Come hike the Pinchot Trail

“I was talking to Richb last weekend and we both agreed that we need to get out and do some backpacking. So we're heading out on the Pinchot Trail next weekend.

Sign up if you're interested. Otherwise we'll report when we get back :)”

“I don't know if I can make it an overnighter, but I may join you on one of the days for a day hike. I would just need to know your plan.
last edited: 7/15/09 10:44:34 AM”

“I'll look at the map and lay out a plan this weekend.”

“where? when? is this the one at Linville that I hear stories about or is this something different?”

“ahh I c. Its in PA. NM.”

“Dude! got your message. I'd be there , but thats the weekend I'll be in San Antonio at my sons boot camp graduation.”

“Ah crap I just left PA today... Won't be back up until Sun/Mon.. oh well have fun...

'32oz”

“conk--

I'm planning to be at the main trailhead around 8:00am. If you wanted to meet us and do a dayhike there's plenty of options to get you back to your car, regardless of our direction of travel.

Rich--

Does 8:00 work for you?
last edited: 7/20/09 7:12:31 PM”

“8 AM is fine.”

“I'll have to cancel on this weekend. Have fun, wish I could have joined you.”

“Been a while since I've been on a TT trip, I look forward to seeing you guys. Conk to bad you can't make it.”

“Conk, that's shame you can't make it, maybe next time. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. Calmwater glad to see you can make it.”

“Looks like I may be able to join you guys for a day hike after all. Rapidly changing situation. LOL!

Do you know which direction you'll hiking the trail? I need to find my map and figure out a loop for a day hike.”

“... or spot my car at another trailhead on down the line.”

“We didn't discuss anything about direction. Last time we started at the trailhead and went down toward Sassafras hill, north line, etc. Saved that short pavement section for last.”

“have fun guys! wish I could join you. I'm vey glad you're getting out Rich!! Hope you have a fun time. It's going to be warm. take some pics!”

“Thanks, wish you could come on the trip too. Should be a tad cooler up there, but still a warm day. At least tomorrow is looking dry.”

“See you guys in the AM.”

“I hiked the northern loop with these guys today. It was great to see RichB, NoGranola and Calmwater again and to meet Floppy from the other side. They may have a few thunderstorms tonight.”

“It was great to hike with Rich B, No Granola, and Conk again, also to meet Dan from the other site. Here's my pics.....

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/573761639SGTngo
last edited: 7/27/09 2:32:41 PM”

“Excellent pictures and it great seeing everyone again and meeting Dan. I need to get some pictures posted soon.”

“I started writing a TR but got snagged by work and family drama. It was good to see you guys again and floppy was a decent dude too.

Rich,

Keep me posted. I think about you often.
last edited: 7/28/09 6:55:42 PM”

“NG, thanks. My trip report is a little late. I just downloaded the pics off my camera the night before.

Here's a trip report from the Pinchot trail hike. I met Conk, No Granola, Calmwater and Floppy at the Pinchot trailhead Saturday morning. I was a little late despite the fact that I live closest to the trailhead. On the way I found out that a bridge I needed to go over was closed so I had to take a long detour in Suscon, PA so I was a little late. We were on our way after a short greeting session at the trailhead. The brush was wet along the trail from rain the night before. It didn't take long for my lower pants legs and boots to soak through. The ferns and other underbrush seemed like large paintbrushes. It was humid out, but not as warm as I expected. At this point the bugs weren't bad, just a few mosquitoes here and there.

We hiked the trail counter clockwise and by the time we stopped at Choke creek for the night we covered about 15 miles. Conk was out for a dayhike only so he headed for home when we completed the North loop. It was sunny all day with a high temperature of about 85. At least we had a nice breeze by the afternoon and the humidity dropped somewhat from the morning. We set up camp about a 1/2 mile downstream on Choke creek and after setting up tents we began cooking. As everyone began eating raindrops started falling. At first just a few, but then we heard thunder and more intense raindrops. At that point we all knew this wasn't going to blow over so everyone scrambled to their tents. The storms continued off and on all night so that was the last I saw of anyone until morning. The mosquitoes found a nice refuge under my tarp and were hanging out sitting on the inside. I'm just glad I was in the mesh tent otherwise I'd be eaten alive. They were underneath just waiting for me to come out. I heard them buzzing around all night long.

The morning was very humid, warm and cloudy. It looked like more rain was coming for sure. We were only about 8 miles from the trailhead so didn't have a long hike to get back. It showered on and off and eventually the sun did come out. On the Sunday trail section we hiked by a swamp and clouds of mosquitoes attacked us. At first I thought it was only me being bitten, but when I turned around to see everyone stopped and applying repellent, I could see the swarm of mosquitoes attacking. I'd swat 5 off my arm and five more would be right there to replace them. Shortly after we applied some repellent it started raining so the mosquitoes were gone. Getting attacked like that was miserable and the last thing I needed were mosquito bites on top of the rash I already had. That itched enough without the bites on top of it.

We were back to the trailhead by 1:30 and it turned out to be another fun trip. Floppy, it was nice meeting you and it's always great seeing my other hiking pals, Calmwater, No Granola and Conk. I posted some pictures in this album”