Virginia Governor James Gilmore has issued a Proclamation that places a ban on open burning across the entire State. This ban is also expected to remain in effect until a significant amount of precipitation occurs. The Port Clinton Hotel in Port Clinton, PA, is now open under new management. The new owners are Paul Engle and Billie Ann Russell. The new owners have added a coin-operated washer and drier.
Rooms are available at reasonable prices and some food service is planned.
Hay Mountain still had a substainal section of uncleared downs - but otherwise most are passable. This weekend's monsoon did wipe out a lot of bog bridges and foot bridges at Saddleback and we've been told that Rt. I called Phil Peppin to update him on the rain damage. A Real Audio file from January 15 that aired on NPR about damage in the Pinkham Notch area. She said that they usually handle the overflow hikers anyway.