Millions of people live close enough to the Appalachian Trail to use it regularly, but few devote as much time to the upkeep of their “neighborhood” as Pat Yale and Neal Watson. Life-long residents of York County, Pennsylvania, these volunteers and ATC members are dedicated Trail supporters.
Pat and Neal are notable not just for their time commitment, but also the variety of volunteer roles they’ve taken on. They’re adopters of a two mile section of the A.T. and participate in regular work trips with local Trail maintaining clubs. They also monitor and protect the Trail boundary – the outer edge of the land that buffers and protects the footpath - a place few hikers see. And they “are long time trail crew volunteers,” says Mid-Atlantic Trail Resources Manager Bob Sickley, “aside from the multiple weeks they volunteer for the Mid-Atlantic Trail Crew every year, they’ve also volunteered for the Maine A.T. crew and the Long Trail Patrol in Vermont.” Pat also chairs the PA A.T. Committee.
Their volunteer efforts have enhanced their experiences as hikers. They’ve hiked most of the northern half of the A.T, and with years of experience as trail builders and maintainers, they can better appreciate the trail as they hike.
When asked why they volunteer – Pat and Neal respond first with jokes: “we like to hear people say thank you,” says Neal, and Pat adds: “we like getting down and dirty,” but “making sure that the A.T. is there for the next generation” is the real reason they volunteer.
Comments:
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Anonymous @ 8/3/2010 1:59:59 PM
Pat and Neal are both extraordinary volunteers and they are truly a dynamic duo! I envy their energy and joyful willingness to literally do anything and everything for the A.T. and ATC; whether its hard core technical field work or providing high level committee leadership. These guys are the real deal and I love having the opportunity to work with both of them! Thanks!
Karen Lutz
Anonymous @ 8/3/2010 2:01:23 PM
Pat and Neal,
I'm amazed by all you do for the A.T. - thank you!
Jeanne Mahoney
Anonymous @ 8/3/2010 2:45:11 PM
Pat and Neal,
I admire all the work you do, but especially the way you both swing a sledgehammer!
Laurie Potteiger
Anonymous @ 8/4/2010 8:55:53 AM
Pat and Neil,
Thank you for all of the wonderful support that you give so freely to the A.T. and the ATC.
Sincerely, Lawson
Anonymous @ 8/9/2010 7:31:37 AM
Pat and Neal, they go together like peanut butter and jelly! They share an awesome love for the outdoors, the trail and each other! I am so proud of all that they have done and plan to do to help others and the environment!
I'm not just their crew co-worker, I'm also their kid!
<3 Becky Richardson
Anonymous @ 8/9/2010 8:52:35 AM
Thank you both for your dedication to the Trail.
Susan Daniels
Anonymous @ 8/30/2010 3:10:28 AM
They are a lovely couple. I have huge admiration for their boundless energy, generosity, warmth, energy & kindness.
Allan (from across "The Pond")
Anonymous @ 9/16/2010 4:07:49 PM
As a trail adopter who used to take care of a 3 mile section of the AT in northern NH, it's inspiring to hear of others' efforts on a different section of the trail. As one who also heard it from many hikers - Thank You!!
Brett Walker
Manchester, NH
Anonymous @ 9/19/2010 6:38:24 AM
they made my first experience with volunteering on a trail crew a very enjoyable one. we worked hard and got a lot accomplished yet had a lot of fun doing it. i still can't believe how strong that pat is. thanks to you both for a great week.
Anonymous @ 9/19/2010 6:40:19 AM
forgot to mention my name pat and neal. the entry from 9/18/2010 is from dick nehring