Trip Reports 2019
Dec 20, 2019 Christmas Light Hike, Massillon (Joe)
__There were 20 hikers attending Joe's annual Christmas Like Hike in Massillon. The weather was perfect, and we had a great hike through the neighborhood to view all the lights. Then, back to Joe's for more wonderful food and visiting. Kim
__There were 20 hikers attending Joe's annual Christmas Like Hike in Massillon. The weather was perfect, and we had a great hike through the neighborhood to view all the lights. Then, back to Joe's for more wonderful food and visiting. Kim
Dec 13, 2019 Annual Christmas Party 6:30 pm
__Annual Backpackers / Dayhikers Christmas Dinner at the Wilderness Center.
__Annual Backpackers / Dayhikers Christmas Dinner at the Wilderness Center.
Dec 1, 2019 Dayhike Austin Badger Park / Aaron Smith & Thomas Currier Nature Preserve (Medina, Oh) 1:00 pm (Kim)
__As we gathered at the Austin Badger trailhead in Medina, it was difficult to believe that it was the first day of December. The temperature was in the 50s and the sky was very blue. Also difficult to believe that within two hours all 16 of us would be drowned rats. I think we hiked about 3.5 - 4 miles before we decided to seek shelter. As you will see in the photos, much of the hike was beautiful, but ohhhh how quickly that changed. There was a threat of lightning so we double-timed it to the designated dining location (Blue Heron Brewery), which was thankfully on site. A few of us hiked about another mile to get to the cars so we could pick the rest of the drivers up at the brewery and we could all have our cars ready and waiting when we were done dining. Congratulations to Edna; she was the first one to spot the golf ball that was lodged in a tree, and earned her free dinner. Luckily this was spotted before the rain came, because I doubt anyone would have spotted it in our mad dash to shelter. Everyone agreed they would like to visit again to complete the hike since we bypassed the area with the highest elevations and prettiest views. -Kim
__As we gathered at the Austin Badger trailhead in Medina, it was difficult to believe that it was the first day of December. The temperature was in the 50s and the sky was very blue. Also difficult to believe that within two hours all 16 of us would be drowned rats. I think we hiked about 3.5 - 4 miles before we decided to seek shelter. As you will see in the photos, much of the hike was beautiful, but ohhhh how quickly that changed. There was a threat of lightning so we double-timed it to the designated dining location (Blue Heron Brewery), which was thankfully on site. A few of us hiked about another mile to get to the cars so we could pick the rest of the drivers up at the brewery and we could all have our cars ready and waiting when we were done dining. Congratulations to Edna; she was the first one to spot the golf ball that was lodged in a tree, and earned her free dinner. Luckily this was spotted before the rain came, because I doubt anyone would have spotted it in our mad dash to shelter. Everyone agreed they would like to visit again to complete the hike since we bypassed the area with the highest elevations and prettiest views. -Kim
Nov 17, 2019 Dayhike, Mahoning Valley Trail (StarkParks) Alliance, Oh 1:30 pm (Ken/Cheryl)
__I guess it was the nice crisp temperatures (around 45 degrees) and a sunny day ** that brought out the hikers. We had a large group of 26 for this dayhike. The Mahoning Valley Trail is 4.53 miles long which we covered in just over two hours at a moderate pace. The trail is mostly along gently rolling dirt or limestone pathways with about a mile on a back road so was a faily easy walk. The scenery was along a section of the Mahoning River and over the (now drained) Berlin Lake. We ended by crossing over the dam at Deer Creek Reservoir. Since it was a lineal trail we had to shuttle cars up to the end at Deer Creek Reservoir. I managed to haul all 13 drivers back to the Gaskill Trailhead in the Chevy van. The shuttle is pretty short and quick and I think we managed it with a minimum of confusion. After the hike a group of 20 hikers went to Texas Roadhouse in Alliance. They seated us in the back "party" room. We had a really good waitress that handled our large group very well. Thanks to all that attended the hike. -Ken **or was it that we weren't having Mexican food again?
__I guess it was the nice crisp temperatures (around 45 degrees) and a sunny day ** that brought out the hikers. We had a large group of 26 for this dayhike. The Mahoning Valley Trail is 4.53 miles long which we covered in just over two hours at a moderate pace. The trail is mostly along gently rolling dirt or limestone pathways with about a mile on a back road so was a faily easy walk. The scenery was along a section of the Mahoning River and over the (now drained) Berlin Lake. We ended by crossing over the dam at Deer Creek Reservoir. Since it was a lineal trail we had to shuttle cars up to the end at Deer Creek Reservoir. I managed to haul all 13 drivers back to the Gaskill Trailhead in the Chevy van. The shuttle is pretty short and quick and I think we managed it with a minimum of confusion. After the hike a group of 20 hikers went to Texas Roadhouse in Alliance. They seated us in the back "party" room. We had a really good waitress that handled our large group very well. Thanks to all that attended the hike. -Ken **or was it that we weren't having Mexican food again?
Nov 3, 2018 Dayhike Fort Laurens Trail 2:00 pm (Becky)
__The hike was very nice. Weather was great, just a little chilly. There were 21 members present. We hiked just under 6 miles - from Ft. Laurens to Zoar bridge and back. Afterward 16 of us went to eat at Campasino's in Strasburg. -Rebbecca
__The hike was very nice. Weather was great, just a little chilly. There were 21 members present. We hiked just under 6 miles - from Ft. Laurens to Zoar bridge and back. Afterward 16 of us went to eat at Campasino's in Strasburg. -Rebbecca
Oct 6, 2019 Dayhike Wolf Run & Arial Park, Mt. Vernon, Oh 2:00 pm (Bill/Jeannie)
__21 hikers attended the hikes. Wolf Run walk was almost 3 miles. It rained some but didn’t affect the walk. Then we went to the Ariel Park near downtown Mt. Vernon. Several hikers climbed the 140 foot tower for a great view. Everyone walked almost another mile past terraces, sculptures and ruins of the former glass factory. Dinner was at Stein Brewery. -Bill and Jeannie
__21 hikers attended the hikes. Wolf Run walk was almost 3 miles. It rained some but didn’t affect the walk. Then we went to the Ariel Park near downtown Mt. Vernon. Several hikers climbed the 140 foot tower for a great view. Everyone walked almost another mile past terraces, sculptures and ruins of the former glass factory. Dinner was at Stein Brewery. -Bill and Jeannie
Sept 27-29, 2019 Backpack Roaring Plains, WV
__We had 5 hikers on this month's trip to Roaring Plains. We spent Friday evening on the Loop Road out of Canaan Hts. in super weather. It rained only after we broke camp and headed out to our trailhead stopping after a few minutes. Our trip on the forest service road to the pipeline had high rocks hidden in the grass-centered lane so riders in the 2nd car and all packs went into my Jeep to allow clearance. We hiked the pipeline to the Rim Trail which was highly overgrown. After a couple 'false trail' backtracks, we continued and found water a mile before camp. There was no evidence of the camp being used since our visit 2 years ago. The scenery and weather were outstanding...the trail ... not so much. We continued to the Tepee trail on Sunday returning to the car. We passed no other hikers on the trail. This is an extremely remote absolutely beautiful trip. -Bill
__We had 5 hikers on this month's trip to Roaring Plains. We spent Friday evening on the Loop Road out of Canaan Hts. in super weather. It rained only after we broke camp and headed out to our trailhead stopping after a few minutes. Our trip on the forest service road to the pipeline had high rocks hidden in the grass-centered lane so riders in the 2nd car and all packs went into my Jeep to allow clearance. We hiked the pipeline to the Rim Trail which was highly overgrown. After a couple 'false trail' backtracks, we continued and found water a mile before camp. There was no evidence of the camp being used since our visit 2 years ago. The scenery and weather were outstanding...the trail ... not so much. We continued to the Tepee trail on Sunday returning to the car. We passed no other hikers on the trail. This is an extremely remote absolutely beautiful trip. -Bill
Sept 22, 2019 Dayhike (all day) Tiffin / Sandusky area 10:30 am (Forest)
__Sunday morning turned out to be a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and a nice breeze. A few people drove to the area on Saturday and spent the night while the rest got up early Sunday morning for the long drive to Steyer Nature Preserve. We had 16 people do the 3 mile hike at Steyer. After the hike we all found a spot in the shade and ate the lunch we had brought. Two people had to leave after the first hike. After lunch we drove to the Castalia Quarry Metropark and were joined by 4 more members. On a near 90 degree windy afternoon, our group of 18 set off on another 3 mile hike. We finished the day with a relaxing meal at the Casa Mexicana restaurant in Bellevue. -Forrest
__Sunday morning turned out to be a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine and a nice breeze. A few people drove to the area on Saturday and spent the night while the rest got up early Sunday morning for the long drive to Steyer Nature Preserve. We had 16 people do the 3 mile hike at Steyer. After the hike we all found a spot in the shade and ate the lunch we had brought. Two people had to leave after the first hike. After lunch we drove to the Castalia Quarry Metropark and were joined by 4 more members. On a near 90 degree windy afternoon, our group of 18 set off on another 3 mile hike. We finished the day with a relaxing meal at the Casa Mexicana restaurant in Bellevue. -Forrest
Sept 8, 2019 Dayhike Towpath from Navarre to Boliver 2:00 pm (Barb S./Mary Ann)
__It was a casual, easy hike of about 6 miles. Calm along the river. 22 people present. -Barb ( total was 6.65 miles )
__It was a casual, easy hike of about 6 miles. Calm along the river. 22 people present. -Barb ( total was 6.65 miles )
Aug 23, 2019 (Friday) Salt Fork Hike-Eat-Swim
__On Aug. 23, 2019, 12 members of the TWC hike club met a Salt Fork State Park for a combination hiking/swimming day. We hiked 2 short trails near the lodge - one along the lake. Both hikes totaled about 2 and one half miles. After the hike, we ate lunch in the lodge. After the lunch, 4 stayed for the swimming. The pool was really empty as kids are back in school at this time and it was a weekday - (the Friday before Labor Day). It was an enjoyable day and many commented how we should do it again next summer and try some of the many different trails there. -Joe R
__On Aug. 23, 2019, 12 members of the TWC hike club met a Salt Fork State Park for a combination hiking/swimming day. We hiked 2 short trails near the lodge - one along the lake. Both hikes totaled about 2 and one half miles. After the hike, we ate lunch in the lodge. After the lunch, 4 stayed for the swimming. The pool was really empty as kids are back in school at this time and it was a weekday - (the Friday before Labor Day). It was an enjoyable day and many commented how we should do it again next summer and try some of the many different trails there. -Joe R
Aug 11, 2019 Dayhike Mentor Marsh (Joe/Mary Ann/Joyce A.)
__Mentor Marsh, Lake Erie Bluffs, Lunch/dinner, Mentor Headlands State Park. 22 hikers in attended.
__Mentor Marsh, Lake Erie Bluffs, Lunch/dinner, Mentor Headlands State Park. 22 hikers in attended.
July 21, 2019 Dayhike Tappan Lake & Potluck at Sally’s cabin (Sally)
__We had 11 do the hike and 15 for lunch at the cabin. A great time and turnout for the weather and distance. Several stayed after lunch to swim and kayak and just sit by the water. Sally
__We had 11 do the hike and 15 for lunch at the cabin. A great time and turnout for the weather and distance. Several stayed after lunch to swim and kayak and just sit by the water. Sally
June 28-30, 2019 Backpack Black Forest, PA
__June's backpack trip got changed from Black Forest to Minister Creek Area. Six of us spent Friday night at Minister Creek before hiking up to North Country Trail (NCT). There were encroaching berries and nettles as we passed through a blow-down area. We hiked the NCT South to the shelter and enjoyed dinner and a campfire. On Sunday one hiker felt ill so we spotted them with another to await pick-up after the remainder completed the hike. They sighted a bear on the road during their wait. We took a wrong Forest Service road and hiked some off-trail back to the NCT then retracing much of the previous day. We took a trail along Minister Creek which a few years ago went all the way the parking lot but proved to have overgrown more recent so we cut back up to Minister Creek trail and back to the cars and picked up the anxiously awaiting 2 hikers. Weather was perfect for hiking and the overlook was impressive. Bill M.
__June's backpack trip got changed from Black Forest to Minister Creek Area. Six of us spent Friday night at Minister Creek before hiking up to North Country Trail (NCT). There were encroaching berries and nettles as we passed through a blow-down area. We hiked the NCT South to the shelter and enjoyed dinner and a campfire. On Sunday one hiker felt ill so we spotted them with another to await pick-up after the remainder completed the hike. They sighted a bear on the road during their wait. We took a wrong Forest Service road and hiked some off-trail back to the NCT then retracing much of the previous day. We took a trail along Minister Creek which a few years ago went all the way the parking lot but proved to have overgrown more recent so we cut back up to Minister Creek trail and back to the cars and picked up the anxiously awaiting 2 hikers. Weather was perfect for hiking and the overlook was impressive. Bill M.
June 23, 2019 Dayhike Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail (Richland County) 2:00 pm
__13 hikers enjoyed a beautiful 4.1 mile hike on the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail near Butler, OH on June 23rd, 2019. Special thanks to Jean Taddie for leading the hike and for providing us with interesting info on Hemlock Falls, Eagles Nest, the Black Hand sandstone cliffs, and the many wildflowers in bloom in the prairies. Thanks also to the First Congregational Church for allowing us to park at their campground. It provided us with a more central location to begin our hike. After the hike we had dinner at Trail's End Restaurant near Loudonville, OH -Lois
__13 hikers enjoyed a beautiful 4.1 mile hike on the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail near Butler, OH on June 23rd, 2019. Special thanks to Jean Taddie for leading the hike and for providing us with interesting info on Hemlock Falls, Eagles Nest, the Black Hand sandstone cliffs, and the many wildflowers in bloom in the prairies. Thanks also to the First Congregational Church for allowing us to park at their campground. It provided us with a more central location to begin our hike. After the hike we had dinner at Trail's End Restaurant near Loudonville, OH -Lois
June 8-9, 2019 Annual Canoe Overnight Trip – upper section of Grand River (Charlie)
__Well the 2019 Grand River Canoe Trip is now in the books and what an interesting story it is. After watching the weather forecasts and seeing the water level repeatedly swing up and down, we were blessed with absolutely terrific weather and water that was both at times serene and challenging.
__Saturday morning, June 8th saw 16 of us making final preparations to get underway. First stop was at Charlie Long’s to drop off camping gear that would not be needed until later that afternoon. Thanks to Ken for providing his van for additional storage. Then on to the Grand River Livery to load up canoes, kayaks and gear into two of Bob Bellas’ vans and trailers for the short trip to Callender Rd. and the put-in at the Nature Conservancy. With the river level being higher than normal and the current flowing at a moderate speed, we were able to enjoy the blue sky and the green trees as we just floated along with very little effort. Later that morning and into early afternoon we were to see the challenging aspects of our trip. The higher water allowed us to float over submerged obstacles, but the current required us to be on top of our game as we paddled around downed trees and other brush. The learning curve caught up with several of our members as they inadvertently took a swim. Fortunately, all turned out well as the water was not too cold and others were close by to lend assistance. The river was not going to let us off too easy. After a lunch stop that was a bit on the muddy side, we continued to learn what the river had to offer. After paddling some 14 miles we finally reached our overnight camping spot at Charlie Long’s home. With dinner, a nice campfire, good conversation and a visit by an inquisitive neighbor’s drone, the day was done. We were back on the water the following morning by 9:00, to a rather quick trip downriver, covering the last six miles in about two hours. We pulled out at Camp Kenisee and Bob arrived a short time later to return us back to our cars. An after-trip dinner was held at the Grand River Cellars winery.
__My takeaway from this trip was how well everyone worked together, taking the challenges in stride, learning to handle the river, canoes / kayaks and enjoying ourselves as we made our way down the Grand. It was a great trip. --Charlie
__Well the 2019 Grand River Canoe Trip is now in the books and what an interesting story it is. After watching the weather forecasts and seeing the water level repeatedly swing up and down, we were blessed with absolutely terrific weather and water that was both at times serene and challenging.
__Saturday morning, June 8th saw 16 of us making final preparations to get underway. First stop was at Charlie Long’s to drop off camping gear that would not be needed until later that afternoon. Thanks to Ken for providing his van for additional storage. Then on to the Grand River Livery to load up canoes, kayaks and gear into two of Bob Bellas’ vans and trailers for the short trip to Callender Rd. and the put-in at the Nature Conservancy. With the river level being higher than normal and the current flowing at a moderate speed, we were able to enjoy the blue sky and the green trees as we just floated along with very little effort. Later that morning and into early afternoon we were to see the challenging aspects of our trip. The higher water allowed us to float over submerged obstacles, but the current required us to be on top of our game as we paddled around downed trees and other brush. The learning curve caught up with several of our members as they inadvertently took a swim. Fortunately, all turned out well as the water was not too cold and others were close by to lend assistance. The river was not going to let us off too easy. After a lunch stop that was a bit on the muddy side, we continued to learn what the river had to offer. After paddling some 14 miles we finally reached our overnight camping spot at Charlie Long’s home. With dinner, a nice campfire, good conversation and a visit by an inquisitive neighbor’s drone, the day was done. We were back on the water the following morning by 9:00, to a rather quick trip downriver, covering the last six miles in about two hours. We pulled out at Camp Kenisee and Bob arrived a short time later to return us back to our cars. An after-trip dinner was held at the Grand River Cellars winery.
__My takeaway from this trip was how well everyone worked together, taking the challenges in stride, learning to handle the river, canoes / kayaks and enjoying ourselves as we made our way down the Grand. It was a great trip. --Charlie
May 17-19, 2019 Cabin trip Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, KY (Kim)
__Wow--what a trip! Lucky again with wonderful weather and friends for this third-annual dayhike trip. There were 43 on this trip, with most staying in lovely cabins at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin, Kentucky. For those who ventured down to the "Little Niagara of the South" on Friday evening, they were rewarded with views of the elusive moonbow, only visible during full moon on clear nights. I felt very fortunate to see it, as the security guard had informed me that he had been there since November and hadn't seen it yet, but he knew it was possible because he had seen it 12 years ago with a friend.
__Saturday morning we split into two groups to embark on different hikes. Group One enjoyed the Eagle Falls trail, which also had terrific views of Cumberland Falls, while Group Two hiked to the fire tower and beyond (Trails 2 and 11). From their fire tower, you could see many others in the region, even as far away as 196 miles. Group One was led by Pam, who is in charge of trail maintenance for the park; we are very thankful that she volunteered to do this. Group two was stuck with me. Both hikes lasted about 3-3.5 hours and then we all met at our rented picnic pavilion for lunch. After lunch, we swapped trails and set off again, returning with just barely enough time to clean up for our chartered Riverboat Dinner Cruise that was about 30 minutes away. After a very full day of activity, it was extremely enjoyable to be able to just kick back and relax with the entire group.
__On Sunday morning, Pam again volunteered to lead us on the only scheduled hike for the day--Blue Bend Trail, half of which is on a ridgeline and then follows along the river for the remainder. She even took us off trail twice to see interesting sights we would have never known about. Some of the trails were a bit more challenging than was expected, but they were all well-marked and still very natural looking with beautiful views everywhere. Where to next year?? Kim
------Ken's note------- In case you are interested... Eagle Falls hike was 3.6 mi. The Fire Tower (afternoon hike) with the "short-cut" was 4.1 mi (3.4 mi for a few hikers that were able to stop short at the cabins or lodge). I think the morning hike back to the falls area was supposed to be about 3.5 mi. The Sunday full loop Big Bend hike was 5.4 mi. With the rugged trails, I felt like I got my money's worth of hiking. Oh, and in case you wondered... It was .25 mi (one way) from the far end of the parking lot to the restrooms! I got and extra mile or two just from that. __Thanks again to Kim for arranging this trip. I think everyone recognized and appreciated how much time and effort it took her to coordinate all the details.
__Wow--what a trip! Lucky again with wonderful weather and friends for this third-annual dayhike trip. There were 43 on this trip, with most staying in lovely cabins at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin, Kentucky. For those who ventured down to the "Little Niagara of the South" on Friday evening, they were rewarded with views of the elusive moonbow, only visible during full moon on clear nights. I felt very fortunate to see it, as the security guard had informed me that he had been there since November and hadn't seen it yet, but he knew it was possible because he had seen it 12 years ago with a friend.
__Saturday morning we split into two groups to embark on different hikes. Group One enjoyed the Eagle Falls trail, which also had terrific views of Cumberland Falls, while Group Two hiked to the fire tower and beyond (Trails 2 and 11). From their fire tower, you could see many others in the region, even as far away as 196 miles. Group One was led by Pam, who is in charge of trail maintenance for the park; we are very thankful that she volunteered to do this. Group two was stuck with me. Both hikes lasted about 3-3.5 hours and then we all met at our rented picnic pavilion for lunch. After lunch, we swapped trails and set off again, returning with just barely enough time to clean up for our chartered Riverboat Dinner Cruise that was about 30 minutes away. After a very full day of activity, it was extremely enjoyable to be able to just kick back and relax with the entire group.
__On Sunday morning, Pam again volunteered to lead us on the only scheduled hike for the day--Blue Bend Trail, half of which is on a ridgeline and then follows along the river for the remainder. She even took us off trail twice to see interesting sights we would have never known about. Some of the trails were a bit more challenging than was expected, but they were all well-marked and still very natural looking with beautiful views everywhere. Where to next year?? Kim
------Ken's note------- In case you are interested... Eagle Falls hike was 3.6 mi. The Fire Tower (afternoon hike) with the "short-cut" was 4.1 mi (3.4 mi for a few hikers that were able to stop short at the cabins or lodge). I think the morning hike back to the falls area was supposed to be about 3.5 mi. The Sunday full loop Big Bend hike was 5.4 mi. With the rugged trails, I felt like I got my money's worth of hiking. Oh, and in case you wondered... It was .25 mi (one way) from the far end of the parking lot to the restrooms! I got and extra mile or two just from that. __Thanks again to Kim for arranging this trip. I think everyone recognized and appreciated how much time and effort it took her to coordinate all the details.
May 5, 2019 Dayhike Wooster Memorial Park
__After what seemed like a long week of rain, the sunshine was a welcome sight for 18 hikers at Wooster Memorial Park. The wildflowers covered the hillsides and the woods seemed so green. The group hiked up and down hills, across a muddy field and finished the hike on the newly paved trail. Afterwards, most of the hikers celebrated Cinco de Mayo day at a local Mexican restaurant which included a birthday song serenade complete with a sombrero! -Joyce
__After what seemed like a long week of rain, the sunshine was a welcome sight for 18 hikers at Wooster Memorial Park. The wildflowers covered the hillsides and the woods seemed so green. The group hiked up and down hills, across a muddy field and finished the hike on the newly paved trail. Afterwards, most of the hikers celebrated Cinco de Mayo day at a local Mexican restaurant which included a birthday song serenade complete with a sombrero! -Joyce
April 26-28, 2019 Backpack Laurel Highlands, PA (Shelters)
__Eleven hikers met at Ohiopyle State Park, Pa.’s group campground Friday evening where later arrivals set up tents in misty rain. On Saturday, the skies cleared for ideal backpacking weather. We spotted 4 vehicles at Maple Summit Parking Lot and returned drivers in one left at Ohiopyle Trailhead. (Note: If you plan this trip you need to register all overnight cars to avoid tickets.) The trail was typical Pa. rocky and considered quite difficult with steep climbs. The forest was greening up with ground and tree growth. We found one area with many morel mushrooms and harvested some for dinner. We tent camped at Ohiopyle shelter area. After dinner, with skies threatening, we set up a tarp near the fire and enjoyed a nice evening in spite of light mist. It rained quite strong overnight but let up for breakfast. Sunday had lots of fog but little rain as we tackled the biggest climb. It was 2 miles of rocky trail, often as steep as stairs. The trip included over 2000 ft. of accumulated altitude. The final 2.5 miles was mildly downhill with boggy areas and scenic moss covered rocks and other geological features. - Bill M.
__Eleven hikers met at Ohiopyle State Park, Pa.’s group campground Friday evening where later arrivals set up tents in misty rain. On Saturday, the skies cleared for ideal backpacking weather. We spotted 4 vehicles at Maple Summit Parking Lot and returned drivers in one left at Ohiopyle Trailhead. (Note: If you plan this trip you need to register all overnight cars to avoid tickets.) The trail was typical Pa. rocky and considered quite difficult with steep climbs. The forest was greening up with ground and tree growth. We found one area with many morel mushrooms and harvested some for dinner. We tent camped at Ohiopyle shelter area. After dinner, with skies threatening, we set up a tarp near the fire and enjoyed a nice evening in spite of light mist. It rained quite strong overnight but let up for breakfast. Sunday had lots of fog but little rain as we tackled the biggest climb. It was 2 miles of rocky trail, often as steep as stairs. The trip included over 2000 ft. of accumulated altitude. The final 2.5 miles was mildly downhill with boggy areas and scenic moss covered rocks and other geological features. - Bill M.
Apr 28, 2019 Dayhike Virginia Kendal Ledges
__We had 13 hikers on the sunny spring day. The ledges were awesome as always and no mishaps along the hike. A few spring flowers were showing their beauty. We hiked a little over 3 miles and had a Mexican dinner afterwards at El Rancho. -June
__We had 13 hikers on the sunny spring day. The ledges were awesome as always and no mishaps along the hike. A few spring flowers were showing their beauty. We hiked a little over 3 miles and had a Mexican dinner afterwards at El Rancho. -June
Mar 23, 2019 (Saturday p.m.) Full Moon Hike + potluck, location ( Paul)
Sixteen hikers and one dog enjoyed walking along the Towpath on Saturday night. We didn’t see the moon but its absence created a stunning look at all the stars. Spring peepers also entertained us. Refreshments and great conversation were enjoyed at Paul and Linda's after with four non-hikers joining us. The full moon didn’t rise until 11:00pm so the group could enjoy it on their way home. -Linda M.
Sixteen hikers and one dog enjoyed walking along the Towpath on Saturday night. We didn’t see the moon but its absence created a stunning look at all the stars. Spring peepers also entertained us. Refreshments and great conversation were enjoyed at Paul and Linda's after with four non-hikers joining us. The full moon didn’t rise until 11:00pm so the group could enjoy it on their way home. -Linda M.
Mar 22-24, 2019 Backpackers & Dayhikers Cabin trip at Salt Fork State Park (Bill M)
__We had 8 cabin dwellers for the weekend joined by 7 hikers for the day, Saturday. We hiked 5 trails totaling about 7 miles in perfect hiking weather. We watched shore birds on the lake and a lot of birds were singing during the walks. Daffodils were beginning to bloom and the trails were not too wet. We enjoyed the pot luck dinner Saturday with food aplenty in spite of forgotten lasagna. Sunday morning included a large breakfast before the hike. All in all, a very enjoyable weekend. - Bill
__We had 8 cabin dwellers for the weekend joined by 7 hikers for the day, Saturday. We hiked 5 trails totaling about 7 miles in perfect hiking weather. We watched shore birds on the lake and a lot of birds were singing during the walks. Daffodils were beginning to bloom and the trails were not too wet. We enjoyed the pot luck dinner Saturday with food aplenty in spite of forgotten lasagna. Sunday morning included a large breakfast before the hike. All in all, a very enjoyable weekend. - Bill
Mar 9, 2019 (Saturday a.m.) Dayhike and Pankake Breakfast at Camp Tuscazoar (Joe)
Mar 3, 2019 Dayhike Hinkley Reservation, Hinkey, Oh 1:30 pm (Paul)
__We had 15 hikers for the Hinkley hike that was led by Paul. The hike started out as just a cold, cloudy 30 degree day but soon became a bit more wintery as the snow started to fall. It wasn't long before the forest floor and the rocks (and some of us hikers) became covered with a coating of snow. We started out from Ledges Lake area and made a few loops around before going through the Worden Ledge area with rock carvings before making our way back to the cars. The snow really made some of the carvings stand out. The trails were mostly frozen and rough as the ice crystals had heaved up though the leaves and froze. There were some spots that did have smooth ice and that became more treacherous as the trails became covered with snow. After the hike the group met at Fosters Tavern in Hinkley for dinner. Thanks to Paul for arranging this outing. -Ken
__We had 15 hikers for the Hinkley hike that was led by Paul. The hike started out as just a cold, cloudy 30 degree day but soon became a bit more wintery as the snow started to fall. It wasn't long before the forest floor and the rocks (and some of us hikers) became covered with a coating of snow. We started out from Ledges Lake area and made a few loops around before going through the Worden Ledge area with rock carvings before making our way back to the cars. The snow really made some of the carvings stand out. The trails were mostly frozen and rough as the ice crystals had heaved up though the leaves and froze. There were some spots that did have smooth ice and that became more treacherous as the trails became covered with snow. After the hike the group met at Fosters Tavern in Hinkley for dinner. Thanks to Paul for arranging this outing. -Ken
Feb 10, 2019 Winter Picnic Camp Buckeye Beach City
__This was the first year at Camp Buckeye for our annual Winter Picnic. The morning and afternoon hikes were well attended. We started out with 26 hikers. Weather for the morning hike was a little chilly. As reported, with an unfortunate slip, Judy fell and broke her leg and was carried out to the awaiting EMS. Back at the lodge there was lots of food, good conversation, and good friends to share with. About half way thru the afternoon hike it started snowing and was very pretty in the woods. By the time we got back to the lodge it was snowing pretty hard. We then ate again! As usual there was lots of food and lots of good friends having a great time. Thanks to Paul and Becky for leading the hikes. -June
__This was the first year at Camp Buckeye for our annual Winter Picnic. The morning and afternoon hikes were well attended. We started out with 26 hikers. Weather for the morning hike was a little chilly. As reported, with an unfortunate slip, Judy fell and broke her leg and was carried out to the awaiting EMS. Back at the lodge there was lots of food, good conversation, and good friends to share with. About half way thru the afternoon hike it started snowing and was very pretty in the woods. By the time we got back to the lodge it was snowing pretty hard. We then ate again! As usual there was lots of food and lots of good friends having a great time. Thanks to Paul and Becky for leading the hikes. -June
Jan 27, 2019 (Sunday) SOUPer Bowl ($30) Benefit event for Mercy Service League + Sippo Lake hike
__Six of us had an invigorating hike at Sippo Lake Park. Amazingly, the trails were pretty well stomped down even after getting snow the night before. Trail wasn't slippery, but was still challenging at times because the ice buried underneath made it seem to be rocky/uneven terrain. The sun was out, which always makes it more enjoyable. We covered all the trails plus backtracked to get to the parking lot, so we did about 5 miles in two hours. Afterward, four of us went to Mercy Medical's "Souper" Bowl event nearby and got stuffed sampling 12 varieties of soups, along with plenty of huge pepperoni rolls and wonderful desserts. We all loved the event and vowed to gorge ourselves again next year! - Kim
__Six of us had an invigorating hike at Sippo Lake Park. Amazingly, the trails were pretty well stomped down even after getting snow the night before. Trail wasn't slippery, but was still challenging at times because the ice buried underneath made it seem to be rocky/uneven terrain. The sun was out, which always makes it more enjoyable. We covered all the trails plus backtracked to get to the parking lot, so we did about 5 miles in two hours. Afterward, four of us went to Mercy Medical's "Souper" Bowl event nearby and got stuffed sampling 12 varieties of soups, along with plenty of huge pepperoni rolls and wonderful desserts. We all loved the event and vowed to gorge ourselves again next year! - Kim
Jan 6, 2019 Dayhike at Camp Tuscazoar 1:30 pm Joe R/Dan A.
__Dan A led the hike and Joe R was the planner. We had 16 people show up for the Camp Tuscazoar hike. The weather was sunny and brisk! We hiked the trails across the road from the camp – a little rolling but beautiful. We all went to the Firehouse in Zoar for supper – everybody enjoyed it! There were four newer people who came to the hike, too. We talked about going back there on March 3rd for hiking and their pancake breakfast. -Joe
__Dan A led the hike and Joe R was the planner. We had 16 people show up for the Camp Tuscazoar hike. The weather was sunny and brisk! We hiked the trails across the road from the camp – a little rolling but beautiful. We all went to the Firehouse in Zoar for supper – everybody enjoyed it! There were four newer people who came to the hike, too. We talked about going back there on March 3rd for hiking and their pancake breakfast. -Joe
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
__We had a welcome break in the rain and cold weather this day as the sun came out