A Fond Farewell

(Photo: Merlot)

Don't be dismayed at goodbyes.

  A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.  

And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.

  ~Richard Bach

Maintainers on the AT come and go as circumstances change and time marches on, but the friendships made hiking and working together on the trail often carry over into non-trail life and tend to last, come what may. This has certainly happened with Greg & Claudia H. over the last years, so it is with some sadness we say farewell to them as they leave Virginia for a new home and adventures west of the Mississippi.

Greg and Claudia have made significant contributions to the AT and the maintaining club (ODATC). Both co-maintained a section for years, first on Sec. 8 (Wintergreen) which, at the time, was the longest section at 2.6 miles on the Rockfish to Reeds AT section. Eventually, they traded in Sec 8 for Sec 6 and only recently resigned as section maintainers, due to their impending move. In addition to section maintaining and participating on club work trips, they have also been active on the club board, with each serving a separate term as Treasurer and Claudia serving as the Programs chair for a term. Greg was instrumental in getting the club's website (powered by Wild Apricot) up and running, an important contribution because this gave the club online activities and membership management capabilities.

We will greatly miss Greg and Claudia for many reasons, but especially for their warmth, hospitality and the unfailing support they gave to their friends, both on and off the trail.  We wish them safe travels and happy trails, wherever their new western adventures may lead them ..... and we'll stay in touch.  ~ Merlot