Thursday Jan 21, 2010

LES ROHRBACH will be leading a road hike of 6 or 7 miles in the WESTERN OLEY RIDGE & OLEY VALLEY of Berks County. The hike begins at Spies Church in Alsace Township and proceeds along the western ridge and the base of the Oley Valley in both Alsace and Oley townships. This is a repeat of a last winter’s hike that snow reduced the turnout of hikers. If conditions allow, there will be an additional stop at the “Sacred Oak”. This would add ¾ of a mile to the hike through a most likely frozen or icy or soggy field. Lunch stop afterwards is optional.
MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Spies Church parking lot between the two churches.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Follow Rte. 12 towards Pricetown, after you pass Blind Hartman’s Hotel (left side) take the 1st right onto Skyline Dr., after ¾ of a mile when the road curves to the right go straight onto Blankenbiller Rd. After 1 to 2 miles Blankenbiller Rd. merges with Antietam Rd. Go straight onto Antietam Rd. continue for ¾ mile when the road takes a right you go straight onto Church Hill Rd. In ½ mile Church Hill Rd. dead ends at Spies Church, turn right and park between the two churches.
CONTACT: 610-323-1703.

Thursday Jan 14, 2010

LINDA WITMAN will be leading a hike of 4 to 5 miles in the area of Blue Marsh Lake in Berks County. There are some hills, but no rocks, with scenic views of the lake. Dress appropriately. Wear orange. Lunch after is optional.
MEET: 9:30 A.M. on the overview parking lot, located off of Palisades Drive.
DIRECTIONS: take Rte. 222 to Rte. 183, go north and continue to Bern Church (on the Left) and turn left on Palisades Drive. Go past the day area road and the boat launch parking lot, then turn right into the overview lot.
CONTACT: 610-926-5251.

Thursday Jan 7, 2010

KAY WILLIAMS will lead an easy winter hike of 5 miles in Berks County to Red Caboose Park and continue through West Wyomissing. Hiking this morning will be interrupted by a BARTA bus ride. If you are a senior over 65, please bring your BARTA bus pass or Medicare ID to ride free. If you’re not over 65, please bring $1.60 in exact change. We will ride the bus back to Wyomissing and resume our trek through the beautiful pine forest to return to our starting point. Hopefully there will be some light snow to brighten our day and the pines. Lunch is optional for anyone interested in dining later.
MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Wyomissing Creek parking lot off Lancaster Ave in Shillington. (Located behind WAWA near bus. rte. 222 and rte. 724).
Contact: 610-796-7602.