PA Backpacking Trek

“Next week - Wednesday (or Thursday) to Friday (or Saturday or Sunday). Central or Northcentral PA. Not sure what trail yet (Bucktail Path?, Chuck Keiper? Allegheny Front Trail? Loyalsock? Mid State? Old Loggers Path? McIntryre Wild Area? Hammersely?). Hardly any snow in those parts yet, but its supposed to be cold (20s daytime; teens at night). So far it's Rich B and myself. Let us know if you're interested.”

“Hmmmmmmmm, I'm tempted. I could get in late Thursday.

2 questions.

How far from Cleveland?

Would it be rude if I did some reading whilst there?”

“Whaddya say Buddur? Lets go dude.”

“I'm heading North toward the snow. How far I go depends on the storm coming accross the Great lakes. If the Catskills get a good amount of snow I will go no further but I don't see that as being thew case so I will likely be heading up to Vermont and then over to the Whites for some winter packin. Miss that snow got to get me some!!”

“I gotta think about that one. I have been wanting to plan a short trip within the next two or three weeks anyway. Need to talk to my wife.

Also...I'd be nervous about the cold, not sure I have all the right clothing. (Just thinkin' out loud.)

Hmmmm......”

“I have plans.”

“So, change 'em...”

“LMAO! Have ya found a girl to hang with Buddur?”

“Buddha Bear,

I can't help with how long it would take to get from Cleveland to any of the trails mentioned -- 4 hours? 5 hours? Dunno. Try MapQuest online.

BTW, sorry about the short notice. This particular trip came into focus only a few days ago.

Pete, I was planning/hoping to get to the Catskills myself (possibly the Adirondacks) next week, but since there's not enough snow yet for snowshoeing, I'm postponing until there is.”

“Fritz,

Think in terms of layers. Plus a windproof/waterproof (or water resistant) outer layer, especially if there's any chance of rain or snow. Hat, gloves (or mittens). Avoid cotton or all-cotton clothing. A warm sleeping bag is also important. I usually bring foot warmers/ hand warmers for extra warmth if/when needed.”

“The trip will be Thursday Dec. 27 to Sunday Dec. 30. We'll be doing a loop of approx. 30 miles on the Chuck Keiper Trail, beginning at State Camp around noon on Thursday. Because there are many side trails and state forestry roads, the loop can be broken down into alternative segments to allow for later arrivals (Fritz?) to join us.”

“Belle and I will arrive in Eastern PA on Wednesday. We won't depart there (Bangor) until Friday - or maybe Saturday.

I was wanting to head to the Daks from PA. Say there's no snow up there? Mebbe we'll head on up to NH and VT.

I think I can borrow some snowshoes from my friends in PA - I'll find out upon arrival. If not, I'll rent. BTW - should I even consider packing my crampons?

I wanna do some 'shoeing, dangit!

When you gonna be up there, Sir Pete?”

“Well I'll be damned. Gojo in my neck of the woods. (Bangor) is 5 minutes away!! WE have got to get together if only to meet, but if you are gunna go North let's go together!!!!! I am leaving for either VT. or NH. on Fridat night. It all depends on this guy I work with. He wants to do a Saturday trip in Vt to climb a 4k+. If I don't go with them I am headed to the Whites for a couple of days. What about you Gojo want to get together? BTW all plans can change to be able to hike with the infamous Gojo.

Here's what it's like up there:

New York trail conditions


New Hampshire trail conditions”

“How'd the trip work out? Very sorry I couldn't make it...”

“We had a really nice time. There was snow on the ground in the mountains and it snowed an additional 3 or 4 inches for the 3 days we hiked. Daytime highs were in the 20's and the coldest night was 14 degrees. We covered about 20 miles of the west portion of the Chuck Keiper trail which doesn't sound like much, but the conditions were tough in sections. Some of the sidehill trails in the hollows were steep and very slippery because of the snow pack. One slip could send you tumbling down the hill into the stream below. I liked the backcountry on the Chuck Keiper Trail and will definitely be back in 2002.”

“20 miles in ice and snow does sound like a lot.

Wish I could have been there, still need to meet M. Silver (and Steiny and a bunch of other local TT'ers...)

Take care, Rich.”

“Fritz, Maybe we can do a hike on the Chuck Keiper in the Spring.”

“I hope to make some of these trips this year. Last year I used 11 days of my vacation at once for my honeymoon. This year I'm going to break it up.”