Nov 1, 2015 Dayhike Mahoning Valley Trail 2:00 pm (Halloween Hike) (Joe)
Raggedy Ann makes an appearance at this post-Halloween dayhike.
Raggedy Ann makes an appearance at this post-Halloween dayhike.
Oct 23-25, 2015 Backpack Kennerdell Tract PA
Camped at trailhead Friday night--perfect weather. Group was 9 hikers +1 pup. At 6 a.m. Saturday about 10 feet from our tents, a monster logging truck acted as our alarm clock. Everyone was wide awake. We hiked 4.5 miles on Saturday with mostly steady rain starting early afternoon and lasting until Sunday morning. Thanks to someone's (Bill's) saw, giant tarp, and pound cake with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream, we were able to remain dry, enjoy the fire, and sugar-up for an evening of silly stories (both fiction and non-fiction). We also had the luxury of picnic tables and an outhouse. As the rain joined forces with the wind, we went to our tents and slept peacefully to nature's music.
Although Sunday morning was wet, the temperature was even warmer than Saturday. We hiked 3.5 miles to our vehicles. Some saw wild turkeys, and others saw a salamander. Team work, encouragement, and a nice steady pace ensured a successful trip for all.
Camped at trailhead Friday night--perfect weather. Group was 9 hikers +1 pup. At 6 a.m. Saturday about 10 feet from our tents, a monster logging truck acted as our alarm clock. Everyone was wide awake. We hiked 4.5 miles on Saturday with mostly steady rain starting early afternoon and lasting until Sunday morning. Thanks to someone's (Bill's) saw, giant tarp, and pound cake with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream, we were able to remain dry, enjoy the fire, and sugar-up for an evening of silly stories (both fiction and non-fiction). We also had the luxury of picnic tables and an outhouse. As the rain joined forces with the wind, we went to our tents and slept peacefully to nature's music.
Although Sunday morning was wet, the temperature was even warmer than Saturday. We hiked 3.5 miles to our vehicles. Some saw wild turkeys, and others saw a salamander. Team work, encouragement, and a nice steady pace ensured a successful trip for all.
Oct 9-11, 2015 Dayhike Spruce Knob / Seneca Rocks WV
Twelve day hikers attended the trip to Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks in eastern W.Va. the weekend of October 9th, 10th and 11th, 2015. Most of us stayed overnight at Thompson’s Motel and some stayed in a nearby B&B – both located in Franklin, W.Va.
On Saturday morning we headed up the mountain in the fog to an altitude of 4,898 feet. There was a newly renovated parking area at the top of Spruce Knob with ample parking, new pit toilets and new signage indicating where the trails started at the top of the mountain. It was still very foggy but that added to the “ambiance” of hiking in such a unique area. We hiked both the Huckleberry Trail, (in the morning) and the Seneca Creek Tail, (in the afternoon). We hiked much of the morning in fog. The first trail was quite rocky but very beautiful with many areas of vibrant green moss and lush vegetation. The area seemed very damp and cool but not cold. The leaves were also completely turned and very beautiful. We stopped and had lunch in a unique primitive camping area the looked like “Stonehenge” with many interesting “rock chairs” that we sat in for lunch. The sun finally broke through the fog about noon and the sky was quite clear and beautiful and made for perfect hiking.
About 2:00 in the afternoon, we drove down the mountain about 1000 feet to the Seneca Creek trail. It was much less rocky and very beautiful with several areas of “leaf tunnels” made by the overhanging trees. We encountered several runners doing a race on that trail. Some of us only hiked about half of that trail as we were so tired from the first trail. We estimated we hiked about 11 miles total for the day.
On Saturday evening, we all gathered at the B&B for dinner and played a wonderful card game called “screw your neighbor.” (Joe won!!!)
On Sunday morning, we checked out of our hotels and drove to Seneca Rocks for a one and one half mile hike up the switchback trails to the top. It was a hard hike and very challenging but everyone made it up to the top. There were many families and other people making the climb as it was such a beautiful day there. The visitor center was quite impressive, too. We finished the hike and returned to our cars about 1:00 and headed home for the 6 hour drive back to the Canton area. We all agreed what a great hiking weekend it was and that we would all definitely come back. - Joe Ress
Twelve day hikers attended the trip to Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks in eastern W.Va. the weekend of October 9th, 10th and 11th, 2015. Most of us stayed overnight at Thompson’s Motel and some stayed in a nearby B&B – both located in Franklin, W.Va.
On Saturday morning we headed up the mountain in the fog to an altitude of 4,898 feet. There was a newly renovated parking area at the top of Spruce Knob with ample parking, new pit toilets and new signage indicating where the trails started at the top of the mountain. It was still very foggy but that added to the “ambiance” of hiking in such a unique area. We hiked both the Huckleberry Trail, (in the morning) and the Seneca Creek Tail, (in the afternoon). We hiked much of the morning in fog. The first trail was quite rocky but very beautiful with many areas of vibrant green moss and lush vegetation. The area seemed very damp and cool but not cold. The leaves were also completely turned and very beautiful. We stopped and had lunch in a unique primitive camping area the looked like “Stonehenge” with many interesting “rock chairs” that we sat in for lunch. The sun finally broke through the fog about noon and the sky was quite clear and beautiful and made for perfect hiking.
About 2:00 in the afternoon, we drove down the mountain about 1000 feet to the Seneca Creek trail. It was much less rocky and very beautiful with several areas of “leaf tunnels” made by the overhanging trees. We encountered several runners doing a race on that trail. Some of us only hiked about half of that trail as we were so tired from the first trail. We estimated we hiked about 11 miles total for the day.
On Saturday evening, we all gathered at the B&B for dinner and played a wonderful card game called “screw your neighbor.” (Joe won!!!)
On Sunday morning, we checked out of our hotels and drove to Seneca Rocks for a one and one half mile hike up the switchback trails to the top. It was a hard hike and very challenging but everyone made it up to the top. There were many families and other people making the climb as it was such a beautiful day there. The visitor center was quite impressive, too. We finished the hike and returned to our cars about 1:00 and headed home for the 6 hour drive back to the Canton area. We all agreed what a great hiking weekend it was and that we would all definitely come back. - Joe Ress
Oct 18, 2015 Combination Hike & Orienteering, Viginia Kendall Park
Charlie Daigen planned this hike, with orienteering led by Bob Boltz. Over the course of three hours, 13 of us covered approximately 4 miles cross-country, over open terrain including fields and wooded areas, with some hills and stream crossings. We had a total of 24 control points, which Bob assisted us in locating. We learned to interpret the symbols, features and topography on an orienteering map. Another important lesson was correct use of a compass. After the hike, we enjoyed dinner at Sidewinders Bar & Grill.
Bob Boltz is actively involved in local orienteering chapters and has competed in both national and international events He is considered a subject-matter expert in the field of orienteering, and has actively participated in the sport for over 20 years.
Charlie Daigen planned this hike, with orienteering led by Bob Boltz. Over the course of three hours, 13 of us covered approximately 4 miles cross-country, over open terrain including fields and wooded areas, with some hills and stream crossings. We had a total of 24 control points, which Bob assisted us in locating. We learned to interpret the symbols, features and topography on an orienteering map. Another important lesson was correct use of a compass. After the hike, we enjoyed dinner at Sidewinders Bar & Grill.
Bob Boltz is actively involved in local orienteering chapters and has competed in both national and international events He is considered a subject-matter expert in the field of orienteering, and has actively participated in the sport for over 20 years.
Oct 4, 2015 Dayhike Nelson - Kennedy Ledges State Park Hiram, Oh (Larry Hilbert)
We had 10 hikers for the Nelson Ledges hike on Sunday October 4, 2015. The wind cleared the clouds and rain out and we had a beautiful day for the hike (unlike the previous Friday and Saturday). The rain had Minnehaha and Cascade falls running fairly strong and everyone made it thru Fat Man's Peril, the Squeeze, Indian Pass, and Dwarf's Pass. A few even made it into the Devil's Icebox and behind Cascade falls! Dinner at Papous was very good and John and Beth hooked us up with some fine grub. - Larry
We had 10 hikers for the Nelson Ledges hike on Sunday October 4, 2015. The wind cleared the clouds and rain out and we had a beautiful day for the hike (unlike the previous Friday and Saturday). The rain had Minnehaha and Cascade falls running fairly strong and everyone made it thru Fat Man's Peril, the Squeeze, Indian Pass, and Dwarf's Pass. A few even made it into the Devil's Icebox and behind Cascade falls! Dinner at Papous was very good and John and Beth hooked us up with some fine grub. - Larry
Sep 25-27, 2015 Backpack Roaring Plains, WV (Bill)
On Friday Evening Sep. 25 we drove to Canaan Hts., WVa. and camped along forest Rd. 13. On Saturday we drove to the pipeline on Roaring Plains and started our hike. We met up with another part of our group along the pipeline growing our group to 8 backpackers. The hike along the West Rim gave occasional glimpses of the normally outstanding views from the high elevation. We camped near the rim and set up in a sheltered grove of pines. On Sunday, we hiked out using the nearly grown-over Teepee Trail. There was always a threat of rain and we got a bit Saturday evening as we huddled under a large tarp in front of our campfire. This was an interesting hike with several stops as we searched to find the nearly obscure trail. …. Bill Miller
On Friday Evening Sep. 25 we drove to Canaan Hts., WVa. and camped along forest Rd. 13. On Saturday we drove to the pipeline on Roaring Plains and started our hike. We met up with another part of our group along the pipeline growing our group to 8 backpackers. The hike along the West Rim gave occasional glimpses of the normally outstanding views from the high elevation. We camped near the rim and set up in a sheltered grove of pines. On Sunday, we hiked out using the nearly grown-over Teepee Trail. There was always a threat of rain and we got a bit Saturday evening as we huddled under a large tarp in front of our campfire. This was an interesting hike with several stops as we searched to find the nearly obscure trail. …. Bill Miller
Sept 13, 2015 Dayhike Honey Run Highlands Park (Knox County), Millwood, Oh
Four new hikers joined us on this beautiful September day at Honey Run Highlands Park. Our group of 20 hiked 5 miles on rolling hills, through woods and fields of golden rod littered with monarch butterflies. We spotted a buck and doe together in our first section of woods and another buck on the other side of the park. After our hike, 19 of us enjoyed a good meal in Spearman's Restaurant in the small town of Millwood. A good time was had by all. Forrest
Four new hikers joined us on this beautiful September day at Honey Run Highlands Park. Our group of 20 hiked 5 miles on rolling hills, through woods and fields of golden rod littered with monarch butterflies. We spotted a buck and doe together in our first section of woods and another buck on the other side of the park. After our hike, 19 of us enjoyed a good meal in Spearman's Restaurant in the small town of Millwood. A good time was had by all. Forrest
Aug 16, 2015 Dayhike Mohican State Forest Hog Hollow Trail
With the temperature hovering around 90 degrees and seeming even hotter due to the high humidity, 14 brave souls climbed the trail from the covered bridge up to the fire tower. On top of the hill we were rewarded with a nice breeze and bottles of ice water provided by our club president. One hardy person climbed the tower while the rest of us took a deserved break. After hiking back down the hill to our cars we drove to the Mohican Lodge for a good meal in the Bromfield's Dining Room. A good time was had by all. - - - - Forrest
With the temperature hovering around 90 degrees and seeming even hotter due to the high humidity, 14 brave souls climbed the trail from the covered bridge up to the fire tower. On top of the hill we were rewarded with a nice breeze and bottles of ice water provided by our club president. One hardy person climbed the tower while the rest of us took a deserved break. After hiking back down the hill to our cars we drove to the Mohican Lodge for a good meal in the Bromfield's Dining Room. A good time was had by all. - - - - Forrest
Aug 1-2, 2015 Backpack Old Loggers Path LoyalsockState Forest (central) PA
The trip went very well - six in the party: Bill M, Maria N, Ashleigh R, Joel C, Dan A, and Chuck M. Perfect weather, great food, convivial company, and Bill referred to it as a nice casual walk in the woods, so it got his stamp of approval. I had described it as a ‘moderate’ level hike, with several good ups and downs, 17 miles long, but with some great views and nice campsites. For much of it’s way, the trail follows old logging roads or railroad grades, so much of it is very pleasant hiking.
We left Canton around 1:15 on Friday afternoon, in two cars, the trip being 5 and a half hours to the trailhead. We stopped in Williamsport to have supper at the Moon & Raven Public House, an ‘irish pub’ sort of experience, where we had a wonderful meal. I had the Guinness Stew - Tender cuts of lamb, carrots, parsnips, turnips, onions, and Portabello mushrooms in a hearty Guinness Stout and beef gravy, topped with a ring of whipped potatoes - yum. Others had very delectable offerings and we highly recommend this restaurant. Leaving Williamsport, we drove north about 30 miles to the trailhead, arriving there at sunset, and setup camp.
On Friday night, we ended up staying in the hikers camping area near Masden along Pleasant Stream. There were a couple portapots there, so that was a good coincidence - we would end up coming back there at the end of the hike. This was Maria’s first backpacking trip, so I helped her get her tent setup, then I found trees for my hammock - Ashleigh also has a hammock - and there were lots of trees to choose from. We all sat round my Luci Lite (a solar powered led ‘area’ lite) on the picnic table for the evening. The campsite had a nice view of July’s second moon - a Blue Moon - as it rose over the dark hills on the south side of Pleasant Run about 10pm. We all were in the sack soon after, the sound of the stream lulled us to sleep. Fri night it got down to 56.
Sat morning, we were all up by 6, bustling to get packed and ready, knowing the morning would be the cool time to be hiking. Maria had brought individually wrapped chunks of breakfast casserole - 1.5 inches thick, crumbled bacon on top - yummy, and a bowl of fruit salad, and we had a hearty breakfast with mugs of coffee. Leaving one car in the parking area, we piled our packs on top of Bill’s Car, all 6 of us crammed inside, and drove back to the western trailhead at campsite 32. We got on the trail at 8am - I think it wasn’t even 62 degrees. That first ascent was a little slow for folks, but we made it to the top and enjoyed the overlooks. At lunchtime, pace picked up a bit, and we got to Doe Run camping area around 1:30, about 6 miles at that point. I asked if we wanted to cut the whole hike a little shorter - due to there still being about 4 miles to go, but everyone voted to stay the original course.
On Saturday afternoon, in an effort to shorten the hike a little and lessen the impact of a steep, 1.5 mile ‘down’ to the campsite, we took a little shortcut that was exciting. We decided to take a gravel road down to the campsite area - since it paralleled the main trail, was not as steep, was paved, and it would shorten the days mileage by maybe half a mile. The only gotcha being that the road wouldn't really come down to the stream level when it got down near the camping area, so it would require a bit of ‘bushwhacking’ to get to camp. We couldn’t tell how ‘whacky’ that ‘bushwhack’ descent would be from the topo maps, but thought we could handle it.
So when we took the road down (very pleasant walk, only about a mile and a half down) and got down to that area, and stared over the nearly sheer cliff down to the area below, we were a little worried. So, we just kept on going down the road, as it bent to the south, and it kept descending, and eventually, the sheer cliff got to be more like a 45 degree angle. Bill eyed it and started down it, saying over his shoulder that he would ‘check it out and let us know’. We all decided that we could manage, Maria was about 3rd down, I followed her and helped. It was touch and go the first 50 ft or so, but got manageable for the last 50 ft to the bottom, and everyone made it without calamity. Then it was a short hike to the Rock Run camping area, arriving around 3:30pm. We cut off about half a mile for the day with that shortcut, and I think saved everyone some pain. The entire day was 9.5 miles.
We stayed in a picturesque site just to the south of Yellow Dog Run, along Rock Run - a deeply carved stream with nice waterfalls and swimming holes. Folks setup tents, hung bear bags, and took a splash or a full dip in the stream - very brisk. The challenge was finding firewood, as things were pretty well picked over. Lots of Yellow Birch, but it won’t burn - so the Beech and Maple were what we were looking for. Bill had brought a folding saw, and disappeared into the woods, reappearing after some time pulling a small tree trunk. A couple of us went back to where he’d found wood and brought back several additional pieces - enough for a nice fire Sat night and Sun morning. We cooked meals and everyone had brought some sort of ‘Special Sauce’ with them, so we all shared libations and stories. Bill fixed deep fried doughnuts as a shared treat - pop and serve bread, olive oil in his jetboil, powdered sugar, enough for 2 or 3 for each of us - a wonderful treat. I think we all turned in by 10. It got down to 51 Sat night - very pleasant sleeping weather - I slept like a log and didn’t wake up till 6:30.
Sunday, up early - we enjoyed a cheery fire started by Ashleigh from embers (matchless), had breakfast, packed up, and we started out with a somewhat steep climb out of the Rock Run valley, which leveled out as we wove our way through the forest. For some reason my map showed 7.5 miles, but it ended up being only 6.5, and that was a welcome surprise - we were at the trailend at about 1:15 - total hike mileage was 16 miles. We got cleaned up, while Ashleigh and Bill got the car from the other end. We were on the road home by 2:30. On the way back we stopped in Dubois for a meal at Station 101 Pub and Kitchen, a modern looking pub with a good beer list and interesting menu - I had the Crab Stuffed Haddock and vegetable medley - again another winner, and another place we’d recommend if you’re in the area. We all joked that we should write up all of our meals as part of the trip report, as the ‘epicurian’ section of the report, so maybe we’ll take some good notes for next time. We got back to the Canton area by about 8:30.
This was Maria’s first experience, and rather than just surviving it, I think she had a great time. Thanks to the folks who went on the hike and helped out with making this an enjoyable hike for everyone!
Overall, a really nice hike. -Chuck Merkle
The trip went very well - six in the party: Bill M, Maria N, Ashleigh R, Joel C, Dan A, and Chuck M. Perfect weather, great food, convivial company, and Bill referred to it as a nice casual walk in the woods, so it got his stamp of approval. I had described it as a ‘moderate’ level hike, with several good ups and downs, 17 miles long, but with some great views and nice campsites. For much of it’s way, the trail follows old logging roads or railroad grades, so much of it is very pleasant hiking.
We left Canton around 1:15 on Friday afternoon, in two cars, the trip being 5 and a half hours to the trailhead. We stopped in Williamsport to have supper at the Moon & Raven Public House, an ‘irish pub’ sort of experience, where we had a wonderful meal. I had the Guinness Stew - Tender cuts of lamb, carrots, parsnips, turnips, onions, and Portabello mushrooms in a hearty Guinness Stout and beef gravy, topped with a ring of whipped potatoes - yum. Others had very delectable offerings and we highly recommend this restaurant. Leaving Williamsport, we drove north about 30 miles to the trailhead, arriving there at sunset, and setup camp.
On Friday night, we ended up staying in the hikers camping area near Masden along Pleasant Stream. There were a couple portapots there, so that was a good coincidence - we would end up coming back there at the end of the hike. This was Maria’s first backpacking trip, so I helped her get her tent setup, then I found trees for my hammock - Ashleigh also has a hammock - and there were lots of trees to choose from. We all sat round my Luci Lite (a solar powered led ‘area’ lite) on the picnic table for the evening. The campsite had a nice view of July’s second moon - a Blue Moon - as it rose over the dark hills on the south side of Pleasant Run about 10pm. We all were in the sack soon after, the sound of the stream lulled us to sleep. Fri night it got down to 56.
Sat morning, we were all up by 6, bustling to get packed and ready, knowing the morning would be the cool time to be hiking. Maria had brought individually wrapped chunks of breakfast casserole - 1.5 inches thick, crumbled bacon on top - yummy, and a bowl of fruit salad, and we had a hearty breakfast with mugs of coffee. Leaving one car in the parking area, we piled our packs on top of Bill’s Car, all 6 of us crammed inside, and drove back to the western trailhead at campsite 32. We got on the trail at 8am - I think it wasn’t even 62 degrees. That first ascent was a little slow for folks, but we made it to the top and enjoyed the overlooks. At lunchtime, pace picked up a bit, and we got to Doe Run camping area around 1:30, about 6 miles at that point. I asked if we wanted to cut the whole hike a little shorter - due to there still being about 4 miles to go, but everyone voted to stay the original course.
On Saturday afternoon, in an effort to shorten the hike a little and lessen the impact of a steep, 1.5 mile ‘down’ to the campsite, we took a little shortcut that was exciting. We decided to take a gravel road down to the campsite area - since it paralleled the main trail, was not as steep, was paved, and it would shorten the days mileage by maybe half a mile. The only gotcha being that the road wouldn't really come down to the stream level when it got down near the camping area, so it would require a bit of ‘bushwhacking’ to get to camp. We couldn’t tell how ‘whacky’ that ‘bushwhack’ descent would be from the topo maps, but thought we could handle it.
So when we took the road down (very pleasant walk, only about a mile and a half down) and got down to that area, and stared over the nearly sheer cliff down to the area below, we were a little worried. So, we just kept on going down the road, as it bent to the south, and it kept descending, and eventually, the sheer cliff got to be more like a 45 degree angle. Bill eyed it and started down it, saying over his shoulder that he would ‘check it out and let us know’. We all decided that we could manage, Maria was about 3rd down, I followed her and helped. It was touch and go the first 50 ft or so, but got manageable for the last 50 ft to the bottom, and everyone made it without calamity. Then it was a short hike to the Rock Run camping area, arriving around 3:30pm. We cut off about half a mile for the day with that shortcut, and I think saved everyone some pain. The entire day was 9.5 miles.
We stayed in a picturesque site just to the south of Yellow Dog Run, along Rock Run - a deeply carved stream with nice waterfalls and swimming holes. Folks setup tents, hung bear bags, and took a splash or a full dip in the stream - very brisk. The challenge was finding firewood, as things were pretty well picked over. Lots of Yellow Birch, but it won’t burn - so the Beech and Maple were what we were looking for. Bill had brought a folding saw, and disappeared into the woods, reappearing after some time pulling a small tree trunk. A couple of us went back to where he’d found wood and brought back several additional pieces - enough for a nice fire Sat night and Sun morning. We cooked meals and everyone had brought some sort of ‘Special Sauce’ with them, so we all shared libations and stories. Bill fixed deep fried doughnuts as a shared treat - pop and serve bread, olive oil in his jetboil, powdered sugar, enough for 2 or 3 for each of us - a wonderful treat. I think we all turned in by 10. It got down to 51 Sat night - very pleasant sleeping weather - I slept like a log and didn’t wake up till 6:30.
Sunday, up early - we enjoyed a cheery fire started by Ashleigh from embers (matchless), had breakfast, packed up, and we started out with a somewhat steep climb out of the Rock Run valley, which leveled out as we wove our way through the forest. For some reason my map showed 7.5 miles, but it ended up being only 6.5, and that was a welcome surprise - we were at the trailend at about 1:15 - total hike mileage was 16 miles. We got cleaned up, while Ashleigh and Bill got the car from the other end. We were on the road home by 2:30. On the way back we stopped in Dubois for a meal at Station 101 Pub and Kitchen, a modern looking pub with a good beer list and interesting menu - I had the Crab Stuffed Haddock and vegetable medley - again another winner, and another place we’d recommend if you’re in the area. We all joked that we should write up all of our meals as part of the trip report, as the ‘epicurian’ section of the report, so maybe we’ll take some good notes for next time. We got back to the Canton area by about 8:30.
This was Maria’s first experience, and rather than just surviving it, I think she had a great time. Thanks to the folks who went on the hike and helped out with making this an enjoyable hike for everyone!
Overall, a really nice hike. -Chuck Merkle
July 25, 2015 (Sat) Dayhike Holden Arboretum, Stebbins Gulch, Kirtland, OH
While some in the group stayed to enjoy the beautiful arboretum, 14 club members-- lead by our guides Howard and Yvette--descended into Stebbins Gulch, a satellite property donated to the arboretum to preserve its unique geological formations. Once in the gulch, we hiked out through the creek bed, traveling through time via its many layers of shale and sandstone, through refreshing pools of water, past carvings of "melonheads", then finally ascending a sparkling waterfall. Clearly one of the best hikes in Ohio! Thanks to Jenny for arranging this special trip to Holden.
While some in the group stayed to enjoy the beautiful arboretum, 14 club members-- lead by our guides Howard and Yvette--descended into Stebbins Gulch, a satellite property donated to the arboretum to preserve its unique geological formations. Once in the gulch, we hiked out through the creek bed, traveling through time via its many layers of shale and sandstone, through refreshing pools of water, past carvings of "melonheads", then finally ascending a sparkling waterfall. Clearly one of the best hikes in Ohio! Thanks to Jenny for arranging this special trip to Holden.
May 30, 2015 Dayhike Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, McConnell’s Mill State Park, New Castle, PA
Fourteen hardy hikers turned out for the Slippery Rock Gorge trip at McConnell's Mill State Park in PA. We had a fine hike with good summer weather and only a short rain shower. It was just a little late for most of the spring wilflowers. We enjoyed the trees, the bird sounds, and the good woodsy aroma. We completed the 6.4 mile hike in about 6 hours but we took a few breaks and made a lunch stop. Then came the test of the Moz-da-van as we crammed all 14 people and packs in for the ride from Eckert Bridge up out of the gorge to Kildoo parking lot. What a great day. We warned people that this was a hike for experienced hikers. This is probably one of the toughest hikes our club does. Six miles with ups and downs, rocks and roots and a few steep climbs will take it’s toll. I think we had some pretty tired hikers by the time we finished but everyone did fine. - Ken and Cheryl
Fourteen hardy hikers turned out for the Slippery Rock Gorge trip at McConnell's Mill State Park in PA. We had a fine hike with good summer weather and only a short rain shower. It was just a little late for most of the spring wilflowers. We enjoyed the trees, the bird sounds, and the good woodsy aroma. We completed the 6.4 mile hike in about 6 hours but we took a few breaks and made a lunch stop. Then came the test of the Moz-da-van as we crammed all 14 people and packs in for the ride from Eckert Bridge up out of the gorge to Kildoo parking lot. What a great day. We warned people that this was a hike for experienced hikers. This is probably one of the toughest hikes our club does. Six miles with ups and downs, rocks and roots and a few steep climbs will take it’s toll. I think we had some pretty tired hikers by the time we finished but everyone did fine. - Ken and Cheryl
May 16, 2015 Smoky Mt's Backpack Trip
Four of us Left Sat. morning May 16 and drove to Cades Cove Campground to car-camp. We headed up to Gregory Bald gaining over 2500 ft. in 6 miles. The day was filled with light showers. We camped 1/2 mile shy of the Bald and enjoyed a nice camp. On Monday, we hiked over the bald and down to the car. We drove to Fontana Dam where we parked the car, got a ride to the Marina where we hired a pontoon boat to shuttle us across the lake to Campsite 81. Tuesday we hiked along Lakeshore Trail to Campsite 90 and on Wed. we hiked to the dam and drove home. This hike featured beautiful trails, rushing streams, and decent weather. The last night, we were treated to the songs of bull frogs, tree frogs, and other assorted night singers. Bill
Four of us Left Sat. morning May 16 and drove to Cades Cove Campground to car-camp. We headed up to Gregory Bald gaining over 2500 ft. in 6 miles. The day was filled with light showers. We camped 1/2 mile shy of the Bald and enjoyed a nice camp. On Monday, we hiked over the bald and down to the car. We drove to Fontana Dam where we parked the car, got a ride to the Marina where we hired a pontoon boat to shuttle us across the lake to Campsite 81. Tuesday we hiked along Lakeshore Trail to Campsite 90 and on Wed. we hiked to the dam and drove home. This hike featured beautiful trails, rushing streams, and decent weather. The last night, we were treated to the songs of bull frogs, tree frogs, and other assorted night singers. Bill
May 3, 2015 hike at Ramser Arboretum Jelloway, Oh
We had a fantastic hike! There were only 10 from twc and 19 total. Susan (Russ Ramser's daughter) and her husband Chris led the hike and it was very good. The dogwoods were not open yet and there were just the common wild flowers but Chris is a birder and we were able to id a number of warblers and vereos. Susan talked a lot about the history of her family, the graveyard, and the history of Jelloway. After the hike she invited us over to their cabin for drinks. Her grandfather moved the cabin and it has been in the family since then. Could not give a firm date but estimated it was moved prior to 1820. It has been redone and the kitchen is done entirely in wormy chestnut cut and stored by her family. Got to see a luna moth and some spotted salamander eggs at their pond. After drinks we went to the lodge and had a great supper and lots of talk. There were only nine at supper and it was very nice. Susan and I had a blast - hope everyone else enjoyed it too. Larry Hilbert
We had a fantastic hike! There were only 10 from twc and 19 total. Susan (Russ Ramser's daughter) and her husband Chris led the hike and it was very good. The dogwoods were not open yet and there were just the common wild flowers but Chris is a birder and we were able to id a number of warblers and vereos. Susan talked a lot about the history of her family, the graveyard, and the history of Jelloway. After the hike she invited us over to their cabin for drinks. Her grandfather moved the cabin and it has been in the family since then. Could not give a firm date but estimated it was moved prior to 1820. It has been redone and the kitchen is done entirely in wormy chestnut cut and stored by her family. Got to see a luna moth and some spotted salamander eggs at their pond. After drinks we went to the lodge and had a great supper and lots of talk. There were only nine at supper and it was very nice. Susan and I had a blast - hope everyone else enjoyed it too. Larry Hilbert
March 22, 2015 hike at Summit Metropark - Cascade Valley
16 hikers met for a 5.2 mile hike on this brisk second day of Spring. Temperature was maybe 35 to 36 degrees and sunny. Thankfully the trails were free of ice but of course that meant there was some shallow mud to contend with...mostly avoidable. With many steps up and down and up the gorge sides, this was a good leg-stretcher. The Cuyahoga River was running fairly high with the end of the snowmelt. There were no wildflowers to be seen today. And of course we had dinner after the hike!
16 hikers met for a 5.2 mile hike on this brisk second day of Spring. Temperature was maybe 35 to 36 degrees and sunny. Thankfully the trails were free of ice but of course that meant there was some shallow mud to contend with...mostly avoidable. With many steps up and down and up the gorge sides, this was a good leg-stretcher. The Cuyahoga River was running fairly high with the end of the snowmelt. There were no wildflowers to be seen today. And of course we had dinner after the hike!
March 8, 2015 hike at Quail Hollow State Park
We got a pleasant break from winter on our hike. The sun was out and the temperature was near 40 degrees. A person could almost smell Spring! But since there was still several inches of snow on the ground the skunk cabbage garden on a section of horse trail was still deeply buried so we did not get to see the first new green of the season to come. The trails were still packed snow but with the warmer temperatures the snow was starting to soften. You could feel your boot slip just a bit with each step which made walking a bit more taxing. A section of the horse trail was a little more strenuous. We walked only 3.2 miles ( a little more than 2 hours ) but it seemed like more. (16) hikers attended the hike and (11) of us had a festive dinner afterward at Mi Casa Mexican Resturant in Hartville.
We got a pleasant break from winter on our hike. The sun was out and the temperature was near 40 degrees. A person could almost smell Spring! But since there was still several inches of snow on the ground the skunk cabbage garden on a section of horse trail was still deeply buried so we did not get to see the first new green of the season to come. The trails were still packed snow but with the warmer temperatures the snow was starting to soften. You could feel your boot slip just a bit with each step which made walking a bit more taxing. A section of the horse trail was a little more strenuous. We walked only 3.2 miles ( a little more than 2 hours ) but it seemed like more. (16) hikers attended the hike and (11) of us had a festive dinner afterward at Mi Casa Mexican Resturant in Hartville.
Feb 1, 2015 Winter Picnic
TWC Winter Picnic was a great success. There were 13 total hikers attending. 11 went on the morning hike and 11 went on the afternoon hike. 2 hikers had to guard the pavilion during the hikes. There was plenty of food (as always-we hike to eat). The weather turned out to not be a problem There were big flakes and it laid on the branches and trees. It was very picturesque-like a picture postcard. Charlie made a hiking snowman complete with hiking poles and the TWC sign. A good time was had by all. Ashleigh Roberts gets the distance award for coming further than anyone. She lives in Zanesville. She saw our info on the NEW WEBSITE. - June
TWC Winter Picnic was a great success. There were 13 total hikers attending. 11 went on the morning hike and 11 went on the afternoon hike. 2 hikers had to guard the pavilion during the hikes. There was plenty of food (as always-we hike to eat). The weather turned out to not be a problem There were big flakes and it laid on the branches and trees. It was very picturesque-like a picture postcard. Charlie made a hiking snowman complete with hiking poles and the TWC sign. A good time was had by all. Ashleigh Roberts gets the distance award for coming further than anyone. She lives in Zanesville. She saw our info on the NEW WEBSITE. - June
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Nov 15-16, 2014 Weekend in the Woods near Lancaster, Oh
Clear Creek Metropark & Boch Hollow Nature Preserve
On Saturday morning five hikers (trip leader Forest, Dan A, Joe R, Ken & Cheryl) met at Clear Creek Metropark which is a few miles south of Lancaster, Oh. Clear Creek is also Ohio's largest dedicated nature preserve. The topography here is very rugged with narrow ridges and long steep ravines. We hiked portions of the Cemetery Ridge, Hemlock and Creekside Meadows trails which made a (5) mile loop. It was a moderate hike but did have a few steep ups and downs. Walking at a leisurely pace we were out for 3 hours. I image the cooler weather chased off a few other hikers but it was about 40 degrees and with no breeze it very still and quiet....perfect for a hike in a winter woods. Although this area is known for it's rich plant and wildlife, with the leaves down, the highlights were the views down through the heavily forested hillsides.
After the hike, Joe left for home and the rest of us went back to the motels in Lancaster to freshen up. We met later at a Mediterranean restaurant where the most interesting item was our flaming sheepmilk cheese with salt and lemon juice. Yum.
On Sunday morning we drove about 30 minutes to the Boch Hollow Nature Preserve. There are around 3.5 miles of trail here but as we hiked the loop we came across some very new trail construction which we dicided to explore. We followed the new trail for quite a distance before we decided it was taking us away from the Boch Hollow area. We backtracked and re-joined the main trail to finish the loop for a total of (5 )miles. It was a bit cooler on Saturday with a high of about 35 degrees but was still nice to be out. Forest later found out that the new trail we hiked is a relocation project of the Buckeye Trail. They are looking for volunteers to help complete this new section.
Ken Mozden
Nov 15-16, 2014 Weekend in the Woods near Lancaster, Oh
Clear Creek Metropark & Boch Hollow Nature Preserve
On Saturday morning five hikers (trip leader Forest, Dan A, Joe R, Ken & Cheryl) met at Clear Creek Metropark which is a few miles south of Lancaster, Oh. Clear Creek is also Ohio's largest dedicated nature preserve. The topography here is very rugged with narrow ridges and long steep ravines. We hiked portions of the Cemetery Ridge, Hemlock and Creekside Meadows trails which made a (5) mile loop. It was a moderate hike but did have a few steep ups and downs. Walking at a leisurely pace we were out for 3 hours. I image the cooler weather chased off a few other hikers but it was about 40 degrees and with no breeze it very still and quiet....perfect for a hike in a winter woods. Although this area is known for it's rich plant and wildlife, with the leaves down, the highlights were the views down through the heavily forested hillsides.
After the hike, Joe left for home and the rest of us went back to the motels in Lancaster to freshen up. We met later at a Mediterranean restaurant where the most interesting item was our flaming sheepmilk cheese with salt and lemon juice. Yum.
On Sunday morning we drove about 30 minutes to the Boch Hollow Nature Preserve. There are around 3.5 miles of trail here but as we hiked the loop we came across some very new trail construction which we dicided to explore. We followed the new trail for quite a distance before we decided it was taking us away from the Boch Hollow area. We backtracked and re-joined the main trail to finish the loop for a total of (5 )miles. It was a bit cooler on Saturday with a high of about 35 degrees but was still nice to be out. Forest later found out that the new trail we hiked is a relocation project of the Buckeye Trail. They are looking for volunteers to help complete this new section.
Ken Mozden
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Oct 4, 2014 Dayhike - Blackhand Gorge
Blackhand Gorge was a great hike with a total of 15 hikers for the afternoon hike and supper. The morning hike was a little wet and even produced some hail for a brisk start. We started out at 10 am and hiked to Council Rock to hear the story of the Blackhand, see the "deep cut", and returned on the quarry trail. The peak colors were still a week away but the hike was very colorful. We returned to the Toboso parking lot and enjoyed our picnic lunch. The afternoon hike saw some additional hikers with about a 1/3 of the group new. The afternoon trip took us to Lock #16, the interurban tunnel and picnic rock, the canal tow path along Blackhand, and up to the Marie Hickey Trail. On the Marie Hickey Trail we went past 3 old hit & miss well heads and lots of older timber and up to the North Parking Lot. Past the parking lot we took the Oak Knob Trail up to the remains of the old nitroglycerine plant that blew up in 1930. We finished up at the log cabin and went to supper at the "Over Look Restaurant" at the Longaberger Golf Club. I hope our guests enjoyed the day as much as i did! -----------------Larry H.
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Oct 4, 2014 Dayhike - Blackhand Gorge
Blackhand Gorge was a great hike with a total of 15 hikers for the afternoon hike and supper. The morning hike was a little wet and even produced some hail for a brisk start. We started out at 10 am and hiked to Council Rock to hear the story of the Blackhand, see the "deep cut", and returned on the quarry trail. The peak colors were still a week away but the hike was very colorful. We returned to the Toboso parking lot and enjoyed our picnic lunch. The afternoon hike saw some additional hikers with about a 1/3 of the group new. The afternoon trip took us to Lock #16, the interurban tunnel and picnic rock, the canal tow path along Blackhand, and up to the Marie Hickey Trail. On the Marie Hickey Trail we went past 3 old hit & miss well heads and lots of older timber and up to the North Parking Lot. Past the parking lot we took the Oak Knob Trail up to the remains of the old nitroglycerine plant that blew up in 1930. We finished up at the log cabin and went to supper at the "Over Look Restaurant" at the Longaberger Golf Club. I hope our guests enjoyed the day as much as i did! -----------------Larry H.
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Sep 27-28, 2014 Backpack - Rimrock-Morrison Trail, Allegheny National Forest
The September backpacking trip to the Rimrock-Morrison Trail near Warren, PA began Saturday morning with Jerry Miller, Cynthia David, and Jim Seaman. We had carpooled to the trailhead Friday night and camped in a fern-scaped area right off the parking lot.
Our Saturday morning breakfast was accompanied by a swarm of gnats, and the gloomy morning fog quickly burned away by the warming autumn sun. We left our trail-head camp at 9:30 and arrived at the Morrison campground at Kinzua Creek, which is part of the Allegheny Reservoir, at 4:00. The hike into the valley consisted of different types of forest – ferny and green in the beginning and more wooded and rugged as we made our descent on the way to the campground. Jim and Jerry were surprised to see that the open meadow is now gone, and the only view of Kinzua Creek is now along the shoreline. Coyotes howled nearby us Saturday night and the gnats swarmed persistently as the sun went down. Jerry had a rabbit that was quite interested in him and his evening meal and it came back to visit him Sunday morning and even brought a friend.
Sunday arrived foggy and cool but quickly became sunny and pleasant. Our hike back to the car started at 8:30 with the trail eventually parallelling Morrison Run with its waters cascading merrily over rock ledges. We encountered several day hikers and backpackers on our way back up to the plateau. There were huge boulders and rock formations through this part, scattered hither and yon, almost as if giants had been playing with their building blocks and just left them there. The climb up was steep, but we took our time and all made it safely back to the car by 1:00. After a quick change of clothes and shoes, it was time to head for home. We stopped at the well-known King’s Restaurant in Barkeyville and made it back to Jerry’s house in Green by about 6:00.
The weather for the weekend was spectacular; the sun provided us with plenty of autumnal color to admire and for Jerry to photograph. We did not see any wildlife except for chipmunks, Jerry’s rabbits, and LOTS of toads. All in all, it was a beautiful hike with plenty to see and the area is definitely worth exploring more in the future on the other trails there.
Jim Seaman
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The September backpacking trip to the Rimrock-Morrison Trail near Warren, PA began Saturday morning with Jerry Miller, Cynthia David, and Jim Seaman. We had carpooled to the trailhead Friday night and camped in a fern-scaped area right off the parking lot.
Our Saturday morning breakfast was accompanied by a swarm of gnats, and the gloomy morning fog quickly burned away by the warming autumn sun. We left our trail-head camp at 9:30 and arrived at the Morrison campground at Kinzua Creek, which is part of the Allegheny Reservoir, at 4:00. The hike into the valley consisted of different types of forest – ferny and green in the beginning and more wooded and rugged as we made our descent on the way to the campground. Jim and Jerry were surprised to see that the open meadow is now gone, and the only view of Kinzua Creek is now along the shoreline. Coyotes howled nearby us Saturday night and the gnats swarmed persistently as the sun went down. Jerry had a rabbit that was quite interested in him and his evening meal and it came back to visit him Sunday morning and even brought a friend.
Sunday arrived foggy and cool but quickly became sunny and pleasant. Our hike back to the car started at 8:30 with the trail eventually parallelling Morrison Run with its waters cascading merrily over rock ledges. We encountered several day hikers and backpackers on our way back up to the plateau. There were huge boulders and rock formations through this part, scattered hither and yon, almost as if giants had been playing with their building blocks and just left them there. The climb up was steep, but we took our time and all made it safely back to the car by 1:00. After a quick change of clothes and shoes, it was time to head for home. We stopped at the well-known King’s Restaurant in Barkeyville and made it back to Jerry’s house in Green by about 6:00.
The weather for the weekend was spectacular; the sun provided us with plenty of autumnal color to admire and for Jerry to photograph. We did not see any wildlife except for chipmunks, Jerry’s rabbits, and LOTS of toads. All in all, it was a beautiful hike with plenty to see and the area is definitely worth exploring more in the future on the other trails there.
Jim Seaman
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Sep 21, 2014 Dayhike - Punderson State Park
On Sunday, Sept. 21, nine TWC hikers met at Punderson to enjoy the day in the park. Led by Charlie Daigen, we hiked about five miles through the heavily wooded area, criss-crossing inter-connected paths until we made our way back to the lodge. Since we were further north, some of the leaves had already changed. Although it had threatened earlier, the rain didn't start until about 6:00pm. By that time we were finished with the hike, enjoying a meal at Zeppe's Pizzeria, as we gazed out the windows at the raindrops.
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On Sunday, Sept. 21, nine TWC hikers met at Punderson to enjoy the day in the park. Led by Charlie Daigen, we hiked about five miles through the heavily wooded area, criss-crossing inter-connected paths until we made our way back to the lodge. Since we were further north, some of the leaves had already changed. Although it had threatened earlier, the rain didn't start until about 6:00pm. By that time we were finished with the hike, enjoying a meal at Zeppe's Pizzeria, as we gazed out the windows at the raindrops.
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