Dragon Run", will present a slide show on its nature trail and ecology. New members and first time visitors are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early for a brief informal orientation and a chance to meet one or more of the Club's Board members. Remember: bring a canned good for the food pantry.

January 21 (Wednesday) Bryan Park, City of Richmond ........................................D/4

A circuit hike within the Park with a short side trip to Henrico's Spring Park in Lakeside. Total distance of about three miles. Meet at Shelter 3 in Bryan Park at 10:00 a.m. Entrance to the Park is from Lakeside Ave. just north of I-95 (Exit 80). Bring water.

January 21 (Wednesday) 7PM: Field Guide Series: Snakes ………………..N/A

Join Herpetologist, Joseph C. Mitchell, PhD, to spend an evening reviewing visual recognition of the snakes of our region. We will meet at 7PM at the Science Museum of Virginia. Moderate fee for evening lecture.

January 24 (Saturday) AT Hike #6 Hawksbill Gap to Thornton Gap …................A/2

This is the sixth in a series of eight hikes on the AT through Shenandoah National Park

January 28 (Wednesday) 7PM: Field Guide Series: Plants: Part 1 N/A

Join Diane Dunaway, Program Administrator, Tree Inventory and Planting Programs, Urban Forestry Division, to spend an evening making sense of the "Green Tunnel." We will begin by reviewing principles of botany: woody, herbaceous, annual, perennial, grass, flower, etc. Our goal is to learn the tools to begin our field studies. Meet at the Science Museum of Virginia. Moderate fee for evening lecture.

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FEBRUARY HIKES

February 3 (Tuesday) Board Meeting 7:30PM

We’re back to Mac’s. (His wife makes good cookies!) Come join us and see how your club is run. Directions?? Call Mac Taylor 264-1255.

February 4 (Wednesday) Deep Run Park, Henrico County .....................................D/4

A three mile circuit hike within the Park. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the first parking lot (near the Lake). Entrance to the Park is from Ridgefield Parkway about 1/4 mile west of Gaskins Road. Take I64 to Exit 180 South (Gaskins Road); turn R on Ridgefield Parkway. Bring water although some may be available in the Park.

February 4 (Wednesday) 7PM: Field Guide Series: Trees: Part 1 N/A

Join, Diane Dunaway, Program Administrator, Tree Inventory and Planting Programs, Urban Forestry Division, to spend an evening in review of the trees and woody plants, conifer versus broad leafed, branching patterns, leaf structure, etc. Our goal is to learn the tools to begin our field studies. We will meet at 7PM at the Science Museum of Virginia. Moderate fee for evening lecture.

February 7 (Saturday) AT Hike #7 Thornton Gap to Gravel Springs Gap ............A/2

This is the seventh in a series of eight hikes on the AT through Shenandoah National Park

February 11 (Wednesday) 7PM: Field Guide Series: Birds of Central Virginia N/A

Join John Coe, Educational Director, Richmond Audubon Society, to spend an evening reviewing visual and auditory recognition of 10 common birds of the Richmond area. We will meet at 7PM at the Science Museum of Virginia. Moderate fee for evening lecture.

February 14 (Saturday) Henricus Park hike…….

Bring your sweetheart and join us for this Valentine's Day stroll around Henricus Park in Chesterfield County (5-6 miles). We may even learn a little history!

February 18 (Wednesday) Rockwood Park, Chesterfield Park ...............................D/4

At least three and a  half miles by combining several of the Park trails. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Nature Center. The Park is off Courthouse Road just a short distance north of Hull St. Road (US 360). Bring water.

February 18 (Wednesday) 7PM: Field Guide Series: Birds of the Shenandoah N/A

Join John Coe, Educational Director, Richmond Audubon Society, to spend an evening reviewing visual and auditory recognition of 10 common birds of the mountains of Virginia. We will meet at 7PM at the Science Museum of Virginia. Moderate fee for evening lecture.

February 21 (Saturday) AT Hike #8 Gravel Springs Gap to Front Royal ..............A/2

This is the last of a series of eight hikes on the AT through Shenandoah National Park

February 21 (Saturday) Work Trip ...........................................................................N/A

Maybe we’ll go to the mountains and maybe we won’t, so please call. Bring work gloves, lunch and water.

February 25 (Wednesday) 7PM: Field Guide Series: Mammals: Part 1/Tracks and Signs N/A

Join Hub Knott, Naturalist and co-director/founder of The Living Earth School in Charlottesville, to spend an evening reviewing concepts of tracking and signs of common mammals of the mountains of Virginia. We will meet at 7PM at the Science Museum of Virginia. Moderate fee for evening lecture.

February 27-29 (Friday-Sunday) Bears Den/Harpers Ferry Outing .......................C/3

Participants will leave on Friday and stay at the Bears Den Hostel. This year we have two options on Saturday. One is going to Harpers Ferry, visiting the Appalachian Trail Conference HQ and climbing Maryland Heights. The second option is a tour of Antietam Battlefield led by ODATC Civil War/War Between The States expert, Jay Fox. Before returning home Sunday, there will be hikes from three to six miles on the A.T. with location depending on the weather.  For about $50, participants will get 2 nights lodging and 3 meals. Reservations and down payments of $25 each must be received no later than January 27. Make checks payable to Henry V. Harman and mail to 3909 Hill Monument Parkway, Richmond, VA 23227-3907. Note: this year's outing is TWO weeks after the Presidential weekend.

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Upcoming Events

Due to the popularity of the Shenandoah National Park AT hike series, Matt Powell will be continuing the trek north with a series of hikes to the Maryland border. Look for details in the March/April Walker.

March 6 (Saturday) Appomattox River canoe trip.

This trip is not for beginners. Participation will require intermediate level paddling skills and appropriate cold weather gear (wetsuit or drysuit). Rapids are rated Class I-III. Co-sponsored by Coastal Canoeists.

April 30-May 2: Weekend at False Cape State Park: Wash Woods EEC Lodge and Hiking…………….. C2-D4

Friday evening Ranger led discussion of flora and fauna; Saturday hiking and observation, and Sunday morning a Ranger led hike to study the eco-system of the park. Group size is limited to 20. Cost $45.00 per person for all fees to include: two nights stay at the lodge, professional instruction, park bus fees and some sundries. BYOB/F. No children or pets, please.

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Basic Day Hiking Checklist

	Backpack
	Water (2 quarts)
	Insect repellent
	Small first-aid kit
	Whistle
	Hat
	Sun block
	Snack or lunch
	Personal Identification
	Prescription medicines
	Special medical information
	Health insurance card
	Emergency contact
	Hiking boots
	Extra socks
	Rain gear
	Trail map
	Toilet paper
	Sunglasses
	Zip-top bags (for trash)
	Optional:  Compass, flashlight/headlamp, pocket knife, waterproof matches or lighter, fire starter, water filter or tablets

SUGGESTED CHECKLIST FOR HIKE/TRIP LEADER

I.  Pre Activity Tips

	As much as possible, judge the participant's ability via phone screening. Consider such things as their most recent hike, experience, physical condition, etc.  You have the authority, and duty, to refuse any participant that may harm themselves or others.
	Remind hikers to wear proper clothing, bring food/water and necessary equipment.
	Be familiar with the trails, trail head location and have a planned lunch site.
	Prepare to carry appropriate maps, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, knife, and compass.
	Consider adjusting or canceling the activity during inclement weather and/or unsafe driving conditions.  Call destination to ensure availability.

II.  At the Meeting Place

	Examine clothing, equipment, footwear, food, and water of participants. Again, you have the authority to refuse any participant.
	Have a list of all the participants’ names with their emergency phone numbers.  If possible, this list should be left with someone who knows the details of the hike.
	If possible, provide all drivers with written instructions to the trailhead in case of travel separation.
	Maximize car-pooling and remind everyone to share expenses with the driver (for most trips, $5.00/person is reasonable to cover gasoline costs, auto wear-and-tear, and the nuisance of driving).
	Inform participants of planned comfort and snack/meal stops both to and from the destination.
	Try to assign a co-leader and go over their duties.
	Have everyone introduce him or herself.

III.  At the Trail Head

	Assign a leader and a sweep (the designated last person throughout the entire hike) and inform the group of their responsibilities.
	Remind those that might hike ahead to always wait for the entire group at any trail crossing/intersection.
	Inform hikers to leave their packs in the middle of the trail anytime they leave the path (i.e., pit stop) so that the sweep will know to wait for them.
	Remind participants to practice low impact hiking (packing out everything, staying on the trail, minimal noise, etc.).

IV.  During the Hike

	If a problem occurs, keep the group calm and under control.
	Never leave a tired, sick, or injured person alone.
	If someone becomes lost - 3 whistle blasts by a lost hiker and two blasts by a searcher.

V.  The Return Trip

	Again, remind everyone to contribute funds to their driver.
	Ensure that all drivers have started their cars (including yours!) and are able to safely exit.

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