March

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CategoriesAdventurers
Post By Jennifer

Courageous Appalachian Women Who Conquered the Wilderness

The rugged Appalachian wilderness has given rise to many brave women who personified strength, resilience, and an adventurous spirit in the face of unforgiving frontiers. This Women’s History Month, we honor three Appalachian pioneers who defied obstacles to blaze trails.

Mary Draper Ingles (1732-1815)

In 1755, Mary Draper Ingles was seized by Shawnee raiders from her home in what is now West Virginia. For months, she was forced to trek hundreds of miles with her captors into Ohio territory before finally escaping into the unforgiving wilderness. Following seasonal stars, Ingles embarked on an epic journey of over 500 miles through dense forests, traversing rivers, and evading predators to return home to Virginia.ย 

Ingles’s incredible journey took over 40 days, during which she survived on foraged berries, nuts, and roots. She made her way along the Ohio, Kanawha, and New Rivers, using her skills as an experienced frontierswoman to navigate the challenging terrain. Her harrowing tale of perseverance and survival is considered one of the greatest adventures in Appalachian history.

Mary Draper Ingles statue

Grandma Gatewood (1887-1973)

Emma Rowena Gatewood, better known as “Grandma Gatewood,” was a pioneering female hiker who became the first woman to solo hike the entire Appalachian Trail in 1955 at the age of 67. She completed the 2,168-mile journey wearing Keds sneakers and carrying only a few basic supplies in a homemade denim bag. Gatewood’s remarkable feat challenged stereotypes about age and gender in the outdoors, inspiring generations of hikers to follow in her footsteps.ย 

Gatewood’s love for hiking developed as a means of escaping an abusive marriage. After raising 11 children, she found solace and freedom in the wilderness. She went on to hike the AT two more times, becoming the first person to complete the trail three times. Her minimalist approach to hiking, coupled with her determination and resilience, made her a legend in the hiking community. Gatewood’s story has been featured in books, documentaries, and countless articles, cementing her status as an iconic figure in Appalachian history.

Emma "Grandma" Gatewood hiking Appalachian Trail

Mildred Norman Ryder (1908-1981)

Mildred Norman Ryder, known as “Peace Pilgrim,” was an American non-denominational spiritual teacher, mystic, and peace activist. In 1952, at the age of 44, she became the first woman to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail in one season. Ryder’s journey was not just a physical feat but also a spiritual one. She saw her pilgrimage as a way to promote inner and outer peace, living a life of voluntary simplicity and spreading a message of peace.ย 

After completing the AT, Ryder continued walking across the United States for 28 years, covering over 25,000 miles and touching countless lives with her message of peace and love. She carried no money and relied on the kindness of strangers for food and shelter. Ryder’s commitment to her cause and her gentle, compassionate nature made her an inspiration to many. Her legacy continues to influence those who seek a more peaceful, sustainable way of life.

Peace Pilgrim, 1980, Hawaii

These three remarkable women are just a few examples of the many trailblazing adventurers who have left their mark on Appalachian history. Throughout Women’s History Month, we’ve celebrated the achievements of groundbreaking female explorers, athletes, and activists who have pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible. From Annie Londonderry, the first woman to bicycle around the world, to the countless other pioneers who have inspired us with their courage and determination, these stories remind us of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and pave the way for future generations. As we reflect on their legacies, let us continue to honor and celebrate the extraordinary women who have shaped our world and empowered others to follow their dreams.

CategoriesAdventurers
Post By Jennifer

Trailblazing Women Who Explored the World

Throughout history, courageous women have defied conventions and societal limitations to blaze trails as adventurers and explorers. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on a few of these trailblazing women whose achievements still inspire us today.

Aloha Wanderwell (1906-1996)

In 1922 at age 16, Aloha Wanderwell embarked on a groundbreaking journey around the world in an automobile with her husband as a companion. Their daring “World Wanderers” expedition over 7 years took them through 43 countries spanning from Morocco to Vietnam in a Model T Ford. Wanderwell captured their trip on 35mm film, documenting their adventures for eager audiences back home.

Interestingly, “Aloha Wanderwell” was a stage name – she was born Idris Hall in Canada. She took on the persona after answering a newspaper ad seeking a woman to join an epic around-the-world journey. Wanderwell’s films of their travels were unique for their time, offering a rare glimpse into far-flung corners of the globe. She was also a prolific writer, publishing articles in major magazines and several books about her adventures.

It’s important to note that while Wanderwell’s journey was groundbreaking, she was not the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. That distinction belongs to Jeanne Baret, a French botanist who disguised herself as a man to join Louis Antoine de Bougainville’s expedition in the 18th century.

Barbara Hillary (1931-2019)

While most were slowing down in retirement, Barbara Hillary was just getting started on her path to becoming an adventuring legend. In 2007 at age 75, she became the first African American woman to set foot on the North Pole. Five years later, she cemented her place in history as the first to reach both poles after trekking to the South Pole. Hillary proved that age, race, or background need not be limitations in the great outdoors.

What’s even more remarkable is that Hillary took up adventuring after surviving breast cancer in her 20s and lung cancer at age 67. She saw the North Pole trek as a way to raise awareness of breast cancer, taking a photo there holding a flag in memory of friends lost to the disease. In her 80s, Hillary continued her adventures by going dog-sledding in Quebec and photographing polar bears in Manitoba.

Junko Tabei (1939-2016)

In 1975, Junko Tabei shattered the glass ceiling of the mountaineering world by becoming the first woman to summit Mount Everest. The legendary Japanese climber didn’t stop there โ€“ she went on to complete the “Seven Summits” by scaling the highest peaks on every continent. Tabei’s accomplishments demolished gender stereotypes about female frailty while inspiring generations of girls to follow their adventuring dreams.

Tabei faced many obstacles on her path, including societal disapproval of women climbing and difficulty securing funding. On her historic Everest climb, an avalanche buried their camp, but she persevered to reach the summit. Tabei later founded the Ladies Climbing Club to create more opportunities for female mountaineers. By the end of her life, she had conquered over 70 major mountains.

Freya Stark (1893-1993)

As one of the first European travelers to explore remote areas of the Middle East, Freya Stark carved an unprecedented path as a writer and explorer in the early 20th century. Her solo travels by camel through deserts, valleys and mountains from Turkey to Yemen opened up uncharted frontiers few Westerners had seen before. By the end of her life, Stark had become one of the most traveled women in the world at that time.

Stark’s adventures were all the more impressive given she suffered partial hearing loss and facial disfigurement from a factory accident in her 20s. She learned seven languages, including Arabic, Persian and Turkish, to communicate with locals on her travels. Her writing, including over 25 travel books, earned much acclaim for its vivid insights into Middle Eastern cultures. During WWII, Stark’s expertise was tapped by the British government, which enlisted her to gather intelligence in Yemen.

These fearless women defied labels and social confines in their quests to discover uncharted lands and achieve awe-inspiring athletic feats. Their thirst for adventure and unflinching courage paved the way for generations of female explorers, adventurers and mountaineers who followed. Who are the female pioneers that inspire your own adventurous spirit?

Be sure to check out the other Trailblazing Women we highlighted this month for some inspiration! 

CategoriesFishing
Post By John

Get Ready for Spring Fishing Season in West Virginia!

It’s almost that time of year again folks – fishing season is right around the corner here in beautiful West Virginia! Starting in March, anglers from far and wide will flock to our rivers, streams, and lakes as the weather warms up and the fish start biting. There’s nothing quite like landing that first trout or bass of the new season. Trust me, I share your excitement – let’s get ready for some spectacular spring fishing!

Prime Fishing Spots

When it comes to prime fishing destinations in WV, you can’t go wrong with spots like the Elk, Greenbrier, Blackwater, Cheat, New, and Gauley Rivers. Other great options include the South Branch and Cacapon River. For lake fishing, check out Stonewall Jackson Lake and Cacapon Lake. These waters are stocked full of trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, musky, panfish, and more.

Targeted Species

Trout lovers will find ripe opportunities starting in March, as rivers are stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow varieties. As temperatures warm in April and May, target smallmouth bass running up from deeper pools into tributaries. Other spring favorites include walleye, rock bass, bluegill, and musky. Remember to check local fishing regulations for size and possession limits.

Gear and Bait

When fishing WV moving water, lighter tackle around 6 to 10 lbs test allows bait to drift naturally in currents. Bring an assortment of crankbaits, inline spinners, and swimbaits to cover all conditions. As for live bait, nightcrawlers, minnows, and crayfish tend to produce well. Tip jigs with plastic trailers soaked in smelly bait like PowerBait for added fish-attracting scent.

Tricks and Tips

  • Focus on eddies behind boulders where fish wait to ambush prey.
  • Allow your bait to drift freely to mimic natural movement.
  • Vary retrieves until you trigger strikes.
  • Pay attention to sudden drop-offs that hold fish.
  • Check conditions before heading out – avoid muddy flood water.
  • Take safety precautions like wearing a life jacket and not fishing alone.
  • Get your gear prepped and licenses ready – we can’t wait to see photos from your successful fishing adventures this season!

Let the spring bite commence!

CategoriesAdventurers
Post By Jennifer

Celebrating Female Adventurers: Annie Londonderry – The First Woman to Bicycle Around the World

Back in the late 1800s, women were just starting to break into activities previously only considered suitable for men. It was a hugely transformative time. One pioneer who pushed boundaries was Annie Londonderry Cohen Kopchovsky, who became the first woman to bicycle around the world. Her courageous journey embodied the adventurous spirit we try to inspire today.

Annie’s Early Life

Born in Riga, Latvia in 1870, Annie Cohen was one of six children in a Jewish family. At age 17, she emigrated to America, changing her surname to Kopchovsky. In Boston, she married a peddler named Max and had three children by age 21. Annie was known for her lively spirit of adventure despite her domestic constraints. In 1894, despite being a mother of three, she decided to embark on an unprecedented trip – cycling across four continents and oceans over 15,000 miles.

The Fateful Wager

The idea for Annie’s groundbreaking trip began at an upscale Boston dinner party,Annie Londonderry, 1890s where she boldly declared that women were just as capable as men. To prove her point, she bet fellow partygoer John Barry $20,000 that she could cycle around the world faster than he could travel by horse and wagon. Her motivation? Securing publicity and sponsorship for Londonderry Lithia Springs Water. She soon became a notorious celebrity in newspapers, which closely followed her adventures.

Embarking on the Open Road

In June 1894, attired in a cycling skirt and boots, Annie set out from Boston on a 42-pound Columbia bicycle. She planned to cycle across North America, sail to Europe, continue through the continent to Asia, across Australia, and finally return home via steamship. The ambitious route covered over 15,000 miles. She was sponsored by Londonderry Lithia Springs Water and the Columbia Bicycle company.

Harrowing Adventures Across the Globe

Annie’s worldwide ride was fraught with obstacles. Along the way, she faced immense challenges with resilience and determination: harrowing crashes, mechanical breakdowns, robbery attempts, lack of provisions, and constant opposition as a female athlete. She persisted through it all, displaying incredible physical endurance and courage.

  • Early on in her journey, she crashed her bike outside Chicago and was hospitalized, but persevered onward.
  • While cycling through the Black Hills in Wyoming, her bicycle suffered several breakdowns forcing her to perform roadside repairs in difficult conditions.
  • She almost drowned during a cyclone while taking a ship across the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Vancouver.
  • In the Australian outback, she ran out of water and provisions, forcing her to bike over 100 miles in intense heat to find help.
  • She fended off robbery attempts in places like Turkey and France from thieves trying to steal her bicycle or supplies.
  • She battled steep terrain and winding roads cycling over mountains like the Rockies, Pyrenees and Alps.
  • Harsh weather from blizzards to sandstorms often impeded her progress and left her exposed to the elements.

Paving the Way for Female Explorers

Despite enormous odds, Annie Londonderry’s courage and perseverance enabled her to achieve the extraordinary – becoming the first woman ever to cycle around the world. She paved the way for future generations of female athletes and adventurers. Annie’s remarkable story reminds us that with determination and spirit, women can accomplish anything.

Annieโ€™s global journey was groundbreaking. She proved women were capable of incredible athletic feats despite skepticism. Her adventurous spirit paved the way for other female explorers to push boundaries.

Annie Londonderryโ€™s perseverance allowed her to achieve what no woman had done before. She serves as an inspiration for us all to embark on our own adventures, live boldly, and bike forward despite obstacles in our path.

Who are some pioneering female adventurers who inspire you? Share your recommendations!

CategoriesAdventurers
Post By Jennifer

Top 10 Safety Tips for Women Adventuring Solo

In recent years, more and more women have been embracing the adventurous spirit and traveling solo. While incredibly rewarding, solo travel does come with additional safety considerations for women. With some preparation and precaution, you can absolutely travel confidently while still being mindful of risks. Here are my top 10 tips for staying safe as a female adventurer.

Female Adventurer Safety Tips

  1. Research your destination thoroughly. Get insight into cultural norms, risky areas, safe accommodations, and local contacts or resources. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare.ย  For researching your destination, look into guidebooks, travel blogs, expat forums, and government travel advisories to learn about risks, cultural norms, and safe accommodations specific to the area. Identify emergency contacts like your embassy, clinics, and police ahead of time.

  2. Arrange comprehensive travel insurance. Make sure it includes medical evacuation coverage in case of emergencies while adventuring off the grid. Make sure your travel insurance covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, evacuation, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and emergency assistance services. Have copies of your policy printed and electronically.

  3. Share your detailed itinerary with trusted friends and family back home. Check in with them regularly.ย ย Give trusted contacts your flight details, accommodation bookings, daily itinerary, tour/activity plans, and emergency contacts. Set up regular check-in times. Share your location via apps if needed.

  4. Pack wisely. Opt for utility over fashion – durable clothes that blend into the environment, versatile shoes, neutral colors. Cover up according to cultural context.ย  Opt for clothing that provides sun/insect protection, breathability, and range of motion. Stick to dark, neutral colors that blend into the environment. Have a scarf or shawl to cover up in conservative cultures. Sturdy, broken-in shoes are essential.

  5. Learn basic self-defense techniques like eye strikes or knee thrusts. Traveling solo means relying on your own reactions.ย  Take a basic self-defense class before your trip to learn techniques like palm-heel strikes, elbow jabs, knee/groin kicks that can disarm or distract an attacker.

  6. Carry safety aids like high-decibel whistles, personal alarms, or pepper spray where legal. Anything to draw quick attention if needed.ย  Research local laws on carrying safety aids. A whistle, personal alarm, pepper spray, or other non-lethal deterrents can draw attention quickly. Test them ahead of time.

  7. Stay sober and alert, especially when interacting with new acquaintances. Don’t let your guard down.ย  Be wary of strangers who seem overly friendly, pushy, or interested in your plans. Don’t give out too many personal details. Moderate your alcohol intake around new acquaintances.

  8. Be selective about who you befriend. Not everyone has good intentions – listen to your instincts.ย  Use your instincts when evaluating who to trust as friends or companions. Be cautious about accepting favors, disclosing lodging details, isolating yourself with someone you just met.

  9. Have backup power banks, maps of the area, a first aid kit – tools to get yourself out of a bind if needed.ย  Pack back-up chargers for your phone/devices, printed maps of the area in case of connectivity issues, a basic first aid kit, flashlight, multi-tool, emergency cash/documents.

  10. Trust your intuition if a situation seems dangerous or sketchy – don’t feel obligated to stay. Your safety comes first. Trust your gut and don’t feel obligated to stay in uncomfortable situations. Make excuses to politely exit if needed. You can redirect the interaction or remove yourself entirely.

The key is finding the right balance between caution and confidence in your abilities. Preparation and vigilance enable women to travel solo safely while fully embracing the adventure. With the right mindset, you can navigate risks and create life-changing experiences. Let me know your top tips and stories of solo female travel!

Next up in our series – profiling groundbreaking women explorers throughout history who paved the way.

CategoriesForaging
Post By Jennifer

A Beginner’s Guide to Morel Hunting in West Virginia

Morel mushrooms are a treasured edible delicacy for many West Virginia foragers. With their distinct hollow, honeycombed, capped shape and earthy flavor, morels are a tasty reward after a spring hunting expedition in the woods.ย  Morel hunting season in the Mountain State is a brief window from mid-April (sometimes late March if you’re lucky) to mid-May, but when you find one, there are usually a lot more where that came from.

Hereโ€™s a beginnerโ€™s guide to morel mushroom hunting plus a ramp recipe to enjoy your bounty.

Morel Hunting Tips

  • Learn how to identify true morels โ€“ look for a pitted, honeycombed or sponge-like cap, hollow stem, and cuts or pits rather than gills under the cap. Avoid toxic false morels.
  • In West Virginia, scout wooded areas with elm, ash, poplar, apple trees, and dead or dying timber in April and May when soil temperatures reach 50+ degrees Fahrenheit. Morels thrive in older forests.
  • Look for morels in disturbed soil, near decaying logs and tree stumps, and especially in areas recently burned in forest fires. River bottoms and floodplains are prime spots.
  • Bring a mesh collection bag and knife for gently cutting mushrooms at the base.
  • Never eat any mushroom without being 100% sure itโ€™s a morel โ€“ seek expert guidance to avoid toxic lookalikes. When in doubt, throw it out!

Respect the Morel Habitat

To respect the land and ensure future morel foraging:

  • Only harvest mature morels that have fully formed caps.ย  Leave young morels to continue growing.
  • Forage mindfully and selectively.ย  Don’t over-pick an area.ย  Spread out your haul across multiple sites within an area rather than stripping one place completely.
  • Carry picked morels in a mesh bag to allow spores to fall back to the ground.
  • Pinch or cut the the mushroom stem rather than pulling the mushroom out of the ground to avoid disturbing the sensitive mycelium.
  • Leave some morels behind to to reproduce for future seasons.

These practices will help preserve morel patches and propagate future foraging bounty.

Cleaning andcast iron skillet with fried morels and ramps Cooking Morels

Brush off any dirt or debris gently using a soft brush. Donโ€™t wash morels until you’re ready to cook them.

Slice in half lengthwise and soak in saltwater for 10 minutes to remove any critters. Rinse afterwards.

Sautรฉ in butter or olive oil, add salt and pepper to taste. Or bread and fry for morel โ€œfillets.”

Add morels to pasta, pizza, salads, soups, or stuff with cheese and bake. Get creative!

Ramp and Potato Hash with Morels Recipe

Ingredients:ย  Ramps, Morels, Potatoes, Butter, Olive Oil, Eggs

Directions:

  1. Clean and chop ramps and morels, set aside separately.
  2. Dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Boil until tender, 5-7 minutes. Drain.
  3. Heat butter and olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes and ramps. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add morels and continue cooking until browned and tender, stirring frequently, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Crack eggs over hash, cover pan until eggs reach desired doneness.
  6. Add salt, pepper, and/or hot sauce to taste. Enjoy your foraged feast!

Happy morel hunting in West Virginia’s beautiful spring forests, and savor those ramps! Respect morel habitat and reproduce the bounty.

CategoriesForaging
Post By Jennifer

A Beginnerโ€™s Guide to Ramp Hunting in West Virginia

For many West Virginians, ramp hunting marks the sweet arrival of spring. Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are a prized Appalachian vegetable. With their garlicky, oniony flavor, ramps make delicious additions to all sorts of recipes. Hereโ€™s a beginnerโ€™s guide to sustainable ramp hunting in the Mountain State.

Identifying Ramps

Ramps grow low to the ground in shady clusters, with broad green leavesramp tops in woods emerging in early spring. These wild onions have a bulbous white root system similar to small leeks or green onions. Crush a leaf and youโ€™ll be hit with a distinctive garlicky or oniony scent โ€“ a key ID trait! Ramps can be mistaken for lily of the valley, so confirm via smell before harvesting.

Ramps have smooth, broad, lily-like leaves that are light green in color. Each plant typically has two or three leaves that can grow up to 10 inches long and 3 inches wide. The leaves taper down to a purple or burgundy-tinted stem that disappears into the soil.

When identifying ramps, pay close attention to the leaf shape and arrangement. Ramp leaves are elliptical and grow directly from the ground, unlike some look-alikes. The leaves also have a smooth texture and a distinct central vein running down the middle.

Remember, while the garlic-onion scent is a key identifier, it’s important to use multiple characteristics to confirm you’ve found ramps. Never consume any wild plant unless you’re 100% certain of its identification.

Look for ramps in moist hardwood forests, especially near streams, on hillsides, or in coves. They often grow alongside spring ephemerals like mayapples, trilliums, trout lilies, and spring beauty. Excellent public lands for foraging includeย Monongahela National Forest, wildlife management areas, and state forests and parks. Ramps thrive in the Appalachian woodlands of West Virginia.

When and How to Harvest Ramps

Time your foraging for mid-to-late spring when ramps are at their peak. Ideally, harvest ramps in April after several weeks of warmer weather when the leaves reach 4 to 6 inches tall. This ensures the plants have stored enough energy in their bulbs over winter.

When harvesting ramps, bring a small digging tool or a sturdy knife. Gently brush away the leaf litter around the plant to expose the base of the stem. If you’re only taking leaves, carefully cut them about an inch above the soil line, leaving the bulb and some of the stem intact.

If you do harvest whole plants (where permitted), use your digging tool to loosen the soil around the bulb. Gently pull the plant from the ground, being careful not to damage neighboring plants. Clean off excess soil and trim the roots.

It’s crucial to practice ethical harvesting. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources recommends harvesting no more than 1/5 of a ramp patch to ensure its long-term survival. Also, consider replanting the root end of harvested ramps to encourage regrowth.

Use caution when gathering ramps – harvesting the entire plant could kill it. Instead, cut 1 to 2 leaves per plant with a digging knife, leaving some foliage behind. Try not to pull up the bulbs, which the plant needs to regrow. Itโ€™s also good practice to scatter some of the ripe seeds as you harvest.

For sustainability, harvest ramps sparingly and spread your foraging over multiple sites. Take only what you need, leaving plenty behind to propagate.

Preparing and Enjoying Ramps

Ramps are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are a few popular ways to enjoy them:

  1. Ramp Butter: Blend chopped ramps with softened butter for a flavorful spread.
  2. Grilled Ramps: Lightly oil whole ramps and grill for a smoky side dish.
  3. Ramp and Potato Soup: Add ramps to your favorite potato soup recipe for an extra kick.
  4. Ramp Frittata: Incorporate chopped ramps into a hearty breakfast frittata.
  5. Ramp Cornbread: Mix finely chopped ramps into your cornbread batter before baking.

Some other favorites include pickled ramps, ramp pesto, and ramp kimchi. Ramps pair well with meats like chicken, steak, and sausage. Let your creativity run wild with these mountain delicacies!

Remember, ramps have a strong flavor that mellows with cooking. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste preferences.

Happy sustainable ramp hunting, West Virginia! Respect ramp habitat and these beloved wild onions will continue spreading their garlicky goodness for generations to come.

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