Konnarock Update (July 26 - 30)

Hi All --


This was a triple crown of maintenance month with three separate events: Konnarock Week 1, July Work Trip and Konnarock Week 2.  Whew...  Konnarock Week 2 was an overwhelming success with the addition of numerous steps, cleaning and maintenance of waterbars and various tread redefinition all on the area just above the steps on the blue blaze trail leading to Humpback Rocks overlook.  If you have a chance to go up there, take a look at all the improvements.  Kurt - you'll be pleased with the work.  Granted, it is a long way to the top, and, there is still more that could be done.

It was another hot weekend, but, not as hot as the first Konnarock session.  The Konnarock Crew worked very hard and were friendly and welcoming.  Thank you to Josh, Susan, Phillip, Michael, Laura, Meena, Ellen, Sherry, Paula and Ryan for all their hard work.  Various ODATC club members joined in on the fun during the week, so thanks to Fran, Mike, Christina (who attended all three July weekends), Barbara, and Ed for all their help. Thanks also to Ridgerunner Regina for stopping by to help.  And what would a Konnarock Saturday night be without the traditional ODATC feast followed by the musical entertainment of the Old Crusty Minstrels?  Thank you to Dave, Jenni and Margaret for a wonderful taco buffet with a selection of salads, a variety of yummy desserts and various beverages.  The eyes lit up when everyone saw all that wonderful food. The big question being, was the Better than Sex Chocolate cake better???  Following dinner, the entertainment of the entire cast of the Old Crusty Minstrels  topped off the perfect evening.  Thank you Mike, Bob and Sue!! 


Now that July is behind us, there are only four more work trips before the end of the year.  Please let me or Fran know before August 15 if you will be able to attend.  This will give time to plan crews.  Also, if you've been out on the trail lately and know of any trees down please let us know.  I have reports of two trees down, one on the section just south of Dripping Rocks and the other on the section just south of Cripple Creek.


Also, section maintainers, we turn in our yearly volunteer hours in October, so, this is a friendly reminder to please be sure to fill out your hours on the Volunteer Hours form below and get it back to me asap.  Hours for those attending monthly work trips are automatically accumulated from sign-in sheets.


More info...for those who have worked with our friend Cyrus at the Presquile Island site of the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, they are putting together a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and are asking for comments by September 7, 2012.  You can view/download the draft plan at: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/presquile/refuge_planning.html.  This site also contains information on how to submit comments.  Your input would be welcome.


Finally, if you're feeling left out on all the exciting events going on, don't forget the Rockfish to Reeds blog, which tracks all of our antics and provides interesting tidbits and insightful information:   http://rockfishtoreeds.blogspot.com/


Our upcoming events are below.  Again, please let me or Fran know by August 15 if you'd like to help out.

Date                           Location                    
Aug. 18, 2012           AT Work Trip
Sept.15, 2012           AT Work Trip
Oct. 20, 2012            AT Work Trip
Nov. 17, 2012           AT Work Trip

I can't thank you all enough .....

Lori