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RMC Volunteer Profile: Camps
Chair, Al Sochard
I had been aware of the RMC for more than 25 years, since I first visited my friend Albie Pokrob, who lived in Randolph and was working for AMC, the Mount Washington Observatory, and then RMC, as a spring and winter caretaker for many years. I didn't join RMC, however, until I moved to Randolph, 6 years ago. Shortly after joining, I also came onto the Board of Directors. I've been active ever since. You've been very active over the years, in a number of trails organizations, include the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association (ALDHA), the Appalachian Trails Conservancy (ATC), and most recently with RMC as Camps Co-Chair and now Chair, handling all the hiring, year-'round, for our caretakers. What draws you to volunteer? I started volunteering in 1979 for what is now 30 years of service. My first trip was with the famed Appalachian Trail hiker, author and trail maintainer Ed Garvey. We replaced a shelter floor in Maine. Since then, I have volunteered hundreds of hours on the AT as an adopter, trail corridor monitor, trail work-trip leader, and trail maintainer. I spent six year on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Board of Managers, followed by these past 5 years on the RMC Board, where I have moved from a focus on trails to our beloved camps. I volunteer for RMC not just
for my love of the trails and camps, but because of the sense
of community it brings me. Living in Randolph, it seems a perfect
fit. Just as all politics are local, so now is my trail club
volunteering! If there was one thing that you wish all RMC members knew about the club, about which you think they might not be aware, what would it be? That we have some of the nicest folks come work for us as caretakers and on the trail crew. My favorite part of being on the board has been getting to know some of these great young people!
Howker Ridge Trail is not only my favorite RMC path, but I think it's the best in all of the White Mountains. It's a classic hike, with a wonderful river to follow at the beginning, moss growing on the center of the trail, a steep unrelenting upward rolling ridge, and that wonderful above treeline section, unsurpassed in beauty for more than a mile as it stretches to the summit of Madison. Coming in second, and for quick access to Mount Adams, I love the Watson Path. Your least favorite path, and why? There are parts of the Link I would rather not think about! What was your worst moment on an RMC trail? It was the last 100 yards to the Log Cabin a year or two ago, when I was hauling a wet bag of mulch on a pack frame. Best? The moment I removed my pack! Your favorite activity on an RMC trail-- hiking, running, skiing, snowshoeing? All of the above! But, if I had to pick one it would be trail running-- we have great running trails! What do you think is the biggest challenge now facing the club? I see a change in our culture that is affecting our youth. Fewer of them are coming to the mountains, and fewer are interested in working in the mountains. So far, it hasn't affected the quality of people we get to work for us as caretakers and trail crew, but I think the effects will be seen soon. We have to work to cultivate people who will work for RMC and then, later on, take our place in this organization to insure protection and preservation of our trails and camps. Thanks for all you're doing for RMC! Any parting thought you want to leave us with? I always say this, but it's worth repeating- "Come on up and visit the camps if you haven't for been there in a while!" A trip up to the camps encompasses everything our organization is about. A myriad of trails offers both challenging and moderate approaches to above treeline and beauty unsurpassed most anywhere in the eastern states. Our camps provide a welcome refuge from the fast-paced crazy complex world in which we exist. A night up at the camps in any season can bring you back to the days of old, bringing a renewed, wonderful perspective that can help us maintain sanity in our lives
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How long
have you been an RMC member? What brought you to the club?
What's
your favorite path, and why?