West Virginia Highlands Conservancy Mountain Odyssey 2001 Schedule

Almost Anytime. Visit Kayford Mountain south of Charleston to see mountain top removal (MTR) up close and hear Larry Gibson’s story about how he saved his mountain, now almost totally surrounded by MTR. Bring a lunch -- there is a picnic area on Larry’s mountain. Just call Larry or Julian Martin. Leaders: Julian Martin, (304) 342-8989, Martinjul@aol.com ; and Larry Gibson, (304) 586-3287 or (304) 642-1134 cellular.

July 21 (Sat) Easy 4 hr. Buckhannon River flatwater canoe trip above town through the 5-mile reservoir pool. Meet at Sheetz off Corridor H (US 33) at the Buckhannon-Phillipi exit at 11 AM. Leader: Don Gasper, (304) 472-3704.

July 27-29 (Fri.-Sun) Dolly Sods Stem to Stern Backpack. Leader: Jack Slocomb, Home (301) 777-8810, Work (301) 777-1084, JSLOCOMB@prodigy.net

August 3-5 (Fri.-Mon) Car camping trip to Dolly Sods to do stream hiking along Red Creek and Big Stonecoal Creek. Unlike x-stream hiking (normal trails) this type of hiking involves travel in the stream, using hiking poles and beach shoes. Leader: Susan Bly, (304) 876-5177 day or (304) 258-3319 evening, sbly@shepherd.edu

August 4 (Sat) Easy 5 hr. day hike on Spruce Mountain Meet at Spruce Knob parking lot 11 AM. Leader: Don Gasper, (304) 472-3704.

August 11(Sat) Northern Canaan Valley day hike. Leader: Linda Cooper, (304) 296-0565, cooper@hsc.wvu.edu

August 12 (Sun) EarthWalk environmental education experience at Bear Rocks (Dolly Sods North). Leader: Jack Slocomb, Home (301) 777-8810, Work (301) 777-1084, JSLOCOMB@prodigy.net

August 25 (Sat) Otter Creek Wilderness (downstream half) and tour of the USFS Fernow Experimental Forest. The tour is by car to the trail head. The hike is an easy 7 miles to the mouth, but involves a moderate stream crossing. Meet at Sheetz in Parsons at 11 AM. Leader: Don Gasper, (304) 472-3704.

September 1-3 (Sat-Sun/Mon) North Fork Mountain backpack Sat-Sun with Mon. Forest Hiking Guide author Bruce Sundquist. Prior backpacking experience required, carry your own water, 12 miles total. An optional third day will be spent exploring Dolly Sods North. Leader: Bruce Sundquist, ( 724) 327-8737, bsundquist1@juno.com

September 7-9 (Fri-Sun) Enjoy early fall hiking in the Shavers Fork area. We’ll follow the West Fork trail and visit the High Falls of the Cheat. Car camping is available at the Laurel Fork campground. For more information contact Susan Bly at (304) 876-5177 day or (304) 258-3319 evening, sbly@shepherd.edu

September 29 (Sat) Bickle Knob, Bear Heaven Rocks, Stewart Park, Bowden Cave, Bowden Trout Hatchery. Meet at Hatchery at 11 AM. Bring a flashlight if you care to cave for 1 hour. Caving is pretty easy and very safe, and as it can be a little muddy, it will be the last activity of the day. This is mostly a tour with short walks. 6 hours. Leader: Don Gasper, (304) 472-3704.

Oct. 5-8 (Fri-Mon) Otter Creek wilderness backpack trip. Group limited to 6. Leader: Nathan Anderson, stgmnobpf@yahoo.com , or call Peter Shoenfeld at (301) 587-6197.

Oct. 12-14 (Fri-Sun) WVHC Fall Review. Outings will be planned.