President's Logbook
By Jim Fetig
A recent column by Roger Rosenblatt in the New York Times offered 10 tips for being 85. Rosenblatt has long been a favorite writer. He used to appear regularly on PBS where his thoughtful essays warmed like a Jack Benny monologue. You usually smiled afterward.
Most of his advice applies to nearly anyone at any age. One tip was to “join a gang.” By that he meant find a group of friends. Where better than here?
The last Boomer turned 60 last year. So much for not trusting anyone over 30. If you’re from a younger generation, you’ll have to look that one up. It’s part of the Boomer secret code.
Most newly retired folks quickly learn that they have to find a focus that fills the void when daily career commitments stop. For me the absent roar of the METRO was deafening – no alarm clock, no routine, no deadlines, no required place to be. That was a fancy-wrapped gift in an empty box.
No one is suggesting anyone should continue the craziness that surrounds a busy career. After retirement, softer focus and a gentler rhythm to life is welcome. If this is you, consider PATC’s most common group activities such as joining one of our gangs - a trail crew, a hiking group or rounding up friends to test a new cabin. The Stoner Cabin is our newest. Check it out at https://www.patc.net/stoner-cabin.
In other news, the biennial recertification of committees and special interest sections is nearly complete. We’re proposing some consolidation and better compliance with nonprofit accounting principles.
The budget situation is improving. This is due, in part, to belt tightening, fundraising and more rigorous analysis. Thanks to our staff director, Evan Hoffmann; treasurer, Allison Kirsch; members of ExCom. Thanks to those who have so generously donated.
A bunch of us participated in ATC’s Flip Flop Festival in Harpers Ferry at the end of April. Dan Hippe and the ridgerunners offered pack shakedowns, and Jayne Mayne set up a booth. My talk was about hiker hygiene. Its purpose is to bridge the hiker’s fear of norovirus and their distaste of soap.
I was surprised to be one of many speakers recommending against campfires. Fires tend to offer culturally derived ambiance, but offer little practical advantage other than swirls of cheap embers that perforate expensive clothing.
The recent wildfires in New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s Michaux State Forest served to underscore this thought. Fortunately, none of our cabins or shelters were threatened or damaged. Please be careful when you build a fire in the backcountry and research fire danger levels in advance.
