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The Native American translation for Appalachian
is "endless." The Appalachian Trail (AT) is an "endless"
walking path stretching over 2,100 miles from Maine to Georgia.
The AT takes the wanderer through 14 states with a variety of mountain
ranges, climates, plants and animal life in the East. The trail
offers a great place to get away and enjoy nature. People seeking
solace from their busy lives often find it on day hikes, weekend
jaunts, and for the more adventurous…when thru-hiking all 2,160
miles.
We visited a section in southern Pennsylvania, above the Tumbling
Run Shelter in Micheaux State Forest, to join up with the Mid-Atlantic
Appalachian Trail Crew helping repair the trail with the support
of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. It felt great being out on
the trail this mid-October day. The leaves were changing and the
rhythmic sound of pickaxes hitting the ground broke the silence.
By the time we arrived on this early Saturday morning, we found
people hard at work and exchanging stories about past trail experiences.
There was an interesting mix of people, old and young, experienced
hikers or crew members and first-timers; all working towards a common
goal…repair this section of worn out trail.
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A big problem on certain slopes along the trail
is fast moving rainwater eroding away the path. In order to repair
and improve the trail, volunteers set up rocks in a check step
formation. This process slows down water flow and keeps the trail
from being washed away. Hauling all those rocks and digging trenches
seemed like a fairly difficult job; but nobody seemed to mind.
Everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and spirit of teamwork on this
beautiful autumn day and were reminded of why they worked so hard
when a thru-hiker passed by. We took the opportunity to talk with
him about his solo trek south and this meaningful adventure that
will take him about six months to complete.
"Together Everyone Achieves More"
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