While you are snuggled up by the fire (again), waiting out another snow storm, here is something to get you thinking of warmer days and getting on top of a mountain.
Here is a short video with Jamey Donaldson of the Baa-tany Goat Project.
This is the second year of the Baa-tany Goat Project to restore the grassy balds on the Roan Highlands. This is along the Appalachian Trail from Carver’s Gap, at the North Carolina – Tennessee state line to the slope of Grassy Ridge to the east.
Why? Because I see what will be lost in a few short years if nothing is done. Jamey Donaldson is the research biologist in charge of the Baa-tany Goat Project. He presented a pictorial record at one of the Naturalists’ Rallies. You could see and compare the pictures for yourself. Or, if you have hiked the grassy balds over any length of time, you have seen for yourself the ever invasive blackberries growing where there used to be open grassy areas. If you get a chance to see Jamey’s presentation, you will be stunned by how rapid the invasion really is.
So that is why I am interested in helping with the Baa-tany Goat Project. By goat-sitting for a weekend, Jamey got to go off the mountain for a while. I got to camp in the gap between Grassy Bald and Jane Bald. And do a little bit to help restore and preserve these wonders.
Damascus Virginia once again hosted a three day festival of Appalachian Trail experiences.
This is the place to check out the latest in ultra-lite hiking tents and hammocks. All these were displayed along the Appalachian Trail that runs through the park in Damascus.
And there were evening slideshows, thru-hiker talks, music, dancing and sharing AT experiences in general.
Here is Ed Speer of Speer Hammocks discussing hammock camping with some AT hikers. Interested hikers were checking out the many subtle variations of hammock design and accessories.
In addition to hiking equipment vendors, there were hordes of food vendors and craft tents.
Deep fried Oreo cookies anyone?
You need to get your energy boosted for the inter-active parade at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
I don’t know who started it or when, but there is tradition of water balloons and squirt guns from both paraders and parade watchers.
It has usually been hikers in the parade versus the hikers not in the parade in the water-balloon and squirt gun battles.
But the excitement is contagious and cannot be contained. Everyone, fire trucks, beauty queens and classic cars got at least sprinkled while parading through town.
The big battle was the hikers. I mean we are talking about massive roof top ambushes and pint-sized assaults from knee level. I’m glad it was a warm and sunny day on Saturday.
Why take a puny squirt gun for a parade all the way through town. You will empty it in the first block. Then you are just a target like everyone else. Why not take five gallons in a pressurized long-range squirting banjo?
I was given a pair of aluminum, adjustable trekking poles last year. They stayed in the Jeep. Each time I went hiking I would remember them when I was too far along the trail to go back to get them.
This time I remembered them before the hike to top of Roan Mountain in January. Roan Mountain is on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, elevation 6,285 feet.
There had been snow the week before. There had been hikers and cross-country skiers on the Appalachian Trail too. The snow had been packed down and partly melted and refrozen. The result was crushed ice.
Testing the conditions at the trail head I discovered that walking uphill on crushed ice was not easy. Each foot plant was unsure. Each push off was uncertain. It made for some slower than expected going.
This is when I remembered the trekking poles.Trekking poles look similar to ski poles. They have a molded handle with wrist strap at one end and a sharp tip with a basket at the other end. The big difference is that the middle part is adjustable. I found this was really useful.
Compared to the gloves and multiple layers of clothing, the poles hardly weighed anything. These light aluminum poles are feather light. The molded cork grips are a natural fit to my gloved hand.
After some experimenting with the adjustable heights, I was on the trail. Not exactly swiftly but surely.
Each foot was placed steadily and much more confidently. The poles provided a sure balance and helped to check for ice hidden under the snow. I never fell. My foot did slip several times, but my stability was saved by the trekking poles. I never hit the ground.
I can now recommend these light, collapsible poles. They pack easily and they hardly weigh anything. They give excellent aid on the uncertain footing. Maybe I’ll move them to the day pack.
I’m still not convinced that they help take weight off of your feet while you are hiking, like the advertisements say, but when you are on a slippery slope they can sure save you from some painful souvenirs.
It has been too long since I went cross-country skiing on top of Roan Mountain.
