Hike 41 – Ryerson Station State Park – 5.3 miles

Looking for another adventure together, my wife and I set out for the trail at Ryerson Station State Park. This trail is further from Pittsburgh than it appears on the map. I took almost two hours to get there, and what we got was hardly worth it.

The trailhead was easy enough to find, but the parking area was crowded due to a birthday party in the pavilion adjacent to it. Since we were obviously not on the invitation list for the celebration, we received more than a few odd stares as we unloaded our hiking gear and tried to contain our highly-excited dog, who apparently thought he was the birthday boy. Sorry, pup. Not this time.

The first loop of this figure-eight trail was fairly easy to follow. We progressed into heavy forest and kept an eye out for the “Wolf Tree.” There is a full-page illustration in Thwaites’ book of this tree, thought to be over 300 years old. It is so named because it was able to grow with no obstruction to the sunlight, and as a result spread its branches out in all directions. Well, we saw the sign, but the tree is no longer standing. So much for that.

There was a scenic view after less than a mile of hiking, accompanied by a bench for admiring the view of the lake below. After a brief interlude, we hiked on. The trail was pleasant and soon descended back to the river and meandered through a field until we crossed the Iron Bridge. Proceeding through the meadow, we reached the end of the visible trail. I searched in vain for the Pine Box Trail that the book directs the reader to follow, only to find nothing. Tired and frustrated, we retraced our steps to our car.

I was disappointed that we were unable to complete this hike as described in 50 hikes, but even more distressed by the number of ticks that we nearly brought home with us. My wife and I nearly had simultaneous panic attacks as we examined each other (and the dog) for the vicious bloodsuckers. Fortunately, the dog had been inoculated with flea & tick repellent – we had not. After de-ticking ourselves, we headed home – tired, unnerved and hopefully not infected with Lyme disease (we were not).

This is, sadly, my first negative review of a hike in Thwaites’ book. Perhaps the trail has not been maintained as well as it should. It is no joke that more volunteers are needed to maintain and preserve Pennsylvania’s footpaths. That being said, if you do decide to hike this one, late fall and winter would be best (to avoid the ticks) and stick to the first loop. Don’t let it get you down. I won’t

Hike on.

Hike 43 - Wildflower Reserve - 2.4 miles

After a long hiatus, I am finally back on the trail.  The past seven months have been rough and many obstacles have had to be overcome.  First it was my knee injury, then six weeks of physical therapy, then terrible weather.  In April, my wife and I lost our baby at 18 weeks.  The experience was the most tragic and saddening experience of my life.  Needless to say, I spent my free time over the next two months tending to my wife and feeling rather depressed.

Now that some time has passed, the weather is improved, and things are relatively back to normal, I am back out on the trail.  This was my first hike of 2011, and I am resolved to finish my project.  Furthermore, my wife has expressed a sincere desire to accompany me.  Henceforth, we will be working on this project together.  It is nice to have a companion throught the woods. 

And so, we set out on a sunny Sunday to Raccoon Creek State Park.  We had hiked together there before, but that had been two years ago and without the benfit of proper equipment.  This time would be different.  The Wildflower Reserve is a no-pets section of RCSP, with several miles of trails.  The parking lot is ample, and there is a very nice information station, with plenty of maps.  Also there are restrooms!

The trail is easy to find, and starts outt easily from the parking lot.  The trail makes an L-shaped loop, but there are a variety of cross-connectors and side trails, so your adventure can be as short as you wish.  The big loop that we took was only 2.5 miles.

Hiking boots are nice for this trail, but not necessary.  There are only two significant climbs.  One is near the beginning and one near the end.  The first climb takes you past a rustic cabin.  It has some interesting history, which is detailed in the map/brochure.  I won't spoil it for you.

After that, the trail winds through forests and meadows.  Many wildflowers can be seen, as well as a large number of mushrooms.  This is not a good hike for those with severe seasonal allergies!  The pollen is palpable; you can smell it.  The Queen Anne's lace that grows here is over six feet tall, and even I suffered with sneezing from its wrath.  Achoo!

Sooner than later, we were back at our car.  We wore our packs for this hike and carried just water, snacks, and a few other essentials.  However, you don't need a pack for this one.  It's a short, easy trail - good for everyone.  For me, a hike is a hike, and I prepare and dress the same; boots, pack, essential gear.

Could have worn flip-flops.
Dangit.

Hike on.