NO Ghosts.......Lots Of Good Spirits!! T rip Report

“Janet and I got home about 1:20 in the AM, safe if a bit muddied and tired.

We two arrived at Masten about 1:20 AM Friday to find Jackstraw and EarthNsky sacked out.
They were kind enough to crawl out and have a beer with us before they re-sacked out.
We slept in the van waking up fairly early......9 AM???

The Masten camp ground is very nice and nine freakin' miles up a gravel road.

Janet and I drove the 25 miles back to Williamsport for some nice strong Starbucks coffee and a shopping spree at Wegmans Grocery.
It seems that I had left my carefully prepared burrito chicken nicely ziplocked at home all chopped and spiced.
I didn't want to do any kitchen prep out in the dang woods...........oh well, it was a labor of love all the same.

The weather was not exactly pleasant but the company sure was!
When we arrived the were a zillion stars out but by first light Friday it was clouds and rain for the rest of the weekend.
Oh, and windy and chilly too.

When we got back from town Friday afternoon there was a small crowd drinking my beer.....hey-hey!!
Mister Chili was there with some kinda strange little flag with a "T" on it flying from his Jeep.

I was mightily thankful when Monsieur le Gremlin arrived........at least I wasn't the oldest fool in the pool at that point.

From then on things got kinda fuzzy, for me anyway, and the fire got bigger as did the crowd.
I crawled into my fartsack under my own power a bit early and missed out on the naked fire-dancing..............apparently.

To the best of my recollection attendees were:
AmyG
Asher(doggie)
Bearmagnet
Calmwater
Capt Bobo
Chili
Conk
CrazyPace and wife
DLM
EarthNsky
Gremlin
Jackstraw
JMitch
Kleetn
Lost Soul
MarkO and Janet
Pennsy
Phantom Soul
RichB
Sacco and wife and Winafred(doggie)
Twigeater
Yam and Chris

If I forgot anyone you can smack me next you see me.
last edited: 10/29/06 12:19:43 PM”

“I have just arived home. It was a great weekend, from what I can remember of it. I will post a trip report and I promise not to slack (too much). Friday night is a blur for me. I drank some hot spiked apple cider Friday late afternoon and it was down hill from there.

Last night was a lot more relaxed and we even had a visit from the world champion sumo wrestler, Saccosaki!

first things first, shower time.

btw MarkO, excellent trip report name!!!! most appropriate!
last edited: 10/29/06 1:03:44 PM”

“Hey, where's everybody else?

At some point there was even some dorks talkin' that Phantazy Phootball crap around the fire!”

“Hi. Gotta go.”

“If my count is correct, there were 28 of us.
1. Jackstraw (MD)
2. MarkO (MD)
3. Hurricane Janet (MD)
4. Lost Soul (NJ)
5. Chili (TN)
6. Yam (ME)
7. Chris (ME)
8. Pennsy (PA)
9. Capn Bobo (PA)
10 AmyG (PA)
11 Kleetn (PA)
12 Sacco (NY)
13 Mrs. Sacco (NY)
14 DLM (PA)
15 Bear Magnet (DC)
16 Gremlin (Canuckdom)
17 Twigeater (ME)
18 Green Monkee (NJ)
19 Lilmountaingirl (NJ)
20 Phantom Soul (NJ)
21 Crazypace (PA)
22 Mrs. Crazypace (PA)
23 jmitch (PA)
24 M Silver (PA)
25 RichB (PA)
26 calmwater (PA)
27 Conk (PA)
28 EarthNsky (PA)”

“Day 1: Thursday October 26th

Thursday started off with a bang for me with some drama going down at work. I decided to take a half day and get the hell out of there.

Jackstraw and I were carpooling and I called to let him know I could head out a little earlier than originally planned. We got on the road out of York around 430.

We took a pitstop at the Appalachian Trail hiker friendly Doyle Hotel and enjoyed some of the finest Spaghetti around. It was finetastic!

Another pitstop at Starbucks in Williamsport and then at Wegmans and we were on the final stretch to Masten, PA. We took US 15 up to PA 14 and then final 9 miles on (the dirt) Pleasant Stream Road.

We arrived in the once bustling, now ghost town of Masten, PA around 10pm. No one else had yet arrived. The air was crisp and cool and the night sky was as clear as it could be.

We did some initial prep in camp and scouted out the area. The chimney seemed like it would be a perfect social gathering place and the fire ring nearby was large enough to accomodate a small TT army. The scene looked great, despite a few muddy spots.

I brought two tents and set those up, while Jackstraw searched for wood. We then got a small, but warm fire going and sat by the fire and drank a few beers while we waited for any other early arrivals to show.

It got to midnight and I decided to hit the sack. Jackstraw said he would be up for a little more. I don't even remember falling asleep, but I was out cold with in a few seconds.

The next thing I remember was MarKO's voice saying "hello??" I guess it was about 130am. We then got up and greeted MarkO and his wife, Hurricane Janet. We got the fire going again and sat around the fire for another hour or so eating cheese and sausage and drinking a few more beers.

I don't remember what time we finally crashed for the night.

Day 2, Friday, October 27th

I remember waking up as Lost Soul pulled into camp and it was around 930am. I think everyone pretty much got up at the same time.
We all had breakfast and chatted it up for a little. MarkO and Janet said they were going to head into Williamsport for some more supplies. Jackstraw and Lost Soul wanted to do some hiking on the Old Loggers Path, that pretty much goes through Masten. No one else had yet arrived.

I moved my camp from site A to site B and moved my other tent over there as well. I told Crazypace I would have a tent set up for he and his wife if they arrived late Friday night. Site B was a pretty small site. It looked to me that A and C were the two biggest.

MarkO and Janet then went to town and Jackstraw, LostSoul and I shuttled down to the northern Old Loggers Path Trailhead on Pleasant Stream Road. Right as we parked, we saw Chili driving by, so we flagged him down, told him that no one was in camp, but that we were going to hike and he would be holding down the fort for a little bit as everyone showed up.

We then commenced hiking on the Old Loggers Path going clockwise and doing the eastern half of the trail. Along the hike we passed through some beautiful hardwood forests with blazing orange and yellow autumn colors. The ground was littered with colorful leaves. The Pleasant Stream crossing looked like we would have to swim across since the water was raging and deep, probably frigid. But Jackstraw quickly spied a downed tree up stream and we were able to cross safely and most importantly, stay dry. Temperatures were probably in the high forties at the time. We had two good climbs and two good descents, in between were some really nice flat sections for motoring and we did motor, sometimes clocking in better than 4mph, which was a lot of fun. We were excited to get back to camp and see everyone. Sharptop vista was really nice. We started hiking around 130 and finished a little after 5. We hiked around 13 miles, so it was a nice afternoon hike.

When we got back into camp, the population of Masten had trippled. I first saw Sacco and his wife, then Yam and her friend, Chris and then Pennsy, Bobo and then AmyG and Kleetn. Then I ran into Bearmagnet, dlm and Hurricane Janet was making hot mmmmm Apple Cider, spiked with Apple Jack. It was very good. I had a couple cups of it.

I then switched to drinking beer and that's when my memory of Friday night gets hazy. I remember Gremlin and Twigeater showing up. I remember trying to hang out with everyone and playing host and then I remember being escorted to bed. Thanks to those helping me into bed. I was ripped, tied and twisted and I could barely walk. I understand I was the entertainment Friday night, if so, I hope I behaved.

It was raining Friday night, but it stopped short of keeping everyone from having a good ole time. We had a great and warm fire and I remember a lot of people laughing and good conversation.
last edited: 10/29/06 2:36:56 PM”

“day 3, Saturday October 28th

I woke up with a bad hangover. I think Phantom Soul came over to wake me up. I remember it was raining pretty good and my stuff got pretty wet. Henry Shires don't do to well in heavy rainstorms. Crazypace and his wife then pulled in and set up camp. Soon after, Jmitch, M Silver, RichB and Calmwater pulled into camp.

Jmitch got a bunch of people together for a bushwack hike. Another group decided to stay on trail and hike a section of the Old Loggers Path. I went with the bushwhackers.

I think another group took a trip to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and Wellsboro, PA and several stayed back in camp.

The bushwhack was awesome. Jmitch really knows the region well and always leads an excellent hike. We hiked up Miners Run into a beautiful glen with gushing waterfalls and flumes and near rock formations.

We then hiked across the Allegheny Plateau over to Band Rock, which offered a neat view into Lycoming Creek Canyon and the route 14 corridor and of the town of Ralston. It was windy at the vista, but we stopped there to have lunch.

From there we checked out an old 19th century cemetary, spooky treat on Halloween weekend. Finally we sort of cirqued Miners Run Glen and back to the cars. I think lost soul broke a trekking pole while doing the steep descent into Miners Run.

We got back into camp. A few more people had arrived, Conk was one of them. Everyone gathered around the campfire as the dusk light began to dim. That's when Saccosaki Fuji showed up in camp after winning the Sumo Wrestling World Championship. It was mighty cold, but he was quite warm in his loin cloth.

Saturday nights mood in camp was more relaxing. Everyone gathered around as M Silver led us in a tribute for our good friend RichB. A large part of the reason we all gathered in Masten, was to get together with Rich and thank him for touching our lives and giving us inspiration. He was then presented with a card and gift from everyone. It was a very touching moment.

Then came the cookoff. Capn Bobo first brought out his soybean (tempe?)burgers. They were absolutely fantastic. Then Jackstraw brought out his chicken and dumplings and finally, MarkO and his chicken, rice and bean burittos. It was a tough competition. Everything was extremily tasty and each contestant worked very hard out what they made. In the end we voted for Jackstraw's Chicken and Dumplings, but I think it had a lot to do with the weather. The chicken and dumplings were very warm and filling and in the cold wet weather, hit the spot.

From there the Grim reaper himself visited us, but only came for a beer and not to take anyone.

MarkO and Janet had to leave and so did jmitch, M Silver and RichB.

The rest of us left this morning. The tent city that Masten had become this weekend was no more.

I am pretty sure I am not the only one who had a good time. I am really happy it went so well. I was told we were fined for the campfire. Our permit said no fires. Turns out that we were allowed to have a fire since the rainy weather greatly reduced the fire risk. If there is anything good about the rain, it was that we could have the fire.
We had TTers from near and far, from Maine, to Seatle, from Tennessee to Canada.

This was a special and important event. I am proud to be apart of it. Thanks for everyone to took part in it and made it so successful. Capn Bobo and AmyG were instrumental in the planning and I thank them for that.

Hopefully we will be doing this again next year. We talked this morning and thought it would be a cool idea to offer DCNR to volunteerly build a privy in Masten.
last edited: 10/29/06 3:05:02 PM”

“keep me posted on the privy at Masten idea. I would be willing to help with the effort”

“I had a great time and it was great to meet so many new people. I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer.

The hike up Miners Run was absolutely beautiful with all the gushing waterfalls. Band Rock and the cemetery was also very nice. I'm glad everyone enjoyed the hike.

Maybe we should make this a tradition. Even the ranger seemed real nice.

And congrats to RichB.”

“Amen on the scheisse haus project!
Charity begins at home and it ain't a home with out the scheisse haus!
Should we build it of brick?

Speakin' of crappers.....
Oh crap, it looks like I'm in for a triple smack-down for forgettin' MSilver, Lil Mountain Girl and Green Monkey!!

Well, my list was in alphabetical order. >8^P

Nice report ENS!!

Now......where are the blackmail photos??

Making this an annual event would be nice but how about EARLY October??
last edited: 10/29/06 3:30:22 PM”

“yay! Got home safe and sound, successfully got rid of kleetyface and was all set to throw in some laundry and completely slug on the couch when an unexpected visitor appeared at my door!! It was Pope Bobo himself who just had to see me one last time...or maybe it was the fact that I was on the way home and he really reeeally had to pee? Well, whatever.

I had a great weekend with all you jokers. It was nice to see some familiar friends and make some new ones as well. I was especially inspired by RichyB's rally to rejoin the crazy TT-world. Now that is brave!

Also, the graveyard and bushwhack hike with jmooch was a perfect adjunct to the campsite debauchery. Great food, beverage and friendship all around...thanks all. :)”

“28? Geezus Cripes!”

“I thought I did a count once that had 31 people, so I may have left someone off.”

“I got a message today, that was left on Friday, from the ranger station, saying it was ok to have a fire. :)

rev, I'll keep you posted on the privy. that maybe a springtime project.

can't wait to see the pics from this trip. I didn't take a camera, and in many ways, I am glad I didn't.”

“Excellent trip reports and I had a great time Saturday with my all my Trail Talk pals and it was a pleasure to meet so many new friends.

I was totally shocked when Msilver began his speech and the topic was about me. I wasn't prepared for such kindness and encourgement from everyone and was left speechless. Pun intended! You all are truly special friends to me and I can't thank you enough for your thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity. It's my Trail Talk friends that keep me going each time the going gets rough and I always look foward to getting out on the trail with everyone.

The hike up to Band Rock sounds great and I'll have to attempt it next time when it's drier out. The wet conditions made it a little too slippery for me and I wasn't getting good footing over some of the edges next to the creek and didn't want to fall and get hurt. I'm looking forward to going back next year and hopefully will feel well enough to stay for the weekend.
Thanks again,
RichB
last edited: 10/29/06 7:21:19 PM”

“Thanks for the enjoyable trip reports. Sounds like a great time was enjoyed by all. Sure wish that I had been there.”

“Hey Rich, it was nice to finally meet you!
You're a tough cookie with a certain quiet dignity(pun intended).

That's a mighty big family we've got there!

Here's to the safe return home of all of our people.”

“Thanks, it was nice to meet you too. I hope my Servox artificial larynx (AL)wasn't too loud. I tried to turn the volume down on my (AL) so it wouldn't be too loud, but when I did it seems like it couldn't be heard to persons trying to hear. An AL doesn't do too well competing with background noise, but it was a least some kind of voice to use until I get another form of speech someday. It wasn't perfect, but I'm glad it worked as well as it did.

That was the largest Trail Talk gathering I've been at and it certainly was great to meet so many others at one time.
last edited: 10/29/06 7:55:09 PM”

“definitely not too loud, Rich. We were glad to be able to hear what you had to say!”

“Thanks, that's the first time I've used the AL that much and around so many people at once. I don't feel really confident about using it because it doesn't work as well as I'd like it to. Holding it against the cheek doesn't produce the best sound, under the neck does, but it won't work in that spot for me. Saturday was the most I've "talked" since June 20 and my jaw is sore, but it's a good sore feeling like after going on a long hike.”

“'Twas an honor to meet you, RichB. Cheers!






”

“It was great meeting you Bearmagnet, cool picture!”

“And I think you might have missed some of the fun, RichB....





”

“You're right, I don't remember seeing that.”

“Rich...be thankful, you missed that part. ;)”

“it's worse than I thought...

I hope you did not let drink the contents in that bottle.
last edited: 10/29/06 8:26:53 PM”

“I hope he didn't fall off the chair.”

“LOL...I don't think that is the worst picture we'll see, ENS. ;)
(thank dawg I had at least wiped the snot/drool off your face with jackstraw's hd shirt before the pic was taken...)”

“he fell alright, but we caught him with the chair. ;)”

“Total miles driven including the mechanized hike to the PA Grand Canyon: 1580

Number of hours, one way, with only two stops for gas: 11.5

Number of states traveled through: 5

Number of bottles of Scotch Whiskey produced by various TT'ers at Masten: 3

A weekend in one of the most beautiful areas of the country with old friends and new friends: Priceless

Thanks to ENS for organizing this one. More on the trip report later....damn I'm tired, but extremely happy to be home safe and sound.”

“say no more and show no more...

mercy mercy mercy uncle uncle uncle

honestly, that was not me, I don't remember any of it. I surely don't remember that picture being taken. I plead innocent! Oh man...


-

yo chili, it was great meeting you!!
last edited: 10/29/06 8:37:33 PM”

“Good thing, it was so muddy there from the rain it would have been messy.”

“yay, chili is home safe and (relatively)sound.

I can't wait to hear him recite some of the quotes from the collection he gathered this weekend! ;)”

“You had a drink of The Glenlivet. And The Jura. And the Red Label. And the Apple/Brandy/Jack (?) Stuff. Mucho alcohol was consumed.

That is most likely my last trip for a while. i was glad to share the experience with so many. I think I had met @4 of y'all before this weekend. Thanks for being who you are. I've never met a more enjoyable bunch of drunkards. Until next year, Cheers.

:D”

“My favorite was from Yam talking to Chris....


"I would appreciate it if you would check in my pants"”

“I didn't know I had any of the hard stuff. I thought I was only drinking beer. I know I had around 8 yuengling black and tans and then I was going up to the keg intermittenly and filling my empty cans with the lager. So, all in all, I probably had 11-12 beers friday night.”

“well, you know...she ba$tardized "the" moohahahaa!?! Yeah...who says hahahamoomoo anyway?!!
:p”

“What can I say? I had the BEST time. It was a pleasure meeting new TT buddies and especially fine to see my old buddies as well. The weather although cold and rainy did not once dampen the spirits at Masten. Indeed they were lively and warm. I truly think that when so many get together and share its impossible not to become part of the place. So if there werent "Spirits" in Masten before, there are now.

My best to the people that put it together and I look forward to seeing yous out on the trail.”

“everyone post pics minus incriminating ens pics!!!”

“Oh, I have some great pics.

The one where ENS has a bottle of Glenlivet and a funnel is a classic however.”

“What a great time! Since Jackel took the dang words right outta my mouth, I'll just cut to the chase...

AND NOW FOR THE INCRIMINATING PHOTOS!!!!

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/555207382WVJlSt”

“Thanks everybody! I had a great time on Saturday!

Some of the pix I took >>>

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/555206832qImepx[url][url]”

“Marion! You figured out how to post a link!!!

GREAT TO SEE YOU MARION!!! HIKE ON!!!”

“








:D That picture was taken late Saturday night. Just Jackstraw, Conk, Calmwater and myself were left.
last edited: 10/29/06 9:53:47 PM”

“OK, someone let me look at Marion's pics!!!

We're sorry...
...due to a high volume of page requests, this Webshots page is not available right now.


RichB - Great to see YOU again, you looked great! I hope your stomach has calmed down and I think you did an awesome job with the Servox. You must be tuckered out from soo much talking!!!

:)”

“
by m_silver”

“What the he11 did you people do to chili!?!?

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2105151840042541990eDbkuZ

LOL! That's the single worse picture I've even seen of chili.”

“OK Chili, glad you made it home!!

What about our Mainiacs?”