Triumphant, Transcendent, Trailbuilding!

Registration is now open!

2012-02-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

The experiences of working together, learning new skills and backcountry living make an unbeatable combination of fun. No experience is necessary, but you must be 18 years or older. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy provides training, equipment, and room and board. Crews are transported in U.S. Forest Service vehicles from Sugar Grove to a primitive, backcountry tent camp near the project site.

Job Opening!!!

2011-12-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

Want to join the staff of the Konnarock Trail Crew?!

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is looking for staff for the 2012 Konnarock Season. The season goes from late April to mid-August.

Get more info and apply HERE.

Registration for the 2012 Crew Season - Coming Soon!!!

2011-11-22T08:07:00.000-08:00

Are you intersted in being a part of the Konnarock Trail Crew next season?!
Stayed tuned --- registration goes live December 15th!
Sign up for a week or more of digging in the dirt, building rock steps and meeting some great people from all over!

We're looking forward to a new season and hope to see you there!

End of Season Report

2011-09-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

Check out the End of Season report for the 2011 Konnarock Crew season!

Click here to see it

Thanks again to all of the volunteers that came out to be a part of crew this season --- they put in over 7000 hours of work on the Appalachian Trail! We hope to see you again next summer!

Week 10 - Roan Highlands & Flint Gap

2011-08-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

Crew 1 went back to work with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club in the Roan Highlands. They put in several log steps and carried in a lot of gravel to help sustain the tread. They got to hang out with some great club members and even some goats!

Goats grazing the highcountry to help control invasives!

Folks from Tennesse Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club

The Konnarock Crew!

Logs steps and gravel fill

A beautiful place to spend a week working hard!

Crew 2 continued for their third and final week on the Flint Gap to Shelton Graves relocation. They built over 500 feet of new sidehill! The most in a single week on this project this season! Great work! The crew had a lot of fun digging new trail and taking some time to jump in the water to cool off.

Hiking in to the worksite

Cooling off after a long, hot day!

The future Appalachian Trail!

Beautiful moth

The Konnarock kitchen

There's still room for Week 12 - the final week of the season!!! Sign up today and be a part of the Konnarock End of Season Celebration!!!

Week 9 - Dripping Rock & Flint Gap Relocations

2011-08-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

Crew 1 headed to work with the Old Dominion AT Club to work on a short relocation moving the trail away from Wintergreen Resort. They built over 1000 ft of new sidehill, put in a few rock steps and even painted on new white blazes! They hung out with the club and had some fun at Sherando Lake, a beautiful place. Check out their photos...

Crew 2!

Sorting out tools before heading in to work

Sherando Lake

Jeff painting on a white blaze

Look over there!

Crew 2 went out for a second week on the Flint Gap to Shelton Graves relocation project with the Carolina Mountain Club. They continued digging away and completed 588 feet of new trail and put in several log steps. It was another fun, wet week!

Digging sidehill

Morgan from the Asheville office came out to work with the crew!

Yay Konnarock!!

One of our amazing volunteers! This could be you!

We still have spots available for Week 12!!

Home for the week!

Week 8 - Jenkins Rehab & Dripping Rock

2011-07-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Crew 1 spent the week working with the Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers in Bland County on a rehab project on the trail heading towards Jenkins Shelter. They put in 26 log steps and several log waterbars. They also dug over 250ft of drainage ditch to help keep water off the trail.

Digging away!

Hanging out on the new Laurel Creek bridge!

Having a little fun after a hard day of work :)

Some of our wonderful volunteers!

Ready to head out and work for the day!

Crew 2 spent the week working on the Flint Gap to Shelton Graves relocation in North Carolina with the Carolina Mountain Club. They completed over 300 feet of new sidehill and built in several grade dips. They had a very wet week, but still managed to stay in good spirits and still get a lot of work done!

Morning stretches

Trail Crew is a great bonding experience!

Our great Crew Leaders -- don't you want to spend the week with them!?

Who knew getting dirty could be so much fun!

Beautiful flora on the trail

Digging sidehill

Caching tools at the end of the day

Week 7 - Beartown Mountain & New River Relocations

2011-07-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

After a great 2 weeks of rest (or biking across the state of Virginia, if you're Assistant Crew Leader Jeff!), the Konnarock staff headed back to base camp to get ready for the second half of the season. They started back with two great relocation projects.

Crew 1 went to work for their third week on the Beartown Mountain relocation. They focused mainly on digging new sidehill, but came across occasional rock work projects. 16 rocks steps and 275ft of digging later, the crew finished all but 100 ft of the current relocation section. They have 2 more sections to head back to later in the season. They had a chance to soak in the great views on Roan Mountain and enjoy some live local music as well!

Jeff scoping out the rock steps

Great views!!

Yay Konnarock!

Soaking up some great live music

Measuring the length of sidehill built?? Exactly 48 volunteers long!

You never know what Crew 1 is up too...

Patches from the Tennessee Eastman club! Thanks!

Rare Gray's Lily on Roan Mountain - beautiful!

Konnarock tshirt from '08 - some volunteers just can't get enough!

Sidehille digging - you get pretty good at that on crew!

CREW ONE!! What a great week!

Crew two went to work on the New River Relocation just north of Pearisburg. They had some club members from the Outdoor Club of Virginia Tech join them for a day as well. This week, the crew focused on several large scale rock projects in the area. They put in 22 rock steps and placed 58 stepping stones along a very rocky section of sidehill. They transformed a boulder field into a beautiful but still challenging section of trail. They created and placed 25 cubic feet of crush to fill in the gaps between rocks - that's a lot of sledge hammer swinging! They also got the chance to hang out at Woods Hole Hostel for a potluck dinner! Check out some photos from the week:

Crew Leader Josh!

Yumm... pot luck!

Moving rocks

Crew 2!

Look at that trail! Nice work!

Hanging out at the campsite

Beautiful rock steps!

Wednesday evening at base camp - gearing up for the week!

Week 6 - Beartown Mountain & Fontana Lake

2011-07-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

Crew 1 continued work with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club on the Beartown Mountain Relocation. They put in several rock steps and continued digging sidehill. They put in 175 ft of new trail. The crew will be back for 3 more weeks in the second half of the season.

Crew 1! Ca- caw!

Amazing views in the Roan Highlands

Beautiful rhododendron in bloom!

Carvers Gap

Birthday on crew!

Taking a break

Moving big rocks

Evening trip to Mt Mitchell

Crew 2 continued work on the Fontana Lake Relocation. They completed all but 100 ft of the project, building over 420ft of new trail. They also installed 9 rock steps and several grade dips to make sure that water drains off the trail. It was another great week and a good way to finish up the first half of the season!

Digging new trail

Putting in rock steps

BIG trees

Beautiful campsite by the dam

Crew Leader Josh - always having fun!

CREW 2!!!

More rock steps

And more digging...

Week 5 - Humpback Rocks & Fontana Lake

2011-06-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Crew 1 spent the week working with the Old Dominion AT Club on the Humpback Rocks Rehab project. Humpack Rocks picnic area, right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, sees thousands of visitors a year and is heavily impacted. The crew worked to close down some visitor created trails and did some rehab work on the popular blue blaze trail headed up to the A.T. They put in 12 rock steps, several waterbars and some rock cribbing.

Crew 2 worked with the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club on the Fontana Lake Relocation. The new location of the trail will provide hikers with a great view of the lake. The crew put in several rock steps, crib wall and dug nearly 300 feet of new trail. It was a steep slope to build on, but these volunteers really went to work digging trail! Check out some photos below....

Crew 1

Rock work is fun!

New rock steps

Konnarock Trail Crew signs!

Regina the Ridgerunner joins the crew for the day!

Closing off a rec trail

Check out that lovely waterbar!

Hanging out on Humpback Rocks

Crew 2

Diggin new trail

Having too much fun! Is there such thing on Konnarock?!

Putting in a crib wall to help support the trail on a steep slope

Dig that trail!

Beautiful new sidehill

Suspenders... not a required piece of gear, but definitely sweeeet!

This could be you!! Sign up for crew today!

Week 4 - Beartown Mountain & Paint Mountain

2011-06-16T08:02:00.001-07:00

Crew 1 headed down to work with the Tennesse Eastman Hiking Club to begin work on the Beartown Mountain Relocation. The relocation is working to eliminate a very steep, eroded section of trail. The crew put it 10 rock steps and built over 400 feet of trail. They also built several rock crib walls.

Crew 2 worked with the Nantahala Hiking Club and continued on the Paint Mountain Relocation in North Carolina. They built over 950 feet of new side hill trail, completing the relocation. There are just a few blazes to paint and the trail will be ready to hike!

Following the flagline & digging new trail

Konnarock kitchen & field camp

Gearing up for a day of work!

Rhododendron in full bloom!

Ready to carry the tools up for the week

The soon-to-be Appalachian Trail

Digging sidehill trail

Morgan joined the crew for a few days!

Week 3 - Paint Mountain Relocation

2011-06-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

While Crew 1 was spending time down in Georgia, Crew 2 headed off to work on the Paint Mountain Relocation with the Nantahala Hiking Club in North Carolina. They built 1000 ft of new sustainable sidehill trail - finishing up nearly half of the relocation! It was hard work digging through a lot of roots, but they pushed through and built some beautiful trail! Great work!!

Digging sidehill all week long!

Wildlife! Moving a turtle off the trail...

Before the digging begins...

AFTER!

Morning stretches and some evening games

Keep up the great work!

The final product, recovered with leaves to protect the soil

Beautiful view from the hike in to the worksite

Whew... this trail building is hard work!

Great place to setup camp for the week!

More digging...

Crew Leader Kathryn - always keeping everyone in good spirits!

Good times - packed in the van!

Check out more photos from this season's Konnarock Trail Crew on Flickr!

Hope you can join us for a week!

Weeks 2 and 3 -- Lovin' Georgia...

2011-06-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Every year, one of the highlights of the Konnarock Trail Crew season is when they spend 2 weeks in Georgia with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club (GATC). This year, Crew 2 headed down to do rehab work from Bull Gap to Swaim Gap. They put it over 70 rock steps and installed 17 waterbars. They also made quite a bit of crush and fill to help with their projects. On their days off, they explored nearby Georgia and saw some amazing waterfalls and wonderful views! Check out photos from their two weeks of hard work and fun!

Kaley's signed up for 6 weeks of Konnarock this year and loving every minute!

Thanks for all of your hard work!!

Can't get better than a great view from the project site!

Some of the hard working volunteers

Using the sledge to make some crush and fill

Assistant Crew Leader Jeff leading the way

Yum ... dessert!!

Enjoying the view on a day off

Beautiful!

Yea waterfalls!!

Ready for another week of work!

Crushing some more rocks to use on the rock projects

Redefining the tread of the A.T.

Putting in rocks steps

Stopping by Neel Gap

Week 2 - New River Relocation

2011-05-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

Crew 2 headed out to work on the New River Relocation just north of Pearisburg, Virginia. They continued on a 5-mile relocation that will connect back to the existing A.T. just south of Rice Field shelter. The Outdoor Club at Virginia Tech (OCVT) joined the crew for the weekend to help out with this huge project!! And of course they brought some delicious pizzas for the crew too enjoy after a hard week of work. Together, they built over 400 ft of new trail - which is a great amount considering all of the rocky terrain and all of the steps and rockwork involved! Check out some photos from another great week:

Some morning stretches before hiking up to the project site

Digging sidehill

Taking a much needed break!

Lots of rock work this week!

You definitely won't go home hungry after a week of Konnarock!

More rocks!

Beautiful new trail!

Removing some small roots from the soon-to-be trail

Making crush and fill

Spike camp for the week

The Konnarock Kitchen

Crew 1 is in Georgia for weeks 2 and 3 --- check back soon for more photos from their work on the Bull to Swaim Gap rehab project.

Have you been a part of the Konnarock program before?? Post your comments and share stories from your experience on crew!!

Week 1

2011-05-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

And we're off!! Crew season 2011 has officially begun! Our first two Konnarock crews put in a lot of hard work and had a lot of fun! Week 1 was based out of our volunteer basecamp in Sugar Grove, Virginia. Both crews headed out each day to work on the Mount Rogers A.T. Club section of Trail near White Top Mountain. The crews installed 20 rock steps, several waterbars and some rock cribbing. They also made crush and fill ans used stepping stones to help harden wet sections of Trail. The crew had a short break from trail work to visit Trail Days in Damascus. They stood with their banner at the Damascus A.T. Community designation ceremony to show their support for the town and even marched in the hiker parade, hard hats and all! Check out some photos from the great week that kicked off the season....

Crew 1 ready for a day of work!

Putting in waterbars

A whole lot of rock work!

Beautiful flora along the Trail

Rock drill fun!

Crew 2 having tooo much fun!

The crew supporting Damascus as at the A.T. Community designation

Proudly marching in the Trail Days hiker parade! Thanks to Martha for sprucing up that banner!

Splitting spoons

Putting in stepping stones

Cleaning up equipment back at camp

Come join us for a week filled with fun!! REGISTER today!

Staff Training & Project Checks

2011-05-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

Meet our 2011 Trail Crew Staff:

Crew Leaders: Josh Kloehn and Tori Kuehn
Assistant Crew Leaders: Kathyryn Herndon and Jeff Curtis
Camp Coordinator: David Hebert
(Hopefully we can capture a picture of the 5 of them sometime this season!)

While David worked hard to get basecamp ready for the upcoming season, the field staff did some training around camp and then headed off for a whirlwind tour around Southwest Virginia to visit all of the Virginia projects they will be working on this season. They had chainsaw training this past weekend and are headed south to do project checks in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennesse later this week. It's been a busy, but fun preseason! The staff are getting anxious for the first week of volunteers to arrive in Sugar Grove!! Check out a few photos from the past 2 weeks:

Putting in a few new rock steps on the demo trail at basecamp

Splitting some rock for the steps

Enjoying the view from McAfee Knob -- rough job!

Sidehill digging practice on the New River Relocation

Humpack Rocks

You can hang out with the awesome Konnarock staff and visit some of these beautiful places too! Sign up for a week or more of crew! Food, lodging, tools and training provided! Click here to register!

Clean Up Week

2011-04-21T12:21:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all of the great volunteers who came out to help get Base Camp into shape before the 2011 Season begins!

Crew Leader, Josh, checking completed projects off the list

Silvia helping out in the kitchen

Wilbur & Jane changed all of the light bulbs that needed replacing

New stain on the staff pods

Bill filling holes with gravel

Czar (Camp Coordinator) cleaning out the old "toys" in camp ... although I think he kept a few waterguns... so look out!

All of our crew staff have arrived and are out training and looking at the projects for this upcoming season! Check back on the blog in the next few weeks to meet the crew staff and get a preview of what this season has in store!

The weeks are filling up!

2011-04-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

We are almost 50% full for the 2011 Konnarock Season! Have you registered yet?! Trail Crew volunteers are provided with food, transportation, lodging, tools, equipment and the opportunity to have a lot of fun! No experience is necessary, only the willingness to work hard and get dirty. You will meet people of all ages, from all walks of life, from all over the country and around the world! We hope to see YOU on crew this season! Click here to register. If you have any questions feel free to call 540.953.3571 or email crews@appalachiantrail.org.

Gearing up for Konnarock 2011...

2011-02-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Konnarock season is quickly approaching and the staff here at the Southwest and Central Virginia Regional office are getting excited!! Volunteer registration is open the project schedule is now posted on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's website - click here to see it!

So sign up now and tell all of your friends to join you for an amazing week of digging in the dirt and working on the beautiful Appalachian Trail!!

Stay tuned for more updates.....

REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2011 SEASON!!

week 12

2010-08-13T09:29:00.001-07:00

Crew 1 headed out for a third week with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club. This week they continued on a Hardcore relocation project on Beartown Mountain. They put in some rock steps and cribbing and dug over 900 feet of sidehill. They also painted blazes and opened up two new relocations!! What a great week and an awesome way to wrap up the season!

Beautiful flora along the trail!

Picking blueberries!

Lopping roots out of the trail

Digging out stumps

Digging sidehill

The crew watching a beautiful sunset

Crew 2 headed out to Bluff City with the Roanoake AT Club to do some rehab. They put in some rocks steps, waterbars and checksteps. They were also busy making a lot of crush and fill. The amazing folks at Woods Hole Hostel invited the crew over for dinner Friday night and they spent Saturday night at the Corn Boil with RATC. Lots of hard work and lots of great food!!

Using the net to move large rocks

Making crush!

Rock work is fun!

Digging a hole for the waterbar

Sledging some more rock for crush and fill

And that's how they got so many heavy rocks moved!

Digging away!

One waterbar complete!

A few more to go!

What a great crew to end the season with!

Heading out to the worksite

Dismal Falls

Chili con mac.... one of Konnarock's best field meals! Thanks David! :)

The Corn Boil

Woods Hole Hostel

Week 11

2010-08-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

Crew 2 heads to Flint Gap to work a second week on the relocation. The crew toughed out the 2 mile hike in to the worksite and managed to build 900 feet of new trail - thanks to a lot of help from the Carolina Mountain Club! They also stopped by Bristol Motor Speedway for a tour on the way home! It was another great week! Only one more too go....

The crew getting pumped up for the hike into the worksite!

Hanging out by the creek at the beautiful campsite :)

Bristol Motor Speedway

Whew... sure glad we shoot for 10% slopes on the AT!

Crew 1 spends a second week with the folks of Old Dominion AT Club doing Rehab near Paul Wolfe shelter. They installed some stepping stones across a stream crossing, put in 3 rock steps, cleaned out 12 waterbars, built a log boardwalk over a drain ditch and defined 600 feet of trail! Another awesome week for Konnarock!!

Working on the boardwalk

KONNAROCK!!!

The crew and some club members

We like to move big rocks!

Using the griphoist to place stepping stones

Week 10

2010-07-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Crew 1 spent the week working with Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club rehabing Battery Cliffs and the Jack Albright Trail. They put in a few rock steps and some drainage features. The crew spent their evenings off hanging out at Sherando Lake and taking a dip in the Tye River. Another great week with some awesome volunteers!!

Lunch break!

Cleaning out waterbars

Feast put on by the ODATC!! Yum!

Butterflies

Hanging out at a swimming hole

The crew stopped by Rusty's to say hi

Unloading the tools

Making crush

Using the rock bar to move big rocks

Amazing view

Crew 2 travelled down to the Tennessee-North Carolina border to begin work on the Flint Gap to Shelton Graves Relocation. The Carolina Mountain Club brought out the chainsaws and griphoist to clear the way for the crew to start digging. The 2.5 mile hike into the project site was challenging, but it didn't stop this crew from getting a lot of great trail dug. Awesome job crew 2!!

Hanging out at the campsite

In town to check out the Highlands Festival

Bear prints!

Lovely flora along the trail

Club members came out to help clear the corridor

Using a clinometer to measure the slope of the trail

Pickin some greens for dinner!

Yum!

Digging new trail on the relocation

Great view!

Awesome stream near the campsite

Week 9

2010-07-20T12:34:00.001-07:00

Crew 1 travelled towards Bland, Va where they worked on the Jenkins Trail Rehab. This week was unlike any other in Konnarock this season. The crew loaded up at the trailhead, carrying food, tools and gear on their back and began the 5 mile hike in. Thankfully, quite a few club folks and Czar (the renowned camp coordinator) helped take a load up to the campsite. The crew spiked camp in the backcountry for the week near Jenkins Shelter. They put in some log steps and worked on defining the tread in many areas.

Gearing up for the 5 mile hike in!

Lots of beautiful fauna along the trail....

....and visiting camp the campsite :)

Digging the bathroom for the week!

The crew and some club members hanging around camp

Hanging bear bags... yes that is four buckets of chicken up there!

Thanks PATH for hiking it in 5 miles!

Trying to stay dry under the kitchen tarp!

Cooking dinner!

Defining the sidehill tread

Campsite filled with beautiful ferns

Crew 2 continued on work at Bee Cove near Fontana Dam. They had a bit of rain everyday, but that didn't hold them back! This week the crew completed 18 rock steps, over 80 feet of rock cribbing, 7 log steps and 265 feet of tread definition. They camped at the wonderful Fontana Dam campground and had a great, wet week of work!

Digging a hole for the bottom step

Hanging out at Fontana

Putting tools away for the day

Muddy crew!! :)

Preparing for the rock crib wall

Dinner!!

More rock steps

Week 8

2010-07-13T06:22:00.001-07:00

Crew 1 went back to Roan Highlands to continue work on the relocations. They completed over 500 feet of new sidehill, along with 1000 feet of tread definition. They painted on some blazes, completing and opening up one of the new relocations. They spent another beautiful week camped out at Overmountain Shelter. Lucky ducks...

Kickin back in the shelter

Showin off those big muscles responsible for all of the hard work this week!

Doing some dishes in the backcountry kitchen in the barn

Diggin away...

Taking a break along the new trail

View from the shelter

New blaze :)

End of day tool inventory

Crew 2 headed out to the Bee Cove Rehab just south of the Smoky Mountains. The crew enjoyed an awesome campsite just below the Fontana Dam. They put in 11 rock steps, 2 log steps and 28 feet of log cribbing! They also accomplished over 200 feet of tread definition over the week. They'll be back week 9 to continue their work. Check out photos from the week...

Working on the log crib wall

Cutting back the back slope and redigging to make a better hiking surface

Putting in some rock steps

Woo Trail Crew!

Making some crush for the log crib wall

More rock work

The finished crib wall... nice work!

The Konnarock crew season is flying by, but we still have 3 weeks left! It's not to late to sign up!!! This could be YOUR home for a week.....

Weeks 6 & 7

2010-07-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

Crew 2 "hangs" out at Hanging Rock two weeks in a row....

The crew worked hard weeks 6 & 7 and got a lot accomplished, finishing up the Hanging Rock rehab. Along with help from the TATC club, the crew put in 50+ rock steps!! They also installed a few waterbars to help get water of the trail and put in some rock cribbing to help support the tread. They camped at Maupin Field shelter where they had the chance to hang out with a lot of hikers coming through. Overall it was a great couple of weeks!

Working on some tread definition

Proud of their lovely rock steps :)

Resting in a beautiful spot!

The crew putting in a waterbar

Taking off the berm

Lots of big rock moving on this project!

Working on some more steps

Caching the tools for the night

Crew 1 spends week 6 in Roan Highlands then heads off to Bluff City week 7...

Week 6 the crew headed down to Roan with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club where they were working on a set of relocations and dug over 1000 feet of new sidehill! Whew! Great work crew 1!! They camped near Overmountain Shelter where they enjoyed the beautiful view and the company of many other hikers. Week 7 for crew 1 was spent at the Bluff City Relocation just south of Pearisburg. The crew dug 800 feet of sidehill, did some rehab, and put in a rock steps as well. They enjoyed a nice dinner with the folks at Woods Hole Hostel to celebrate the 4th of July!

Tents at Overmountain Shelter

Enjoying some beautiful waterfalls after a hard days work

The crew at the barn

KONNAROCK!!

BEFORE: Pin flags in, ready to dig!

AFTER: fresh new sidehill

Painting blazes on the new relocation

View from camp @ the barn

Week 5

2010-06-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

The crews head back out to continue on their projects at Main Top and Jump Up. Check out some pictures from their fun times and hard work!

Crew 2 @ Main Top

Adding crush and fill to make the hike across the rock face easier and safer

The rockbar installation continues....

Checking out Crabtree falls after a hard day of work!

Lunch break at Spy Rock :)

Crew 2 rocks!!

Crew 1 @ Jump Up

Building some fresh new trail

Locust log cribbing

New sidehill trail... relocation to a more sustainable grade

Mountain laurel

Crew 1 doesn't mess around!

It's always exciting painting a fresh blaze on the new trail!

The Nantahala Hiking Club gave the crew sweet club tshirts!

Back at base camp- cleaning up and drying out gear and tools from the week

Don't miss out on the fun!! Sign up for a Konnarock crew week this season!!!!

Week 4

2010-06-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

CREW 1 STARTED ON THE JUMP UP RELOCATION JUST SOUTH OF THE NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER IN NORTH CAROLINA, WHILE CREW 2 HEADED OUT TO FINISH THE MAIN TOP RELOCATION NEAR SPY ROCK.

Some stats on the work accomplished by our two AWESOME crews this week:

Rock steps: 6

Rock cribbing: 14 cubic feet

Junk cribbing: 20 cubic feet

Log waterbars: 26

Log cribbing: 4 cribs, 35 feet

Sidehill finished: 930ft

Crush & fill: 28 cubic feet

Freshly painted blazes: 30

Check out the photos from all their hard work!!

Crew 2 excited to get to work!

Finishing up the relocation that Konnarock started last season

Painting 30 new white blazes before opening up the new section!

Haning out on Spy Rock

What a view!!

After finishing up the relo, they started building waterbars

Crushing rock is always fun!

The rhododendron is beautiful this time of year!

Home sweet home :)

Hanging out in the kitchen

Thanks to the Koether's for letting us camp at their awesome cabin!!

Come join us!!!

Weeks 2 & 3

2010-05-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

CREW 1 HEADS OFF TO GEORGIA FOR 2 WEEKS FOR SOME RESTORATION ALONG LANCE CREEK.....

Crew 1 spent most of the first week in Georgia helping to restore areas along the creek that had been heavily impacted by camping. They buried some large "iceberg" rocks in the middle of the campsites for prevent further impact and spread grass seed to help encourage new growth over the bare soil. Since they were out for two weeks, the crew spent a couple of days off at the Ranch, resting and eating lots of fresh vegetables from the garden! But they quickly got back to work for a second week building new tent pads and an access trail to the water source. They encountered a bit of rain... but that didn't stop them from getting a lot of work done and of course having a lot of fun in the process!

The "iceberged" rocks made it look a bit like a cemetery...

Using the crosscut to get some nice locust logs for the tent pads

Now that looks like a great campsite!

Sunset from the crew's base camp

I don't even know what's going on here?! But thanks Lester(front row) for the awesome campsite!

CREW 2 SPENDS TWO WEEKS ON THE NEW RIVER RELOCATION OUTSIDE OF PEARISBURG.....

Crew 2 continued on a four year (and counting) project to relocate a 5 mile section of trail just north of Pearisburg. They had a small crew week 1, but still managed to build 500+ feet of new sidehill!! WOW! Week 2 the crew kept chugging away, swinging those digging tools and knocked out another 700 feet of fresh trail. They ran into a few nice rocks projects along the way to give them a break from digging. They had fun spending one rainy evening swimming in the New River and enjoying some delicious Mexican food at a local eatery. Overall a wonderful two weeks with some more great volunteers!!

Clearing trail across the rhododendron filled power line

Building a rock crib wall to save the tree roots!

Taking a much needed break after some hard work!

Week 2 the new crew is back at it... swinging away

Doing an inventory and caching tools for the night

Crew 2 plus some awesome OCVT club members that came out to help!

CHECK OUT THE SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING PROJECTS AND COME OUT AND JOIN KONNAROCK FOR A WEEK!!!

Crew Season 2010 has begun!!!

2010-05-19T04:52:00.000-07:00

WEEK 1

We had a traditional first week based out of the Konnarock Base Camp in Sugar Grove. There were a lot of alumni there as well as some smiling new faces! With many spread out projects along the beautiful Mount Rogers section of trail, we split up into two crews to hammer out the tasks.

Crew 1 built some great rock steps, logs steps and redug almost a half a mile of tread that needed some repair. AWESOME JOB!!!

Crew 2 worked on about 7 switchbacks south of Saunders shelter building crib walls, rock steps and redigging some trail along the way.

Redigging some sidehill

Crush and fill - oh yea!

Putting in some rock steps

Blazing the new steps

Thanks again to all of our amazing volunteers!!! Come out and join us for a week (OR MORE!) on a Konnarock Crew!!

"Konnarock is so much fun!!" (I'm sure that's what they're yelling)

Test

2010-02-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.

What the Heck Happened to the Blog?!

2009-09-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

As you loyal blog-followin'-pulaski-swinging folks have probably noticed, the blog has been quite inactive for quite some time. First off, may I offer my apologies for late/improper notification as it would have been more polite to have given some notification rather than none (that means I'm sorry for not postin' nothing...). Anyway, your faithful blog poster aka "Kerry," has taken employment with another organization and will no longer be submitting posts. However, have no fear as a replacement will take up residence soon!

As a quick rap up of the 2009 season, the crew was very successful and we only have you to thank. What is more, the crew was able to repeat their no injury record for a second year in a row! That means everyone from the 2009 season still has their fingers and toes and come dig another year!

Over my four seasons managing the Konnarock Crew, I have come to be very proud of such a great program and know that it really is you the Volunteer that keeps it going and such a success! Again, my apologies and hopefully I'll see you out on the Trail (if you're in TN) next season in my new capacity.

Cheers,

Kerry

Week 9, Ten Here We Go...

2009-07-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hygiene is king (aka "brothers of the brush")!

Boulder before.

After.

Trail conversation.

I spy Dannon...

Trailside flora.

Gettin' er done (I had to do it).

Step posse.

Another successful week on crew with a soggy end (try drying out a tent in a downpour). Crew 1 finished up work for the season at Hogback Gap while Crew 2 started week 1 of 2 on the New River Relocation.

We're having a great second half of the season with nearly full crews every week but there are a couple of spots still open. Week 12 should go out with a bang as both crews are camping at the same spot. Come join us!

Cheers,

Kerry

Catching Up!

2009-07-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

"Stairway to Heaven"

Tent city at Overmountain Shelter

Ted does the sidehill demo at Roan Mtn.

Crew 1 could see multiple firework shows at once.

Creative light fun on the 4th.

Ah, finished trail!

Crew 1 digs in.

Crew 2 at Hanging Rock.

Completed staircase at Hanging Rock.

Do I need to say anything?

The "slab" part 1 (before).

The "slab" part 2 (during).

The "slab" part 3 (after).

Crew 2 after week 8.

Sorry about the lack of posts, it's been pretty busy the last couple of weeks. After a much needed rest, the Crew got back to work at the Hanging Rock Rehab and the Roan Mtn Relocation. Both crews got a bunch of work accomplished despite smaller crews with the assistance of some great Club members! While Crew 1 worked to build new trail with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club, Crew 2 played with rocks with the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club.

Here at the end of week 8, both crews had similarily good weeks with Crew 1 heading south of the Smokies to start on the Hogback Gap Relocation and Crew 2 finishing up this years work on the Hanging Rock Rehabilitation.

Good times were had by all! (I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!)

Kerry

Some Stats

2009-06-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

These tools have some miles on them but they're ready for more.

Here are a few numbers from the season thus far:

Projects: Bluff City Relocation, Courthouse Bald Rehabilitation, Humpback Rehabilitation,
Jenkins Trail Rehabilitation, Justus Creek Relocation, Maintop Relocation, Mount Rogers Rehabilitation

Agency Partners: USFS (Mount Rogers NRA, Glenwood-Pedlar RD, Brasstown RD,
Eastern Divide RD, Tusquittee RD), NPS (Blue Ridge Parkway)

AT Maintaining Clubs: Mount Rogers ATC, Georgia ATC, Natural Bridge ATC,
Nantahala Hiking Club, Roanoke ATC, Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers, Old Dominion ATC

Crew Volunteers: 106 Crew Hours: 5048 Club Volunteers: 115 Club Hours: 1637

Rock Step: 94 Rock Waterbars: 1 Rock Crib: 185 ft3 Junk Crib: 680ft3 Log Step: 109
Log Waterbar: 3 Log Crib: 32 ft3 Sidehill Trail: 3007 ft. Non-Sidehill Trail: 50 ft.
Tread Def: 3959 ft. Crush & Fill: 1814 ft3 Step Stones: 7 Turnpike: 20ft.
Drainage Ditch: 55 ft. Grade Dip: 7 Scree: 1447 ft3 Switchback: 1 Culvert: 4 ft.
Other: Constructed 6 tent pads

So, what does all that mean? It means a lot of work got done on the AT courtesy of the Konnarock Crew! But, we're just getting started with another 6 weeks left including some of the more technical rock work we'll do for the season (Hanging Rock and High Rocks).

So, thanks to everyone who has come out so far. And if you haven't come out yet, come join us for a week or more!

Cheers,

Kerry

It's Half Over But We've Just Begun!!

2009-06-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Adam's new advertising campaign.

Even the snakes like the view.

Rock on the move.

Week #6 was a blur! (that's really bad...).

Diggin' Bluff City.

Teamwork gets 'er done! (right Christine?).

Can't beat a trip to the Cascades for a dip!

Rockin! Nice...

Week #6 has come and gone which only means one thing....break time!! The crew staff will have the next two weeks off to rest and get ready for the second half of our 2009 season.

The last week saw Crew #1 finishing up work on the Courthouse Bald Rehabilitation project with the Nantahala Hiking Club. As you can see from the picture, they had a visitor (or better yet, we were the visitors) at the cliffs this week.

Crew #2 broke ground on the Bluff City Relocation near Pearisburg, VA. With the Konnarock Crew, the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club and an Student Conservation Crew all working on the project at the same time, you know a lot of work was completed.

I'll have some stats in a week or so to share but that's all until now.

ps - a few more folks have volunteered for week #7 but we still have 8 more spots (with some spots on other weeks as well).

After the break, we'll be ready for another 6 weeks of good times on the Trail. Come join us!

Cheers,

Kerry

Week 5 Onwards.

2009-06-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

It's not that heavy...Ivan needs to eat his Wheaty's.

Peter Pan Swings!

Privy testing.

Let's eat! Crew #1 chows down with the Nantahala Hiking Club.

Crew #2 near Main Top.

Installing log steps on the Courthouse Bald Rehabilitation.

A bloom with a view (hardy, har, har...)

New trail on Main Top Mtn.

Another successfull week on Crew. A good deal of work was done at the Courthouse Bald project with Crew #1 installing a ton of log steps while Crew #2 pretty much wrapped up the Main Top Relocation in the second week (save for painting blazes and officially opening it).

We're on to Week #6 and almost the end of the first half of the season...wow, time goes by fast.

Our Week #7 is still short on Volunteers; we'd love you to join us!

Kerry

Week Four is No More...

2009-06-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Tickets to the gun show anyone?

Crush!

Like the strap says...

I can't see Bob's pants!

Tye River swimming.

Cool Breeze provides some evening music.

Tent City.

Chef Doug.

I "dig" this....

Sawyer Doug.

Spy Rock Pointing.

Swimming before dinner.

Mas pointing.

New Trail. Nice!

The Views, ah the views!

Both crews returned from the week with nothing but good things to report. Crew #1 worked with the Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club at Humpback Mtn and got after repairing some eroded sections of trail while installing rock steps, etc. At night, the crew was treated to the luxury of Sherando Lake with showers and live music one night.

Crew #2 had great success in constructing nearly 700' of new trail on the Main Top Relocation with the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club. Constructing that much trail is impressive but it's even more impressive considering how rocky the area is...good job! The club also treated the crew to a dinner and some swimming to boot.

BTW - Our numbers are low for Week #7, if you are trying to decide when to come out that would be a good week! Plus there are some good projects. And, we'll find a good place to celebrate July 4th!

Cheers,

Kerry

Now it's "Normal" at Basecamp...

2009-05-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Skinning locust logs for steps at Justus Creek.

Hanging bear bags at Jenkins.

Crew #2 takes a much needed rest during the day.

Getting ready for a heavy lift.

Rehabilitated trail, much easier to walk.

Moving rock for a step on Jenkins.

Crush!

After work conversation in Georgia.

Installing rebar to shore up log steps in Georgia.

Mira "supervises"

Mira's shirt says it all.

Testing out the new staircase.

It's a hard life...

Last Wednesday evening, things were pretty quiet around camp. Crew #1 was in Georgia and several Crew #2 folks were going to arrive late. So, when the small group of 4-5 Volunteers, myself and the crew leaders gathered for dinner that night, we said to ourselves "my it's eerily quiet."

Well, with Crew #1 returning from Georgia and Crew #2 returning from a week in the backcountry, Monday night was anything but quiet like the Wednesday before!

Both crews had great weeks with near perfect weather (hard to imagine with all the rain we're getting today) and some great work completed to boot. Crew #1 was able to finish the Justus Creek Relocation in the late hours with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club capping a two year project. Crew #2 was able to make great progress with the Jenkins Project (a three year project) totaling roughly 3500 ft of trail rehabilitation. One thru-hiker exclaimed as they were almost running down the Trail "this trail is so great I can almost fly!"

So far with week #3 down, we've been able to maintain our perfect safety record (knock on wood) and hope to continue with some great work for week #4 and beyond!

Thanks to everyone that's Volunteered so far to make this a successful season!

Kerry

Konnarock Article

2009-05-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Mike Williams wrote an article on his experience last week on Crew. You can access the online article here.

Thanks Mike!

Kerry

Week 2, Crew 2

2009-05-18T13:47:00.001-07:00

Skywalker's map of the project and crew members.

Doug showes his excitement for the hike.

Czar can do more than cook a mean meal! He assisted the crew in carrying in gear.

Sylvia packs the bear bags before hanging.

The crew holds "court" around the campfire.

Backcountry cooking tent, ah luxury...

Foot sweep!

Diggin' in.

Finished trail. Beautiful!

This week will be quieter around camp since Crew #1 is in Georgia. But, Crew #2 rolled into camp this afternoon after a great week on the Jenkins project. Their weather was perfect (only rained at night) and even woke up to clear skies with temps in the 30's this morning before their 5 mile hike out.

The crew was able to complete a great amount of work on the severly eroded trail south of Jenkins Shelter. Crew #2 will be headed back on Thursday to wrap it up until next season.

Off to eat some delicious homemade pizza care of "Czar David!"

Kerry

Week 1 Still Rolling

2009-05-10T17:37:00.001-07:00

The crew enjoys the view on the hike to work.

Christine and Frank.

Doug and Melissa atop a new staircase.

Nice Work!

After being chased off the mountain by lightning on Friday, we've been out doing a ton of work yesterday and today. Even with a missed day, we've caught up and still have a day left. Plus, we had an extra pair of capable hands in one Ms. Christine Hoyer (ex-crew leader) who joined us for the weekend. Thanks Christine!

A portion of the crew took a late afternoon hike up to Virginia's highest point, Mount Rogers (elevation 5,729 ft), and made it back down for hamburgers/veggi burgers.

One more day left for week 1! Next week, Georgia and Jenkins Shelter Trail.

Kerry

The Grand "Doo-Dah"

2009-05-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

Doug and Camden

So, at the end of our pre-season project checks on May 3rd, Assistant Crew Leader, Doug DeJarnett gets the call....

His daughter is having her 1st baby and if he can make it in time, he'll be there for the moment. Doug gets back to base camp, gets in his vehicle and rushes off to Richmond (driving the speed limit all the way of course!). And, a few hours after arriving, his daughter gives birth to a healthy 7 lb and some change, baby boy (named Camden, born 12:30 am, May 4th, 2009).

I'm pretty sure it's a first for Konnarock; the first crew staff member to become a grandfather? Correct me if I'm wrong but....

Let the celebratory cigar smoking begin! Doug now goes by the name "Grand Doo-Dah."

Kerry

Week 1, Day 1

2009-05-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

Look! Sunshine!

Dinner waiting to be served.

The stream, I mean trail to the worksite

I had a little of everything. Man, I'm stuffed...

Well, somebody must have done a dance for us or something! The crew headed out after waiting for the better part of an hour for things to calm down and we didn't get rained on all day; we even saw some sunshine for a second or two!

As with every first Thursday night of the season, the Mount Rogers AT Club served up a mean potluck dinner complete with BBQ and a huge table of desserts! I can barely breathe right now from that third plate!

We hoping for another rain free day tomorrow so we can put the finishing touches on projects started today before moving on down the trail.

Kerry

Floating Lake Konnarock...

2009-05-07T05:40:00.001-07:00

Frank tests the waters of "Lake Konnarock"

If you're in the east, you're probably getting rain today. Majestic Lake Konnarock has formed at camp and we're hoping to see an end to the rain (or at least for it to lighten up) so we can get to work!

If anyone knows how to do an "anti-rain dance" or something, give it a whirl for us!

Kerry

Week 1, Wed Night

2009-05-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

Cake & icing by "Hebert"

Digging in before diggin in (tomorrow).

Ahh, it's great to see some familiar faces again at base camp! Despite the constant rain today, camp was buzzing with new and returning volunteers.

As with all weeks, the evening started with a tasty dinner courtesy of Mr. David Hebert, onto the Wed night orientation and then progressing into the night with witty conversations about building rock staircases and hiking barefoot.

The crews will be off to Mount Rogers tomorrow for some rock work excitement!

Stay tuned for more,

Kerry

2009 T-Shirts!

2009-05-05T18:03:00.001-07:00

The front...

The back...

Seems as though we do a cycle of big and bright, then a subdued design since I've been running the t-shirt game with the Crew. Last year was a quiet shirt but this year we're back with a big design!

Hope you like it! You can thank Mr. Noland Hisey for helping with the art!

Kerry

Week #1 Coming! Look Out!

2009-05-01T07:13:00.001-07:00

Stopping to smell the flowers, it's a tough job. Really....

Views to be enjoyed...

Streams to swim and fish...

During the past week or so, we've been out checking up on our upcoming projects for the season, soaking up the sun and seeing what spring has to offer. It's a tough job. Really it is....

The crew did the remainder of Virginia project checks including Mt. Rogers Rehab, Jenkins Shelter Trail Rehab, and the Bluff City Relocation. As you can see above, there are some pretty nice views to be had on the hike into the Mt. Rogers Rehab project. Equally as nice is the stream we'll be camped near during the Jenkins project. I can't wait to take a dip and try out the fishing on this remote stream!

At this very moment, the crew is completing the southern project checks with a stop in GA yesterday and onwards to North Carolina and Tennessee for the remainder of the week.

Can you believe Week#1 starts next week?! I can't, but we're ready to see base camp buzzing with Volunteers again.

Can't wait to see folks next Wednesday!

Until then,

Kerry

Still Doing Stuff.....and Things!

2009-04-18T16:32:00.000-07:00

Pothole atop Spy Rock.

Trail Rehab Work/Training.

The 2009 Konnarock Crew atop Spy Rock.

Another couple of weeks till the start of our 2009 season and we're busy getting things ready! Including ourselves - training, project checks and getting out of our "winter coats."

To date, we've been out on a number of our 2009 projects and the schedule is looking good. So far we've been out on the New River Relocation, Main Top Relocation, Hanging Rock Rehabilitation and the Humpback Rehabilitation. Each project will be very different from one another. Do you like to build rock crib walls? Then Hanging Rock is for you. Not to mention the great views just up from the worksite. How about rock steps? Then maybe Humpback is for you (not to mention the luxurious Sherando Lake!). You can also get your fill of new trail construction on the New River and Main Top relocations with the Main Top project getting you access to Spy Rock (see photos above).

We'll be out on our southern project checks in a week and we'll report back. In the meantime, imagine sleeping under the stars in this....

Cheers,

Kerry

We're Doing Stuff...

2009-04-06T13:30:00.001-07:00

The only proof someone is at basecamp so far....

Staff started work on prepping for our 2009 season last Thursday.

The staff will be out and about completing all types of training and project checks to help make our upcoming season a sure fire hit!

More to come,

Kerry

2009 T-Shirt Design

2009-03-20T07:24:00.001-07:00

Here's a taste of this years t-shirt design. It's partly a trail crew take on the Full Metal Jacket movie poster, Konnarock Style! The design you see is not complete but that's all we got so far; you'll have to come out to see/get the finished product!

Konnarock in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

2009-03-10T06:52:00.001-07:00

We've got a short in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.

You can read the short story here.

Pass word along to a friend!

Cheers,

Kerry

2009 Staff

2009-02-05T13:46:00.001-08:00

Doug, Dannon, Czar David, Ted and Adam

Don't ask how I was able to get the whole 2009 staff together for a photo (or how it's so green in Feb). But, here is the 2009 Konnarock Trail Crew Staff; for this season returning staff includes Ted Martello (Crew Leader), Adam Daniel (Assistant Crew Leader) , Dannon McKinnon (moving up to Crew Leader) and the all-important David "Czar" Hebert as Camp Coordinator aka "The Glue." We are happy to welcome Doug DeJarnette to the staff for 2009. Doug has several years experience in trail work as a trail maintainer for the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club plus he could put out a house fire if we needed to (he's a retired Firefighter).

We're looking forward to the summer back in Sugar Grove and hope you'll join us for a week or more!

Kerry

Week 1 Filling Up!

2009-02-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

For those Volunteers that like a more comfortable Konnarock Crew experience (not that it's uncomfortable otherwise), your chance is almost gone. That's right, week 1 is almost full (other weeks are filling up as well!).

So, if you want to be part of week one and eat Czar's cooking every day don't delay!

Kerry

Who wants to do an interview?

2009-01-15T13:54:00.000-08:00

I've got a reporter for Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine who would like to talk with a current/past Volunteer for an article they'll be doing on "Volunteer Vacations." Anyone interested?

If so, email me (kwood@appalachiantrail.org) and I'll forward your contact info onto him.

Thanks in advance!

Kerry

Hikers Say Thanks

2008-12-29T05:49:00.000-08:00

I received a note from Laurie Potteiger, Information Services Manager for the ATC with a message from hikers at this years "Gathering" saying thanks to the crew for their hard work in protecting the AT. In addition to the signed card above, Laurie included some kind words from a hiker.

“I owe a big, giant, super duper thank you … to the volunteers who keep the trail alive and continue to make it what it is.” -- Anthony Magee, ”Chili Pepper” 2007-2008

So, give yourself a big pat on the back and know your work does matter a lot to hikers on the AT!

Happy Holidays,

Kerry

Another way to Keep Track of Krock Folks.

2008-12-20T14:56:00.000-08:00

If you do the Facebook thing, there is a group for folks who have Volunteered on AT Trail Crews called "I've Volunteered on an Appalachian Trail Crew."

Here's a link.

Just in case you wanted to know....

Kerry

Passing of a Friend

2008-12-15T06:27:00.000-08:00

Sugar Bear working at Humpback Rocks in 2008

A group shot at Humpback Rocks (Sugar Bear at top)

It's with deep regret that we see the passing of fellow Konnarock Crew Volunteer and friend, Larry "Sugar Bear" Regan (1946-2008). Sugar Bear started Volunteering on the AT in 2007 and worked 5 weeks last season on Konnarock. Although his time on crew was short, his calm but fun loving demeanor was infectious.

Always quick to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it, Sugar Bear embodied the best of what Konnarock is about, a cooperative, friendly spirit to get anything done.

We'll miss you Sugar Bear,

Kerry

2009 Trail Crew Staff Wanted

2008-12-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

Hey folks! Be one of the few, the proud, the dirty.......an Appalachian Trail Crew Leader! ATC is now accepting applications for 2009 Trail Crew Staff.

You can find information about available positions as well as an application on our main website here.

Also, feel free to contact the office (540.953.3571) if you have questions.

Cheers,

Kerry

Tye River Relocation Video

2008-12-08T05:37:00.000-08:00

For everyone that worked on the Tye River Relocation in 2008 (and anyone else that wants to waste time at work today), the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club has produced a video of the project.

Enjoy!

Kerry

2009 Applications Up

2008-11-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

New Volunteer applications for 2009 are up on ATC's website here (scroll to the bottom of the page under "To apply." For you alumni, please contact us at crews@appalachiantrail.org and we'll send you an alumni application (we'll also have paper applications in the mail soon).

Remember, Week #1 almost will certainly fill up quickly (we've already got spots filled) so if you want that week, act fast!

Cheers,

Kerry

Wedding.....AT Style.

2008-11-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

Ted and Jaimie get hitched.

Clean clothes and all.

You can't do a group shot without one of these.

Your once fearless leader, Ted Wilson and frequent Konnarock Volunteer, Jamie Hickman got married on a beautiful November afternoon last weekend. What's more, we've documented for you what a trail worker looks like without dirty clothes (see above).

Kerry

2009 Schedule Up...

2008-10-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Headin' to camp after a day on the Trail.

The 2009 Konnarock Schedule is up on the ATC website here. As you will notice, there is a wide variety of projects we'll be tackling next season from serious sidehillin' on the New River Relocation to some pretty involved rock work and griphoist action atop Three Ridges.

We don't have the 2009 application complete yet (for new or alumni) but it should be ready soon (we'll have a notice posted on the blog).

Cheers,

Kerry

2008-10-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

Ted and Adam recieve their awards from the US Dept of Agriculture

(Ted moonlights as Edward Scissorhands)

Hey, you know when we talk safety we mean it! I bet some alumni could recite our "safety talk" that preceeds every work week with the crew. Well, it finally paid off! I mean....thanks to everyone for making the 2008 Konnarock season a Zero Injury (lost time, save for the occasional blister or bee sting) season.

The crew was officially recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USFS) for our accomplishment and we're pretty proud of it. So, when you're at camp next season, have an extra piece of cake on me......

Just in case you don't get the idea on Wed night....Safety Robot........

Cheers,

Kerry

Dean Sims, ATC Volunteer of the Month

2008-10-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Dean-a-Bomber (long story, ask Dean next season)

If you've been part of the Konnarock Crew (esspecially Week #1), you probably know Dean Sims, Konnarock's longest serving Volunteer (25 years and counting). Last May, Dean was presented with a 25 year service award for all his hard work over the years. And, now he's the ATC Volunteer of the Month for October! Check out his profile on the ATC website here.

Cheers to you Dean!

Kerry

2009 T-shirt

2008-10-06T06:20:00.001-07:00

It could happen.......

We're looking for a design to grace the 2009 Konnarock t-shirt. If you've got an idea for a design and would like to send it in, you can send it via email at kwood@appalachiantrail.org or by snail mail: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, CO: T-shirt Design, PO Box 174, Blacksburg, VA 24063.

Basically, the design needs to have a trail or trail work theme and a place for "Konnarock Trail Crew."

If I don't get any designs, I'll have to start drawing stick figures.....

Kerry

Support the GIVE Act of 2008 (S.3429)

2008-09-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

Tell your Congressional Representatives to support the Shumer bill, Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere (GIVE) Act of 2008 (S. 3429)!

As you know, volunteers are essential to implementing the mission of the Partnership and many other non-profits. Volunteering these days can be a problem if it involves a significant amount of driving our personal cars. Unfortunately, current federal tax law allows a charitable mileage deduction of only 14 cents per mile, and this has created a barrier that is preventing many people from volunteering as much as they would like. As a result, nonprofits from coast to coast have been losing volunteers because of high gas prices and this unfair tax statute.

I am asking you to give your strong support to the Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere (GIVE) Act of 2008 (S.3429).

Introduced August 6, by U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and John Ensign (R-NV), and co-sponsored by Sen. Dodd of Connecticut, the Act addresses the adverse impacts on volunteers of high gas prices and the current discriminatory tax policy towards nonprofits by (1) setting the charitable volunteer rate at 70% of the standard business mileage rate, as adjusted by the IRS, in effect raising the charitable mileage deduction from 14 cents to almost 41 cents; and (2) making this change permanent, rather than requiring annual legislation.

A letter of support for the "GIVE Act" already has been sent to Senators Schumer and Ensign by the National Council of Nonprofit Associations, 34 other state associations of nonprofits, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, Independent Sector, and United Way of America. We are now asking AMC members and volunteers to add their voices.

Congress will be in session for only a few weeks before it adjournes at the end September or early October. Now is the time to contact our Senators and Representatives to ensure passage by both chambers within the next few weeks - a very short time given the large number of bills to be considered.

Take Action: What You Can Do
- Contact your U.S. Senators and your Representative now by phone, fax, and/or email to urge them to support and to co-sponsor the GIVE Act; (write your elected officials electronically by visiting:

http://givevoice.org/campaign/giveact

- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper urging your Senators and Representatives to support the GIVE Act and make sure it gets passed in September. This bill is extremely important for the Partnership and other non-profit organizations across the nation. So please add your voice today by using the letter below or adding your own experiences.

2009 Schedule

2008-09-12T11:40:00.001-07:00

Wow, it's only been a month since we ended the 2008 season and already we're getting requests for the 2009 schedule. Hold your horses!! Really though, I'll have dates and projects out real soon. However, week #1 will most likely start May 7th so you can guess on the rest of the weeks but in case you can't, we'll have them out soon I promise!

Cheers,

Kerry

Well, there you have it....

2008-08-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

Crew 1 at the end of week 12.

Steps couresty of Dannon et al.

Beautiful sidehill, that's what I like to see!

Trail so good even the wildlife prefer to use it!

Like Tom and Ray say on Car Talk, "Well, there you have it. You've just wasted another perfectly good week on the Konnarock Trail Crew." But, just like the show, you know you didn't waste your time but had a good time and probably learned something on the way (whether it is useful or not is up for discussion).

Another season with the Crew has ended and talk about successful! The Crew was able to put the finishing touches on two long-term relos (Tye River and Unaka Mtn) as well as several other projects. In a week or two (I do have to go on vacation), I'll have some stats on what was accomplished this season. Without a doubt, I know we did a lot. And, what is more? Not a single Volunteer lost-time injury (that hasn't happened in a long time!!); of course the Volunteers deserve a good bit of that credit so thank you!

The staff spent today cleaning up camp, sharpening tools, and packing up to head out tomorrow but not before a good dinner together (and maybe a beer or two). We had a great season and thank everyone for helping to make it that way!

Cheers,

Kerry, Dave, Christine, Ted, Dannon, and Adam

2008-08-04T16:01:00.001-07:00

Frank happy to be painting blazes on the newly opened Unaka Mtn Relocation (Frank has the most weeks on this project-10).

If you're at Unaka Mtn, you have to hit the falls.

Longhorn smiles for the camera on the Pine Swamp Relocation.

Even the local fauna came out for the Pine Swamp Relocation opening.

How beautiful is that?

Trail opening at Unaka Mountain with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club.

It's really nice to finish a relocation or two from time to time and Week #11 saw both crews puttin the finishing touches on a long-term project and on not-so-long-term project. Anyway, Crew #1 finished the Pine Swamp Relocation (a two week project started this year) and Crew #2 finished the Unaka Mountain Relocation (a 10 week project started in 2006). No matter what the size, a relocation is a relocation (even though the big ones are really, really nice to finish) which means lots of work and in the end more great trail to hike courtesy of the Konnarock Crew!

We're off for a few days then we'll be hitting the Trail for our last week of the season (wow!). Next Monday as usual we'll have dinner for the returning Volunteers of the week but anyone is welcome and encouraged to come say goodbye to another successful season. If you'd like to come please let us know by calling camp ((276) 677-4055)).

Cheers,

Kerry

Week 10, Crew-a-lishous....

2008-07-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

At least his teeth are clean....(aka "I want some Dairy Queen please!")

Sod-bustin'

Cutting a watermellon Konnarock style (actually we'd use a pulaski or chainsaw instead of a machette).

Kent wants it on-the-level.

Frank! Where are you Frank?

It's summer, you must grill!

Crush and Fill!

Crew #2 at Overmountain Shelter.

I'm not sure how it happened, but it probably origionated with a certian Volunteer or Volunteer(s) from Nashville that came to name everyone on Crew #1 something with XXXX-a-lishous. Unfortunatley I don't remember a single name (you'll have to ask Christine for a couple).

Anyway, both crews had good weeks with Crew #1 working on the New River Relocation and enjoying the great campsite (complete with bear) and an easy hike to the worksite (150'). Crew #2 enjoyed their last week (of three) at Roan Mountain and as you can see by the picture, it was pretty foggy on some mornings.

We've got two weeks left for the season with August coming quick!

Kerry

Week 9

2008-07-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Crew leaders start to get loopy late in the season.

Cribbing good enough to put a baby in (I mean the Trail)!

Leah works, Dwight supervises....

Cushy PATH-style camping

Trail rehab on Matt's Creek

Someone's first pancake (you know who you are!).

Ted and Dave cutting at Matt's Creek.

What would a trip to Matt's Creek be without a dinosaur picture?

Sorry about the late post as we've been pretty busy! Week #9 has come and gone and we're already onto week #10! Crews enjoyed slightly drier conditions during week #9 but with the dry came the hot! This week is shaping up to be better temps-wise as today has been dry and in the mid to upper 70's; perfect for sidehillin' (which is what both crews are working on this week). For me, I'm headed out to meet Christine's crew for the night and a little work tomorrow!

See ya!

Kerry

Week 8, gRoaning on and Dam Camping...

2008-07-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

Crew #2 at Overmountain Shelter.

Blurrrrrry work.

Father and Son.

Work to be proud of.

Smoke on the water (really it's fog but smoke sounds cooler).

Dam comfortable camping.

Swing!

Smiles in the rain.

Another great week on the Trail has come to a close. While Crew #1 enjoyed some Dam fine camping at Fontana Dam (including seduction of a campground trashcan (really long, but intersting story), Crew #2 enjoyed another fine week on Roan Mountain.

We've got four weeks left this season and there are still spots left on most remaining crews so if you haven't been out this season or are contemplating coming back, we'd love to see you!

Until next week,

Kerry

Lucky Number Seven

2008-07-09T05:32:00.000-07:00

Volunteers place a log step on S. Yellow Creek Gap

This is what happens when you give Volunteers some free time...

Enjoying the whole dam view....(I couldn't resist).

A "Limberjack" used during Saturdays blluegrass music.

Adam really wants to be part of the Trail community.

Under the pavilion at Sherando Lake, Crew #2 eats well courtesy of the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club.

Crew #2 stands atop the Tye River Bridge on the way out for the day (Konnarock built this bridge in the mid 90's).

I'd like to know how they convinced Rex to get in...

Volunteers build new trail while Ted looks on (don't we look professional with the new helmets?)

With a well rested staff, crews headed out for the second half of our 26^th season.

Christine, Dannon and a crew of eight started their first week of the S. Yellow Creek Gap Rehabilitation just south of the Fontana Dam (largest dam east of the Mississippi River) in North Carolina. After a long climb uphill to the worksite, Volunteers worked on heavily eroded sections of trail with the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club.

Meanwhile, Ted, Adam and a crew of eight headed north to restart work (this project was last worked on in 2005) on the Tye River Relocation. Volunteers worked hard building new trail along with the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club and then headed back to their “luxurious” accommodations at Sherando Lake where they enjoyed bluegrass music and a showing of “Alvin & the Chipmunks” as part of July 4^th festivities.

This week, Christine heads back to S. Yellow Creek Gap and Ted heads back to Roan Mtn!

Cheers,

Kerry

Some Numbers...

2008-07-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some numbers from what the crew has accomplished thus far:

Volunteer Numbers: Crew Volunteers: 135 Crew Hours: 5208

Work Accomplished:
Rock Steps: 127
Rock Waterbars: 12
Rock Crib: 630 ft³
Junk Crib: 27 ft³
Log Steps: 120
Log Waterbars: 33
Log Crib: 206 ft³
Sidehill Trail: 3966 ft.
Tread Def: 695 ft.
Crush & Fill: 2026 ft³
Step Stones: 8
Drainage Ditch: 27 ft.
Grade Dip: 29
Scree: 780 ft³
Culvert: 5 ft²

Other: Deconstructed Davis Path Shelter, moved logs

Wow! That's a lot of work so far. Let's do it again! Week #7 starts Thursday and we're ready to get going!

See you then,

Kerry

Week Six Has Come and Gone!

2008-06-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Sitting by the fire in TN.

Crew 2's overnight accomodations (Overmountain Shelter).

Swing!

Roan Mtn in black and white.

A happy reunion at Overmountain Shelter.

Overmountain Shelter.

Hat fungus..

The hike to Roan Mountain is a scenic one.

The crew enjoys the afternoon/evening while Ted documents.

I don't know.

Too pooped to care.

Time to dive in on this project!

The pavillion at Sherando Lake all lit up.

Safety Robot...

Orange fang, look out for him on the Trail!

Crew 1 group shot at Humpback Rocks.

Dig.

The end of week 6; wow, we can't believe it! Our crews both had a great week to end the 1st half of the season with. Crew 1 was able to get some unbelievable work accomplished with the Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club at Humpback Rocks. And, the crew enjoyed the luxurious accommodations at Sherando Lake, swimming and hanging out in front of the fire (what a change from last week!).

Crew 2 meanwhile had a great week on Roan Mountain with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club. With great views and easy digging, this project will indeed be something to look forward to for the remaining weeks!

See you in a few weeks!

Kerry

Hot, Hot, Heat...

2008-06-10T15:47:00.001-07:00

The only way to live (in the heat).

Hello.

Sledgehammerin' on Matt's Creek Rehab.

Beautiful!

They look cute and cuddly but don't let them fool you, Gypsy Moths are no friend of ours!

Spreading leaves in addition to the green leaves dropped by the Gypsy Moths.

Crew 2 gathers on the Foot Bridge after a week on Matt's Creek.

Crew 1 shows off newly completed trail at the Pine Swamp Relocation.

We're here to wash your dishes...

If you live on the east coast, you probably know about the heat wave this week. Heat, heat and more heat was the theme for week #5 with crew 1 on the Pine Swamp Relocation and crew 2 on the Matt's Creek Rehabilitation project. Luckily, both crews were able to find some cool water to get in a dip or two after the days work making this a bit more bearable (as we hope you did too!).

We're hoping for a little cool down for the end of the first half of the season and it's looking promising with highs in the low eighties for week 6.

Cheers,

Kerry

Adam approves this message.

Week 4 has come and gone...

2008-06-03T03:59:00.000-07:00

Sunset in the James River Face Wilderness

A little mud never hurt anyone

Hanging at base camp after a days work

Assistant crew leader Dannon McKinnon walks in the mist to the worksite

Crew #1 poses on the Copper Ridge Bald project

Volunteers on a hike to "Devils Marbleyard" after a day of work

A Volunteer digs in at Copper Ridge Bald

If it was alive we could use if to haul crush & fill!

Prepping a log step on the Matt's Creek project

The crew getting ready to depart the Matt's Creek project at weeks end

Again, my apologies for the lack of posts in the recent weeks. The crew has been busy with crew #1 completing the Copper Ridge Bald project and crew #2 getting some serious work completed on the Justus Creek Relocation in Georgia. In addition, crew #2 started week 1 of 3 at the Matt's Creek Rehabilitation project in the James River Face Wilderness, a project that requires a 1-2 hour backpack in to the camp/worksite.

Both crews have had some great experiences (like sitting on a dinosaur) and some not so great experiences (getting a truck stuck on a muddy forest service road) but in the end it seems like everyone looks back with fond memories of each week.

We really cannot believe that week 4 has already come and gone! If you haven't made it out you better hurry!

Until next week,

Kerry

Week 1 End and Week 2!!

2008-05-19T19:45:00.001-07:00

Gotta keep the troops fed!

Ted and Dannon slinging a rock in GA.

Crew 1 enjoying some live music courtesy of Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club.

T-shirts! We love free t-shirts!!

There's no I in log, I mean team...

Trailwork being filmed for a feature in GA news (I'll have details when the feature is posted).

Volunteers Dave and Justin show off their mad rock skillz.

Bob shaping rock with "Peanut Butter and Jelly" (long story)...

Alright! So I missed a final report on Week 1….Anyway, here's some stats from the week:

Volunteer Hours: 952
Log Steps: 40
Log Cribbing: 60 ft.
Tread Definition: 510 ft.

So, on to Week 2!

Christine and the rest of Crew 1 arrived back in camp today after a successful week with the Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club working on the Humpback Mountain Rehabilitation. Aside from doing some great work including shaping stone and building rock steps, the crew was treated to a live performance of the "Old Crusty Mistrals," the ODATC band. Christine reports the OCM's played a variety of favorites including "On the Trail Again," "Poison Ivy," and "Icky, Yucky, Sushi."

Ted and crew are taking a couple of restful days at the "R Ranch," a set of cabins in the mountains near their worksite in Georgia. Plans are to rest up and then hit a home game with the Braves in Atlanta. And we should mention that the crew was filmed for a feature in an Atlanta newscast to be featured in a few weeks (we'll let you know when the video is posted).

Till next week…

Kerry

Day Three.

2008-05-10T17:24:00.000-07:00

Alright! Day three!

So, crews were out in the beautiful sunshine today doing the good work of the Trail. They dug, chopped, crushed and were able to get some major work done. And, while everyone else was doing the standard stuff and group of us were doing some unusual tasks that Konnarock isn't quite as well known for like....

Griphoisting a couch (in the ditch next to the Trail)...

And taking a break while doing it...

Or wrangling (is that a word?!) some horses on VA 603...

But, as I said we did do some "normal trail work...."

Stream side cribbing project during...

Stream side cribbing project after...

Until tomorrow!

Kerry

Day Two.

2008-05-10T03:51:00.000-07:00

The cake says it all.

Handing out Deans 25 year service award.

Theo digs in to set a rock step.

Davis Path Shelter before.

Davis Path Shelter during.

Davis Path Shelter....now platform.

Along with the dinner festivities on Thursday night, the crew celebrated Konnarock's longest Volunteer, Dean Sims 25th year of Volunteering. Dean was awarded a 25 year service award from the ATC in addition to an award for working over 7000 hours!! for the United States Forest Service. The crew is truely grateful for Dean's work over the years and look forward to his involvement for years to come.

Meanwhile, the crews got off to a rainy start yesterday but by midmorning the clouds had parted and crews got to work on their respective projects (while drying out). Crew 1 was able to finish their project for the week by the second day (dismanteling the Davis Path Shelter)! Christine and crew will now head off to do trail rehab for the remainder of the week. Crew 2 is still plugging away at the Route 859 project and anticipates completion by the weeks end.

Cheers,

Kerry

Day One.

2008-05-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

Meet Doug, meet Doug's Jug..

All smiles.

Well, not from today but pretty cool anyway.

Day one has come and gone here at Konnarock Base Camp. After a gigantic meal of fried chicken, sides and desert courtesy of the Mount Rogers AT Club and the Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers (PATH), several folks are ready for bed. However, a core group of Volunteers, new and old, are having fun telling stories of the day and of times past. A great time to be at camp indeed.
Enjoy the photos,

Kerry

2008 T-Shirt (this is what you get for sweating).

2008-04-30T07:04:00.000-07:00

It's a bit more subdued than last years design but the white blaze really stands out! I'd like to thank Noland Hisey for the great design and Aerie Designs of North Carolina for printing them up.

See ya in a week!

Kerry

Trail Days, Damascus, Virginia Hiker Parade

2008-04-26T04:30:00.000-07:00

Are you heading to Damascus for Trail Days this year? How about helping out with carrying the Konnarock Trail Crew Banner in the Hiker Parade? I'd love to get some crew alumni to wave the flag and represent the crew; we are an integral part of the AT!!

Anyway, if you are interested in helping out, please contact/email (kwood@appalachiantrail.org) me before Trail Days. We'll meet up at 1pm at the ATC tent on Saturday, May 17th and head over to the parade start.

Thanks!

Kerry

We got the skillz (aka Boo-ya)...

2008-04-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is a strange post I must admit. The crew just got back from doing their SORO (Southern Regional Office) project checks (Tennessee south). We've been busy doing training; getting prepped for the season etc and we'll soon have more pictures to post…..

But, for now it's time to gloat, hold our heads up high and say a big nanny-boo boo to Mr. Boudman…He said it couldn't be done, he said we'd hit the privy or the shelter (or both) and he even laid a big, fat $1 bet on it. Well Bill, check the pictures, that's all I can say…

(For those that have no idea what we're talking about (probably 99.9% of you), we're referring to a bet from a club member that when we took down the old, severely leaning-towards-the-shelter Black Locust (that's a tree), it would hit either the shelter or privy. As you can tell from the pictures below, we did neither).

I want my dollar!!

Kerry

Red arrow: where the tree is leaning White arrow: a good 4-5' of side lean towards the shelter

Pretty small gap for a really odd shaped tree (I hope I don't hit the privy or I'm out a dollar!)

Tree size-up

Hmmmm, looks like I made myself some sweet cash (I can buy 1/3 gallon of gas!)

Here's my dollar, where's yours?

Yeah! Vroom! Yeah!