AT Museum Volunteer Newsletter - Volume 2, Issue 11

Volume 2, Issue 11 - September, 2015
brought to you by Joe Harold, Appalachian Trail Museum Manager

There is a little crispy nip in the air lately.  Fall is not too far away.  As I head "Down East" to Maine for the Trail's End Festival, I hope to squeeze in some trail time and maybe see a moose or two.  The season is winding down, but there are still so many things happening in the next couple of months.  The building is now "climate controlled" and hopefully ready for the upcoming winter.  But before that, we still have our last two months of visitors to welcome.

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Annual Volunteer Recognition Event

We have set the date for this year's Volunteer Recognition Event and moved the time to earlier in the day.  This year we will come together at the Ironmasters Mansion on Sunday, November 15th, 2015 at 1:00 pm.  All those who have contributed their time this year are invited and encouraged to attend as we have a delicious potluck dinner, tell some good stories and show our thanks for your dedication to the AT Museum.  

Ironmasters Mansion

We have moved up the time to accommodate those who don't want to drive after dark and those who have to travel far to attend.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the Museum, especially as a Docent/Greeter are welcome to join us to meet the other volunteers and find out more about volunteering at the Museum.  I will be sending out a flyer soon and will be setting up the VolunteerSpot event so we can organize the food and drink items.  
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"Trail Magic" Documentary About Grandma Gatewood

Last year, Peter Huston and his crew came through the Museum and filmed a bit while making their documentary about Grandma Gatewood called "Trail Magic".  That film is now complete and ready for an interested audience.  

From the little bits that I have seen, it looks to be very interesting and features one of the Museum's early exhibits and one of our Hall of Fame inductees, Emma Gatewood.  

Grandma Gatewood Exhibit at Museum

We are working on having a screening in this area and I will let everyone know when I have firm details.  Everyone should try to see this great, informative, documentary.

UPDATE: Peter's program will be Saturday Oct. 10 from 3 to 5 at The Gathering. It will be our 16th A.T. Museum Symposium at the Gathering. Peter will also be showing the film as part of the Longwood Gardens Big Read of Ben Montgomery's book in the spring.
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Appalachian Trail Trivia

Check out this article and see how many of these little tidbits of information you already know.  They can always come in handy when you are talking to our visitors.

You can check it out here.

(I thought there 289 shelters, but I could be wrong)
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ALDHA Gathering - A Local Event Once Again

The Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA) is once again holding its annual event know as The Gathering at Shippensburg University.  This will be the 34th year of holding the event where hikers of all kinds come together to talk about their adventures and learn what is new on the many long distance trails that we all hike.  

Acorn, Poppins and Ketchup - Hikers from the Class of 2013
(Ron Tipton and Kip Redick seated)

The event starts on Friday, October 9th, and things happen through the 12th.  It is quite an experience.  There will be workshops and presentations, a Hiker Fair, apple contest and the Feature Presenter is Cam "Swami" Honan who is an amazing hiker who has logged over 55,000 miles on numerous trails throughout the world.  

Registration for the event is only $20 and of course benefits the trail.  It would be great to see all you great people who volunteer at the museum at the event.  

You can find out more about The Gathering Here.
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New, Updated AT Museum Website

If you haven't already checked it out, point your browser to www.atmuseum.org and check out our new, updated website.  Alan Strackeljahn, Jim Foster and myself dedicated quite a few hours moving all of the content to the new host and giving the interface an upgrade.  The new site will also have a new feature of an Online Store.  I still have a lot of work to do to make the store the way I want it, but it is up and running and my one man shipping department (me) is standing ready to take your orders. 

Along with the the Special Features, which are now called the Online Museum, we now have a calendar that will show all the happenings at the museum and around the area and also a blog like News feed where we hope to keep everyone up-to-date on the interesting things that happen at the museum in between these newsletters.  

Check it out.

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Things Coming Down the Trail

September 18th to 20th, 2015 - Trail's End Festival - Millinocket, ME

September 18th, 2015 - Road Scholar Hike

October 9th to 11th, 2015 - ALDHA Gathering - Shippensburg, PA

October 12th, 2015 - Road Scholar Hike

November 1st, 2015 - AT Museum closes for the 2015 season

November 2nd, 2015 - Last Road Scholar Hike of the season

November 15th, 2015 - 1:00 pm - Volunteer Recognition Event

I haven't taken a lot of pictures around the museum this month, but I leave you with this crackling fire in the newly build fire pit as dusk settles around the museum.

AT Museum Volunteer Newsletter - Volume 2, Issue 10

Volume 2, Issue 10 - August, 2015
brought to you by Joe Harold, Appalachian Trail Museum Manager

I haven't been to the museum in over two weeks and I really miss it.  My vacation to New York and New Jersey went great.  I got to see some really beautiful country up in the Adirondack Mountains and even get a nice hike in, climbing DeBar Mountain.

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Excavation for the Ramp

Ever since the ramp started getting built, we have been trying to figure out how to get the rain water that falls abundantly in the valley to not seep into our beautiful Grist Mill, but to flow around it and continue its journey to Mountain Creek and beyond without taking a trip through the utility side of the basement or more importantly, our new, developing Children's section.  Jack Adams, leader of the ramp building crew, helped us out some with some digging, soil movement and drainage installment last week.  

Where the ramp will come in

PhysEd moves the dirt to its new home

We had one major rain incident this summer, that brought in some water along with sand through the north walls of the building.  Although, the water wash hasn't repeated itself since that one time, even though we have had several heavy downpours, we are still concerned that exhibits we install down there may be damaged by a possible repeat flooding.  

Pipe to help drain the water around the building

Buried pipe

This excavating is part of the project.  We are hoping that these steps, along with others will keep the water out of the basement and our exhibits safe.

Jack inspects the work

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A Children's Bookcase

Linda Patton, one of the Museum's benefactors, has donated over twenty books to start our new Book Nook area that will be in the corner of the basement Children's Area.  The selections have been coming in over the last week or so and the titles are very interesting and inspiring for our future young visitors.  

A nice selection

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PayPal Comes to the Docent Desk

I know everyone loves using the Tablet software to run the sales of the Museum Gift Shop, but we also find ourselves hating the software every once and a while.  The current program we use has definitely been a boon for the Museum and has helped to increase our retail sales and thus bringing in much needed funds for the Museum Renovations, but sometimes it can be a little temperamental.

I have been looking into finding an easier program to help with recording our sales and I have found it in the PayPal Here Application.  The good thing about this program is that it is directly connected to the Museum's PayPal account and the funds flow is easier to track and report on for transfer into our other business software.  

I have found that this application works so much better than our current one.  Not as sensitive and easier to find things, delete any miscues if the do happen and complete the sale.  For the tech types you can even have a visitor basically check themselves out using their phone and PayPal account.  I truly geeked out on that function.  

So, I will be playing with it the rest of the season and seeing how it works before we commit and anyone who whats to help with the "beta" test, is welcome to start using it during their next shift.  
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Boy Scouts about the Museum Grounds

Anyone volunteering or visiting the Museum lately might have seen a crew of young men working around the stone fire pit down the hill from the Museum.  This is Ali and his crew.

The job started

Ali is a Boy Scout from Shippensburg going for Eagle, who needed a project to do and we are happy to welcome him to the museum as he rebuilds the fire pit and constructs some tables for the nice shady area around the pit.  

Keyhole shaped fire pit, with a cooking area

If you see him and his crew down there, stop by to ask him questions about his project and see how it is going.  

Progress continues

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Things Coming Down the Trail

August 16th, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - Wild Edibles

August 22nd, 2015 - 10:00 am - Basement Committee Meeting

August 23rd, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - Senior Citizen Thru Hike Story

September 7th, 2015 - Road Scholar Hike

September 18th to 20th, 2015 - Trail's End Festival - Millinocket, ME

September 18th, 2015 - Road Scholar Hike

October 9th to 11th, 2015 - ALDHA Gathering - Shippensburg, PA
October 12th, 2015 - Road Scholar Hike
November 1st, 2015 - AT Museum closes for the 2015 season
November 2nd, 2015 - Last Road Scholar Hike of the season
November ?, 2015 - Volunteer Recognition Dinner

Take care,

EarthTone

AT Museum Volunteer Newsletter - Volume 2, Issue 9

Volume 2, Issue 9 - July, 2015
brought to you by Joe Harold, Appalachian Trail Museum Manager

Most of the Northbound hikers have come through the park and the bubbles are starting to get smaller.  Next week, we scale our hours back some and will only have one shift a day.  The park is still very busy during this time, so we look forward to many visitors coming through the Museum and seeing its wonderful exhibits.

Even with an overcast sky and rain threatening,
the Museum is always a welcoming place to be

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History Runs by the Museum

Docent Story: Submitted by Lorrie Preston

Little did I know when I showed up for my shift at the A.T. Museum on Thursday afternoon, June 18th, that a little bit of trail history was about to descend on us that day.  While morning docent Jennifer Wright and I visited and prepared to switch shifts, a middle-aged couple arrived at the museum on their way home to Maine from Florida, and reported that they were there to watch for the arrival of 41 year old Scott Jurek, a super athlete and ultra-marathoner, currently on the Appalachian Trail with the goal of beating Jennifer Pharr Davis' previous trail completion record of 46 days, 11 hours, and 20 minutes, set in 2011.

Support Van

I hadn't heard about this endeavor, but these folks filled us in on the details.  Their son is a serious trail runner from York, PA, who has been closely following Scott's progress on the trail since Scott started at Springer Mountain on May 27th, just 22 days prior.  The whole family is now engrossed in following Scott's progress via Facebook, and they are rooting for him all the way - hoping to be at Katahdin in their home state when Scott achieves his goal.  Their son was on his way to Pine Grove Furnace Thursday after work, in hopes of meeting Scott in person.  He had hoped to run some of the trail with Scott, but an injury would prevent that from happening this time.  The parents spoke highly of Scott, his sincerity, his capability, his strength and endurance, and they said he was a world class athlete - one of the top runners in the USA - winner of many prestigious running awards, but a very down-to-earth and genuine guy.  He is also author of the book "Eat and Run" and a vegan chef for the purpose of enhancing athletic strength and health.  He had started on the trail Thursday morning at Penn Mar and was on his way north - running 50 miles and sometimes more each day on the A.T.  No one knew exactly how long it would take him to get to Pine Grove, but they would wait for him to arrive and see history in the making, despite the threat of rain.   

Scott and his following

Docent Jennifer Wright decided to hike south on the trail in hopes of seeing Scott as he was coming north.  I continued to staff the museum, looking out the door frequently so I didn't miss any of the excitement.  Throughout the day, more people showed up in anticipation of Scott Jurek's arrival at Pine Grove Furnace State Park.  Around 2:30, a radiant, energetic young woman with long, dark hair came into the museum during a lull in visitors and signed in to the visitor's log as Jenny Jurek - trail name "Raven."  I asked her if she was a hiker and she indicated that her husband was running the trail.  It didn't take me long to figure out that this was Scott Jurek's wife, providing the support he needs in order to succeed in his record-setting endeavor!  I was honored to have her there and we had a great visit.  I learned that they are from Boulder, CO. and that he had suffered an injury early on his A.T. challenge, but he had healed up and was back on track.  I especially enjoyed studying the strip map of the A.T. with her - discussing the terrain to come and the terrain he had already accomplished.  Jenny wasn't quite sure when Scott would arrive at the park.  She had last seen him at the A.T. halfway sign.  She bought an A.T. Museum Halfway patch as their souvenir and had a good look around the museum before she left.

Scott poses with Docent Jen Wright

In the meantime, a brief drenching downpour arrived, and shortly thereafter, a very soggy Jennifer Wright returned from her hike.  She had not run into Scott on the trail, but word was traveling on the trail and we expected him to arrive soon.  At about 3:50 pm, Scott Jurek arrived at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, running with a small handful of fans he had picked up along the way.  There were about 15 people waiting his arrival at the park and all gave a cheer of support.  There was a lot of excitement at the park.  Thankfully, there were no visitors in the museum at the time, so I was able to go out to be part of what was happening.  Scott ran right over to their support van in the PGF State Park store parking lot - a very modern black van painted up with the names and logos of their supporting companies.  Painted on the door of the van were the words "Scott Jurek - Eat and Run."  Jenny was waiting there with nourishment and support.  His awed fans stood back while he had a few minutes of refreshment and recuperation.  In a short time, he came around the van and started walking on the trail toward the museum, very amiably taking a few minutes for several photos with his fans.  I was out there with my cell phone camera - hoping to get a decent shot or two for the museum.  Jenny wanted to get their photo taken in front of the museum, so many cameras were clicking as they posed by the old halfway sign out front.  Scott apologetically said that he couldn't take the time to visit the museum that day, but his wife had told him how nice it is and he promised to come back to visit the interior the next time he is in our area. 

Scott at Museum

With that, Scott got back on the trail and continued his journey, Jenny at his side for a few minutes and accompanied briefly by his excited fans and supporters, and still eating his dinner from a paper bowl.  His goal that day was to make it to Boiling Springs where he would spend the night in the support van.  (Penn Mar to Boiling Springs in a day!)  He seemed truly to be a personable and friendly guy and he picked up a few more fans that day who hope he succeeds in his goal! 

Half way there.  Eat and Run Scott!

Update:  Scott completed his traverse on Sunday, July 12th, beating Jennifer Pharr Davis' record by three hours.  Congratulations Scott!

To learn more about Scott Jurek and his amazing endeavor, you can visit:
Scott Jurek Completes Appalachian Trail Run in Record (video)
Runners World Article
Scott's Blog
Scott's Wiki

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Volunteer Picnic is Getting Close

Saturday, July 25, 12 PM at Pine Grove State Park, the Brickyard Pavilion

Bring a dish to share. Sign up on "Volunteer Spot" 

The Picnic and its needs are coming together nicely.  Most if not all of the required items have been signed up for and it looks like we will be seeing a couple of new faces in the crowd.  I hope to see as many of you as possible who give their time to the Museum and look forward to talking to new, interested volunteers.

This gathering is not a replacement for our End of Season Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, but rather an opportunity to get to know the other docents.

Who is invited?

Docents and their family, museum volunteers and anyone interesting in becoming a docent. If you know of someone who is interested in becoming a docent, bring them along. We are always on the lookout for additional help.

Hope to see you on the 25^th.                                   

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Festivals, Picnics and Summer Storms

The last month has been full of festivals, picnics and the usual summer storm.  Here is a quick update on some of them.

On June 20th, Waynesboro, PA had its first Hiker Festival in Red Run Park.  There were many vendors with food and interesting things for sale and plenty of musical entertainment.  I attended to represent the Museum and got to talk to many of the hikers that had been brought in from the nearby trail crossing of Rt. 16 by the numerous volunteers.  It was a very good time and Waynesboro is doing everything right as one of our newest AT Trail Towns.

Hikers compete in a pie eating contest at Waynesboro Festival

Our annual Hiker Picnic in cooperation with PATC was another success.  We had at least a dozen hikers enjoy our food and everyone in attendance had plenty to eat.  I got to hear a few interesting stories from the hikers as they make their way along the trail to their final destination of a mountain far away.

The usual summer storms are running through the valley as they always do, but we had a doozy right around the Summer Solstice.  I was at the museum when an unusual storm came over Piney Mountain from the South.  It seemed an inch of rain was falling every minute and the power eventually went out for the night.  The next day as we were preparing for Howard's Canoe Presentation, I opened the basement door and was greeted with this:

Mess

I was able to clean it up with a hose and broom, but we are now worried that this could happen again and have had some experts come in to advise us on how to prevent it in the future.  On a good note, we have had numerous heavy storms since that event, without a recurrence of the flooding.  I'm hoping it was a fluke, but we will continue to go forward with ensuring this doesn't happen again, especially after we get our amazing new exhibits installed for the children's area.  
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43 Years of AT Hiking

On Monday, July 6th, we had the pleasure of hosting a special Program presentation by Trail Legend Warren Doyle.  Warren is traversing the trail one more time with his group officially known as the Doyle Expedition (I overheard a hiker refer to them as Doilies.  I really like that term and have been using it since.  They don't seem to mind)

Warren talked about his 43 year love affair with the trail and how he has managed to walk the trail 16 times for something over 34,000 miles.  

Warren Doyle Speaks

Afterward, I invited him and anyone attending the presentation up to the Ironmasters Mansion for an encore screening of the wonderful Chris "Frost" Galloway movie, The Long Start to the Journey, which had been our Sunday Public Program the day before.  Warren has been a strong supporter of Frost from the beginning and he hadn't seen the movie yet.

For me, it was good to meet in person one of the people I hear about all the time when talking trail.  Thanks, Dr Doyle for giving us the pleasure of being one of your stops along your 17th traverse of the trail.  
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July 4th Flag Renewal

As the sun moves west each day, it beats mercilessly on the front of our building and on the flag that is hanging in the upper door.  This of course, causes some fading of the fabric of the flag.  Georgia "TGIF" Freet has provided a new flag for the second year in a row and delivered it just before our Country's annual July 4th celebration.  It sure looks good. Thanks TGIF for making the face of the Old Mill look as great as your flower gardens along the path.

A bright new flag

The view from inside near my "office"

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Things Coming Down the Trail

July 17th to 24th, 2015 - ATC Biennial - Winchester, VA
July 19th, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - The Gentle Art of Wandering
July 20th, 2015 - Biennial Excursion to the Museum and Park
July 25th, 2015 - 12:00 pm - Volunteer Picnic (at the Brickyard Pavilion)
July 26th, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - Richard Judy, Author of THRU
August 2nd, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - Water Races of Pine Grove Furnace
August 9th, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - Backpacking with a Dog
August 16th, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - Wild Edibles
August 23rd, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - Senior Citizen Thru Hike Story

Take care,
EarthTone

AT Museum Volunteer Newsletter - Volume 2, Issue 8

Volume 2, Issue 8 - June, 2015
brought to you by Joe Harold, Appalachian Trail Museum Manager

After a very busy AT Hall of Fame weekend, we now head quickly into Summer.  The days already are very warm and that evening thunderstorm picks our valley to run through every so often.  

We have entered the peak of northbound thru hiker season, with many getting a chance to visit the museum as they head along the trail on their quest for The Greatest Mountain. 

A "Festival" Atmosphere

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Summer is a time for Picnics

It seems that we have entered our "Picnic" season.  The Festival picnic was a success, with plenty of food for all who attended.  We had at least 50 people move down the food table and there was still some left over at the end of the day.

Our next picnic will be part of our Sunday Public Programs and will take place on Sunday, June 28th.  With PATC's help, we will cook some more burgers and dogs for any hiker or visitor who cares to join in.  Hopefully the hikers we feed will have some stories to tell.  Please consider being a part of this picnic.  Covered dishes (salads, desserts, cookies, chips, etc) are needed and requested.  Sign up on "Volunteer Spot"

In July we are trying something a little new.  Ron and Carol Bungay recommended having a summer picnic for all volunteers, so we can get to know each other and have taken the lead in the planning.  

Here is the information for this picnic scheduled for July 25th at the Brickyard Pavilion:

Wouldn’t it be nice to get to know the other docents?  Well, mark your calendar...

First AT Museum Volunteer Picnic-

Saturday, July 25, 12 PM at Pine Grove State Park, the Brickyard Pavilion

Bring a dish to share. Sign up on "Volunteer Spot" 

I will supply hot dogs and charcoal, so if you want to cook something, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Our fearless leader Joe will help organize the menu, so sign up on the volunteer website.

This gathering is not a replacement for our End of Season Docent Appreciation Dinner, but rather an opportunity to get to know the other docents

Who is invited?

Inviting docents and their family, museum volunteers and anyone interesting in becoming a docent. If you know of someone who is interested in becoming a docent, bring them along. We are always on the lookout for additional help.

Hope to see you on the 25^th.                                   

Ron and Carol Bungay

Questions, feel free to email or call: ronbungay@verizon.net  410 627 6367

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Renovations and Programs

Progress continues with the basement renovation.  The colorful paint has been going down on the floor and before long the exhibit will start to take shape.  

The "Appalachian Trail" takes form

Lorrie Preston presents her program Virginia is For- EVER

In the mean time, we have found that the basement left side is very convenient for our Sunday Public Programs that need audio/visual support.  We have presented three programs in the basement so far and not only is it a great space to present, but it lets us showcase the basement and our plans for the children's exhibits.  

A Yellow Trail is Added

Managers past and present

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2015 Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Banquet Honors Trail Legends

GARDNERS, PA. – The fifth annual Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Banquet was held Friday evening, June 5 at the Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania.  
The highlight of the gala was the induction of the 2015 class of the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame.  The honorees were: Nestell K. "Ned" Anderson of Sherman, Connecticut; Margaret C. Drummond of Atlanta, Georgia, Stanley A. Murray of Kingsport, Tennessee and Raymond H. Torrey of New York City, New York.  Complete details on the 2015 class are available at the Museum’s website: www.atmuseum.org

2015 Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame honorees and representatives.  Clockwise, from top left, Bill O'Brien, representing Ned Anderson; Bill Torrey, representing Raymond Torrey; Judy Murray, representing Stan Murray; and Bob Almand, representing Margaret Drummond.
Photo courtesy Dan Innamorato

The Museum gave two additional awards. Nan Reisinger a/k/a "Drag'n Fly" was honored for her record breaking A.T. thru-hike, as the oldest woman to complete the trail in one year.  Chuck Wood a/k/a "Woodchuck" was honored for his many years of service to the Museum and other trail organizations.

The emcee of the Banquet was Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR).  Randy “Windtalker” Motz entertained during the reception,  performing his unique contemporary style of Native American flute music described as “Native Soundscapes”, accompanied by beautiful photos of the Appalachian Trail.  Ronald J. Tipton, Executive Director and CEO of Appalachian Trail Conservancy, delivered remarks prior to the induction.  The Hall of Fame weekend continued with a festival on Saturday, June 6, National Trails Day at the Museum's home in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. 
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A Festival of Delights

Saturday dawned with a slight threat of rain, but other than a few sprinkles, we had a perfect day.  With vendors spread out on the Museum grounds and wonderful music provided by Windtalker and Folksinger, the day seems perfect, once I settled down with most things in place.  I was running around a lot early in the day, but it was all worth it.

We had about 10 hikers participate in the morning hike to Wood Chuck's Half-way sign and even though the Hiker Reunion part of the day didn't pan out very well, the guest artist didn't show and there were no kids around to run Mary's Mini Thru Hike,  all in all, it was a good day.  

Randy "Windtalker" Motz

Visitors

Duffy, Jay and Noel at the ALDHA Tent

Some of our vendors - Kym and Erica from "Inspired by Nature Jewelry" and Ginger from "Rustic Charms"

Vendor, Alison from "Damsels in Defense"

Leonard Adkins presented a wonderful program in the basement on the history of the trail in WV, MD and PA.  Leonard has some wonderful books about the trail, that we hope to carry at the museum soon.  

Georgia "Mom" Harris and
Leonard "Habitual Hiker" Adkins
sell their wares

Morgan "Folksinger" Evans

Hiker, "Sublime" rests near the ALDHA tent

Jim Samples, Howard Davis and Larry Luxenberg discuss important things

Drag'N Fly and Freckles hiked in from the trail and set up a "camp" down by the fire pit.

Music tent, Hiker camp, ALDHA tent

The cookout later in the day fed over 50 people and the campfire over at the Group campground was the perfect way to end the day.    

Cookout

Campfire

Group A Campground

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Special Program Addition

Some of you may recognize the name Warren Doyle.  Dr Doyle is in the midst of his 17th traverse of the trail along with a group that he has prepared for the journey.  

Warren will stop by the Museum on July 6th at 7:00 pm to discuss his love affair with the trail.  He promises his presentation will be inspiring, educational and provocative with ample time to answer your questions.  

If you are interested in hearing from one of our "people of the trail", come to the Museum at 7 pm on July 6th and prepare to be enthralled.  

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Docent Story: We Serve the Hikers

A few days ago, I had a wonderful conversation with on of my treasured Docents.  Georgia "TGIF" Freet, who serves most Fridays during the summer, related this story to me from her latest shift.  The story effected me in such a positive way, I had to share it with you all, with her permission.  

TGIF's usual co-worker couldn't make the shift, so she served alone.  While she greeted the visitors and hikers to the museum, she noticed one Thru Hiker (her trail name might be Apple Cider), who was hanging out in the Hiker Lounge.  As she talked to this girl, she found that she was in turmoil.  She had a severe case of Planar Fasciitis and was contemplating ending her hike.  This impending decision was causing her great lamentation as it does for all those who find they have to change their goals and dreams.

Georgia felt all had fallen into place as she offered her advice.  She explained that everyone has hard decisions to make in their lifetime and for this girl, this was one of those times.  She helped her work through her decision and offered her a lot of support and told of her own trials of life and how she coped and rose above them.

Georgia had just recently read one of our new book offerings at the Museum, "A Woman's Journey", by local girl and trail legend, Cindy Ross, and she remembered how Cindy had her own pains and trials to deal with long ago on her hike.  

TGIF grabbed the book off the shelf and turned to page 39 to show this girl how Cindy handled the crisis.  The rest of the day the girl read that book from that page to the end.  After doing this, she knew what she had to do.  She would go off trail to heal and when the time was right, she would come back and finish this quest.  Georgia assured her, that she would finish.  As we always say, the trail will be here for you when you are ready.

I know that Georgia served this girl well on that Friday.  She was the perfect person to help the girl deal with her hike and pains.  Things happen for a reason and you will hear me say time and again that "The Trail Provides".  Georgia is sure that if she had not been serving alone, then she might not have had the time to talk to this girl.  On this day, TGIF was the instrument that the Trail used to Provide what Apple Cider needed that day.  

You Docents are an amazing thing.  You might not realize it, but you ALL do your part in helping the hikers on their way, along with enticing the visitors who aren't hikers (yet) to think about the possibilities.  Most visitors to the museum are affected by the wonderful people who greet them as they come in.  Whether you realize it or not.

Thanks for ALL you do.
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Things Coming Down the Trail

June 21st, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - Historic Wood and Canvas Canoes
June 22nd, 2015 - 9:20 am - Road Scholar Hike
June 28th, 2015 - 12:00 pm - Public Program - Hiker Picnic and Trail Stories (pot luck)
July 5th, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - Movie: "The Long Start to the Journey"
July 6th, 2015 - 7:00 pm - Special Public Program - "My 42 year Love Affair With the Trail" - Warren Doyle
July 12th, 2015 - Public Program - The Craighead Naturalists
July 17th to 24th, 2015 - ATC Biennial - Winchester, VA
July 19th, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - The Gentle Art of Wandering
July 25th, 2015 - Volunteer Picnic (at the Brickyard Pavilion)
July 26th, 2015 - 2:00 pm - Public Program - Richard Judy

Take care,
EarthTone