Trip Reports 2018
Dec 2, 2018 Dayhike at The Wilderness Center 1:00 pm (Ken & Cheryl)
__We had a welcome break in the rain and cold weather this day as the sun came out and the temerature rose into the low 60's. There were 21 hikers that showed up for our hike at The Wilderness Center. We walked the Sugar Creek and Fox Creek trails (which were pretty soggy after recent rains) crossed over the new bridge and boardwalk into the remains of Sigrist Woods. Since it was a nice day we took the newly cleared path up thru Foxfield Preserve before looping back on the Sigrist trail to the road and parking at the Pioneer trailhead. At that point some hikers elected to walk back up the road to TWC or take the shorter trail back. Eleven of us continued on the longer Pioneer trail before we made our way back to TWC. This group covered 4.9 miles. Of special note was that it was warm enough today that some of the group saw a small 10 inch snake and also a small brown bat flying around in the woods grabbing insects.__After the hike 16 of us headed for dinner at Campesino's Grill in Strasburg. They served up some good food really fast (and with a minimum of confusion as to who ordered what)! All in all, another good outing. -Ken and Cheryl
__We had a welcome break in the rain and cold weather this day as the sun came out and the temerature rose into the low 60's. There were 21 hikers that showed up for our hike at The Wilderness Center. We walked the Sugar Creek and Fox Creek trails (which were pretty soggy after recent rains) crossed over the new bridge and boardwalk into the remains of Sigrist Woods. Since it was a nice day we took the newly cleared path up thru Foxfield Preserve before looping back on the Sigrist trail to the road and parking at the Pioneer trailhead. At that point some hikers elected to walk back up the road to TWC or take the shorter trail back. Eleven of us continued on the longer Pioneer trail before we made our way back to TWC. This group covered 4.9 miles. Of special note was that it was warm enough today that some of the group saw a small 10 inch snake and also a small brown bat flying around in the woods grabbing insects.__After the hike 16 of us headed for dinner at Campesino's Grill in Strasburg. They served up some good food really fast (and with a minimum of confusion as to who ordered what)! All in all, another good outing. -Ken and Cheryl
Nov 11, 2018 Dayhike Jefferson Lake state Park (Stuebenville, Oh) (Kim)
__There were 9 of us at Jefferson for a 5.3 mile dayhike. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Although it might have just barely reached 40, we were still all shedding layers in no time. We saw an exceptional fungus, some violets, remnants of fall color, and a potential winter picnic location (see pic with 'for rent' sign). We also overtook a bow hunter, wearily dragging out the nice buck he bagged. Trail was very muddy in some places and the second half was more of a workout than we expected. We had a pleasant dinner afterward at the Carroll County Airport Restaurant. -Kim
__There were 9 of us at Jefferson for a 5.3 mile dayhike. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Although it might have just barely reached 40, we were still all shedding layers in no time. We saw an exceptional fungus, some violets, remnants of fall color, and a potential winter picnic location (see pic with 'for rent' sign). We also overtook a bow hunter, wearily dragging out the nice buck he bagged. Trail was very muddy in some places and the second half was more of a workout than we expected. We had a pleasant dinner afterward at the Carroll County Airport Restaurant. -Kim
Nov 4, 2018 Dayhke Kent bog/KSU Campus (Joe/Mary Ann 2:00 pm
__About 27 hikers attended the Kent Bog/Kent State University hike on Sunday, Nov. 4th, 2018. We hiked about 5.5 miles between the 2 places. After the hike, we had dinner at Belleria in Kent’s Acorn Alley area. Everyone raved about the food! The weather was great and everyone had a great hike. Many commented that they enjoyed walking around the campus for an “urban hike”. --Joe (And we had a wonderful poetry reading by Joe at the special sculpture on campus--Kim)
__About 27 hikers attended the Kent Bog/Kent State University hike on Sunday, Nov. 4th, 2018. We hiked about 5.5 miles between the 2 places. After the hike, we had dinner at Belleria in Kent’s Acorn Alley area. Everyone raved about the food! The weather was great and everyone had a great hike. Many commented that they enjoyed walking around the campus for an “urban hike”. --Joe (And we had a wonderful poetry reading by Joe at the special sculpture on campus--Kim)
Oct 26-28, 2018 Backpack Clear Creek State Forest, PA
__Our October Backpacking Trip to Clear Creek State Forest in Pa. was forecast to be rainy the whole weekend. For the 3 of us who arrived Friday evening, we had light rain overnight. On Saturday we were joined by 4 more and hiked through very light rain to Donner Camp along the Allegheny River. The rain stopped and we set up camp, gathered plenty of firewood, set up a large tarp, enjoyed diner and nice warm campfire. It rained overnight but stopped in the morning for breakfast, packing up and the hike back out. Some leaves were turned but it seemed a bit early for the expected fall pallet. There was a birthday celebration complete with cake and candles. -Bill
__Our October Backpacking Trip to Clear Creek State Forest in Pa. was forecast to be rainy the whole weekend. For the 3 of us who arrived Friday evening, we had light rain overnight. On Saturday we were joined by 4 more and hiked through very light rain to Donner Camp along the Allegheny River. The rain stopped and we set up camp, gathered plenty of firewood, set up a large tarp, enjoyed diner and nice warm campfire. It rained overnight but stopped in the morning for breakfast, packing up and the hike back out. Some leaves were turned but it seemed a bit early for the expected fall pallet. There was a birthday celebration complete with cake and candles. -Bill
Oct 7, 2018 Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Mansfield, Oh (Bill/Jeannie)
__The hike at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary was a success with good weather, nice trail and 15 in attendance. One new member joined us and had a good time. Supper was at a restaurant in an old rail dining car. --- Bill L.
__The hike at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary was a success with good weather, nice trail and 15 in attendance. One new member joined us and had a good time. Supper was at a restaurant in an old rail dining car. --- Bill L.
Sept 23, 2018 Dayhike Doughty Creek (Lois
__We had 21 people show up for the hike at Doughty Creek on September. 23. We hiked in the creek to the two properties that the Wilderness Center owns in the Doughty Creek valley. We observed different rock formations, boulders, plants & hemlock trees. We also hiked to an old cave engraved with peoples' names from the 1800's & early 1900's. We had a carry in dinner after the hike. -Lois
__We had 21 people show up for the hike at Doughty Creek on September. 23. We hiked in the creek to the two properties that the Wilderness Center owns in the Doughty Creek valley. We observed different rock formations, boulders, plants & hemlock trees. We also hiked to an old cave engraved with peoples' names from the 1800's & early 1900's. We had a carry in dinner after the hike. -Lois
Aug 31-Sep 3, 2018 (Labor Day) Backpack Joyce Kilmer, TN
Four of us hiked Joyce Kilmer/Citico Creek/Slickrock Wilderness area. We drove down Hwy 129 past Tapoco Dam to FR 62 which leads to Big Fat Gap Trailhead. We hiked a CW loop camping at Bob Straton Bald and Wildeat Falls. We found a spring on the East side of the Bald down below a group of Pines. Saturday was a strenuous hike with steep trails, poor maintenance, and lots of up (3000 ft.). On Sunday we passed Chestnut Knob and Big Fodderstack before descending to Wildeat Falls to swim & camp (4000 ft. of down). I recommend this as a Spring Hike because in the Fall, the trail becomes so overgrown (8 ft, high) one thinks a Spring hiker was the last to use it. Locals cautioned that the hike up Big Fat Gap Trail (41) is noted for Rattle Snakes. We passed 3 along the trail as we ascended to the cars. We noted one small area disturbed by feral hogs. Locals hiking the area had minor concern about hogs. -Bill
Four of us hiked Joyce Kilmer/Citico Creek/Slickrock Wilderness area. We drove down Hwy 129 past Tapoco Dam to FR 62 which leads to Big Fat Gap Trailhead. We hiked a CW loop camping at Bob Straton Bald and Wildeat Falls. We found a spring on the East side of the Bald down below a group of Pines. Saturday was a strenuous hike with steep trails, poor maintenance, and lots of up (3000 ft.). On Sunday we passed Chestnut Knob and Big Fodderstack before descending to Wildeat Falls to swim & camp (4000 ft. of down). I recommend this as a Spring Hike because in the Fall, the trail becomes so overgrown (8 ft, high) one thinks a Spring hiker was the last to use it. Locals cautioned that the hike up Big Fat Gap Trail (41) is noted for Rattle Snakes. We passed 3 along the trail as we ascended to the cars. We noted one small area disturbed by feral hogs. Locals hiking the area had minor concern about hogs. -Bill
Aug 4, 2018 (Sat) Dayhike/festival Glenmont Days (Tom)
__Tom's Glenmont hike on the newly paved Holmes County trail... We did about 3 1/2 miles after a nice lunch at the Glenmont school and after watching the homecoming parade. -Bill L.
__Tom's Glenmont hike on the newly paved Holmes County trail... We did about 3 1/2 miles after a nice lunch at the Glenmont school and after watching the homecoming parade. -Bill L.
July 22, 2018 Dayhike Wooster Memorial Park
__19 people showed up to hike at Wooster Memorial Park. The rain held off and it was nice and cool in the shaded woods. The sunshine seemed to dance as it reflected off the trees and in the stream(which we crossed at least five times!) We dodged a couple fallen trees, walked in some mud, found a perfect spider web and enjoyed some moderate hills. After the hike, we headed to Fiores for dinner.
__19 people showed up to hike at Wooster Memorial Park. The rain held off and it was nice and cool in the shaded woods. The sunshine seemed to dance as it reflected off the trees and in the stream(which we crossed at least five times!) We dodged a couple fallen trees, walked in some mud, found a perfect spider web and enjoyed some moderate hills. After the hike, we headed to Fiores for dinner.
June 9-10, 2018 Allegheny River Canoe Trip (overnight) (Charlie)
__This years overnight canoe trip was a 24 mile stretch of the Allegheny River. We had 11 paddlers for this trip. The trip started below the Kinzua Dam north of Warren, PA. On Saturday we paddled 15+ miles and stopped at Buckaloons Campground where we had two sites near the takeout ramp. There was a lot nice wilderness scenery along the way and even the section through Warren was interesting. The weather was perfect for paddling... 70-75 deg and just a bit overcast so we didn't fry on the water under a blazing sun. The river was an easy paddle but did have a few places with big waves and that was fun. There were good flat places to set up tents at Buckaloons. Some of us had camp food for supper and (since we had a vehicle spotted at the camp) others ordered pizza and brought it back to camp... Along with an ice cream cake to celebrate Charlie's Birthday!___ Just about bedtime it started to sprinkle and Sunday's weather was not going to be quite so nice. The straight down shower lasted all night and all Sunday morning. Fortunitaly it was not cool enough to be a problem. Kim and company had to leave on Sunday morning but the rest of us packed up our (wet) gear and got the canoes back into the river. We paddled another 8+ miles to our takeout point. It rained steady all the way and only let up just about the time we ended the trip. Since there was no wind the paddle in the rain was not bad and the scenery was especially nice with fog and clouds crossing the river valley. I think we were all somewhat damp when finished.____After the outfitter haulled us back to the livery in Warren the group all headed back home separately. Thanks to Charlie for all his hard work, emails and multiple phone calls made to arrange this trip. -Ken
__This years overnight canoe trip was a 24 mile stretch of the Allegheny River. We had 11 paddlers for this trip. The trip started below the Kinzua Dam north of Warren, PA. On Saturday we paddled 15+ miles and stopped at Buckaloons Campground where we had two sites near the takeout ramp. There was a lot nice wilderness scenery along the way and even the section through Warren was interesting. The weather was perfect for paddling... 70-75 deg and just a bit overcast so we didn't fry on the water under a blazing sun. The river was an easy paddle but did have a few places with big waves and that was fun. There were good flat places to set up tents at Buckaloons. Some of us had camp food for supper and (since we had a vehicle spotted at the camp) others ordered pizza and brought it back to camp... Along with an ice cream cake to celebrate Charlie's Birthday!___ Just about bedtime it started to sprinkle and Sunday's weather was not going to be quite so nice. The straight down shower lasted all night and all Sunday morning. Fortunitaly it was not cool enough to be a problem. Kim and company had to leave on Sunday morning but the rest of us packed up our (wet) gear and got the canoes back into the river. We paddled another 8+ miles to our takeout point. It rained steady all the way and only let up just about the time we ended the trip. Since there was no wind the paddle in the rain was not bad and the scenery was especially nice with fog and clouds crossing the river valley. I think we were all somewhat damp when finished.____After the outfitter haulled us back to the livery in Warren the group all headed back home separately. Thanks to Charlie for all his hard work, emails and multiple phone calls made to arrange this trip. -Ken
May 25-28, 2018 (Memorial Day) Backpack Dolly Sods, WV
__Six of us spent Friday night along the "Loop Rd." near Canaan Hts., WV. On Sat. we headed up Red Creek and Little Stone Coal Creek to Camp. On Sun. we continued CW around the perimeter trails and down Red Creek Trail. No sites were unoccupied so Camp was made with invites by those at established sites at a "tent city" at a fork in the creek. We got a mild sprinkle mid-day and a downpour about 9:00 PM which gave the opportunity for an early sleep. On Mon. we continued down Red Creek to the car and diner at The Mill Restaurant on the way home.
Dolly Sods offers a variety of hiking environments from open fields to wooded bog-like trails. We saw several Pink Lady Slipper Orchids and a water snake eating a fish. -Bill
__Six of us spent Friday night along the "Loop Rd." near Canaan Hts., WV. On Sat. we headed up Red Creek and Little Stone Coal Creek to Camp. On Sun. we continued CW around the perimeter trails and down Red Creek Trail. No sites were unoccupied so Camp was made with invites by those at established sites at a "tent city" at a fork in the creek. We got a mild sprinkle mid-day and a downpour about 9:00 PM which gave the opportunity for an early sleep. On Mon. we continued down Red Creek to the car and diner at The Mill Restaurant on the way home.
Dolly Sods offers a variety of hiking environments from open fields to wooded bog-like trails. We saw several Pink Lady Slipper Orchids and a water snake eating a fish. -Bill
_May 20, 2018 River Cleanup by Canoe / Hike 2:30 pm (Paul)
__The weather cooperated for a perfect day for cleanup on the river this past Sunday. No bugs, good water level, 12 people and a lot of laughs. Adrianna & Barb got the biggest with a chair. From recent high water, trash was light in our area but it just keeps coming with plastic as always being the most. Afterwards we had food/ice cream at the Blue Heron. Thanks to the folks at Trailhead Canoe for helping out with event. -Linda M.
May 6, 2018 Dayhike Tow Path Zoar to Rt 8 2:00 pm (Dan/Joyce)
We had 20 people participate in the may 6th day hike on the Zoar Valley Trail. We did about 5 miles following the Tuscarawas River. After the hike we ate at Canal Tavern, on the patio. joyce
We had 20 people participate in the may 6th day hike on the Zoar Valley Trail. We did about 5 miles following the Tuscarawas River. After the hike we ate at Canal Tavern, on the patio. joyce
April 27-29, 2018 Backpack North Country Trail, PA.
__Five of us hiked 14 miles of the the North Country Trail in PA. This hike was in a more remote part of the NCT and was fairly easy to hike. Even though we started off Friday night setting up out tents in the rain, the rain held off but the cold temperatures set in for the rest of the weekend. However frosty at night, we enjoyed Bill’s tasty trail made dessert by a warm fire. All went well for a great weekend. -Dan
__Five of us hiked 14 miles of the the North Country Trail in PA. This hike was in a more remote part of the NCT and was fairly easy to hike. Even though we started off Friday night setting up out tents in the rain, the rain held off but the cold temperatures set in for the rest of the weekend. However frosty at night, we enjoyed Bill’s tasty trail made dessert by a warm fire. All went well for a great weekend. -Dan
April 22, 2018 Dayhike Cleveland Metroparks Bedford Reservation 1:30pm (June/Edna)
__Bedford Reservation Hike April 22-there were 16 hikers who walked 5 1/4 miles. The weather was perfect-we saw Bridal Veil Falls and the Gorge Lookout. The Falls were not as impressive as Ricketts Glen but still pretty with a lot of water in them. Dinner at Spennato's after. We were all full and many went home with extras. Thank you to all who made the drive and made it a fun and successful hike. Ken crawled down a hill chasing his apple. He made it down and back up without any mishap. BUT Johnny Appleseed will be mad at him because it could have grown an apple tree in Bedford Reservation. -June
__Bedford Reservation Hike April 22-there were 16 hikers who walked 5 1/4 miles. The weather was perfect-we saw Bridal Veil Falls and the Gorge Lookout. The Falls were not as impressive as Ricketts Glen but still pretty with a lot of water in them. Dinner at Spennato's after. We were all full and many went home with extras. Thank you to all who made the drive and made it a fun and successful hike. Ken crawled down a hill chasing his apple. He made it down and back up without any mishap. BUT Johnny Appleseed will be mad at him because it could have grown an apple tree in Bedford Reservation. -June
Apr 13-15, 2018 Weekend Dayhike Trip Ricketts Glen, PA (by reservation only) (Paul/ Kim)
__There were 24 of us who headed 5 hours east to enjoy this incredible hike. We arrived Friday evening and settled into 4 of the state park's cabins at the very reasonable price of $20 per person per night. Saturday we arrived at the trailhead at 10 a.m. They have many trails here, but the “famous” one is 7+ miles, with spectacular views of 23 waterfalls. There can't be a place on Earth with more beauty crammed into the same amount of space. Pictures do not do it justice—have to see it to believe it!! This trail is closed for the winter (and into a good chunk of spring, too), so we were extremely lucky that it re-opened just the day before. It is somewhat challenging with lots of steps both up and down throughout and plenty of other visitors to dodge, but we all took our time, had plenty of breaks, and stopped halfway for a leisurely lunch. The temperature soared to 80 degrees, so we all wanted to soak in as much of that as possible, and we finally came off the trail about 5 p.m. That evening half the group stayed back at the cabins and ordered in pizza; the other half went to a nearby restaurant. Sunday morning was back to reality—just over 30 degrees. We traveled about 45 minutes west to Montour Preserve, where Paul's friend Sondra (who lives nearby) kindly led us on a hike. It was still cold, plus very windy, but 12 of us hung in there to finish a 4 mile hike around a lake. We were fortunate to not have any of the predicted rain, at least not until we hit the Ohio line:) -Kim
__There were 24 of us who headed 5 hours east to enjoy this incredible hike. We arrived Friday evening and settled into 4 of the state park's cabins at the very reasonable price of $20 per person per night. Saturday we arrived at the trailhead at 10 a.m. They have many trails here, but the “famous” one is 7+ miles, with spectacular views of 23 waterfalls. There can't be a place on Earth with more beauty crammed into the same amount of space. Pictures do not do it justice—have to see it to believe it!! This trail is closed for the winter (and into a good chunk of spring, too), so we were extremely lucky that it re-opened just the day before. It is somewhat challenging with lots of steps both up and down throughout and plenty of other visitors to dodge, but we all took our time, had plenty of breaks, and stopped halfway for a leisurely lunch. The temperature soared to 80 degrees, so we all wanted to soak in as much of that as possible, and we finally came off the trail about 5 p.m. That evening half the group stayed back at the cabins and ordered in pizza; the other half went to a nearby restaurant. Sunday morning was back to reality—just over 30 degrees. We traveled about 45 minutes west to Montour Preserve, where Paul's friend Sondra (who lives nearby) kindly led us on a hike. It was still cold, plus very windy, but 12 of us hung in there to finish a 4 mile hike around a lake. We were fortunate to not have any of the predicted rain, at least not until we hit the Ohio line:) -Kim
Mar 23-25, 2018 Backpack Car camping/Cabins, dayhiking at Burr Oak State Park, OH
__On Friday 3/23/18 we headed to Burr Oak State Park to our Cabins reserved for the weekend. Some of us had dinner at the lodge that was impressive. The 10 of us settled in and were joined by 2 more who used their camper in the campground. On Saturday we hiked a 4 mile loop East of the cabins, had lunch and drove the short distance to Wildcat Hollow where we hiked 5 miles on the South loop where Spring Beauties were in bloom. Diner was covered dish where everyone had their fill. On Sunday, we spotted a car and hiked 3 miles of the Ohio Trail along the lake West of the Cabins before heading home. It was a super weekend with perfect weather for hiking. -Bill
__On Friday 3/23/18 we headed to Burr Oak State Park to our Cabins reserved for the weekend. Some of us had dinner at the lodge that was impressive. The 10 of us settled in and were joined by 2 more who used their camper in the campground. On Saturday we hiked a 4 mile loop East of the cabins, had lunch and drove the short distance to Wildcat Hollow where we hiked 5 miles on the South loop where Spring Beauties were in bloom. Diner was covered dish where everyone had their fill. On Sunday, we spotted a car and hiked 3 miles of the Ohio Trail along the lake West of the Cabins before heading home. It was a super weekend with perfect weather for hiking. -Bill
Mar 18, 2018 Dayhike Silver Creek (Barb P./Lois/Joyce P.
__29 hikers showed up for the spring hike on March 18th at the Silver Creek Metro Park near Norton, OH. We observed of one of the largest northern red oak trees in Summit County & then hiked approximately 3.5 miles on slightly muddy to very muddy trails. It was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures around 45 degrees. After the hike 20 people went to Barberton’s famous Whitehouse Chicken for dinner.
Joyce P, Barb P, Lois
__29 hikers showed up for the spring hike on March 18th at the Silver Creek Metro Park near Norton, OH. We observed of one of the largest northern red oak trees in Summit County & then hiked approximately 3.5 miles on slightly muddy to very muddy trails. It was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures around 45 degrees. After the hike 20 people went to Barberton’s famous Whitehouse Chicken for dinner.
Joyce P, Barb P, Lois
Mar 10, 2018 (Sat) Dayhike Malabar Farm Maple Festival (Bill & Jeannie)
__Bill and Jeannie lead a nice hike to Malabar Farm on Saturday March 10. The weather was sunny and cool. The hike coincided with their Maple Syrup Festival so we started at 11:30 in order to get lunch at the Pugh Cabin. After lunch and viewing exhibits, we hiked the bridle path back to the cars for a total walk of 4-1/2 miles. We had a large group of 23 hikers. After the hike we stopped at the Wedgewing restaurant in Perrysville. -Bill
__We all enjoyed this hike. It was a beautiful crisp day to be outside. The temperature earlier that morning had been in the lower 20' so had frozen the trails but as the sun warmed up to the lower 40's things began to thaw. Fortunately the trails were were just a bit muddy but not deep or slippery. The Festival had some interesting exhibits. I especially liked the Native Indians that demonstrated how they made maple sugar before they had iron pots. That involved heating rocks in a fire and dropping them into a log bowl filled with maple sap to boil off the water. Must have taken forever. At the WedgeWing some had dinner and some just had pie and homemade ice cream ! And in case you missed it... I was told the sign for the WedgeWing restaurant featured a slice of pie with wings! We might need to find an excuse to go back there. Thanks to Bill & Jeannie for a great outing. -Ken
__Bill and Jeannie lead a nice hike to Malabar Farm on Saturday March 10. The weather was sunny and cool. The hike coincided with their Maple Syrup Festival so we started at 11:30 in order to get lunch at the Pugh Cabin. After lunch and viewing exhibits, we hiked the bridle path back to the cars for a total walk of 4-1/2 miles. We had a large group of 23 hikers. After the hike we stopped at the Wedgewing restaurant in Perrysville. -Bill
__We all enjoyed this hike. It was a beautiful crisp day to be outside. The temperature earlier that morning had been in the lower 20' so had frozen the trails but as the sun warmed up to the lower 40's things began to thaw. Fortunately the trails were were just a bit muddy but not deep or slippery. The Festival had some interesting exhibits. I especially liked the Native Indians that demonstrated how they made maple sugar before they had iron pots. That involved heating rocks in a fire and dropping them into a log bowl filled with maple sap to boil off the water. Must have taken forever. At the WedgeWing some had dinner and some just had pie and homemade ice cream ! And in case you missed it... I was told the sign for the WedgeWing restaurant featured a slice of pie with wings! We might need to find an excuse to go back there. Thanks to Bill & Jeannie for a great outing. -Ken
Feb 24, 2018 (Sat) Dayhike Sippo Trail (Kim)
__The Sippo Trail hike was fabulous, if you were a duck! There were 7 1/2 hikers in attendance (the 1/2 joined us for lunch and shuttled us back to the trailhead after we unanimously decided NOT to hike back after lunch). Wish I had more photos to share, but I didn't want to prolong the hike by slowing down to drag out my phone. Which is unfortunate, because all the rain created some beautiful new water features, including a lovely waterfall. We actually all got along pretty well for most of the 3.5 - 4 miles. The wind was calm so the rain was straight down and not in our faces. The trail was mostly paved, so we didn't have to contend with any mud. But, the last 1/4 mile the trail was flooded just deep enough that even with waterproof boots, you still got your feet wet. Restaurant was great; while we waited on our meals, we all happily snacked on two of the giant pretzels that were as big as pizzas. -Kim
__The Sippo Trail hike was fabulous, if you were a duck! There were 7 1/2 hikers in attendance (the 1/2 joined us for lunch and shuttled us back to the trailhead after we unanimously decided NOT to hike back after lunch). Wish I had more photos to share, but I didn't want to prolong the hike by slowing down to drag out my phone. Which is unfortunate, because all the rain created some beautiful new water features, including a lovely waterfall. We actually all got along pretty well for most of the 3.5 - 4 miles. The wind was calm so the rain was straight down and not in our faces. The trail was mostly paved, so we didn't have to contend with any mud. But, the last 1/4 mile the trail was flooded just deep enough that even with waterproof boots, you still got your feet wet. Restaurant was great; while we waited on our meals, we all happily snacked on two of the giant pretzels that were as big as pizzas. -Kim
Feb 11, 2018 Winter Picnic and Dayhike Sand Run Metropark, Mingo Shelter, Summit Co. (Akron, Oh)
__Our Annual Winter Picnic was held on Feb. 11 at Sand Run Metro Park-Mingo Pavilion. During the course of the day we had 23 members attending. As usual food was plentiful and great. Paul led the morning hike for roughly 2.5 miles. it was icy and hilly but no mishaps. Charlie led the afternoon hike. The trails were hilly and steep and mostly covered with hard packed ice. Only one mishap...Joe decided to take the easy way down a slippery slope. The afternoon walkers went approx. 2.5 miles. It rained off and on all rainy day but we still had a great time. Just nice to get out and walk in the woods.
__Our Annual Winter Picnic was held on Feb. 11 at Sand Run Metro Park-Mingo Pavilion. During the course of the day we had 23 members attending. As usual food was plentiful and great. Paul led the morning hike for roughly 2.5 miles. it was icy and hilly but no mishaps. Charlie led the afternoon hike. The trails were hilly and steep and mostly covered with hard packed ice. Only one mishap...Joe decided to take the easy way down a slippery slope. The afternoon walkers went approx. 2.5 miles. It rained off and on all rainy day but we still had a great time. Just nice to get out and walk in the woods.
Jan 21, 2018 Dayhike Buckeye Trail Leesville Lake Bowerstown, Oh Carroll Co ( potluck dinner after hike ) 1:00 pm (Kim)
__We had a surprising warm up for this January 21 hike, which was nice after such a long cold spell, but it also made the trail slushy and slippery. Eighteen hikers were present, posing for the group picture with their Hilbert walking sticks in memory of our past President Larry Hilbert, whom we sadly lost just ten days earlier. It was slow going on the first half due to trail condition, with more than one hiker ending up on their bottoms (and twice for Greg). Wish I had been quicker with the camera. Amazingly, Joe, our only hiker without a stick or pole, stayed on his feet the whole time. And this is the first time I've ever seen Dan use a stick, even when other occasions have seemed to deem it necessary. At the halfway point, half the group headed back into the marina. Maybe it was the challenging trail, or more likely it was the lure of all our crockpots full of food waiting in there! The rest of the group went on to complete the 5.3 mile trek, hurrying to get back before all the food was gone. Many thanks to Keith Ott, our host and owner of the marina. He has a wonderful customer lounge area that was perfect for our potluck. -Kim
****complaint....I didn't get any peach pie! Dan took the last piece! I should have stopped at the half-way point! -Ken****
__We had a surprising warm up for this January 21 hike, which was nice after such a long cold spell, but it also made the trail slushy and slippery. Eighteen hikers were present, posing for the group picture with their Hilbert walking sticks in memory of our past President Larry Hilbert, whom we sadly lost just ten days earlier. It was slow going on the first half due to trail condition, with more than one hiker ending up on their bottoms (and twice for Greg). Wish I had been quicker with the camera. Amazingly, Joe, our only hiker without a stick or pole, stayed on his feet the whole time. And this is the first time I've ever seen Dan use a stick, even when other occasions have seemed to deem it necessary. At the halfway point, half the group headed back into the marina. Maybe it was the challenging trail, or more likely it was the lure of all our crockpots full of food waiting in there! The rest of the group went on to complete the 5.3 mile trek, hurrying to get back before all the food was gone. Many thanks to Keith Ott, our host and owner of the marina. He has a wonderful customer lounge area that was perfect for our potluck. -Kim
****complaint....I didn't get any peach pie! Dan took the last piece! I should have stopped at the half-way point! -Ken****
Jan 1, 2018 News Years Day Hike and Indoor Picnic (Ken and Cheryl) 1:30pm
__We had 13 guests for our New Years Day get together.. It only got up to 10 deg with a slight breeze. Still, five hikers went to nearby Houston Brumbauh Nature center for a walk. The rest of us stayed inside near the fireplace. It was a good day to watch the birds out on the deck. Along with the usual crowd of birds we had six Bluebirds that came to the heated water pan for a drink. When the hikers got back the roasting sticks and the pie irons came out and a lot of other eats too. Too much of course. And then Paul opened up the dutch oven pineapple up-side down cake! --Ken
__We had 13 guests for our New Years Day get together.. It only got up to 10 deg with a slight breeze. Still, five hikers went to nearby Houston Brumbauh Nature center for a walk. The rest of us stayed inside near the fireplace. It was a good day to watch the birds out on the deck. Along with the usual crowd of birds we had six Bluebirds that came to the heated water pan for a drink. When the hikers got back the roasting sticks and the pie irons came out and a lot of other eats too. Too much of course. And then Paul opened up the dutch oven pineapple up-side down cake! --Ken