Sunday, June 12, 2011
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.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Ryerson Station - within the next week!
As I am now back in shape and my knee problem is fixed, I will be back on the trail either this weekend or early next week. I am aiming for Ryerson Station State Park.
Hike on.
Hike on.
Waiting for better weather
I may have to delay further hiking until this weekend due to my work schedule and the prospect of better weather.
Hike on.
Hike on.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Alomst there....
Dear Readers,
I know it's been a while, but I am almost ready to resume my trail adventures. According to my physical therapy team, my leg should be ready to go by the end of next week!
This means the next hike is tentatively scheduled for Monday, 2/14!
I am so excited to get back on the trails. I need this more than I realize.
Hike on.
I know it's been a while, but I am almost ready to resume my trail adventures. According to my physical therapy team, my leg should be ready to go by the end of next week!
This means the next hike is tentatively scheduled for Monday, 2/14!
I am so excited to get back on the trails. I need this more than I realize.
Hike on.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Winter of recovery
Dear readers,
Please forgive my absence over the past few months. I have been following my doctor's advice and taking it easy on my knee. Then the holidays came.... You know how it goes.
Anyways, I have begun the new year with a fresh outlook and some nifty new gear (courtesy of my amazing wife). Among my new gadgets are a string of LED tent lights, a solar charger for my phone/GPS/camera, a new bandanna and lots more!
I have also begun my physical therapy, which I desperately need to get my knee back in working order. It turns out that an old injury from 12 years ago has left a significant impact on the muscle tone of my left leg. During my recovery from that old wound, the muscles on the inside of my leg were weakened, causing the muscles on the outer leg to work extra hard. This caused my left leg to gradually begin to turn to the outside. It's only been two visits, but I feel very confident in the ability of my therapists. With a couple months of physical therapy, I am hopeful that this problematic knee can be corrected. As soon as it is, I'll be back on the trail!
I am even beginning to plan a few overnight excursions for the spring.!
Hike on.
Please forgive my absence over the past few months. I have been following my doctor's advice and taking it easy on my knee. Then the holidays came.... You know how it goes.
Anyways, I have begun the new year with a fresh outlook and some nifty new gear (courtesy of my amazing wife). Among my new gadgets are a string of LED tent lights, a solar charger for my phone/GPS/camera, a new bandanna and lots more!
I have also begun my physical therapy, which I desperately need to get my knee back in working order. It turns out that an old injury from 12 years ago has left a significant impact on the muscle tone of my left leg. During my recovery from that old wound, the muscles on the inside of my leg were weakened, causing the muscles on the outer leg to work extra hard. This caused my left leg to gradually begin to turn to the outside. It's only been two visits, but I feel very confident in the ability of my therapists. With a couple months of physical therapy, I am hopeful that this problematic knee can be corrected. As soon as it is, I'll be back on the trail!
I am even beginning to plan a few overnight excursions for the spring.!
Hike on.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
North Country Trail - Allegheny National Forest hike cut short.
With a mutual feeling of disappointment and accomplishment, I made the wise, yet painful, decision to end my thru-hike after only two days on the trail. The primary culprit was my left knee, which showed no remorse in delivering an increasing measure of substantial pain. I yield.
The hike started as planned, with the small exception of the weather. Cash and I set out on the trail near Willow Bay at 11:30 AM. Fully packed and prepared with all my gear and provisions, I was ready for anything. We marched deep into the woods, as the rain grew heavier and more persistent. After two hours, my boots and my entire pack were soaked. We walked for 10 miles that day, setting up camp (in the rain) near the Allegheny Reservoir. I managed to get a small fire going, but it was to no avail, since the rain kept up and there was little wood to be of much use. My knee had begun to hurt, and it soon was very dark. Cash and I huddled inside the tent and listened to the rain pour down on top of us.
In the morning, the rain had become less fierce, allowing us a chance to pack up our campsite and hit the trail. My knee hurt from the onset, but we hiked nonetheless. There was no cell phone reception, or way to contact anyone if I stayed in one place. Onward we hiked, through a myriad of different terrains and landscapes. Through dense forests of pine, to fields of cattails , to peaceful forest streams. The scenery was damp, but no less amazing. The fall season had tinted the entire forest with hues of ochre, crimson, and gold.
By the time we made it to Red Bridge, it was 6:00 PM. My phone had died and, despite the symbolic indicator on the map, there was no payphone. Fortunately, we found an electrical outlet in the campground and charged the phone for a bit. No signal yet, but at least some power to last us until we found one. By this time, I had decided to call it quits. The pain was too great to bear. Even with my enthusiastic optimism, I couldn't get past the fact that I was nearly unable to walk.
We made it to a location that allowed us the first cell phone reception of the day, and in the nick of time. I called my Dad, who said he would pick us up in about an hour. I only had enough battery charge left for one last effort - a text message to my wife to let her know we were safe. We sat by the bridge on a desolate stretch of Route 321 and waited. Soon, it was dark. Darkness turned into blackness and then the cold rain started. Cold and pain wracked my body while I prayed for respite from my condition. Then, the headlights appeared. True to his word, Dad had found us on the side of the highway, shivering in the cold autumn night. Before long, we were back at the house, sharing hamburgers and laughing about my misadventure.
Overall, I hiked about 30 miles in two days. Not a bad start. I learned that even though my gear might be up to the test of 7 days in the woods, my knees were not. I had overlooked my physical limitations. Hiking for eight miles once a week is much different than 17 miles everyday. Furthermore, I never hike with a pack over 10 pounds, and I was ill-prepared for the 45-pound bohemoth that I was attempting to carry. I vow to not look upon this experiment as a failure, but merely as a lesson in better preparation and planning. Next time, maybe a shorter trek with fewer nights...and somebody else to help carry the gear. And robot knees!
Hike on.
The hike started as planned, with the small exception of the weather. Cash and I set out on the trail near Willow Bay at 11:30 AM. Fully packed and prepared with all my gear and provisions, I was ready for anything. We marched deep into the woods, as the rain grew heavier and more persistent. After two hours, my boots and my entire pack were soaked. We walked for 10 miles that day, setting up camp (in the rain) near the Allegheny Reservoir. I managed to get a small fire going, but it was to no avail, since the rain kept up and there was little wood to be of much use. My knee had begun to hurt, and it soon was very dark. Cash and I huddled inside the tent and listened to the rain pour down on top of us.
In the morning, the rain had become less fierce, allowing us a chance to pack up our campsite and hit the trail. My knee hurt from the onset, but we hiked nonetheless. There was no cell phone reception, or way to contact anyone if I stayed in one place. Onward we hiked, through a myriad of different terrains and landscapes. Through dense forests of pine, to fields of cattails , to peaceful forest streams. The scenery was damp, but no less amazing. The fall season had tinted the entire forest with hues of ochre, crimson, and gold.
By the time we made it to Red Bridge, it was 6:00 PM. My phone had died and, despite the symbolic indicator on the map, there was no payphone. Fortunately, we found an electrical outlet in the campground and charged the phone for a bit. No signal yet, but at least some power to last us until we found one. By this time, I had decided to call it quits. The pain was too great to bear. Even with my enthusiastic optimism, I couldn't get past the fact that I was nearly unable to walk.
We made it to a location that allowed us the first cell phone reception of the day, and in the nick of time. I called my Dad, who said he would pick us up in about an hour. I only had enough battery charge left for one last effort - a text message to my wife to let her know we were safe. We sat by the bridge on a desolate stretch of Route 321 and waited. Soon, it was dark. Darkness turned into blackness and then the cold rain started. Cold and pain wracked my body while I prayed for respite from my condition. Then, the headlights appeared. True to his word, Dad had found us on the side of the highway, shivering in the cold autumn night. Before long, we were back at the house, sharing hamburgers and laughing about my misadventure.
Overall, I hiked about 30 miles in two days. Not a bad start. I learned that even though my gear might be up to the test of 7 days in the woods, my knees were not. I had overlooked my physical limitations. Hiking for eight miles once a week is much different than 17 miles everyday. Furthermore, I never hike with a pack over 10 pounds, and I was ill-prepared for the 45-pound bohemoth that I was attempting to carry. I vow to not look upon this experiment as a failure, but merely as a lesson in better preparation and planning. Next time, maybe a shorter trek with fewer nights...and somebody else to help carry the gear. And robot knees!
Hike on.
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