Disclaimer:  These columns are written about three weeks in advance of publication.  Sometimes it is difficult to anticipate the unforeseen. 

We have some unfortunate news.  Rob Aldrich, our staff director, has been diagnosed with brain cancer.  As of this writing, Rob is recovering well from surgery done in early January and appears to have suffered no neurological effects from the procedure.  Testing of the tissue samples is not finished, so we won’t have a final diagnosis or prognosis for a few more days. 

We will keep you informed of Rob’s progress.  If you are so inclined, please send your get well wishes to PATC headquarters in Vienna.  We will ensure that Rob receives them.

Michael Brown, VP of Volunteerism, has stepped in to be the acting staff director until Rob is able to return. 

Looking out my window, winter is here. This is the season when nothing is crowded and nature can be observed in solitude. There’s nothing like the silence induced by a soft blanket of snow nestled on the forest floor with the animal tracks and the stories they tell, visible unlike in other seasons. It’s my favorite time to hike and camp or ski to a favorite cabin.

Winter is the time to check out the PATC ski touring section. They offer organized trips to the best snow in the region and beyond. Their friendly outings can accommodate cross country skiers of all abilities. 

As always, the winter weather is knocking down blowdowns on the trails we maintain. Our intrepid volunteers have been out clearing the way in the spirit of the U.S. Postal Service motto.

Please keep Rob in your thoughts as he hikes his road to recovery.