March 2025
Roanoke Appalachian news
& DIGEST
McAfee Knob Trailhead
The McAfee Knob trailhead parking lot has been closed since November 2023. The lot had been closed to aid construction of a foot bridge over route 311. As anyone who has parked there and then hiked knows, crossing the road was fraught with danger. With funds available, a foot bridge crossing the road seemed almost necessary. Well, the bridge is there!
In the interim during construction, hikers requiring parking would need to catch a shuttle, the closest being in Hanging Rock near Interstate 81. The ride to the trailhead is roughly 10-15 minutes, plus hikers would need to book a shuttle ride prior to catching the shuttle. As you can imagine, this is a cumbersome and time consuming system to enjoy the hike, let alone getting back to one's car after hiking all day.
Well, the time of enduring this hassle should be coming to a close soon. The bridge has been completed and many are now awaiting to not only use the bridge but also having the convenience of parking right at it. I have not heard of any ribbon cutting ceremony or any published date the lot will be official open, but the current schedule is for it to be accessible by April of '25. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hiking packs ready to go!
Forest and Wild Fires
I think everyone has heard of tornado season, and rightly so. However, in the Roanoke region of Virginia it often seems like March is fire season. The meteorological context is simple: Dry winter air moving into the region combines with the month's added sunshine to create fierce winds and very low humidity. The low humidity dries out tinder, from forest to brush and fields, making it susceptible to the slightest spark and the wind both kindles the fire and then spreads it rapidly. Many times these fires seem to pop out of nowhere such as the forest fire near Roanoke called the Brush Fire.
The lesson is clear: When burning or creating any fire outdoors, caution should be the utmost importance. Maybe, thought should be given to whether the fire is needed at all or could wait for better weather conditions. For those out camping or backpacking and require a campfire for cooking, caution might not be a strong enough word. My suggestion, find a place blocked from the wind and keep the fire as small as possible. I'd also suggest keeping water handy and try not to let embers fly off. Please be careful, once these things get started they could grow into a monster!
SW Virginia Trail Gets Reprieve
Virginia is noted for an abundance of outdoor trails that meander throughout the state. The majority lie in the western part of Virginia within the Appalachian mountain region. There you will find the most cherished trail nationwide and even worldwide which is the Appalachian Trail. This trail as well as all others are exposed to the elements and are, therefore, destined to become disheveled and disjointed. Trails need to be maintained and kept clear from such things as tree falls, washouts and unwanted vegetative growth. Yes, there is a cost and an effort invested in those nature trails so that we may enjoy them as we do.
Energetic storms do the most damage to the forests and trails. This was the case last year as the remnants of hurricane Helene brushed the area of southwest Virginia. Many trails in the area took somewhat of a beating and even closed parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway for assessment and repair. One trail hit hard was the Creeper trail. The trail incorporates old railroad bridges as part of its 34 mile path best known for being bicycle friendly. Some bridges had been completely washed out. The huge undertaking to repair the trail has been assessed and I am pleased to say that the trail will be refurbished by the Forest Service. This is great news for those wanting to hit the outdoors and enjoy this trail's adventure!
Have You Had Your Vitamin C Today? by Sally Shelor
Vitamin C is very important in our daily lives. We need to have fresh Vitamin C each day to not only aid in producing certain things, such as collagen and antioxidants (see below), but also facilitate mental acuity and stamina. As humans, our bodies do not produce Vitamin C like most animals. It is essential that we supplement our bodies daily with Vitamin C.
Total Vitamin C allowances vary per individual based mainly on age and gender. Males need more Vitamin C than females. At age 19+ males require 90 mg a day and females require 75 mg. Smokers from either gender require 35 mg more a day.
The National Institutes of Health provides a list of fruit and vegetables with the highest content of Vitamin C. Personally, I was surprised at most of these. As kids it was always drilled in our heads to drink your orange juice for Vitamin C. Here is the list of the top 4 highest and 4 lowest contents of Vitamin C.
-
Sweet Raw Red Pepper, ½ cup provides 95 mg.
-
¾ cup of orange juice provides 93 mg.
-
1 medium orange provides 70 mg.
-
¾ cup grapefruit juice provides 20 mg.
The fruits that provide the lease amount are:
-
Medium baked potato provides 17 mg
-
A raw medium tomato provides 17 mg
-
½ cup cooked spinach provides 9 mg; and
-
Green frozen peas provide 8 mg.
Importance of Vitamin C:
Collagen: provides protein and strength for skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage which could lead to chronic diseases, such as cancer and/or heart diseases.
Immune: Vitamin C supports the immune system by enhancing production and function of white blood cells and fighting infection.
Wound healing: By promoting collagen, Vitamin C helps heal wounds and form new skin cells.
Eye Health: Helps to maintain healthy eyes and can help in preventing cataracts.
Skin Health: Reduces wrinkles, improves elasticity, protects against sun damage.
Heart Health: Helps reduce the risk of heart disease by helping your blood pressure.
Stress Reduction: Supports the production of stress reducing hormones.
Other benefits: May help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, improve wound healing and promote brain development in children.
Vitamin C Deficiency:
Vitamin C Deficiency can cause Scurvy, which causes fatigue, inflammation of the gums and malaise.
In the 18th century many sailors on long sea voyages with little or no Vitamin C died from scurvy. Later it was determined of the Navy would eat citrus fruits or juices that could help cure scurvy.
Nowadays, Vitamin C deficiency and scurvy are rare.
In closing, the most important thing is to have your Vitamin C each day.
*Disclaimer: I am not a physician nor am I making any diagnosis. All information contained in this article is for entertainment purposes only. Source of information derived from NIH, National Institute of Health.