APRIL 2017
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
ANNUAL MEETING AND BANQUET
SUNDAY, APRIL 30TH, 5:00 TO 9:00 P.M.
CONTENTS
New Member Hike ............................... 3
Holiday Hike ........................................ 3
Weekend Activities ............................. 3
Saturday Long Hikes .......................... 5
Saturday Medium Hikes ..................... 6
Saturday Short Hikes ......................... 6
Sunday Hikes ...................................... 7
Tuesday Hikes .................................... 7
Wednesday Midweek Hikes ............... 8
Wednesday Midweek Milers’ Hikes ... 8
Wednesday Evening Hikes ................ 9
Thursday “Short & Easy” Hikes ...... 10
Paddling ............................................ 10
Bike Rides ......................................... 11
Bulletin Deadline .............................. 12
New Members ................................... 13
AT News ............................................ 13
Nonmembers’ Corner ....................... 18
SPECIAL FEATURES
Annual Park Cleanup.......................... 2
Hike Leader Mentoring Program ..... 15
End-to-End Hike Registration .......... 16
Annual Meeting Registration Form . 17
Come socialize with our fellow club members, learn what's new, and if
you have led 5 events or more – come and claim your award!
$25 per person
Ed Oliver Golf Club
800 N. DuPont Road
Wilmington, DE 19807
Speakers:
Beth Burnam, RLA, Senior Planner for Natural Resources,
Brandywine Conservancy
Gwendolyn Lacy, Executive Director, The Land Conservancy
for Southern Chester County
To RSVP, please see the attached registration form on page 17. (Please
make sure you check the box on the form if you want the vegetarian
option.)
SEE YOU THERE!
SIGN UP NOW FOR THE
56TH BRANDYWINE TRAIL END-TO-END HIKE
SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017
Take the challenge of hiking 36 miles in one day! The Wilmington Trail
Club's 56th annual hike of the Brandywine Trail starts at the Horseshoe
Trail near Ludwig's Corner, Pennsylvania, and ends in the Brandywine
Creek State Park near Wilmington, Delaware. The trail wanders down the
scenic Brandywine Creek Valley through parks, farms, pastures and
woods, and along country roads. About one third of the hike is on roads,
including a few miles at the start and more around Lenape. The scenic
sections where the trail closely follows the creek more than compensate
for this.
(continued on page 2)
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You can set your own pace and enjoy food and drink at the three rest stops/checkpoints after 13, 23, and 29
miles. If you are unable to complete the hike, a shuttle service is available at the checkpoints, and will return
you to Brandywine Creek State Park. Our participants generally expect to reach at least the 23-mile mark, and
most people finish the hike.
Please note: Although the terrain is not difficult, this is a serious long-distance hike and requires adequate
preparation. Participants must be experienced hikers, comfortable with distances of at least 25 miles.
Please note the following cut-off times. You must clear the checkpoints by the following times:
Downingtown
13 miles
10:30 am
Lenape
23 miles
2:30 pm
Twin Bridge
29 miles
4:30 pm
BCSP
36 miles
6:30 pm Closing at 7 pm
Be sure to prepare for this event with substantial warm-up hikes. Official club warm-ups will be held on
March 25 and April 1 enabling you to familiarize yourself with the trail.
Organizer:
Jenny Goodall (H: 302-750-3175), [email protected]
Registrar:
Linda Jones (H: 302-383-1088), [email protected]
Meeting Place:
Main parking lot in Brandywine Creek St. Park, off Adams Dam Rd.
Check in and board buses:
4:45 a.m.
Buses depart from BCSP:
5:00 a.m. sharp
Hike begins:
6:00 a.m. (rain or shine)
Cost
(includes bus, food, t-shirt and trail guide):
$35 Members or $45 Nonmembers.
Registration deadline:
March 25, 2017
NO GUARANTEE OF BUS SEAT OR T-SHIRT FOR REGISTRATIONS
RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE
Money refunded for cancellation
prior to:
April 1, 2017
IMPORTANT: Registrants younger than 18 years old must have parent/guardian’s permission and be
accompanied by an adult during the hike.
To register, fill out the liability release and registration form in this bulletin on page 16. Send the entire
page with your check to: Linda Jones, 303 Alders Drive, Wilmington DE 19803. To acquire extra registration
forms, send a self-addressed, stamped business size envelope, or email for electronic copy to registrar.
ANNUAL PARK CLEANUP
Please Reserve This Date: Saturday, April 15, 2017 — 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
(This is a week after the official date, so as to not conflict with annual Wilmington Trail Club hike event.)
We will continue the work that we did last year, removing invasive Autumn Olive and Multiflora Rose
shrubs. The past cleanup site, looks great! There will again be a choice of participation tee-shirts from the:
"London Britain Land Trust" or "Christina River Watershed Cleanup". Please contact April as soon as possible,
to indicate your participation or for more info.
Contact: April Schmitt: Email: [email protected]; Phone: (484) 883-0110
Location: London Britain Greenway, Landenberg, PA (site is within 2 miles of tri-state: DE-MD-PA point).
MEETING NEAR: 1364 Flint Hill Rd, Landenberg, PA 19350
GPS COORDINATES: 39.729860, -75.812091
PARKING FEE: No
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RESTROOM AVAILABLE: No
WEB PAGE: Click Here (www.londonbritaintownship-pa.gov/)
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Go to PA-896 at the MD/PA border. Proceed north on PA-896 for only 0.1 mile.
Turn left onto the first road, Elbow Lane, and proceed 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Flint Hill Road and proceed
0.6 mile. The parking lot is on the right.
NEW MEMBER HIKE
Susan Anderson, Coordinator (C: 302/442-0654;
E: [email protected])
New Member Hikes are on the second Saturday of the month, for new members and anyone
considering joining the Wilmington Trail Club, as well as current members, walking at a moderate pace with
an option to join the group for refreshments after. Everyone is welcome, whether you prefer to hike, bike,
kayak, ski or back-pack.
April 8, Unionville Village, PA. Leader: Susan Latimer (C: 302/383-6544). Meet at Hood's BBQ, and be
ready to hike at 1:00 p.m. for a 3-mile hike in Unionville village, park and neighborhoods. Social afterwards at
Hood’s BBQ, menu at hoodsbbq.com (Hood's is a BYOB). Note: restrooms on the trail are seasonal and may
not be open. Restrooms are available at Landhope Farms at the intersection of Rts. 82 & 926. DRIVING
DIRECTIONS: From PA Rt. 1 South. Exit Rt. 82 North. Drive approximately 3 miles. Hood’s BBQ, is on the
left. Parking is on the right, the second lot past Hood’s. Address: Hood’s BBQ: 1664 W. Doe Run Road,
Unionville, PA 19375. If you get lost on the day of the hike, call the Hike Leader on her cell phone.
HOLIDAY HIKES
Ann Alves, Coordinator (H: 302/383-3820; E: [email protected])
April 14, Ridley Creek State Park. Leader: Jenny Goodall ([email protected]). Join Jenny
for a Friday hike around Ridley Creek State Park: 6-7 hilly miles. Meet at the park & ride behind the Christmas
Tree Shop at Brandywine Town Center by 9:30 a.m. for carpooling, or at the Mansion at RCSP by 10:00 a.m.
We will return to the cars for lunch. Possibility of an afternoon loop if anyone interested. Bring water and
snack.
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Bill Hardam, Backpacking Chair (H: 302/654-6577)
Julius Meisel, Weekend Hiking Chair (H: 302/652-0844)
Backpacking
ATTENTION NEW BACKPACKERS: We’ll hold an orientation session from 7:30 to 9:00 PM on Tuesday,
March 28 for anyone interested in learning about backpacking – call Bill (see above) to indicate interest.
2- and 3-Day Trips
May 6-7, Beginner Backpacker, Appalachian Trail, PA. Leaders: Emily Cwyk (C: 610/322-0048; E:
[email protected]) and Melissa Steffy (H: 985/807-6089; E: [email protected]).
Route is
approximately 5.2 miles each day on the world-famous AT, between PA 501 and the Hertlein campsite. The
route includes several scenic vistas and is a good trip for beginners or those needing a refresher. We will be
carpooling, leaving at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday from Wilmington and will be heading home by 2:00 p.m. on
Sunday. Contact either of the leaders for further details.
Also, see above to sign up for an orientation to backpacking.
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May 19-21, Susquehannock Trail, north-central PA. Leader: Rob King (C: 302/379-3179; E:
[email protected]). The Susquehannock Trail System is in remote Potter County east of Coudersport
PA; some really pretty county. Friday night, we'll stay at the Susquehannock Lodge; long a WTC
favorite. Saturday morning, we'll be shuttled to our trailhead, then hike back 20 miles to the lodge over
Saturday-Sunday. In May, we should enjoy cool spring weather and beautiful blooms. The hike has some
pretty good hills. Participants need to be prepared for that and think about packing light! The Lodge is $65
plus tax per person, including dinner and lodging Friday night and breakfast on Saturday. We'll share the cost
of the shuttle to the trailhead. Carpooling will be encouraged. Contact Rob for additional details or to sign up
for the trip.
June YY, Allegheny Front Trail, north-central PA. Leader Needed, Bill will assist planning. WTC last did
this hike in 2005. It is a 42 mile-long loop trail in Moshannon State Forest in western Centre County that
roughly circles Black Moshannon State Park. Except for the short distance within the state park boundaries, the
entire length of the AFT is within the state forest. It can be a 2-day or 3-day adventure.
July XX, Catskills - Peekamoose & Table Mtns. Leader: Glenn Shealy (C: 302/354-0031; H: 302/2349756; E: [email protected]). This is an a-b-a type route: on Saturday we’ll climb Peekamoose Mt.,
descend Table Mt., and camp adjacent to the Neversink River. On Sunday we’ll retrace our steps. A saddle or
col connects the two peaks. Total distance traveled will be approximately 19.5 miles. Vertical rise and drop is
approximately 1500 feet both days. There are several magnificent overlooks on the trail and Buttermilk Falls is
located just off the trailhead, as well as Rondout Creek: an opportunity for a cool swim after the hike. The area
is accessed via exit 18 on the NY Thruway. Contact Glenn for details and to sign up.
August 11-13, Chuck Keiper Trail, PA. Leaders: Mike McKenna & Florence Charlton (H: 610/2748618; E: [email protected]). The Chuck Keiper Trail is in remote Sproul State Forest in north central
Pennsylvania with loops of 22 and 32 miles going through some of the wildest lands in Pennsylvania. We are
planning a 2-day, 1-night trip on the 22-mile eastern loop. It is a four-hour drive, and we will car camp near
the start on Friday night so that we can get an early start on Saturday. Contact us for more details.
September XX, Dolly Sods Wilderness, WV. This can be a 21-mile loop hike. Leader Needed, Bill will
assist planning. Arguably one of the most unique, and beautiful hiking areas on the East Coast. The high
plateaus of Dolly Sods are made up of wind carved sand stone, stunted red spruce, grassy meadows, and
sphagnum bogs. The characteristic meadows are the result of logging that took place from 1899 to 1924.
During the Second World War the U.S. Army used the area for artillery and mortar training. The name Dolly
Sods derives from a combination of Dahles, a local 18th century family, and Sods, meaning an open
mountaintop or meadow. After WWII the area fell into neglect, and was threatened by multiple construction
and mining project proposals. Then in the early 1970’s concerned environmentalists, along with The Nature
Conservancy, began purchasing the land for preservation and recreational use. Today the Dolly Sods
Wilderness Area comprises 17,371 acres.
October 20-22, Loyalsock Trail, Central PA. Leaders: Carole Ann Glazar (C: 302/668-5559; E:
[email protected]) and Rob King (C: 302/379-3179; E: [email protected]). The scenic and
challenging Loyalsock Trail runs roughly parallel to its namesake creek. It frequently climbs up and down
ridges and mountaintops, passing many waterfalls, lakes, ponds, and historic places. The trail is known for its
many fine vistas. We are planning an 18 to 20-mile shuttle hike, more details later.
November 23-26, Thanksgiving Weekend, Appalachian Trail in VA, US 522 to Skyland. Leader:
George Wagner (H: 410/398-6748; E: [email protected]). This is a three-night, 38-mile
backpacking trip, over the long Thanksgiving weekend. The trail follows the ridgeline through Shenandoah
National Park and affords numerous wonderful vistas. Contact George for details and to sign up.
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Extended Trips
May 27-June 11, Appalachian Trail in NC, Winding Stair Gap to Hot Springs. Co-leaders: George
Wagner (H: 410/398-6748; E: [email protected]) and Jin Xu (H: 267/217-2151; E:
[email protected]). This is a 15-day, 165.1-mile backpack trip on the AT in NC. Daily mileages range from 9
to 15 miles. Up to four mail drops are planned to minimize the amount of food you need to carry. Contact
George or Jin to sign up.
Spring Midweek Trip
May 22-25, (Mon–Thur), Susquehannock Lodge, North Central PA. Leaders: Jim and Joan March
(302/368-0441; E: [email protected]). We’re planning three days of outdoor activities including an 8-10
mile hike on the West Rim Trail on Tuesday (with shorter options), canoe on Pine Creek on Wednesday, and
either do a short hike or cycle on the rail trail on Thursday morning. Canoe and bike rentals are available from
Pine Creek Outfitters and we will make the arrangements. Alternatively you can bring your own canoe or bike
and use Pine Creek’s shuttle service. Comfortable accommodations with breakfast and dinner included are
provided by the Susquehannock Lodge (Rates Semi Private $60 ppn, Private (en-suite) $65 ppn, or $85 single
occupancy, all plus tax). Packed lunches are available at additional charge. There are 5 private rooms and 5
semi private rooms in the Lodge. Additional private rooms are available in an adjacent building if required.
Contact Jim to reserve ($50 ppn deposit required by April 30).
SATURDAY LONG HIKES
Jim March, Coordinator (H: 302/607-1409; E: [email protected])
Gary Kirk, Co-Coordinator (H: 302/366-0464; E: [email protected])
Saturday Hikes are 10 to 15 miles and up and are at a brisk pace. When the hike involves significant driving
distance, there may be an alternative long local hike. Check the hiking calendar on the club website or contact
Gary Kirk to be put on an e-mail distribution list for these hikes.
April 1, Warm-up II, Brandywine Trail, Lenape to Brandywine Creek State Park, 13 Miles. Leader:
Alex Moeller (610-476-2475; E: [email protected]). Enjoy hiking at your own pace along the attractive 13mile lower section of the Brandywine Trail, whether or not you are planning to do the End-to-End on April 8.
Trail guide is provided. You can hike on your own or hike with a leader. Meet in the Brandywine Creek State
Park Hawk Watch parking lot (enter from Adams Dam Road, large parking lot is on the right - NOT at the
Visitor Center). The park opens at 8:00 a.m. Park fees are in effect. ($4 for DE vehicles; $8 for out-of-state
vehicles.) Announcements and carpooling ready to leave by 8:15 a.m. Bring lunch and water. Distance from
BCSP to Lenape is about 10 miles.
April 8, 56th Annual Brandywine Trail End-to-End Hike, 36 miles. Leader: Jenny Goodall (H:
302/750-3175; E: [email protected]). Registrar: Linda Jones (H: 302/383-1088; E:
[email protected]). This annual hike covers the 36-mile length of the Brandywine Trail starting at
Ludwig's Corner PA, and ending in Brandywine Creek State Park (BCSP) in Wilmington, DE. Rest stops with
refreshments at 12, 22, and 28 miles. Participants must be experienced hikers, comfortable with distances of at
least 15 miles. Register by sending the form from either the WTC website or the March Bulletin to Linda Jones
by March 25. Cost varies from $35-45 per person. See entry form for details. Meet at BCSP (there is no parking
at Ludwig's Corner) - shuttle buses will depart from the main parking lot at 5:00 a.m. SHARP!!
April 15, Christina River Clean-up, See announcement on page 2.
April 22, White Clay Creek Preserve, 14-16 miles. Leader: Tom Wheatley (610/496-0577). Hike of the
White Clay Creek valley using WCC preserve in PA and WCCSP in DE. Meet in parking lot one in
Landenberg, PA by 9:00 a.m. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Newark. Take 896 north through MD and in PA take
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3rd major right onto London Tract Road. London Tract Road bears left, then right, then left (at meeting house),
then right (at Glen Road). Parking lot # 1 is about a mile on the right.
April 29, Wolf’s Hollow County Park, 12-14 miles. Hike leader: Laura Parrish (302/477-1718). Meet
at park and ride at Hockessin Memorial Hall (intersection of Rt. 41 and Yorklyn Road) for 8:30 a.m. departure,
or meet at the park at 9:00 a.m. We will have to do loops around the park to get in 12-14 miles, so expect to
climb the same steep hills a couple of times. Also expect stream crossings and mud, if it’s been raining. Bring
lunch, snacks, water. Street Address: 1399 Schoff Road, Atglen, PA.
SATURDAY MEDIUM HIKES
Christa Andersen, Coordinator (H: 302\658-8771, E: [email protected])
Saturday Medium Hikes are 8 to 9 miles at a brisk pace, about 2.6 - 2.8 miles per hour. There is always a
stop for lunch.
Saturday, April 8, Killens Pond State Park, Felton DE. Leader: Paul Gitlin (C: 570/690-7827; E:
[email protected]). Meet at 10:00 a.m., ready for a surprisingly hilly hike for Central Delaware. 8 miles.
Bring lunch and water. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Take Rt. 1 South to Exit 97, and follow signs to Norfolk and
Salisbury. Continue on Rt. 13 S. past Felton. (Be very careful through the famous speed trap through Felton.)
Past Felton, look for the left turning signs to Killens State Park. We'll meet at the Sports Complex where there
are flush toilets open year round. After you pass the entry booth, you will make the first right to the sports
complex. Follow the road to the parking lot. There is a park entry fee.
Saturday, April 22. Pick a Leader, Pick a Hike. Contact person: Christa Andersen (E:
[email protected]; H: 302/658-8771). This is a 9-mile hike in the White Clay Creek State Park.
Chambers Rock Parking lot. Meet at 9:00 am. Bring lunch and water. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Rt. 72, turn
onto Thompson Station Road. Follow this road, along the Deerfield Country Club, back to the state park office.
Turn left onto Chambers Rock Road and immediately right, just after the one-lane bridge, into the parking lot.
SATURDAY SHORT HIKES
Brenda Tunis, Co-Coordinator (H: 302/453-9198)
Susan Menson, Co-Coordinator (H: 302/995-1903; E: [email protected])
Short Hikes on Saturday are the first and third Saturday. They are usually 4-6 miles long at a moderate
pace, and are in New Castle, Cecil or Southern Chester County.
April 1, Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, MD. Leader: Andre Dagenais (H: 302/2341495; C: 302/598-1308). Depart at 10:00 a.m. from the North Appleton parking lot, P3 (39.714148, -75.822272)
for a 4-6 mile hike. Some of this hike consists of old dirt farm roads and farm meadows; we will stop at the
historic Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge. Bring water and snacks. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Newark, take
DE Rt. 273 West to the intersection with Appleton Road (High's on northwest corner). Turn right on Appleton
Road, proceeding approximately one mile to the intersection of Appleton Road and Black Bridge Road (dirt
road). Parking lot is located immediately on your left. There is a Maryland parking fee.
April 15, Brandywine Creek State Park. Leader: Peggy Wilkinson (H: 302/4789; C: 302/559-2682).
Meet at the Visitors’ Center at 10:00 a.m. for a 4-6 mile hike along the Brandywine. Features some hills and can
be slippery when wet. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From DE Rt. 141, turn north on Montchanin Road (DE Rts 100).
Go 2.1 miles to Adams Dam Road. Turn right on Adams Dam Road, then left at the park entrance. Stay left to
reach the lot. 39.807717, -75.579330 There is a Delaware parking fee.
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APRIL 2017
SUNDAY HIKES
Margaret Buckley (February, May, August, November) Co-Coordinator (H: 302/266-7329)
Mary Parr (January, April, July, October) Co-Coordinator (H: 302/655-6627)
Karyn Derman (March, June, September, December) Co-Coordinator (H: 302/545-5697)
Our Sunday hikes are generally 4-8 miles in length and are at a slower to moderate pace.
April 2, Rockwood Museum to Bellevue State Park, DE. Leader: Mary Parr (H: 302/655-6627). This
will be a 4-5 mile hike mostly on blacktop trails and along the Greenway connecting these two parks. Arrive
and be ready to hike at 1:30 p.m. in the main parking lot of Rockwood Museum on Washington St.
Extension. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Exit I-95 at Marsh Road. Go right at exit to Washington St. Extension and
turn right at entrance to Rockwood Mansion & Museum just past Shipley Road. For GPS: address is 610
Shipley Rd., Wilmington DE.
April 9, White Clay Creek StatePark, DE. Leader: Franz J. Portmann (H: 302/239-2125; C: 302/3777818). Meet at 1:00 p.m. at Judge Morris Estate parking lot for a 4-5 mile easy hike. Wear seasonal appropriate
footwear. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Kirkwood Highway, take Polly Drummond Hill Road to Judge Morris
Estate parking lot on your right, opposite from the DNREC Polly Drummond Hill Community Yard Waste
site.
April 16, Fair Hill NRMA, MD. Leader: Joan March (H: 302/368-0441; C: 302/981-7255). Meet at P-5
on S. Appleton Road at 1:00 p.m. for a 7-mile hike in the area between Appleton and Gallaher roads, with
views of Big Elk Creek. The trail will be easy-to-moderate with a couple of hills. Bring water and a
snack. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Take Rt. 273 west from Newark and make a left onto S. Appleton Road by taking
the 3rd exit from the roundabout. Parking lot P-5 is about 3/4 of a mile on the right. A $5 parking fee is in effect
unless you have a MD Parks pass.
April 23, Old New Castle. Leader: Tom Maddux (H: 302/328-8990; C: 302/824-2874; E:
[email protected]). Hike will start in front of New Castle Court House at 1:00 p.m. We will hike five to
seven miles in town and along the river. An early out is possible. Good restaurants for after hike refreshments.
Cherry blossoms and magnolias might be in bloom. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Rt. 9 turn into the City on
Delaware Avenue. The Court House is on your left, just after crossing 3rd Street. There is an adequate amount
of free street parking.
April 30, White Clay Creek State Park, Nature Center parking lot. Leader: Dave Koppeser (302/5213815; E: [email protected]). Depart at 1:30 p.m. from the Nature Center parking lot for a 5-mile
hike. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: The Nature Center is at the end of Tweeds Mill Road, a gravel road that runs north
off of Hopkins Road, about halfway between Thompson Station Road and New London Road (Rt. 896, north of
Newark). This hike will take us to the TriState Marker. Parking fee or permit required.
TUESDAY HIKES
Tom Maddux, Coordinator (H: 302/328-2874, E: [email protected])
Hikes are planned to be 5-7 miles at a medium pace. Coordinator will strive to have a hike every
Tuesday that is not a holiday. While these are not listed in the Bulletin, they will be posted on the Forum the
week before the hike, usually on Wednesday or Thursday. Members can log in and read about the upcoming
Tuesday Hike. Members can also choose to receive the information by email at the same time it is entered by
following the instructions at the bottom of the Forum page. If you would like to lead a hike or if you have any
questions please call the coordinator.
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MIDWEEK HIKES ON WEDNESDAY
Joan Burke, Coordinator, (H: (302/322-5837)
Midweek Hikes are 8-10 miles long and average 2.6 - 2.8 miles per hour.
April 5, First State National Park, DE.
Leader: Carol Ireland (302/598-9769;
E: [email protected]). Meet at Smith’s Bridge (Peter’s Rock) parking area and be ready to hike at
9:00 a.m. This 8-10 mile hike will be partly flat and partly hilly. There are a few small stream crossings, and the
trail will be muddy if it has rained recently. Bring lunch and water. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Smith’s Bridge
Parking Area (formerly Peter's Rock) in the First State National Park, DE - From DE take US Rt. 202 north and
left onto Beaver Valley Road (opposite Naamans Road), bear left at the stop sign onto Beaver Dam Road and
proceed to dead end at Creek Road (2.1 miles from Rt. 202). Take left onto Creek Road and almost an
immediate right into the parking area. From PA come south on US Rt. 202 and right onto Smithbridge Road.
Go 2.4 miles and left onto Creek Road (just before crossing the Smith's Bridge over the Brandywine River). Go
0.3 miles and turn right into the parking area.
April 12, Susquehanna State Park, MD. Leaders: Phyllis McCarthy (H: 302/234-2961; C: 302/3543794). Barbara Heald (H: 610/274-8279; C: 302/584-2837). This is an 8-9 mile hike to enjoy the spring
wildflowers and bluebells along the Susquehanna River. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: For carpooling, arrive ready to
leave at 7:50 a.m. from the Hockessin Memorial Hall parking lot (Rt. 41 and Yorklyn Road). Or be ready to
hike at 9:00 a.m. from the Historic area in Susquehanna State Park. Take Rt. 41 to Avondale, PA, then Rt. 1
South to the first left soon after crossing the Conowingo Dam onto Shursville Road. Go 1.8 miles; then left onto
Stafford Road (facing a big tree). Stay on Stafford Road for 3.8 miles to the Historic Area (past the Deer Park
Picnic Area) and park on the left. (33 miles total.) There is no parking fee at the Historic Area. Bring lunch and
water. The Park address is 4122 Wilkinson Road, Havre de Grace, MD21078. Phone: 410-557-7994.
April 19, Fair Hill NRMA, MD - Gallaher Road. Leader: Joan March (C: 302/981-7255). This hike will
be 8-10 miles with moderate hills and some stream crossings. Be at the meeting place ready to hike at 9:00 am.
Bring lunch and water. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Take DE Rt. 273 west out of Newark, continue straight at the
roundabout at Appleton Road, cross the bridge over the Big Elk River, go under one horse bridge, and then
turn left on Gallaher Road. The parking lot is about 1/2 mile on the right, across from the Big Elk Chapel.
April 26, Middle Run, White Clay Creek, Possum Hollow lot, 8-9 miles. Leader: Dave Koppeser
(302/521 3815; E: [email protected]). Be ready to hike at 9:00 a.m. from the Possum Hollow parking
lot. Bring lunch and water. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Kirkwood Highway/DE Rt. 2 north from Newark,
turn left onto Possum Park Road/Rt. 72. Follow for about 1.8 miles, and turn right onto Possum Hollow Road,
towards Tristate Bird Rescue. At the Middle Run sign, turn left and follow the gravel road to the end. GPS
39.715721, -75.723444.
MILERS’ HIKES ON WEDNESDAY
Jan King, Coordinator (C: 302/530-6798; E: [email protected])
Milers’ hikes are 12-14 miles, or as posted, at a brisk approximately 3mph pace. Hikes will proceed
independently of weather, unless driving conditions to trailheads are dangerous. Bring appropriate traction
devices. Contact leaders if any questions.
April
5,
Middle
Run
Natural
Area.
Leader:
Terri
Tipping
(H: 302/368-1452;
E: [email protected]). 9:00 a.m. We will hike 12-14 miles. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. No parking fee
at this New Castle County park.
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APRIL 2017
April 12, WCCSP, Carpenter parking area. Leader: Lee Hanawalt (E: [email protected]). Meet at
parking area just east of DE Rt. 896, about two miles north of Newark, DE. Meet for 9:00 a.m. start, about 12
miles. Bring water, lunch, snack. DE State Parks fee in effect.
April 19, First State National Historical Park. Leader: Jan King, (302/530-6798; E: [email protected]).
Smithbridge parking area, along Brandywine Creek between Smithbridge Road and Ramsey Road, about 1
mile west of US 202. Meet for 9:00 a.m. start, 12-14 miles, lunch under cover, if necessary, at Brandywine Creek
State Park office. No parking fee.
April 26, White Clay Creek State Park: Carpenter Parking Lot. Leader: Peggy Bell (302/299-8956;
E: [email protected]). Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the White Clay Creek State Park. Finish time about 2:00
p.m. The hike is 12-14 miles and will not be the same as on April 12. Bring Lunch, snacks and water. DRIVING
DIRECTIONS: Coming out of Newark on DE Rt. 896 N heading toward PA, go approximately 2 miles and the
parking lot will be on your right. Parking fee is in effect.
WEDNESDAY EVENING HIKES
Kathy Kocher, Coordinator (H: 410/392-0374; C: 443/466-7338)
Please note that all Wednesday Evening hikes start by 6:30 p.m. Please bring flashlights for April & May hikes.
April – October hikes occur every Wednesday. Remember to carry water for warm weather hikes.
April 5, James Hall Trail, Newark, DE. Leader: Gene Taylor (H: 302/738-9956). Meet by 6:30 p.m. in
the parking lot at the Delaware Technology Park. We will walk the James Hall Trail. Dress appropriately for
the weather and bring flashlights. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From I-95, take DE 273 to Newark. Turn left onto DE
72S at the Newark Post Office near College Square Shopping Center. Go to 2nd light, turn left onto Wyoming
Road. Turn right into Delaware Technology Park. Go to the right and park to the right of the building. The
Delaware Technology Park is across Wyoming Road from the Pep Boys in College Square. GPS Address:
Delaware Technology Park, 1 Innovation Way, Newark, DE 19711.
April 12, Delcastle Recreation Area, Pike Creek, DE. Leader: Kathy Kocher (C: 443/466-7338). Please
meet by 6:30 p.m. at the parking lot nearest the tennis center at Delcastle Recreation Area on McKennans
Church Road for a walk on the paved trail. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Kirkwood Highway take Rt. 7 N.
(Limestone Road) to intersection of Milltown, McKennan's Church and Limestone Roads – bear right and take
MIDDLE fork onto McKennan's Church Road. Delcastle Recreation area will be on the right. The tennis center
entrance is the last entrance on the right just before traffic light at Duncan Road. GPS Address: 800
McKennans Church Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.
April 19, Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, Fair Hill, MD. Leader: Kathy Kocher (C:
443/466-7338). We will hike about 4 to 6 miles in the rolling hills of Fair Hill. The hike includes easy stream
crossings and hills. Meet by 10:00 a.m. at North Appleton Road lot, Parking Lot P3. MD park fee ($5.00 for out
of state) is in effect. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Take Rt. 273 from Newark, DE, into MD. About 1.5 miles from the
MD State Line, take the first right out of the roundabout onto Appleton Road. This is the first roundabout on
MD 273 and is under construction. North Appleton Road (P3) Parking lot is just over 1 mile on the left at
Black Bridge Road. GPS ADDRESS: 2895 Appleton Rd, Elkton, MD 21921.
April 26, Valley Garden Park, Wilmington, DE. Leader: Francis Battaglia (H: 302/252-5054). Come
enjoy the lovely flowers in the Valley Garden Park for a 3-4 mile hike on the paved and unpaved trails and
possibly the Hobbs Trail. Wear appropriate footwear for weather. Meet by 6:30 p.m. in the Valley Garden
parking lot. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Take DE Rt. 52 (Kennett Pike) north through Greenville, DE. Turn left onto
Campbell Road at the light. Follow Campbell Road to the sign for Valley Garden Park. Turn left into Park.
GPS Address: 418 Campbell Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807-2014.
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THURSDAY “SHORT AND EASY” HIKES
Barbara Heald, Coordinator (H: 610/274-8279)
Thursday hikes are moderate, 4-5 miles in length, flat with a few hills, in towns and parks in DE, PA,
MD, and NJ, with the option of going to lunch afterwards.
April 6, Fox Point State Park, north of Wilmington, DE. Leaders: Chuck (302/993-6738) and Cindy
(302/650-4214) Nelson (H: 302/478-8804). Arrive ready to start at 10:00 a.m. The hike is 4 miles on paved trails
within the park. This park has been renovated in the last two years and we are able to hike the full length of
the park. It is very flat with great views of the river and of the Delaware Memorial Bridge and the
Commodore Berry Bridge and the New Jersey riverfront. See where 19th century people came to swim in the
Delaware before it became polluted. It will be windy with little shelter from the wind. This trail is the terminus
of the East Coast Trail in Delaware. Wear a hat and sun block as there is no shelter since almost no trees. There
are benches along the paths. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From I-495 take the Edgemoor Road exit and turn east
towards the river, then turn left/north at the DuPont Edgemoor Plant and drive one half mile to the State Park
entrance and proceed to the parking lot by the pavilion. Those people within North Wilmington, DE may take
Shipley Road east to the DuPont Edgemoor site. State Park fees are $4 for Delawareans and $8 for out of state
residents. Of course Delaware State Park passholders enter free.
April 13, Susquehanna State Park, MD. Leader: Susan Menson (H: 302/995-1903; C:302/5212079). This is a 4-5 mile hike to enjoy the spectacular spring wildflower and bluebell display along the
Susquehanna River. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: For carpooling, arrive ready to leave at 8:50 a.m. in the Hockessin
Memorial Hall parking lot (Rt. 41 and Yorklyn Road). Or meet at 10:00 a.m. in the Deer Creek picnic area in
Susquehanna State Park. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Take Rt. 41 to Avondale, PA then Rt. 1 South to the first left
soon after crossing the Conowingo Dam onto Shursville Road. Go 1.8 miles then left onto Stafford Road (facing
a big tree). Stay on Stafford Road to the Deer Park Picnic Area on the right. ALL DRIVERS ARE TO STOP AT
THE ENTRANCE AND GET A TICKET FOR THEIR CAR, EVEN IF YOU HAVE A MARYLAND PARK
PASS. OUT-OF-STATE DRIVERS PAY $3:00. The Park address is 4122 Wilkinson Road, Havre de Grace, MD
21078. Phone 410-557-7994.
April 20, Elk Neck State Forest, Black Hill Tract, MD. Leader: April Schmitt (484/883-0110; E:
[email protected]). Depart at 10:00 a.m. from the Elk Neck State Forest, Black Hill Tract, 182
McKinneytown Road, North East, MD 21901 (39.545096, -75.942950) for a 4-mile hike. DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
Find your way to US-40 at the DE/MD state line. Head west on US-40 for 4.2 miles. Then turn left onto Old
Elk Neck Road and proceed 6.0 miles. You will pass the Forest Arboretum along the way. Turn right onto
McKinneytown Road and proceed 1.5 miles. (If you reach MD-272, you have gone 0.4 mile too far.) The Black
Hill Tract parking lot will be on the left. Then go past the Ranger's Station and park behind it. Lots of
evergreen, Mountain Laurel. Mostly level, leaf-covered trails. Bring water and snack.
April 27, Beaver Valley Wildlife Refuge, Concord, PA. Leader: Bob Richmond (610/459-2314 or
302/377-6966). Meet 10:00 a.m. at Rt. 202 southbound and DE/PA state line, behind Springfield Opticians (16
Wilmington//West Chester Pike, Chadds Ford, PA19317). Be prepared for stream crossing and hills. Car pool
at Best Buy, Concord Mall, 9:45 a.m. Be careful making left turn from 202 Northbound.
PADDLING
Paul Nicholson, Coordinator (302/538-0822)
The kayak training season is getting underway soon. Here are the dates:
April 7
May 9
10
Open House at Delaware Nature Center
Pool Safety Session at McKean High School
www.wilmingtontrailclub.org - (302) 307-4017 - [email protected]
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May 20-21
June 3-4
June 24-25
July 22-23
Recreational Training
White Water training #1
WW #2
WW #3
Online registration will open on April 1st and close May 6th. WTC membership will be required of all
participants.
Details can be found at WTCKayak.com, our kayak training web site.
As usual the Board will need help from the general membership to ensure these events occur flawlessly, as in
the past. When you are called to help, please answer YES! Helper Training is May 13 on the Lehigh.
This year’s Paddling Trips have been placed on calendars and will be posted on the WTC Paddling Forum.
Check out what will be offered this season.
BIKE RIDES
Jenny Brown, Coordinator (302/762-2818 or [email protected])
!! Welcome to the 2017 Cycling Season !!
Every Tuesday and Every Other Friday
We invite all WTC members who enjoy cycling to join us on our Club rides. We ride April through November,
weather permitting. Typical Tuesday ride distances vary from 20-35 miles, as does the terrain… some flat and
some not so flat. Friday rides are typically flat, shorter in length, and at a slower pace, 9-11 mph. All rides
have a brief description and directions to the starting point. Any questions should be directed to the ride
leader for that date. Members wishing to get last minute information on rides and ride changes are
encouraged to subscribe to the Bike Rides Forum on the website. And all members are welcome to use the cue
sheets that outline all our rides.
We hope you will join us!!
TUESDAY RIDES
April 4, Maryland Horse Country Ride. Leader: Jenny Brown (302/252-5194 day of ride only; E:
[email protected]). Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the C&D Canal Museum Parking lot for a meandering 22-mile,
basically flat ride through the Maryland horse country around South Chesapeake City. Opportunity for lunch
after the ride for those interested. Bathroom is available at start. DIRECTIONS TO START: DE 896 south over
Summit Bridge. After crossing bridge, turn right onto Bethel Church Road (DE 15). Continue to round-about
and take first exit to right onto Bethel Church Road, crossing into MD (becomes MD 286). Continue
approximately 2 miles. Road leads straight into C&D Canal Museum parking lot in South Chesapeake City.
GPS address: 815 Bethel Rd, Chesapeake City, MD 21915 GPS Coordinates: 39.527310-75.806689Old
April 11, Greenwich, NJ Ride. Leader: Sandy Walker (302/764-4305; E: [email protected]). Meet
at 9:30 a.m. for this 25 mile, mostly flat ride. Ride starts at Ye Greate Street, Greenwich, NJ, opposite the deli.
DIRECTIONS TO START: Cross Delaware Memorial Bridge to NJ, and take immediate right onto Rt. 49, then
quick left onto Hook Road. Follow Hook to Rt. 49/Broadway; left on Rt. 49, and follow thru the city of Salem.
At the Sunoco station, turn right onto York Road toward Hancock Bridge (becomes Rt. 658). At “T”
intersection at Hancock Bridge, go left (still Rt 658), Salem/Hancock Bridge Rd. At New Bridge/Cliff Rd, turn
right onto New Bridge (Rt. 623). Follow Rt. 623 straight (about 10 miles) into Greenwich. The road names
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11
change several times but the route continues to be Rt. 623. Park along road. GPS coordinates: 39.389728 –
75.338493 US Post Office 1016 Ye Greate Street, Greenwich NJ 08323
April 18, Augustine Beach II , Port Penn DE. Leader: Jean Faddis (H: 302/995-1080; C day of ride
only: 302/287-6977). Meet at the Augustine Beach parking lot at 10:00 a.m. Ride is 20 miles long (can easily be
shortened to about 10) at an 8-10 mph pace. Brief stop midway to walk out on boardwalk over the marsh to see
muskrat houses, crabs and turtles. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: I-95 south to DE-1 south, across Roth Bridge and get
off on US-13 south. Turn left onto Port Penn Road, and continue to Port Penn. Turn right on DE-9, and park in
Augustine Beach Parking Lot on left. GPS: 39.506728, -75.579680; 86 St Augustine Rd, Middletown, DE 19709
April 26, Newark to Delaware City.
Leader: Carol Ireland (302/598-9769; E:
[email protected].) Be ready to leave at 9:30 a.m. from Martin J. Weiss Park in Salem Woods for a
20-25 mile mostly flat ride to Delaware City. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: I-95 To Rt. 273 East, past University Plaza
to light at Old Baltimore Pike Road. Turn right on Old Baltimore Pike Road and continue towards Salem
Woods. Turn left on Aspen Drive and continue for 3/4 miles to park entrance on your right.
FRIDAY RIDES
Phyllis McCarthy, Coordinator (302/234-2961)
Come ride with us on the first and third Friday of each month at an easy pace oF 10 mph and distance of 20 or
so miles. Bring water and a snack, and stay for lunch if available on or after the ride. Helmets required. Call
Phyllis McCarthy with any questions. Please consider volunteering to lead a ride.
April 7, Mike Castle Trail. Leader: Phyllis McCarthy (H: 302/234-2961; C: 302/354-3794.) Meet at 10:00
a.m. at Battery Park in Delaware City to ride the completed Castle Trail from Delaware City to Chesapeake
City and return. Ride is 25 miles along a paved, flat trail. Those not wishing to do the whole ride may turn
around any time. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Rt. 40, follow Rt. 9 South to Delaware City. Turn left at Clinton
Street and drive to the end. Park across from Crabby Dick’s at Battery Park. 55 Clinton Street, Delaware City,
19716. Restroom facilities are available at the park. RAIN CANCELS THE RIDE. Check with the leader if
uncertain.
April 21, Chester Valley Trail, Exton Park. Leader: Phyllis McCarthy (H: 302/234-2961; C: 302/3543794). Enjoy a 20-26 mile bike ride along the Chester Valley Trail, with an option for lunch on the way back at
Wegmans, 5 miles before the end of the ride. If stopping for lunch, bring a lock and money. Ride begins at
10:00 am. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Go north on Rt. 202 to the first Frazer exit, just past Boot Road. Turn left at the
end of the road, Rt. 30, and take the first right onto Valley Creek Road at the light. Turn left at the end of the
road, then left again onto Church Farm Road. There is a brown sign for Exton Park. Drive to the end of the
road, turn right and drive to the end. There is a bathroom at the parking lot. GPS Address: 132 Church Farm
Lane, Exton, PA. RAIN CANCELS THE RIDE. Check with the leader if uncertain.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
WRITE-UPS FOR ALL CLUB EVENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE APPROPRIATE EVENT
CHAIRPERSON FOR APPROVAL. Do not submit event write-ups to me directly. Those I receive will not be
published in the bulletin until they are received from the chairperson. Chairpersons, please note that copy for the
May Bulletin must be in my hands by Friday, March 24th. (THE DEADLINE IS ALWAYS THE LAST FRIDAY OF
THE MONTH.) Please send your information to Pat Esham (E-mail: [email protected]; H: 302/286-7938; C:
302/981-9241). Members who are too late to put something into the Bulletin Board or Trading Post for the next
issue, but would like something to go into the ONLINE version for the BULLETIN BOARD or TRADING POST, can
send a copy to [email protected] at the same time as requesting it for the paper bulletin.
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APRIL 2017
NEW MEMBERS
Aldrich, Linda (h)
2302 Heather Dr
Wilmington, DE 19809
H: (302) 660-8422
[email protected]
Bates, Anne (h,b,p,s)
2006 Ferndale Dr
Wilmington, DE 19810
H: (302) 475-7440
[email protected]
Boulter, Lynn (h,p)
2202 Independence Way
Newark, DE 19713
H: (845) 664-4880
(302) 533-5346
[email protected]
Caspar, Tim (h,s)
2927 Barley Mill Rd
Yorklyn, DE 19736
H: (302) 234-2005
(302) 540-6791
[email protected]
Cawman, Kay (h,p)
193 Highland Ave
Pennsville, NJ 08070
H: (856) 491-0444
[email protected]
Comegys, Lee Ann & Ken (h,p)
37 Quartz Mill Rd
Newark, DE 19711
H: (302) 234-2996
(302) 379-2672
(302) 234-2996
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cope, Ralph D. (h)
1279 Elk Forest Rd
Elkton, MD 21921
H: (410) 885-5077
C: (410) 441-0716
(410) 885-5077
[email protected]
[email protected]
Demillion, Frances (h,b,s)
713 Arbor Lane
Kennett Square, PA 19348-2592
H: (610) 444-3644
C: (610) 316-2937
[email protected]
Fenza, Joan (h,p,s)
303 Glen Road
Landenberg, PA 19350
H: (610) 255-5370
C: (610) 812-7282
[email protected]
Godfrey, Barbara (b)
3 Pinecrest Dr
Wilmington, DE 19810
H: (302) 475-3179
(302) 650-2203
[email protected]
Harkin, Jeanne (p)
1914 Hillendale Rd
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
H: (610) 388-1845
(484) 753-4352
[email protected]
Keeney, Lenore C. (h)
17 Williams Drive
Pennsville, NJ 08070
H: (609) 805-1383
[email protected]
Lam, Caitlin (h,p)
Caitlin & Meghan
6 Ridgeway Drive
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
H: (302) 547-5129
(610) 388-0607
[email protected]
Magrogan, Joe & Lynne (h,b)
135 W Flagstone Dr
Newark, DE 19702
H: (302) 584-6394
(302) 236-6150
[email protected]
[email protected]
Manning, Julia (h,b,p,s)
1605 N. Bancroft Pkwy
Wilmington, DE 19806
H: (302) 354-1558
[email protected]
McRae, Roger & Joyce (s)
46 Kinsey St
Montgomery, PA 17752
H: (570) 971-2825
(570) 772-2585
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mirmelstein, Marcy & Joel (h)
2507 Foulk Woods Rd
Wilmington, DE 19810
H: (302) 379-3201
(302) 475-5355
(302) 584-0904
[email protected]
[email protected]
Molash, Jean (h,p,s)
125 Drummond Drive
Wilmington, DE 19808
H: (302) 998-7395
(302) 354-4344
[email protected]
Sacco, Marcia & Gregory (h)
415 Winterberry Dr
Middletown, DE 19709
H: (302) 378-7311
C: (302) 437-4957
(302) 378-7311
[email protected]
[email protected]
Uber, Don & Diane
24 Summit Road
Malvern, PA 19355
H: (610) 574-8230
(610) 647-6485
C: (610) 574-8231
[email protected]
[email protected]
Van Name, Ted & Donna (h,b,p)
21 S Cliffe Dr
Wilmington, DE 19809
H: (302) 792-9141
(302) 545-3152
(302) 792-9141
[email protected]
[email protected]
Van Zyl, Marnus (p)
3998 Fox Mill Dr
Boothwyn, PA 19061
H: (610) 500-1436
[email protected]
Wilson, Susan (h,b,p,s)
1725 Gilpin Ave #1
Wilmington, DE 19816-2303
H: (509) 690-0598
[email protected]
Yohe, Mark & Kelley (h,p)
122 Willamette Dr
Bear, DE 19701
H: (302) 312-9680
(302) 312-9171
[email protected]
[email protected]
AT NEWS
The Wilmington Trail Club is one of the only 31 clubs that have the honor of helping to maintain the
Appalachian National Scenic Trail National Park. Our 7.2-mile section runs south west from Delaware Gap to
PA Hwy 191 at Fox Gap, all in Pennsylvania. Under the guidance of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
(ATC), we maintain a shelter and privy, keep the trail treadway clear of vegetation and fallen trees, repaint the
iconic white blazes on trees and rocks, and paint and monitor the trail corridor boundary lines. Periodically
there may be Trail reconstruction, typically moving rocks, sometimes a lot of rocks. We also attend meeting
with leaders from the other regional AT maintaining clubs, and interact with ATC and National Park Service
staff.
Our work trips generally occur monthly from April to early fall, usually on Saturdays, all day. There
may be an occasional special trip on another day, if there is a special project, like trees newly fallen across the
trail. Tools and supplies are provided, so the only requirement is to show up and be willing to do some work
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13
in the woods with fellow enthusiastic club members.
Our current AT Supervisor is looking for an eventual replacement (a few years out) and would like to
begin to mentor anyone who is interested. This would include an on-site visit to the trail, review of duties,
introduction to trail partners, and meeting other already active WTC trail maintainers - hopefully a " no
surprises" approach.
Please contact Jan King, [email protected], 302-530-6798 if interested. All work trips are currently listed
in the Bulletin. Impromptu events appear in Forums.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A warm day in February brought out a large group of Wednesday hikers to White Clay Creek Preserve
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APRIL 2017
HIKE LEADER MENTORING PROGRAM
Hikers:
Have you ever thought you should get involved more and be a hike leader, but you were not sure how to do
it?
To date we have 13 seasoned leaders, listed below, who have stepped forward to be hike mentors. Pick one
you want to be your mentor and your mentor will work with you to: pick/scout a hike that fits you and teach
you about the things you need to do before, during, and after the hike including how to write a hike
description and submit it to the hike coordinator (for posting in the bulletin or on the forum). Your mentor will
also be with you to guide you through your first hike as leader and during other hikes as you need or desire
help.
Your club, The Wilmington Trail Club, is offering more hikes than ever before. Because of this we need more
people to be leaders. Ask not what your club can do for you, ask what you can do for the club. Be a leader.
Leaders are the heartbeat of your club and it cannot exist without them. When you experience being a leader
you will feel more connected to the outdoors, the trails, and your club members.
To be a leader is easier than you think! Talk to a mentor and learn how.
(If you are not on this list of mentors and you want to be included contact Gary Kirk.)
Mentors
Susan Anderson
Mary Davis
Robert Dunlap
Andre Dagenais
Jenny Goodall
Linda Jones
Robin Kershaw
Gary Kirk
Tom Maddux
Joan March
Jim March
Phyllis McCarthy
Laura Parrish
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15
Please read, fill out, & sign. You must complete and send this entire page to register each hiker.
Mail to: Linda Jones, 303 Alders Drive, Wilmington DE 19803. Enclose a check payable to Wilmington Trail Club.
The registration deadline (to guarantee T-shirt and bus) is March 25th, 2017. “Hike only” registration is open until the Hike starts.
Deadline for refund for cancellation is April 1, 2017.
BRANDYWINE TRAIL END-TO-END HIKE - Saturday, April 8, 2017
Liability Release and Registration Form - Wilmington Trail Club
Because risks are involved in hiking you should consider the following matters before participating in the event:
1. The Wilmington Trail Club desires to conduct this event in a safe manner and expects your cooperation. Therefore,
when hiking, you must follow certain basic safety rules: Follow the instructions of the hike leaders. You will be given a
trail guide; check it frequently and stay on the route that has been marked out. The trail is blazed with 2 in. by 6 in.
white-painted blazes. When hiking on roads, stay on the left side, facing traffic.
2. Wilmington Trail Club hike leaders are amateurs and not paid professionals. They are volunteers who are conducting
the activity for the benefit of all. The decision to participate, or to continue with the event, is yours alone. The leaders
will help with arrangements to carry out your decision, consistent with the resources and welfare of the group.
3. You should determine the difficulty of the event, possible hazards, and probable weather conditions before
participating.
4. You are responsible for outfitting yourself with appropriate clothing, shoes, and equipment. It is recommended that
you carry a container of water with you.
I am aware that there are risks involved in hiking and voluntarily assume the risk of injury and even death while
participating. I have read the information above. In consideration of my being permitted to participate in this event,
and in further consideration of being allowed to enter onto any private lands over which the event may pass, I,
RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE the Wilmington Trail Club (WTC), its officers,
and members and the owners of such private lands, as well as their respective agents, representatives, and
successors (hereinafter referred to as RELEASEES) from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of
action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by
me or any of my minor children during or as a result of this event. I further hereby AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS
THE RELEASEES from any loss, liability, damage or costs, including court costs and attorney’s fees, that may incur
due to my participation in said activities, whether caused by negligence of RELEASEES or otherwise.
Registrant's Signature ____________________________________________________
Date_______________
Parent/guardian’s signature if registrant is less than 18________________________
(Adult must accompany and be responsible for registrant under 18.)
Date_______________
Last Name:______________________________
First Name:_______________________
Address:_________________________________
City: ______________ State:____
Phone: (______) ______________
E-mail address: ___________________________
(Print VERY clearly)
Emergency contact: ______________________
Phone number: _________________________
Shirt Size (circle one): S M L XL
Runner ___
Hiker ___
Are you planning to ride the bus from Brandywine Creek S.P. to the hike start?
Zip: _________
Both ____
Yes____
No____
You must be a Wilmington Trail Club or a Chester County Trail Club member to participate in the End-to-End hike. If you
are not currently a member of either club, your registration fee includes a two-week membership to the WTC, valid 3/25/17
thru 4/8/17.
Please circle one and write a check for that amount:
$35.00
WTC/CCTC members
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Non Members—includes 2-week WTC membership
www.wilmingtontrailclub.org - (302) 307-4017 - [email protected]
$45.00
APRIL 2017
Wilmington Trail Club
Annual Meeting and Banquet
Sunday, April 30th, 2017, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Ed Oliver Golf Club Banquet Center
Please join us for our annual meeting and banquet on Sunday, April 30th, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Once again, we
will be meeting at Ed Oliver’s Golf Club, Dover Room, 800 North DuPont Road, Wilmington, DE.
Program
5:00 cash bar
6:00 buffet dinner
7:15 business meeting
7:45 Speakers: Beth Burnam, RLA, Senior Planner for Natural Resources, Brandywine Conservancy
Gwendolyn Lacy, Executive Director, The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester
County
Social time
Both are WTC members and will talk about their respective organizations and things
they are doing that affect us.
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Name
Area Code & Phone No.
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I would like the vegetarian option.
Menu includes salad, main entrée, vegetables, dessert, and coffee/tea
The price remains a bargain at $25 per person. Please send this form to Eric Sallee at the address below, along
with your check payable to the Wilmington Trail Club, by April 16, 2017.
Eric Sallee
306 Old Kennett Road
Wilmington, DE 19807-1730
Questions? Contact Eric Salle (609/306-2810) or by email to [email protected]
APRIL 2017
www.wilmingtontrailclub.org - (302) 307-4017 - [email protected]
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NONMEMBERS’ CORNER
We invite non-members to participate in two activities, at
no cost, of their choice before joining. Children 18 years
or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Benefits of Membership
Visit:
www.wilmingtontrailclub.org
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Email:
[email protected]
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For Membership Information:
Phone: (302) 307-4017
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Dues are: $18/individual & $30/household
Additional charge of $17 for monthly printed copy of
WTC Bulletin
For members joining after January 1, 2017, the
membership year starts on the date of joining.
One complimentary WTC Bulletin per non-member
household
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Experience outdoor beauty
Meet friendly, interesting people of all ages
Attend trips planned and organized by
experienced leaders
Learn about great places for hiking, biking,
paddling and skiing
Improve your health and fitness
Participate in Club service projects
Receive excellent training in basic & whitewater canoeing and kayaking
Acquire knowledge of local history
Carpooling Information: For conservation and economy reasons, participants may voluntarily form carpools
and share costs (based on average costs and occupancy). Each passenger pays ten cents per mile, plus a
share of any tolls. Trip leaders may help coordinate carpools. Carpooling is for the convenience of the
participants and is not mandatory. Participants are not obliged to ride with anyone or to accept riders. Drivers
who accept riders may be liable for injuries to their passengers in the event of an accident. Driving directions
are provided.
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www.wilmingtontrailclub.org - (302) 307-4017 - [email protected]
APRIL 2017