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We Are Gathering in a Virtual Space
In October, Friends General Conference Long Range Conference Planning Committee (LRCP) minuted their recommendation, “With sadness we agreed that we strongly recommend to the FGC General Secretary, Barry Crossno and to Lori Sinitzky, Conference Coordinator, that Gathering 2021 should be virtual.”

Central Committee, FGC’s governing body, has approved the recommendation of the Long Range Conference Planning Committee (LRCP) to hold the 2021 Gathering virtually instead of on campus at Radford University.

There were many reasons for this decision. The continued safety of our Gathering Community is one. Until we have an efficacious vaccine, with wide distribution and several months of delay time for immunity to develop, the Gathering Clerks, the Gathering staff, and LRCP could not see a way of holding an in-person Gathering with any expectation of safety.

Friends also felt the imperative of making this decision now after careful consideration of the reports presented by the 2021 Gathering Clerks, the Conference Coordinator, and the Long Range Planning Committee. These groups all reported that the uncertainty of the venue for 2021 effectively stalled all planning. This was impeding the work and demoralizing for the staff and volunteers.

We look forward to using the many valuable lessons we learned from the 2020 Virtual Gathering. We have a lot going for us now. Friends are more comfortable with Zoom and other online platforms. We know how to offer more ways for Friends to “meet up” in virtual spaces and spend time together.

We know we can experience spiritual community online. We can work to create a more inclusive and expansive Gathering. In this Gathering, we can use the tools of technology to be together, even though we have to be apart.

Most years the wild native blueberry bushes burst into fruit July through August serving up their bounty to the delight of animals & nature lovers. If this year proves typical, we should have ample fruits of nature to fortify body & spirit as we trek to the ridge up the powerline trail, navigate the Devil's Backbone (AKA Rattlesnake Rocks), and descend along Friends Trail looping back to the Niles Cabin.

HIKE: This hike will be reasonably challenging over rocky screens & uneven terrain with an elevation change of approximately 600'. The distance is approximately 3 miles, with significant ascents in sections.

PREPARATIONS: Please bring your own water, snacks/lunch, & equipment. Trekking poles are useful along the rocky upper ridge trail. Hats & sunscreen are recommended. Consider using bug repellent to ensure that you are not on the menu of some of the less desirable winged wildlife or crawling cousins! Boots & long pants tucked into socks can be helpful to avoid bites & injury.

SAFETY: The hike will be rescheduled if heavy rain or thunderstorms are predicted.

ACCESSIBILITY: All of our hikes offer opportunities to shorten the distance and time. Most offer alternate rendezvous points, where we can arrange to meet individuals or groups seeking a less challenging excursion. Please let us know if you have particular needs or interests, we will be happy to try to recommend and arrange variations and the information will help improve accommodation on future hikes.

DONATIONS are appreciated. Suggested levels are $10/person or $25/families.