Cellar Mtn Trail - May 24, 2020

In order to allow some hike leaders to discuss how to conduct group hikes safely in the wake of COVID-19, the Charlottesville Chapter opened up its first post-pandemic hike exclusively to hike leaders (and spouses).  A working document has been hammered out and put online for hike leaders to use and to comment on regarding leading hikes during this time.  A group of four veteran Chapter hikers attended.  Three of those hikers are hike leaders:  Jeff Monroe and Nancy Kern were co-leads, Charlottesville Chapter founding member John Shannon also attended, along with veteran hiker (and John's spouse) Marian Styles.

The group met at the trailhead for the Cellar Mountain Trail, which is in St. Mary's Wilderness but seldom sees any hikers - unlike the rest of this wilderness!  (There were no other hikers on the trail this day.) The Charlottesville Chapter had worked in late 2019 with Wild Virginia and the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) to revive this trail from a state of serious overgrowth, over two separate work trips.  Today's hike was designed to check back on the trail, six months later, and to address any issues that have come up since the December work trip.  Participants brought tools, and several downed trees were cleared off of the trail, along with additional shearing of plants encroaching on the trail.  The trail is now 100% rehabilitated - with big thanks to Wild Virginia and to SAWS for organizing the 2019 work trips!

Lunch was completed in a safe, socially distanced manner.  Except for the dogs.

Photo taken at the eastern terminus of the Cellar Mtn Trail, three miles from the trailhead.

First snake of the hiking year.

A clean trail!

This sign was nearly covered with branches before plants were trimmed with hedge shears.

Charlottesville Chapter COVID-19 Group Hiking Protocol - Working Document

As Virginia's governor has started to lift pandemic restrictions, the PATC Charlottesville Chapter has worked to develop a draft protocol for future group hikes during the pandemic.  Below is a list of important points that the hike leaders have discussed.  The list below is subject to change as conditions and or knowledge changes, so refer back often. 

• Hike leaders should only lead hikes if they feel comfortable doing so.
• Hikes will always be subject to change in light of changing advice/requirements from Virginia's governor.
• Hikers should be reminded of social distancing requirements before every hike, along with other points listed below.
• The number of hikers will be limited (recommend 5 hikers, but no more than 10 - hike leader discretion-) until carpooling is allowed because of limited trailhead parking available. 
• Hikers meet at the trailhead, and will be told of the time and location of the meeting in emails only to attending hikers.
• Hikers drive their own vehicles to trailheads.
• All hikes will be in and out until carpooling is allowed. 
• Start hikes early to allow parking at the trailhead. 
• Plan group hikes based on the number of trailhead parking spaces available and likely trail conditions. Recommend limiting hikes to less popular locations with larger parking lots.  (E.g.:  Rt 56 AT Parking is a NO, but US. 60 AT Parking is a YES.)
• All hikers must have face masks with them - part of their "11 Essentials"!
• Hikes will not be advertised on Meetup at this time.  Although other Meetup groups have started advertising their hikes, it isn't fair to hikers who cannot participate.
• Preference in recruiting hike participants should go to (1) PATC members, (2) who are regular hikers with the group at this time, though, again, this is the hike leader's discretion.  
• Because hikes are severely limited in size, multiple club hikes should be allowed on a given day.
• Regular PATC protocol would be observed - everyone signs a release, hike leader has safety talk, etc., with safety talk including COVID related hazards as laid out after this list.
• Trail work hikes are strongly encouraged - many trails have seen little love during the pandemic and blowdowns/tree litter is likely.  Some hike leaders have expressed a preference to limit their outings to work trips for the short term - that is up to the hike leader's discretion but will be clearly communicated to potential participants in advance.
• Have a Plan B in mind, in case a hike leader finds a trailhead surprisingly crowded.
• Don't plan a social stop after the hike.  No need to overwhelm breweries or restaurants, even if they do have outdoor seating.  If possible, limit any group stops - gas, snacks etc. - during travel to/from trailheads.  Leaders can, however, encourage hikers to bring a lawn chair for socially distanced interaction after the hike.

Additional COVD-19 safety talking points to be sent to hikers in advance of a hike (adapted from gearjunkie.com):

• DON’T go out to public places (yes, even outdoor ones) if you’re feeling sick, are caring for others who are sick, or if you’re immunocompromised.
• DO bring all the gear, resources, food, and emergency supplies you will need (i.e., DON’T stop at stores or gas stations).
• DON’T be social: Don’t shake hands, high five, or get close to other hikers.
• DO be flexible: Consider alternate trails to separate you from crowds, and DON’T go during peak times.
• DON’T share gear, water, or food.
• DO bring a face mask
• Like wildlife, keep a safe distance and DO wash your hands often.