Trip reports 2016
Nov 27, 2016 Dayhike Sippo Valley Trail Dalton Oh 2:00 pm (Joe R.)
___A nice afternoon for a walk. We had a group of 18 ? turn out up for this short notice hike. Most of us walked from Dalton east to Skyland Ave. a distance of about 5.5 miles. This was a nice walk with pleasant views of farmland and woods. Thanks to Joe R. for suggesting this. -Ken
___A nice afternoon for a walk. We had a group of 18 ? turn out up for this short notice hike. Most of us walked from Dalton east to Skyland Ave. a distance of about 5.5 miles. This was a nice walk with pleasant views of farmland and woods. Thanks to Joe R. for suggesting this. -Ken
Nov 20, 2016 Dayhike Findley State Park Wellington, Oh 2:00 pm (Larry H.)
___No pictures to post but we had a very nice hike yesterday. The first snow of the season had everyone scared but it was a beautiful late November day. The temperature was right at freezing with a light covering of snow and mixed clouds. Mary Ann, Forrest, and Joyce joined me in and we had a great hike. The park was beautiful and we saw more deer on the trails than people. We hiked 3 park trails, Buckeye trail, and some of the mountain bike trail. There was only one mountain biker out and since everyone was following the directions for Sunday, we had no problems. The larch were dropping their needles, the pawpaw were bright yellow, and about 75% of the leaves were down. We made it around the lake as the sun was setting and went into Wellington to eat at Dimitri's Corner restaurant. I know that this state park is not close to most of our members but I'm liking it more every time I come. It is a very clean park with a great camping area, a nice grass & sand beach, 16 miles of trails, beautiful canoe & kayak marina, and the lake is restricted to only electric motors. Their next big event is the winter hike on Feb. 4th - 3 hikes to choose from and hot bean soup! Larry H.
___No pictures to post but we had a very nice hike yesterday. The first snow of the season had everyone scared but it was a beautiful late November day. The temperature was right at freezing with a light covering of snow and mixed clouds. Mary Ann, Forrest, and Joyce joined me in and we had a great hike. The park was beautiful and we saw more deer on the trails than people. We hiked 3 park trails, Buckeye trail, and some of the mountain bike trail. There was only one mountain biker out and since everyone was following the directions for Sunday, we had no problems. The larch were dropping their needles, the pawpaw were bright yellow, and about 75% of the leaves were down. We made it around the lake as the sun was setting and went into Wellington to eat at Dimitri's Corner restaurant. I know that this state park is not close to most of our members but I'm liking it more every time I come. It is a very clean park with a great camping area, a nice grass & sand beach, 16 miles of trails, beautiful canoe & kayak marina, and the lake is restricted to only electric motors. Their next big event is the winter hike on Feb. 4th - 3 hikes to choose from and hot bean soup! Larry H.
Oct 22, 2016 Dayhike Little Mountain Hike and Canopy tour at Holden Arboritum
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July 10-14, 2016 Colorado Rocky Mtn Inn-to-Inn Hiking Trip
___Rocky Mountain Hiker: Five club members, plus five random hikers from the U.S., and three guides had five perfect days of hiking in the Boulder and Estes Park areas of Colorado. Dayhikes were anywhere from 5 to 11.5 miles per day, with varying levels of difficulties. Hikers were able to go at their own pace, knowing that there was always a guide both in front and behind them. You were able to choose to "be on a mission" to get to the furthest point, or you could have a more leisurely pace and "stop to smell the roses" (or take a zillion incredible photos, like we did). All meals, lodging, and transportation to the trailheads were provided, so it made for a very stress-free trip. Just get dressed, grab your poles, and go!
___Rocky Mountain Hiker: Five club members, plus five random hikers from the U.S., and three guides had five perfect days of hiking in the Boulder and Estes Park areas of Colorado. Dayhikes were anywhere from 5 to 11.5 miles per day, with varying levels of difficulties. Hikers were able to go at their own pace, knowing that there was always a guide both in front and behind them. You were able to choose to "be on a mission" to get to the furthest point, or you could have a more leisurely pace and "stop to smell the roses" (or take a zillion incredible photos, like we did). All meals, lodging, and transportation to the trailheads were provided, so it made for a very stress-free trip. Just get dressed, grab your poles, and go!
Sept 25, 2016 Mum Festival + Hiking, Barberton, OH
___We had 17 on the mum hike to Barberton. We started at the Manchester road trail head and hiked the towpath about 4 miles to the Robinson ave. bridge and took the magic mile trail into Barberton and Lake Anna park. There were loads of crafts, displays, vendors, and aris horticulture mums but the best part was the Chippewa Lake water ski team. They put on a show that would of rivaled the old cypress gardens of Florida. Dinner was at the green diamond and we got the balcony in the adult section and not the dugout. Our meal was quiet and we did not have to relive another brown's loss. Not a normal hike but everyone seemed to have a good time. Had two new hikers - Barb from Wooster and Carole (Barb S's sister) along with some old friends - Donna Z. and Glen & Sandy M.
___We had 17 on the mum hike to Barberton. We started at the Manchester road trail head and hiked the towpath about 4 miles to the Robinson ave. bridge and took the magic mile trail into Barberton and Lake Anna park. There were loads of crafts, displays, vendors, and aris horticulture mums but the best part was the Chippewa Lake water ski team. They put on a show that would of rivaled the old cypress gardens of Florida. Dinner was at the green diamond and we got the balcony in the adult section and not the dugout. Our meal was quiet and we did not have to relive another brown's loss. Not a normal hike but everyone seemed to have a good time. Had two new hikers - Barb from Wooster and Carole (Barb S's sister) along with some old friends - Donna Z. and Glen & Sandy M.
Sept 11, 2016 Dayhike Buckeye Woods Park/Schleman Nature Preserve,
Sixteen hikers had perfect weather for the 4.5 mile hike at Buckeye Woods in Medina. We did portions of the upper Chippewa Inlet Trail and the Schleman Nature Preserve. It was an easy and enjoyable jaunt, and while we were resting at the lake, we were able to watch cub scouts launch their rockets. In the wetlands area, the endangered Sand Hill Cranes put in an appearance, as well as Great Blue Herons, White Egrets, some ducks, and plenty of geese. A wonderful dinner followed at the nearby Rose Hill restaurant.
Sixteen hikers had perfect weather for the 4.5 mile hike at Buckeye Woods in Medina. We did portions of the upper Chippewa Inlet Trail and the Schleman Nature Preserve. It was an easy and enjoyable jaunt, and while we were resting at the lake, we were able to watch cub scouts launch their rockets. In the wetlands area, the endangered Sand Hill Cranes put in an appearance, as well as Great Blue Herons, White Egrets, some ducks, and plenty of geese. A wonderful dinner followed at the nearby Rose Hill restaurant.
Aug 7, 2016 Dayhike Millcreek Metropark Youngstown, Oh 2:00 pm (Ken/Cheryl)
___Five hikers turned out for the Mill Creek dayhike. We walked from the Ford Nature Center up to Lanternman's Mill. We had a cold treat at the mill before heading back on the other side of the river. It was a warm day but the humidity was low and it was a bit cooler down in the shaded gorge along the creek. Thw walk was 4.6 miles. Afterward we stopped in at a local restuarant for dinner. -Ken
___Five hikers turned out for the Mill Creek dayhike. We walked from the Ford Nature Center up to Lanternman's Mill. We had a cold treat at the mill before heading back on the other side of the river. It was a warm day but the humidity was low and it was a bit cooler down in the shaded gorge along the creek. Thw walk was 4.6 miles. Afterward we stopped in at a local restuarant for dinner. -Ken
July 10, 2016 Dayhike North Chagrin Reservation 10:00 am (Paul M.)
___There was a good turnout of 15 hikers for this event. The group included 4 guests...Sandy, a long time friend of Cheryl that lives mostly in California, Virginia, a friend of K&C that lives in Euclid, Joe's son Will, and Kathy from Strongsville who came to hike with a meetup group but was a couple of minutes late and found that they took off at exactly 10am. We invited her to join our group. Acually we got a bit of a late start because our group waited for 2 hikers that went to the wrong park. Even with a mid-morning start it was a rather warm day. Fortunately for most of the hike we were in the shade and there was a bit of a breeze. The group quickly found that the trail map had not been updated to show that several connector trails were now closed. There was some extra time taken to figure the trails out. We were out for nearly three hours and hiked 5.8 miles. Mid-way into the walk we arrived at Sqiures Castle where Paul read us the Squire's story. It seems that when Mr. Squire built this castle for his wife she absolutely hated it. One day she took a fall and broke her neck and later died there. It is claimed she still haunts the castle. The group later met at Your's Truly for lunch. -Ken
___There was a good turnout of 15 hikers for this event. The group included 4 guests...Sandy, a long time friend of Cheryl that lives mostly in California, Virginia, a friend of K&C that lives in Euclid, Joe's son Will, and Kathy from Strongsville who came to hike with a meetup group but was a couple of minutes late and found that they took off at exactly 10am. We invited her to join our group. Acually we got a bit of a late start because our group waited for 2 hikers that went to the wrong park. Even with a mid-morning start it was a rather warm day. Fortunately for most of the hike we were in the shade and there was a bit of a breeze. The group quickly found that the trail map had not been updated to show that several connector trails were now closed. There was some extra time taken to figure the trails out. We were out for nearly three hours and hiked 5.8 miles. Mid-way into the walk we arrived at Sqiures Castle where Paul read us the Squire's story. It seems that when Mr. Squire built this castle for his wife she absolutely hated it. One day she took a fall and broke her neck and later died there. It is claimed she still haunts the castle. The group later met at Your's Truly for lunch. -Ken
June 24-26, 2016 Backpack Laurel Highlands PA (Bill)
___Since we only had 4 hikers, we opted for Minister Creek in place of Laurel Highlands. We camped at Minister Creek on Friday evening and was serenaded by other campers until 3:30 AM. On Saturday, we hiked CCW on the Minister Creek Trail and headed up to our traditional camp at the big rock. This camp didn't seem used since we were there a couple years ago. On Sunday, we followed the cleared trail through a large blow-down before arriving at the overlook to enjoy the beautiful view. We had great weather, although a bit warm. -Bill
___Since we only had 4 hikers, we opted for Minister Creek in place of Laurel Highlands. We camped at Minister Creek on Friday evening and was serenaded by other campers until 3:30 AM. On Saturday, we hiked CCW on the Minister Creek Trail and headed up to our traditional camp at the big rock. This camp didn't seem used since we were there a couple years ago. On Sunday, we followed the cleared trail through a large blow-down before arriving at the overlook to enjoy the beautiful view. We had great weather, although a bit warm. -Bill
June 4-5, 2016 Clarion River Overnight Canoe Trip Cooksburg, PA (Charlie)
___This past weekend, seven hearty souls participated in a canoe trip down the Clarion River in PA.
After spending a pleasant Friday evening in Clarion, we departed from the canoe livery early Saturday and traveled 30 miles upstream by van, then started our trip back. Paddling approximately 18 miles under a partly sunny sky, we arrived at Clear Creek State Park to spend the evening. With a great campsite next to the river, we enjoyed dinner, campfire and good conversations. Some of the folks went to a presentation on severe weather being put on by the camp ranger. During the night we were serenaded by the sounds of a heavy downpour, but for the most part everyone stayed dry. Sunday dawned cloudy and the rain started soon after camp was broken. On the way back to the livery, 12 miles downstream, we were hit with a strong rain shower and constant rain all the way back. Still everyone enjoyed the trip and we finished up safe and sound, albeit a bit wet (okay, very wet!). Judy D.
___This past weekend, seven hearty souls participated in a canoe trip down the Clarion River in PA.
After spending a pleasant Friday evening in Clarion, we departed from the canoe livery early Saturday and traveled 30 miles upstream by van, then started our trip back. Paddling approximately 18 miles under a partly sunny sky, we arrived at Clear Creek State Park to spend the evening. With a great campsite next to the river, we enjoyed dinner, campfire and good conversations. Some of the folks went to a presentation on severe weather being put on by the camp ranger. During the night we were serenaded by the sounds of a heavy downpour, but for the most part everyone stayed dry. Sunday dawned cloudy and the rain started soon after camp was broken. On the way back to the livery, 12 miles downstream, we were hit with a strong rain shower and constant rain all the way back. Still everyone enjoyed the trip and we finished up safe and sound, albeit a bit wet (okay, very wet!). Judy D.
May 27-30, 2016 (Memorial Day Weekend) Backpack North Fork Mountain, WV (Seneca area) (Bill)
___We camped Friday May 27 along Forest Rd. 79 near Canaan Hts., WVa. On Saturday, we located most of the 9 hikers at the South Trailhead atop the Mountain and then spotted cars at 2 trailheads on the East side of the Mt. The 8 mile hike to camp was along very scenic trail along the ridge. The camp area featured a great tent area next to a high cliff with vistas featuring Seneca Rocks and the surrounding mountains. On Sunday, we stopped at the midpoint trailhead to replenish our water and have lunch. We continued to the next camp completing about 7 miles for the day. This camp had even greater views than the previous day. On Monday, we split up and hiked to 4 trailheads. Blisters and sore knees hiked 2 miles to the first car, most hiked 5 miles to the second car, I hiked back to my car at midpoint, and one hiker went to the North End completing the 24 mile trail. Despite the lack of any water, this is one of the most spectacular hikes in our area with scores of vistas and shaded hiking among hardwoods, pines, Mountain Laurel, Lady Slipper Orchids and songbirds. We stopped in Elkins for lunch at the Steer Steakhouse before heading home. -Bill Photos can be found on Scott's website.
___We camped Friday May 27 along Forest Rd. 79 near Canaan Hts., WVa. On Saturday, we located most of the 9 hikers at the South Trailhead atop the Mountain and then spotted cars at 2 trailheads on the East side of the Mt. The 8 mile hike to camp was along very scenic trail along the ridge. The camp area featured a great tent area next to a high cliff with vistas featuring Seneca Rocks and the surrounding mountains. On Sunday, we stopped at the midpoint trailhead to replenish our water and have lunch. We continued to the next camp completing about 7 miles for the day. This camp had even greater views than the previous day. On Monday, we split up and hiked to 4 trailheads. Blisters and sore knees hiked 2 miles to the first car, most hiked 5 miles to the second car, I hiked back to my car at midpoint, and one hiker went to the North End completing the 24 mile trail. Despite the lack of any water, this is one of the most spectacular hikes in our area with scores of vistas and shaded hiking among hardwoods, pines, Mountain Laurel, Lady Slipper Orchids and songbirds. We stopped in Elkins for lunch at the Steer Steakhouse before heading home. -Bill Photos can be found on Scott's website.
May 21, 2016 Dayhike & Paddle Annual River Clean-up by Canoe
___Ten paddlers showed up for this river cleanup. The rain and drizzle that persisted all morning finally stopped a short while before we got started. We were taken about 3 miles upstream and launched with our trash bags and trash hooks. We had to look really hard to find trash. Except for a few choice spots where junk had collected this section of river was really pretty clean. We still managed to accommulate 3-1/2 bags of trash and one paddle lost by the canoe livery. After the trip no one was interested in a cookout to use up the tube of hamburg that I fished out .....so we went to the deli instead. Thanks to Paul and the Trailhead Canoe Livery for arranging this project. -Ken
___Ten paddlers showed up for this river cleanup. The rain and drizzle that persisted all morning finally stopped a short while before we got started. We were taken about 3 miles upstream and launched with our trash bags and trash hooks. We had to look really hard to find trash. Except for a few choice spots where junk had collected this section of river was really pretty clean. We still managed to accommulate 3-1/2 bags of trash and one paddle lost by the canoe livery. After the trip no one was interested in a cookout to use up the tube of hamburg that I fished out .....so we went to the deli instead. Thanks to Paul and the Trailhead Canoe Livery for arranging this project. -Ken
The Apr 29 - May 1, 2016 Backpack - North Country Trail, PA (Dan B)
___17 backpackers, 11 miles writeup pending
___17 backpackers, 11 miles writeup pending
May 1, 2016 Dayhike Malabar State Park (Bill/Jeannie)
___Twelve hikers came to Malabar Farm State Park on May 1, 2016. The Butternut Trail was hiked. It included a cave exploration for the more adventurous. Unfortunately, the predicted thunderstorms moved in and the remainder of the hike had to be shortened. We explored some parts of the farm and drove up Mt. Jeez for a panoramic view of the farm and area before eating at Trail's End restaurant in Loudonville.
___Twelve hikers came to Malabar Farm State Park on May 1, 2016. The Butternut Trail was hiked. It included a cave exploration for the more adventurous. Unfortunately, the predicted thunderstorms moved in and the remainder of the hike had to be shortened. We explored some parts of the farm and drove up Mt. Jeez for a panoramic view of the farm and area before eating at Trail's End restaurant in Loudonville.
April 24, 2016 Dayhike Wolf Run Regional Park Mount Vernon, Oh (Knox County) 2:00 pm
___Sixteen club members and one visitor enjoyed this beautiful, warm spring afternoon hiking the hills of this Knox County Park. Trillium and Jack-In-The-Pulpit were spotted along the trail along with several other spring flowers. At around the halfway point we took a nice break at the fishing pond where there is a picnic table and pier over the water. After the hike we went to Jakes Steak House for a delicious meal. A good time was had by all. (Forrest)
___Sixteen club members and one visitor enjoyed this beautiful, warm spring afternoon hiking the hills of this Knox County Park. Trillium and Jack-In-The-Pulpit were spotted along the trail along with several other spring flowers. At around the halfway point we took a nice break at the fishing pond where there is a picnic table and pier over the water. After the hike we went to Jakes Steak House for a delicious meal. A good time was had by all. (Forrest)
April 1-3, 2016 Car Camp & Hike Jefferson Lake State Park (Steubenville, Oh)
____Jefferson Lake Car-Camp. Ten of us braved the weekend at Jefferson Lake. We had a great campfire Friday evening after we set up camp. On Saturday, we hiked about 7 miles in chilly weather ... perfect for hiking. About suppertime, a short aggressive rain/snow passed through. Campfire included pizza from a local Italian shop. We awoke Sunday morning to a bright sun and snowy camp. We hiked about 3 miles in Fernwood State Forest. The snow covered scenery made for a awesome experience. Dinner at Kings made a nice finale before the trip home. -Bill
____Jefferson Lake Car-Camp. Ten of us braved the weekend at Jefferson Lake. We had a great campfire Friday evening after we set up camp. On Saturday, we hiked about 7 miles in chilly weather ... perfect for hiking. About suppertime, a short aggressive rain/snow passed through. Campfire included pizza from a local Italian shop. We awoke Sunday morning to a bright sun and snowy camp. We hiked about 3 miles in Fernwood State Forest. The snow covered scenery made for a awesome experience. Dinner at Kings made a nice finale before the trip home. -Bill
Mar 13, 2016 Dayhike St. Patrick’s Day Hike Towpath Trail (Joe)
____Towpath Trail in Canal Fulton hike - Sunday March 13th, 2016 at 2:00. Joe Ress hike leader. Eight hikers showed up to hike in the rain. It really did not “deluge” on us but it was “pretty drippy” most of the time! We hiked north instead of south, (which was the original plan – to make a loop onto the trail on the other side of the river), since the northern part is newly paved and we thought it might be less muddy – it really was not. We hiked about 3 miles total and then drove down to the Towpath Cabin for dinner. Was actually the perfect place for a walk in the mud! -Joe R.
____Towpath Trail in Canal Fulton hike - Sunday March 13th, 2016 at 2:00. Joe Ress hike leader. Eight hikers showed up to hike in the rain. It really did not “deluge” on us but it was “pretty drippy” most of the time! We hiked north instead of south, (which was the original plan – to make a loop onto the trail on the other side of the river), since the northern part is newly paved and we thought it might be less muddy – it really was not. We hiked about 3 miles total and then drove down to the Towpath Cabin for dinner. Was actually the perfect place for a walk in the mud! -Joe R.
March 6, 2016 Dayhike Camp Buckeye
___The day was overcast and the air was a little brisk, but 22 of us hiked the trails of Camp Buckeye Retreat Center near Beach City. The camp used to be an old boy scout camp, and we had a few members who remembered it from their scouting days. We heard tales of having to swim laps in the pool, helping to build the chapel (lugging cement blocks through the woods),the tale of the Tenderfoot who lived in Machan's Rock and the secret initiation into the Order of the Arrow. We hiked along an old access road then hiked a trail through woods and through an overgrown meadow to Machan's Rock. Then we hiked back up and through the old stone quarry, along a stream with a small waterfall, and past the treehouse, then back to where we started. Afterwards, we ate Mexican fare at Campesino's in Strasburg. -Becky S.
___The day was overcast and the air was a little brisk, but 22 of us hiked the trails of Camp Buckeye Retreat Center near Beach City. The camp used to be an old boy scout camp, and we had a few members who remembered it from their scouting days. We heard tales of having to swim laps in the pool, helping to build the chapel (lugging cement blocks through the woods),the tale of the Tenderfoot who lived in Machan's Rock and the secret initiation into the Order of the Arrow. We hiked along an old access road then hiked a trail through woods and through an overgrown meadow to Machan's Rock. Then we hiked back up and through the old stone quarry, along a stream with a small waterfall, and past the treehouse, then back to where we started. Afterwards, we ate Mexican fare at Campesino's in Strasburg. -Becky S.
Feb 28, 2016 Dayhike at Norma Johnson
___It was a warm breezy February day when 26 members met at Norma Johnson Conservation Center near Dover for a three mile hike led by Becky. We hiked along a meadow, through deciduous woods with switch-backs to the top, then walked along regrown stripmine banks Coming down we crossed the suspension bridge (only three adults at a time), around small ponds, then back up to a windy ridge with swaying pine trees and great vistas. Afterwards, 22 of us went to Grinders for supper. -Becky S.
___It was a warm breezy February day when 26 members met at Norma Johnson Conservation Center near Dover for a three mile hike led by Becky. We hiked along a meadow, through deciduous woods with switch-backs to the top, then walked along regrown stripmine banks Coming down we crossed the suspension bridge (only three adults at a time), around small ponds, then back up to a windy ridge with swaying pine trees and great vistas. Afterwards, 22 of us went to Grinders for supper. -Becky S.
Feb 14, 2016 Snowflake Picnic Cuyahoga Valley National Park Ledges Shelter
___We had a cold day for this event with the high temperature only reaching about 20 degrees, but the sun was out and there was not much breeze. 24 members showed up at the Ledges shelter. We had 18 for the morning hike and 10 for the afternoon hike. This area had aound 6" of snow two days earlier and the trees were still coated with white. Very pretty. The trails were mostly packed snow and were a bit slippery so neither hike was really very long....maybe 2 miles each. The cold part was inside the shelter. This old CCC stone shelter is not known for being warm. With overnight temps of near zero even with two large fireplaces it didn't get over 40 degrees inside. Everyone stayed bundled up or close to the fire. Of course there was WAY too much food. -Ken
___We had a cold day for this event with the high temperature only reaching about 20 degrees, but the sun was out and there was not much breeze. 24 members showed up at the Ledges shelter. We had 18 for the morning hike and 10 for the afternoon hike. This area had aound 6" of snow two days earlier and the trees were still coated with white. Very pretty. The trails were mostly packed snow and were a bit slippery so neither hike was really very long....maybe 2 miles each. The cold part was inside the shelter. This old CCC stone shelter is not known for being warm. With overnight temps of near zero even with two large fireplaces it didn't get over 40 degrees inside. Everyone stayed bundled up or close to the fire. Of course there was WAY too much food. -Ken
Jan 29-30, 2016 Overnight Cabin Trip - Burr Oak State Park
___We had a nice time at Burr Oak. Three couples attended…Linda & Paul, Judy & Charley, Cheryl & Ken.
___We all met at the lodge around 4 pm Friday and had a look around before going to our cabin. Everyone got settled in and after a while we headed back up to the lodge for a light dinner. It was a bit busier than expected (this was the gospel music weekend at the lodge) but we all got fed before returning to the cabin for some lies and stories…you’ve got to have entertainment right?
___Saturday morning we packed a lunch and hit the trail around 10am. The trails still had snow cover from the storm the previous week. It had melted down mostly except for in the shaded woods and north facing slopes where it was still packed down and a bit slippery. With a leisurely lunch stop we were out for 6 hours. The loop we hiked turned out to be longer than we thought so it felt good to sit down after we got back to the cabin. The temp for the day was around 60 degrees and felt like early spring.
___The gals found a really great sounding Mexican restaurant in Athens, Oh which was about 20 miles away. We drove there for dinner. We were really hungry by now after the long walk. We didn't know it was right downtown. It was pretty warm there and the streets and sidewalks (and bars) were crowded with college kids. It WAS Saturday evening. The restaurant had a two hour wait! Groan. We eventually found a small diner and had a not quite so fancy but still decent meal. We ended with a huge piece of gooey 6 later chocolate cake that took four of us to finish.
___With all of the young college kids I think we were the oldest folks in town that night. But I bet we were the only ones that had a 6-1/2 mile walk that day!
___Sunday morning some of the group had to return home early. It was warm enough that the trails were becoming a slippery mess and were not real enticing. Cheryl and I took a ride around the lake and surveyed some of the trailheads for another day. -Ken
___We had a nice time at Burr Oak. Three couples attended…Linda & Paul, Judy & Charley, Cheryl & Ken.
___We all met at the lodge around 4 pm Friday and had a look around before going to our cabin. Everyone got settled in and after a while we headed back up to the lodge for a light dinner. It was a bit busier than expected (this was the gospel music weekend at the lodge) but we all got fed before returning to the cabin for some lies and stories…you’ve got to have entertainment right?
___Saturday morning we packed a lunch and hit the trail around 10am. The trails still had snow cover from the storm the previous week. It had melted down mostly except for in the shaded woods and north facing slopes where it was still packed down and a bit slippery. With a leisurely lunch stop we were out for 6 hours. The loop we hiked turned out to be longer than we thought so it felt good to sit down after we got back to the cabin. The temp for the day was around 60 degrees and felt like early spring.
___The gals found a really great sounding Mexican restaurant in Athens, Oh which was about 20 miles away. We drove there for dinner. We were really hungry by now after the long walk. We didn't know it was right downtown. It was pretty warm there and the streets and sidewalks (and bars) were crowded with college kids. It WAS Saturday evening. The restaurant had a two hour wait! Groan. We eventually found a small diner and had a not quite so fancy but still decent meal. We ended with a huge piece of gooey 6 later chocolate cake that took four of us to finish.
___With all of the young college kids I think we were the oldest folks in town that night. But I bet we were the only ones that had a 6-1/2 mile walk that day!
___Sunday morning some of the group had to return home early. It was warm enough that the trails were becoming a slippery mess and were not real enticing. Cheryl and I took a ride around the lake and surveyed some of the trailheads for another day. -Ken