Black Forest Trail ECT Pictures

“Ticks huh. I have yet to encounter that problem , but they are becoming more common.
Did you get to see any elk on these trips?”

“I didn't see any, but I could see why they would put them out there based on the vast area. I almost stepped on a rattlesnake in the middle of the trail though. Do watch your step in the rocky areas, especially before you get to the vista above Gifford Run.”

“For all the times I've been out there, I've never once seen any elk. Amy G goes out there the first time, and sees a herd of 'em -- close up! Where's the justice?

Never saw any rattlers out there either. Only heard one once in the low bushes next to the trail -- didn't investigate though.

Also there's been some extensive tree defoliation in that area for the past few years. If its bad again this year, it might be better to go later in the summer, after the trees have re-foliated themselves. Otherwise you get all the catterpillar poop and chewed leaves on your tent, in your food, etc., plus there's less shade under the forest canopy.”

“hey landsurfer, I'm now trying to be very careful when answering questions. Look what happened months ago when I just hinted that I might want to do the BFT in the Spring. ;o)

Glad to hear your wounds are healing nicely. You guys earned your certificate.”

“what was that pennsy? chuck keiper this fall?”

“Hey Silver,
Why didn't you investigate? It might of posed for a picture.
What area was Amy G in when she saw the herd?

Rich,
Rattlesnakes don't bother me if I see or hear them first. I'm always careful when stepping over logs and rocks where they might be.

Pennsy,
Just choose your words carefully.You never know when Fritz may be lurking about.But in a way I have to thank him for helping you to "VOLUNTEER" to organize that trip.”

“Thanks landsurfer, it's about time I got a little credit for this. :)

But I do wish I could have been there. Still trying to dig out from under a few obligations that need to be taken care of before I can have a life again....

But I'm thinkin' now...landsurfer...Chuck Keiper...landsurfer...Chuck Keiper...landsurfer...Chuck Keiper...it kind of has a nice ring to it....”

“Way to go surfer! Look what you dragged back in here!

Fritzy - you are to leave the room immediately and not to return until the bp gods forgive you.

Rattlesnakes? I bet Jerbear will want to lead that trip.”

“landsurfer, Not sure, but I think Amy G saw the elk when she was coming out of Parker Dam State Park.”

“The snake I saw out there was right in the middle of the trail and didn't move or rattle until my boot was about to come down on top of him. I was hiking fast and never saw him since the trail in that area was a bit overgrown with vegetation. That was the closest call I ever had, but he seemed more interested in hiding than biting. Although, maybe he'd feel different if I did step on him.”

“How did we get from the Quehanna to the Chuck Keiper trail, anyway?”

“Hey Rich,
I did that to a copperhead once.Lucky for me that I stepped on him close enough to his head that he could not reach to bite me.
I recall doing about a 10 ft. broad jump.”

“Pennsy said: "you are to leave the room immediately and not to return until the bp gods forgive you"

* ...he slinks away, head hung in shame... *”

“I didn't jump that far, but talk about an adrenaline rush. I didn't see a copperhead in about 15 years.”

“beautiful pics guys thanks for sharing the black forest...cool
....lol...that trangia is somethin aint it? heh.......

the kids here at work got to meet jerbear a while back and have had a hoot looking at these pics.....they made the speedo shot wallpaper on the computer...but I had to take it off because we arent allowed to have those sorts of pics in the workplace...lol!”

“Rich, Yeah, that rattler might've felt different had you stepped on it, but you'd also have felt very much different as well! ;-)”