Trip Reports for 2017
Oct 22, 2017 Dayhike Oak Hill / Plateau Trail Cuyahoga Valley NP (Charlie)
___Twenty-two members and guests turned out to enjoy the fall foliage as they hiked through a section of our own NE Ohio National Park. Charlie D. led the group along the Plateau Trail, which consisted of approximately 4.9 miles, and took about 2.5 hours to complete. Everyone enjoyed the great weather, and most were also in attendance at the after-hike dinner held at Panini’s in Stow. Great time was had by all. -Kim
___Twenty-two members and guests turned out to enjoy the fall foliage as they hiked through a section of our own NE Ohio National Park. Charlie D. led the group along the Plateau Trail, which consisted of approximately 4.9 miles, and took about 2.5 hours to complete. Everyone enjoyed the great weather, and most were also in attendance at the after-hike dinner held at Panini’s in Stow. Great time was had by all. -Kim
Oct 20, 2017 Club Meeting at TWC 7:30pm SPECIAL PROGRAM Guest speaker: John Muir
___Program: A visit with John Muir. Well this was certainly a delightful event. We watched as nauturalist and actor John Kolar from Geauga County Parks transformed into an image of John Muir. As Muir, he told stories from his boyhood and of his travels throughout the country. He shared his amazement with the natural world and stressed the need to protect it for future generations. Some make-shift props were used when several members became giant redwoods swaying in the breeze. Muir even commented about the "girth" of some of these trees. A loop of string was passed around the perimeter of the room to demonstrate just how big some of these tree grew. We were also introduced to his two daugthers Helen and Wanda. This was a really fun program and well attended. Thanks to Kim M. for finding and arranging the show. Ken
___Program: A visit with John Muir. Well this was certainly a delightful event. We watched as nauturalist and actor John Kolar from Geauga County Parks transformed into an image of John Muir. As Muir, he told stories from his boyhood and of his travels throughout the country. He shared his amazement with the natural world and stressed the need to protect it for future generations. Some make-shift props were used when several members became giant redwoods swaying in the breeze. Muir even commented about the "girth" of some of these trees. A loop of string was passed around the perimeter of the room to demonstrate just how big some of these tree grew. We were also introduced to his two daugthers Helen and Wanda. This was a really fun program and well attended. Thanks to Kim M. for finding and arranging the show. Ken
Oct 8, 2017 Dayhike Richfield Heritage Preserve Richfield, Oh Summit County (Kim/Carol)
___It was a wonderful dayhike at Richfield Heritage Preserve. It was unseasonably warm (which we'll take as long as we can get). There were 14 hikers that meandered around the 336 acres, inspecting a great variety of interesting structures from the former girl scout camp and the former estates of the Neal and Kirby families. We all learned a bit of history, were successful at finding the secret waterfall, and hope to have a future guided tour that will allow us to try out the "bounce house." Our resident daredevils (Charlie and P.J.) entertained us by demonstrating the challenge course and climbing to the top of the waterfall. We hiked between 3 1/2 and 4 miles and had a terrific dinner at the Taverne of Richfield. If you missed this hike and want to try it out, just let us know because this has become a favorite place for us to go, and we still have some unexplored areas to conquer. We recently discovered the Storybook Trail at this location, and would love to share it with others. Kim and Carol
___It was a wonderful dayhike at Richfield Heritage Preserve. It was unseasonably warm (which we'll take as long as we can get). There were 14 hikers that meandered around the 336 acres, inspecting a great variety of interesting structures from the former girl scout camp and the former estates of the Neal and Kirby families. We all learned a bit of history, were successful at finding the secret waterfall, and hope to have a future guided tour that will allow us to try out the "bounce house." Our resident daredevils (Charlie and P.J.) entertained us by demonstrating the challenge course and climbing to the top of the waterfall. We hiked between 3 1/2 and 4 miles and had a terrific dinner at the Taverne of Richfield. If you missed this hike and want to try it out, just let us know because this has become a favorite place for us to go, and we still have some unexplored areas to conquer. We recently discovered the Storybook Trail at this location, and would love to share it with others. Kim and Carol
Sep 1-4, 2017 Backpack, Labor Day Weekend, Red River Gorge, East-Central KY (Chuck)
___The Labor Day weekend backpacking trip this year was to a new area for the group - the Red River Gorge in eastern Kentucky, in the north central area of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Ten folks took part, and we hiked approximately 20 miles on the Sheltowee Trace (named after Daniel Boone’s Shawnee name - little Turtle). Earlier in the week we debated on whether hurricane Harvey would make us cancel, but the forecast after Friday night and Saturday looked very nice.
___Friday night, we drove 6+ hours through the storms and rain from the tail end of Harvey, to get to the Natural Bridge State Park lodge, where we spent the night in nice accommodations with a porch on each room overlooking the wooded gorge. Saturday morning, the weather had cleared up some - overcast and cool - so after breakfast at the restaurant in the lodge, we dropped a car at the end of the trip (near the lodge) and crowded into two vehicles to make the 15 mile drive to the beginning of the hike, driving thru the long, dark, single lane ‘Nada Tunnel’ along the way.
___After departing from the cars at Corner Ridge trailhead, we made a slow descent along the ridge towards Gladie Creek, with a wet crossing at Salt Branch. Making our way along the Northern side of the gorge system, we slowly ascended, walked below increasingly tall outcrops and stranded tall rock formations, passing a side trail that led up to the ‘Indian Staircase’. It sprinkled on us several times during the day, and was overcast most of the day.
___At about 2pm we loaded up our water bottles for that night’s water, filtering from a stream, and started up a steep climb to the top of the ridge above Indian Arch. The last 50 feet before the Indian Arch was a wooden staircase, but that didn’t make the climb any easier, especially with the extra 4 to 8 lbs of water on our backs. Indian Arch is a nice low 40 foot arch with beautiful color in the sandstone. The hike to the campsite was another quarter mile from the arch - where we picked a nice large site on the top of the ridge, with views to the southeast of the Indian Staircase.
___PJ had brought a small hatchet along, and we all took turns chopping and attempting to split some logs, and managed to get a fire going. It rained a little on us and was cool that evening. Next morning sun began to come out and the view across the valley filled with mist was spectacular. We got out of camp by 9 and continued in our southwesterly direction, weaving back into hollows, passing more tall bluffs, eating lunch beneath a high overhang (reminiscent of Ash Cave), and descended back down to Gladie Creek where we carefully crossed the creek on a rickety suspension bridge, avoiding the missing and broken boards.
___We had a couple more wet/rock hopping crossings before loading up again with water for the night’s meals, and then ascending again to the ridge. This ascent felt longer and more aggressive than the previous afternoon’s, and while many of us grumbled about the climb - we all made it to the top, and enjoyed the long views to the south and east across the gorge. Everyone setup camp, hung gear to dry out, and enjoyed another nice fire, again assisted with PJ’s hatchet.
___Next morning, we were out early and continued along the trail, crossing the Mountain Parkway and heading down a craggy, mossy, rock-strewn gorge passing Whittleton Arch and finishing at our car parked near the lodge. Folks cleaned up, drivers went to fetch the cars from the beginning, and we all made our way to Miguel’s Pizza for lunch. It was a very busy place, but most agreed the pizza was pretty good and we enjoyed a local ginger ale called ‘Ale8.1’ (pronounced ‘a late one’). One of the cars decided to head home, the others went back to the Natural Bridge parking area and hiked up to the Natural Bridge - a huge arch high up on one of the ridges. We hiked up to it’s top, crossing it and then took the trail around to Lookout point and then down through Devil’s Gulch - a carved stone staircase nearly straight down between tight moss covered walls with lots of twists and turns. A great finish to the weekend. We all headed home by 4pm. - Chuck M.
___The Labor Day weekend backpacking trip this year was to a new area for the group - the Red River Gorge in eastern Kentucky, in the north central area of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Ten folks took part, and we hiked approximately 20 miles on the Sheltowee Trace (named after Daniel Boone’s Shawnee name - little Turtle). Earlier in the week we debated on whether hurricane Harvey would make us cancel, but the forecast after Friday night and Saturday looked very nice.
___Friday night, we drove 6+ hours through the storms and rain from the tail end of Harvey, to get to the Natural Bridge State Park lodge, where we spent the night in nice accommodations with a porch on each room overlooking the wooded gorge. Saturday morning, the weather had cleared up some - overcast and cool - so after breakfast at the restaurant in the lodge, we dropped a car at the end of the trip (near the lodge) and crowded into two vehicles to make the 15 mile drive to the beginning of the hike, driving thru the long, dark, single lane ‘Nada Tunnel’ along the way.
___After departing from the cars at Corner Ridge trailhead, we made a slow descent along the ridge towards Gladie Creek, with a wet crossing at Salt Branch. Making our way along the Northern side of the gorge system, we slowly ascended, walked below increasingly tall outcrops and stranded tall rock formations, passing a side trail that led up to the ‘Indian Staircase’. It sprinkled on us several times during the day, and was overcast most of the day.
___At about 2pm we loaded up our water bottles for that night’s water, filtering from a stream, and started up a steep climb to the top of the ridge above Indian Arch. The last 50 feet before the Indian Arch was a wooden staircase, but that didn’t make the climb any easier, especially with the extra 4 to 8 lbs of water on our backs. Indian Arch is a nice low 40 foot arch with beautiful color in the sandstone. The hike to the campsite was another quarter mile from the arch - where we picked a nice large site on the top of the ridge, with views to the southeast of the Indian Staircase.
___PJ had brought a small hatchet along, and we all took turns chopping and attempting to split some logs, and managed to get a fire going. It rained a little on us and was cool that evening. Next morning sun began to come out and the view across the valley filled with mist was spectacular. We got out of camp by 9 and continued in our southwesterly direction, weaving back into hollows, passing more tall bluffs, eating lunch beneath a high overhang (reminiscent of Ash Cave), and descended back down to Gladie Creek where we carefully crossed the creek on a rickety suspension bridge, avoiding the missing and broken boards.
___We had a couple more wet/rock hopping crossings before loading up again with water for the night’s meals, and then ascending again to the ridge. This ascent felt longer and more aggressive than the previous afternoon’s, and while many of us grumbled about the climb - we all made it to the top, and enjoyed the long views to the south and east across the gorge. Everyone setup camp, hung gear to dry out, and enjoyed another nice fire, again assisted with PJ’s hatchet.
___Next morning, we were out early and continued along the trail, crossing the Mountain Parkway and heading down a craggy, mossy, rock-strewn gorge passing Whittleton Arch and finishing at our car parked near the lodge. Folks cleaned up, drivers went to fetch the cars from the beginning, and we all made our way to Miguel’s Pizza for lunch. It was a very busy place, but most agreed the pizza was pretty good and we enjoyed a local ginger ale called ‘Ale8.1’ (pronounced ‘a late one’). One of the cars decided to head home, the others went back to the Natural Bridge parking area and hiked up to the Natural Bridge - a huge arch high up on one of the ridges. We hiked up to it’s top, crossing it and then took the trail around to Lookout point and then down through Devil’s Gulch - a carved stone staircase nearly straight down between tight moss covered walls with lots of twists and turns. A great finish to the weekend. We all headed home by 4pm. - Chuck M.
Sep 9, 2017 Dayhike, Dawes Arboretum, Newark, OH (Bill/Jeannie)
__The Arboretum hike on September 9 was a success due to a beautiful place and perfect weather. There were 9 members and 4 guests. We walked a couple of miles in the woods across the road from the Arboretum in the morning. After a picnic lunch we walked a large part of the Arboretum. 6 miles total. Almost all went to supper at the Red Oak Pub in Newark.
__The Arboretum hike on September 9 was a success due to a beautiful place and perfect weather. There were 9 members and 4 guests. We walked a couple of miles in the woods across the road from the Arboretum in the morning. After a picnic lunch we walked a large part of the Arboretum. 6 miles total. Almost all went to supper at the Red Oak Pub in Newark.
Aug 6, 2017 Dayhike Buckeye Trail, Mogadore section , Mogadore, Oh Ken/Cheryl)
___Buckeye Trail along the north edge of Mogadore Resevoir was new territory for our group. On August 6, 14 of our members turned out. After a short quick shuttle, we walked from Saxe Rd to Rt 43, 4.4 miles. Since it was a warm summer day, everyone seemed appreciative of an easy walk on mostly shady, mostly old road grade trail. Of course we had to go eat; we went to Farmer Boy's at Springfield. -Cheryl
___Buckeye Trail along the north edge of Mogadore Resevoir was new territory for our group. On August 6, 14 of our members turned out. After a short quick shuttle, we walked from Saxe Rd to Rt 43, 4.4 miles. Since it was a warm summer day, everyone seemed appreciative of an easy walk on mostly shady, mostly old road grade trail. Of course we had to go eat; we went to Farmer Boy's at Springfield. -Cheryl
Aug 2017 Backpack trip to the Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
___We got lucky traveling on 3 airlines from 3 airports and arriving in Boise within 15 min. of each other.
___We visited an REI and a grocery store before heading to Stanley, ID. to The May Family Ranch where we had a truly enjoyable stay in a rustic log barn converted into loft rooms. Breakfast with the May's was a fun and unique experience.
___On Sunday we had a buffet breakfast at the Red Fish Lake Lodge before taking a water shuttle to our trailhead. We crossed a challenging Redfish Lake Creek on our way up to Middle Cramer Lake to camp opposite a beautiful waterfall. Monday was a hot hike across snow fields up to Cramer Pass at 9500 ft. and down to Hidden Lake to camp. Tuesday took us over to Vernon Lake where I used nearby snow to chill desert. (A cheese cake with rehydrated strawberries and Dream Whip topping.) On Wednesday we continued on to camp at Toxaway Lake. Thursday morning provided a beautiful sunrise before we hiked up to Twin Lakes Gap (9400 ft.). This is probably the best photo opportunity of the trip. We camped at Twin Lakes and enjoyed some samples of camp-make pizza. Friday was a 7 mile hike downhill to the cars at Pettit Lake. The trails had a good bit of rocky steps and adorned with beautiful alpine flowers. We shared the last two camp areas but otherwise had little contact with nearby campers. The weather was in the 40's at night and high 70's in the day but the hot sun made it feel warmer. Every direction seemed photo perfect throughout the trip.
___The trip included 3 hikers from the Wilderness Center, one from Knoxville, and 4 from Northeast Ohio Backpackers. All the hikers were near 60 years old up to 73. They all proved to be excellent hikers and similarly capable. It was certainly a trip that will be long remembered.
___Bill M.
___We got lucky traveling on 3 airlines from 3 airports and arriving in Boise within 15 min. of each other.
___We visited an REI and a grocery store before heading to Stanley, ID. to The May Family Ranch where we had a truly enjoyable stay in a rustic log barn converted into loft rooms. Breakfast with the May's was a fun and unique experience.
___On Sunday we had a buffet breakfast at the Red Fish Lake Lodge before taking a water shuttle to our trailhead. We crossed a challenging Redfish Lake Creek on our way up to Middle Cramer Lake to camp opposite a beautiful waterfall. Monday was a hot hike across snow fields up to Cramer Pass at 9500 ft. and down to Hidden Lake to camp. Tuesday took us over to Vernon Lake where I used nearby snow to chill desert. (A cheese cake with rehydrated strawberries and Dream Whip topping.) On Wednesday we continued on to camp at Toxaway Lake. Thursday morning provided a beautiful sunrise before we hiked up to Twin Lakes Gap (9400 ft.). This is probably the best photo opportunity of the trip. We camped at Twin Lakes and enjoyed some samples of camp-make pizza. Friday was a 7 mile hike downhill to the cars at Pettit Lake. The trails had a good bit of rocky steps and adorned with beautiful alpine flowers. We shared the last two camp areas but otherwise had little contact with nearby campers. The weather was in the 40's at night and high 70's in the day but the hot sun made it feel warmer. Every direction seemed photo perfect throughout the trip.
___The trip included 3 hikers from the Wilderness Center, one from Knoxville, and 4 from Northeast Ohio Backpackers. All the hikers were near 60 years old up to 73. They all proved to be excellent hikers and similarly capable. It was certainly a trip that will be long remembered.
___Bill M.
May 20, 2017 River Clean-up by Canoe, Tusc River, Massillon, Oh (Paul)
____Saturday weather was great for a group of anxious club members who wanted to clean up the Tuscarawas River. We had 14 paddlers and 7 canoes. The canoeists worked hard and collected a lot of debris, an ice chest, tire and unopened can of Coke. Kim Mc. and Kim W. were judged the winners and will have an interesting story to tell if you ask them. The group enjoyed a meal at Blue Heron after and a short hike. -Linda
____Saturday weather was great for a group of anxious club members who wanted to clean up the Tuscarawas River. We had 14 paddlers and 7 canoes. The canoeists worked hard and collected a lot of debris, an ice chest, tire and unopened can of Coke. Kim Mc. and Kim W. were judged the winners and will have an interesting story to tell if you ask them. The group enjoyed a meal at Blue Heron after and a short hike. -Linda
May 7, 2017 Dayhike, Wildflower Hike, Wooster Memorial Park, Wooster, Oh (Joyce/Lois) 2:00 pm
____Eighteen hikers showed up on a crisp, sunny Sunday afternoon for the wildflower hike at Wooster Memorial Park. We hiked four miles on trails that went through mature woods, meadows, and beside steep ravines. Trillium wildflowers, wild geraniums, wild phlox, Mayapples, and violets were in bloom and added to the beauty. Following the hike all 18 hikers went to the Greenleaf Restaurant for dinner.
____Eighteen hikers showed up on a crisp, sunny Sunday afternoon for the wildflower hike at Wooster Memorial Park. We hiked four miles on trails that went through mature woods, meadows, and beside steep ravines. Trillium wildflowers, wild geraniums, wild phlox, Mayapples, and violets were in bloom and added to the beauty. Following the hike all 18 hikers went to the Greenleaf Restaurant for dinner.
Apr 30, 2017 Dayhike, Seven Ranges Scout Reservation, Kensington, Oh (Paul)
____We had 18 hikers make their way to northern Carroll county on a sunny afternoon to hike one of the largest Boy Scout Reservations in the east. Matt Diuk came home from college to led a two hour hike describing the different areas of the camp and some of the things that happen there during summer camp. A couple folks said they were surprised at the size of the dining hall. As the group got within 50 yards of the cars a torrential rain cut loose and sent everyone scurrying. But as Bob G. said may times " it's all about the food" so we headed for Classic 57 for an enjoyable dinner and some good conversation.
____As a side note when we got there the campmaster mentioned about ticks being every place you hike because of the mild winter. So be aware when hiking. -Paul
____We had 18 hikers make their way to northern Carroll county on a sunny afternoon to hike one of the largest Boy Scout Reservations in the east. Matt Diuk came home from college to led a two hour hike describing the different areas of the camp and some of the things that happen there during summer camp. A couple folks said they were surprised at the size of the dining hall. As the group got within 50 yards of the cars a torrential rain cut loose and sent everyone scurrying. But as Bob G. said may times " it's all about the food" so we headed for Classic 57 for an enjoyable dinner and some good conversation.
____As a side note when we got there the campmaster mentioned about ticks being every place you hike because of the mild winter. So be aware when hiking. -Paul
Apr 7-9, 2017 Overnight Dayhike Trip, John Bryan SP, Clifton Gorge, Glen Helen, Yellow Spr, OH (Kim)
____What an incredible trip in all ways: the weather, scenery, wildflowers, fellowship, covered bridge, historic mill, waterfalls, springs, river, and gorge. There were 27 hikers on this overnight dayhike trip. We all arrived in Yellow Springs on Friday throughout the evening, and gathered around the firepit at the Springs Motel, making s'mores.
____Saturday we hiked Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve before lunch (3-4 miles), drove to adjacent John Bryan State Park and had a leisurely packed lunch at a shelter, and then hiked 3-4 more miles in the afternoon. There was an abundance of wildflowers and many other photo opportunities that slowed us down to a turtle's pace, but nobody seemed to mind. And what a treat it was to have Charlotte and Jeff along as our guides and as wildflower experts. We thoroughly picked their brains, and were able to see Virginia bluebells, Dutchman’s breeches, hepatica, bloodroot, large white trilliums, wild ginger, early meadow rue, rue anemone, miterwort, phlox, and most likely several others that I can't remember. It was enjoyable and soothing to see and hear the Little Miami River most of the day (and amusing for those that were able to witness the Canada Geese enjoying their own game of braving the white water rapids). That evening we dined in town at the Williams Eatery and then some went to Young's Jersey Dairy for dessert, where they make their own ice cream with milk from their own cows.
____Sunday morning we hiked 3-4 miles at the next adjacent property to the west--Glen Helen Nature Preserve, where we got a fabulous group photo while monopolizing the space around and on top of the famous yellow springs. Also enjoyed the raptor center, a huge waterfall, couple small waterfalls, more wildflowers, and lots of beauty in general. We encountered a hiking club from Dayton, having as much fun as we (which reassured me that we AREN'T the only noisy group). They invited us to join them sometime. Hiked a short distance with a group of 20 service dogs in training. Their handlers/trainers were college students, and what fun we had watching them cross a river with some willing and some skeptical "trainees". Just before lunch we officially wrapped up and said our goodbyes since some couldn't dine with us for lunch. Fifteen of us went to Young's for lunch/dessert and stuffed ourselves for the ride home.
____Thanks to everyone for lots of fun and all your favorable comments; it will be my pleasure to plan a future trip, but Yellow Springs will be difficult to beat!! xoxo Kim
____What an incredible trip in all ways: the weather, scenery, wildflowers, fellowship, covered bridge, historic mill, waterfalls, springs, river, and gorge. There were 27 hikers on this overnight dayhike trip. We all arrived in Yellow Springs on Friday throughout the evening, and gathered around the firepit at the Springs Motel, making s'mores.
____Saturday we hiked Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve before lunch (3-4 miles), drove to adjacent John Bryan State Park and had a leisurely packed lunch at a shelter, and then hiked 3-4 more miles in the afternoon. There was an abundance of wildflowers and many other photo opportunities that slowed us down to a turtle's pace, but nobody seemed to mind. And what a treat it was to have Charlotte and Jeff along as our guides and as wildflower experts. We thoroughly picked their brains, and were able to see Virginia bluebells, Dutchman’s breeches, hepatica, bloodroot, large white trilliums, wild ginger, early meadow rue, rue anemone, miterwort, phlox, and most likely several others that I can't remember. It was enjoyable and soothing to see and hear the Little Miami River most of the day (and amusing for those that were able to witness the Canada Geese enjoying their own game of braving the white water rapids). That evening we dined in town at the Williams Eatery and then some went to Young's Jersey Dairy for dessert, where they make their own ice cream with milk from their own cows.
____Sunday morning we hiked 3-4 miles at the next adjacent property to the west--Glen Helen Nature Preserve, where we got a fabulous group photo while monopolizing the space around and on top of the famous yellow springs. Also enjoyed the raptor center, a huge waterfall, couple small waterfalls, more wildflowers, and lots of beauty in general. We encountered a hiking club from Dayton, having as much fun as we (which reassured me that we AREN'T the only noisy group). They invited us to join them sometime. Hiked a short distance with a group of 20 service dogs in training. Their handlers/trainers were college students, and what fun we had watching them cross a river with some willing and some skeptical "trainees". Just before lunch we officially wrapped up and said our goodbyes since some couldn't dine with us for lunch. Fifteen of us went to Young's for lunch/dessert and stuffed ourselves for the ride home.
____Thanks to everyone for lots of fun and all your favorable comments; it will be my pleasure to plan a future trip, but Yellow Springs will be difficult to beat!! xoxo Kim
Mar 24-26, 2017 Car Camp and Dayhike at Hocking Hills State Park (Maria)
__We had nine hikers for this outing. Some tented, some slept in our "motorhomes" and some stayed nearby in a cabin. Saturday morning we drove down to the camp store and started our hike down through the Old Man's Cave area. We hiked the gorge down to Cedar Falls. I had forgotted how spectacular some of the cliffs are through this section. There were not many hikers out yet but by the time we got to Cedar Falls the crowd had gathered at this scenic spot. After lunch at the shelter we took the upper trail past Rose Lake to complete the six mile loop. By the time we got back to old Man's Cave it too was crawling with folks that were drawn out by a warm spring day. After we got back to the cars we drove to Rockhouse and made the loop down throught the cavern. The menu for the community meal was chili and corn bread cooked over the fire. Sunday morning was nice but it had gotten cloudy. After breakfast we packed up camp and drove to Ash Cave. It started to sprinkle so it was raincoats or umbrellas. It was early so we had Ash Cave all to ourselves...very nice...what a spectacular place. We then headed to Conkles Hollow and walked up to the falls. By then it was still sprinkling but also had a nice light fog which really makes the rocks kind of mysterious. After we returned to the cars everyone headed for lunch in Logan. With a full belly Dan, Ashley, Jim and Cindy and Forest headed home. Ken, Cheryl, Bill and Maria decide to go see one more of the sights at Cantwell Cliffs before we too headed north. Many thanks to Maria for organizing this trip. We all had a great time. -Ken
__We had nine hikers for this outing. Some tented, some slept in our "motorhomes" and some stayed nearby in a cabin. Saturday morning we drove down to the camp store and started our hike down through the Old Man's Cave area. We hiked the gorge down to Cedar Falls. I had forgotted how spectacular some of the cliffs are through this section. There were not many hikers out yet but by the time we got to Cedar Falls the crowd had gathered at this scenic spot. After lunch at the shelter we took the upper trail past Rose Lake to complete the six mile loop. By the time we got back to old Man's Cave it too was crawling with folks that were drawn out by a warm spring day. After we got back to the cars we drove to Rockhouse and made the loop down throught the cavern. The menu for the community meal was chili and corn bread cooked over the fire. Sunday morning was nice but it had gotten cloudy. After breakfast we packed up camp and drove to Ash Cave. It started to sprinkle so it was raincoats or umbrellas. It was early so we had Ash Cave all to ourselves...very nice...what a spectacular place. We then headed to Conkles Hollow and walked up to the falls. By then it was still sprinkling but also had a nice light fog which really makes the rocks kind of mysterious. After we returned to the cars everyone headed for lunch in Logan. With a full belly Dan, Ashley, Jim and Cindy and Forest headed home. Ken, Cheryl, Bill and Maria decide to go see one more of the sights at Cantwell Cliffs before we too headed north. Many thanks to Maria for organizing this trip. We all had a great time. -Ken
Mar 5, 2017 Dayhike, Mohican State Park (Larry)
__We had beautiful weather for the hike and there were 12 on the first hike, 28 on the second hike, and 24 for dinner. The temperature went into the fifties but there was lots of sun and very little wind on the trails. There was a little mud and lots of roots but everyone made it just fine. Barb P. brought her husband and some hiker friends, Adriana brought Jack (the dog), the Imhoff family brought Ronich (5), and everyone seemed to have a good time. There was still a little ice at the falls but not much due to the mild winter. We took over the party room at Trail's End Restaurant and everyone seemed to regain their strength after a good meal. Thanks to Forrest for adding the gorge loop and to Greg and Ken for helping spot cars at the fire tower. The times were off a little but we all made it and no one got lost or fell. -Larry H.
__We had beautiful weather for the hike and there were 12 on the first hike, 28 on the second hike, and 24 for dinner. The temperature went into the fifties but there was lots of sun and very little wind on the trails. There was a little mud and lots of roots but everyone made it just fine. Barb P. brought her husband and some hiker friends, Adriana brought Jack (the dog), the Imhoff family brought Ronich (5), and everyone seemed to have a good time. There was still a little ice at the falls but not much due to the mild winter. We took over the party room at Trail's End Restaurant and everyone seemed to regain their strength after a good meal. Thanks to Forrest for adding the gorge loop and to Greg and Ken for helping spot cars at the fire tower. The times were off a little but we all made it and no one got lost or fell. -Larry H.
Feb 25-26, 2017 Stanford House Overnight and Dayhikes at Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Paul)
__Seventeen club members enjoyed two wintry hikes and an overnight at the Stanford House in CVNP. On Saturday we hiked on the Buckeye Trail and Bridle Trail which was a little muddy. Saturday evening’s pot luck dinner, that left NO one hungry, was followed by a great slide program on travel & orienteering in Iceland and Faroe Islands. Sunday’s hike was to Historic Brandywine Falls that had a lot of water flowing over and spotty ice around some edges. The sun above was quite nice for the hike back to the cars. We weren’t the only ones enjoying a nice day for Feb. in Ohio... Quite a few folks thought we should have a yearly overnighter during the winter.
__Seventeen club members enjoyed two wintry hikes and an overnight at the Stanford House in CVNP. On Saturday we hiked on the Buckeye Trail and Bridle Trail which was a little muddy. Saturday evening’s pot luck dinner, that left NO one hungry, was followed by a great slide program on travel & orienteering in Iceland and Faroe Islands. Sunday’s hike was to Historic Brandywine Falls that had a lot of water flowing over and spotty ice around some edges. The sun above was quite nice for the hike back to the cars. We weren’t the only ones enjoying a nice day for Feb. in Ohio... Quite a few folks thought we should have a yearly overnighter during the winter.
Feb 5, 2017 Winter Picnic and Dayhikes, Summit Metro Parks, Mingo Pavilion/Lodge, Akron, Oh 10 am to 6 pm
__Morning hike 3.5 mi. Afternoon hike 3.0 mi. Way too much food. ====== Needs a write-up ======
__Morning hike 3.5 mi. Afternoon hike 3.0 mi. Way too much food. ====== Needs a write-up ======
Jan 22, 2017 Dayhike Quail Hollow (State) Park Hartville 2:00pm (Ken & Cheryl)
We had 20 hikers show up for this muddy hike. It was about 60 degrees and felt like early spring. We stayed mostly on the main trails which were still wet and squishy in many areas. No one lost any boots. A leisurely hike. of 3 miles. We were out for a little over 2 hours. A group of (18) went to dinner. at Mi Casa which did a good job with such a large group. Ken
We had 20 hikers show up for this muddy hike. It was about 60 degrees and felt like early spring. We stayed mostly on the main trails which were still wet and squishy in many areas. No one lost any boots. A leisurely hike. of 3 miles. We were out for a little over 2 hours. A group of (18) went to dinner. at Mi Casa which did a good job with such a large group. Ken