West Rim Trail - PA Grand Canyon 3/4 - 3 /6/05

“icarus - mail yet again !!”

“Crazypace you got mail”

“with some rope cord or bungee cords.

let us know how the snow shoes work out. Looks like quite a bit of the snow melted around here.
last edited: 2/26/05 6:44:19 AM”

“are you still planning on coming?”

“Here's an option if there are winter conditions on the trail: Per Jmitch's suggestion, park at Blackwell, and start on the Mid State Trail (I marked it in blue on the lower section map). If starting Friday afternoon (or evening), it's a 1.4 mile flat hike to camping areas along Pine Creek. Sat morning, continue on the Mid State uphill for a mile and pick up the West Rim Trail. This option cuts off about 1.5 miles.

About 12 miles into Saturday's hike (using the above option), there are some great campsites just north of the Bradley Wales picnic area. Camping is not allowed within sight of the picnic area, but these sites are just outside that area. We camped there 2 summers ago, and it's a short walk to the the picnic area where there was a water pump and bathrooms. I don't know if the pump will be usable in March though. If not, I'm not sure about other water sources. Jmitch, Straight Creek looks to be near the area. Are you familiar with it? There's a lot of room for camping in this area, with a fabulous view. here's a pic of our campsite and a pic of the boys at the camp overlook.

This leaves 15.5 miles for Sunday, but 2 miles of that can be cut off by taking the Sieman's Trail (marked in red on the upper section map). Using these options:
Friday night - 1.4 miles
Saturday - 12 miles
Sunday - 13.5 miles

If we choose to start at the Southern Terminus rather than at Blackwell, there are supposed to be ample campsites within 1/2 a mile from the trailhead.”

“The plan is to start from Blackwell on the Mid-State Trail.”

“13.5 miles on sunday - i know it's difficult to tell at this point but, what time do you think we'll manage to start shuttling everyone back to their vehicles?”

“Just got back from a 6 mile hike to try them out. There was about 4" of fine powder and another 4" of packed snow. I sank about 3" when hiking. There were alot of drifts that I went up and over(on purpose). All in all, it was cool. My knees are sore, mainly from the down hill. With all the miles we're gonna do next weekend, bring the Advil!! or pain killer of choice. If your painkiller comes in a flask = Share!!”

“Whoa, there's a whole lotta mailin' goin' on here...

What??? 12 and 13.5 miles??? We are sooo finishing after dark on both days...

Bring on the Vitamin I...

Dude, is it just me or is it going to snow in Tioga County every day next week right up into the weekend? I better start looking for snowshoe solutions...”

“After my little day hike today, I think they are a must. I was on the AT between lehigh and little gap. If its like that further north, or if we get this possible nor-easter. Snowshoes will rule!!”

“the trail isn't really that difficult. Although the scenery and views in the northern half is supposed to be really nice and even better than the southern half. I think we will finish Sunday afternoon at a reasonable hour. Ofcourse, we will have to have the traditional after trip dinner. We'll see.

There's supposedly a whallop of a storm that is going to hit Monday and Tuesday.”

“I just bought my snowshoes today!!! I went with the Denali's since that's what the suggestion was. Can't wait, let it snow!!! Oh, and that comment on the pain killer in a bottle... I'm willing to share if you're going to carry part of the burden ;) Yes, it's really that big of a flask.”

“Icarus - what are you gonna fill it with ??
Ps: Did you get the 4" or 8" extensions for the denali's ? I got the 4" and experimented
with them on/off to see what would happen. I sunk about 1" less with the extensions, but it was alot easier to walk with out them.”

“I got the 4" extensions too - but I haven't tested them out because all we have down here is 50' weather and green grass. The weight recommendation for the Denali's w/o the extensions is <= 135lbs - With gear and all, I'm probably up around 175lbs... I guess I'll see how things go when we hit the trail and make adjustements from there.

What problems walking were you having with them? (I've never used snowshoes before)”

“it'll be too dangerous to see the off-trail falls with the snow and ice. but the mid state will take you past jerry run and bohen run falls, both very nice, especially bohen run.

the hike along the sheer rim towards barbour rock is incredible.

i'm still a maybe, but i hope to make it.”

“would be great to see you mitch! Hope you can make it. I agree with you on the off trail stuff, save that for another weekend. Barbour Rock sounds really cool.”

“I had no problems. Its just different. I do that same hike many times, but this time I was sore and my right knee kinda torqued when I stepped down a steep embankment. I sure its all technique when doing hills. Its just that I have none at this time !!
ps: your lite, I'm 6ft and weigh 200lbs.”

“the denalis have that ascent bar on the bottom that you pull out for going up hill.

I trip more often when I'm wearing snow shoes, but other than that, nothing different. I don't sink down into the snow as much.”

“I'm starting to organize my gear. Still debating which tent and pack to use. What's your list?”

“Forecast Conditions High/Low °F Precip.
Chance High TemperaturesLow TemperaturesPrecipitation
Tonight
Feb 27 Mostly Cloudy
26°/16° 20%
26 °F

Mon
Feb 28 Snow
27°/21° 80%
27 °F

Tue
Mar 1 Snow Shower
26°/11° 40%
26 °F

Wed
Mar 2 Snow Shower
17°/10° 50%
17 °F

Thu
Mar 3 Few Snow Showers
21°/14° 30%
21 °F

Fri
Mar 4 Partly Cloudy
24°/18° 20%
24 °F

Sat
Mar 5 Few Snow Showers
26°/21° 30%
26 °F

Sun
Mar 6 Snow Shower
29°/18° 40%
29 °F

Mon
Mar 7 Scattered Snow Showers
30°/17° 30%
30 °F

Tue
Mar 8 Partly Cloudy
28°/15° 20%
28 °F”

“gear list:
Food
2 enertia meals
tuna fish pouches
hot chocolate
oatmeal
granola bars
brick of cheese
peanut m&m's
-
tent:
REI 2 person three season camp dome
-
MS denali ascent snow shoes
regular asolo hiking boots
-
ems zero degree down sleeping bag
-
clothes:
fleece top and bottom
wind pants
top ems hardshell with soft shell zipped in
two sets of long underwear
couple pairs of socks
-
Backpack:
Gregory Z pack
-
MSR whisper lite stove + white gas + cookset
kat-hiker water filter

---

anyone got a saw?
last edited: 2/27/05 2:10:14 PM”

“gear:
tent - eureka zeus exo (just decided)
pack - golite treker
bag - marmot helium 15 (+ silk liner)
Big anges insul mat
oware epic bivy sack (keep bag dry)
boots - columbia titanum ice breakers
snowshoes - denali's

clothes:
ems trek pants
ems - dryclim long underwear
patagonia - capaline base top
patagonia - r2 pullover fleece
patagonia - krushshell jacket
mountain hardware - phantom jacket
smartwool socks
x-tra long underwear (patagonia)

food:
mountain house meals
cliff bars
oatmeal
coffee
penutbutter
cup a soup packs
GU energy gel (stuff rules!)
booze - wild spirits (my official backcountry drink)

other:
digital camera
ems - campchair (11oz lux item)

and yes I have a folding saw!
last edited: 2/27/05 2:30:31 PM”

“I think I'm more of an optimist now more than ever... The temperatures can't possibly go any lower so that means things can only get better!

As far as tents go... I have two tents, one of which is much heavier than the other. I'm sticking with the light-weight MSR Zoid - not exactly a 4-season tent but I think it'll be fine for this trip.”

“there will be two MSR-zoids on this trip. We'll have a regualr tent city. I can't wait. Couple more days to go.

The temps that are forecasted right now aren't that bad at all. After the last couple of backpacking trips I have been on, it's going to feel warm.”

“Osprey Aether 45 pack
SD Cliplight 3 season
EMS 20 Deg. Bag W/ REI Travel bag as liner
Ridgerest pad
Dunham boots.
---------
Polypro Longjohns
Fleece pull over
Columbia Bugaboo Jacket
Rainshield Jacket
Cheapy Lined nylon pants
Wigwam Wool sox
Xtra poly thermals
--------
Homemade Alcohol stove
--------
Fortified Grits
fruit rollups
melba toast
Cheeze block
Dry Italian Sausage
coucous
jerky
coffee singles
tuna steak pouch
clams pouch (for seafood salad)
dried veggies
cup a soup
---------
35 mm camera (Lux item)”

“Shoot jack, sounds like you're going to have to put a bear bag up just to keep me away from your goodies... great stuff!”

“Hey, I may freeze, But I wont starve!!!”

“Sorry about the delayed response - was out all weekend. I'm gonna pass on this one. I don't have the proper gear for a trek in the snow. Hopefully I can catch you all on another one when spring really gets here. Enjoy - be safe!”

“bummer Silver Heels.. Join us on a trip some other time.”

“can you cut through Colton State Park? If we can take that shortcut, then maybe we can avoid the Seimans Trail shortcut. Looks like there is a vista that will be missed when we take the Seimans Trail shortcut.”

“looks like a good possibility to me. It would cut a bunch of mileage on Sunday on a section of the WRT that is mainly a woods walk. The downer would be that it would mean a 2 mile road walk. The upper would be that we could grab some more views of the Canyon that are inside the state park.

Hmmm... looking at the map some more, looks like Four Mile Run Glen (very rugged glen) maybe in the way of making that option feasible and it could involve some bushwacking.
last edited: 2/27/05 10:03:31 PM”

“interesting note I just read in Jmitch's book is that this area was a favorite of Teddy Roosevelt's. He was also keen on the Catskills and Adirondacks as well. Great outdoorsman he was.”

“Well I just checked out the weather channel's forecast for Wellsboro, PA and it looks as though they're getting 8" of snow minimum from this storm, with a max snowfall amount reaching 14". Fun stuff, right?”

“cool”

“Forecast Conditions High/Low °F Precip.
Chance High TemperaturesLow TemperaturesPrecipitation
Today
Feb 28 Snow
27°/19° 80%
27 °F


Tue
Mar 1 Snow
26°/15° 80%
26 °F

Wed
Mar 2 Snow Shower
20°/9° 60%
20 °F

Thu
Mar 3 Few Snow Showers
20°/14° 30%
20 °F

Fri
Mar 4 Partly Cloudy
26°/20° 20%
26 °F

Sat
Mar 5 Few Snow Showers
25°/16° 30%
25 °F

Sun
Mar 6 Snow Shower
29°/20° 40%
29 °F”

“Anyone hear from RichB or Brody? Haven't seen them post recently. So far it looks like there are five of us going - Earth, Crazy, Jack, Phanton, and myself. JMitch mentioned that he may go but won't know for sure until later.”

“get a definite on the end point so we can park the vehicles there. Still looks like 3 of us will be there early. I dont mind cutting out some miles on sunday. road or path, either way we're walking in snow.”

“Brody is not coming. He doesn't know his password, so he has been unable to take himself off the list.”

“Confirmed Definites:
EarthNsky
Crazypace
PhantomSoul
icarus
jackstraw

Maybes:
jmitch
RichB”

“Is phantom coming late with you ENS ?”

“Scratch the last one, just saw the roll call thread.”

“are the campsites on the Mid-State Trail right along the trail or do you have to go off trail to reach them? Looks like they'll be really nice spots right a long Pine Creek (River).”

“does your name have to do with a video game?”

“Hey, It looks like the weather is moderating a little bit. Highs around 34 saturday. WOOO HOOO . I may pack a tee shirt. : )”

“Hey Earth, Phantom, Penssy - looks like a good trip, and maybe a buncha fresh new snow to tackle!

I found this canyon 2 years ago on the web and did a long dayhike (around 16-18 miles)in & all around. It was totally spur of the moment - no research & no memory of trail names - I just reading & picking what looked like the steepest trails in & out. No hand scrambling or boulders, and alotta switchbacks make 'em not so difficult at all.”

“are you thinking of joining us MouseSpray? It would be good to see ya again!!”

“Looks like Gemini is a strong maybe now. If she goes, she'll be ariving with Phantom Soul and myself at the trailhead between 8-9pm Friday night. Hope to be in camp before 10.

Keep the fire going for us.”

“The snow has been falling steady since about 1PM here. The local forecast is being downplayed, we may not see as much as first forecast. I'll update you when its finished falling. The nights have not been too cold, high 20's to mid 30's overnight, the air has been still. I will be driving over to Blackwell Wednesday morning and will update you on the ice on the cliff off route 414. That may be your point of most concern Friday. Just be careful along the rim, especially Barbour Rock, in the snow. If you think the hike is tough in snow, please don't give me a rescue. What time does everyone anticipate arriving? I can make arrangements for a warm meeting place at the Fire Station in Morris if you would be interested. Let me know if you want to take advantage of this. I have Friday off and can meet the early arrivals to help with any logistics, including shuttles if need be. You got a friend in the area, don't be afraid to ask.
Gus
last edited: 2/28/05 6:12:39 PM”

“Thanks for the info and help WFL! Mucho appreciated. Looks like we're arriving in two groups. There is a group arriving around 3pm Friday and a group arriving around 8sh Friday night. What is the "cliffs off of 414"?

Our group is made up of seasoned hikers/bpers and we'll be well-geared for the weather, but if for any reason we have any problems, we'll turn back. We're all really looking forward to it. I was searching online for info and it doesn't seem like many people try this trail in the winter. I'm sure it's going to be beautiful.”

“On the Mid State Trail, just off Route 414 at the Blackwell Bridge you start a scramble up the embankment. To your right is a sheer drop down to Pine Creek, not a very long climb but it is narrow. Take your time and watch your step. Once you get past Jerrys Run the trail eases along the hillside to a blue blazed side trail to your right. This blue blazed trail takes you down hill to Pine Creek and some mighty fine camp spots. Nice place to spend a night. The fishin is fine there too......
Gus”