Thursday January 19, 2012 - St Peter's Village Road Walk

LES will lead a road hike of 6 miles from St. Peter’s Village. This hike begins at the St. Peter’s Village parking lot. We begin by trekking to Harmonyville. Then we follow a road that will eventually border and run through a small portion of Coventry Woods, where we will be hiking in March. We pass the Westlake Tree Farm and return past a corner of French Creek State Park viewing some old stone dwellings along the way. Snow or icy roads cancels this event.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ St. Peter’s Village parking lot, at the far end away from the village.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 if you have questions.

Thursday January 12, 2012 - Earl Poole Sanctuary / Antietam Lake

CLYDE will lead a one hour hike, after a very short shuttle, in the nearby EARL POOLE SANCTUARY. We will then return to the meeting location for another three mile hike on the trails of Antietam Park. This is a moderate to difficult hike. See map of trails at: http://combinedschedules.blogspot.com

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Antietam Lake parking area off of Angora Road.

TELEPHONE: Clyde 610-913-0284 or day of hike cell 610-413-6281 if questions arise, especially if weather is questionable.

Thursday January 5, 2012 - Oley Roads

LES will lead an Oley Road Hike of 6 miles passing by the historic Reiff homestead. There will be a stop at the site of the Sacred Oak. We will then continue with a climb up a long hill which will position us for a scenic view of the Oley Valley as we begin our return to the starting point. Snowy or icy road conditions will cancel this hike.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Weis Market, Route 73 & Friedensburg Rd. in Oley.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 if questions arise.

Thursday December 29, 2011 - French Creek

JODY will lead a ~ 4.5 mile hike in French Creek State Park. We will begin our hike on the first part of the loop of the Mill Creek Trail, stopping at the highest point in the park (1000 ft.) for a photo. Then, descend to Miller’s Point and begin climbing back to the top of the hill. This trail is fairly steep in places. We will then continue by retracing our steps back to our starting point. NOTE: Inclement weather cancels, please contact leader if questionable.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Shed Rd. parking lot (located on Shed Rd. off Rte. 345 near the park’s east entrance).

TELEPHONE: Jody 610-286-8913

Thursday December 22, 2011 - Monocacy Hill

MARGARET will be leading a Christmas hike of 5 easy miles in the Monocacy Hill Recreation Area. Monocacy Hill is located near Douglassville. So, get out and hike the trails in this beautiful woodland forest and forget about shopping and baking for awhile.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Exeter Walmart near the Garden Ctr. off Route 422 east.

TELEPHONE: Margaret 610-779-8393

Thursday December 15, 2011 - Blue Marsh

KATHY & KAY will lead a 6.5 mile hike on the main hiking trail through BLUE MARSH. If you have never hiked the entire trail system at Blue Marsh, this will be your opportunity to begin. We hope to continue throughout this year and next year to complete the entire 29 miles of trails at Blue Marsh. This first trek will begin from mile marker five and continue past mile marker one to Swiftwater parking lot. We will be hiking through woodland with a few small hills, around corn fields and some gravel roads.

Dress appropriately for weather conditions and perhaps consider displaying orange. This hike will require a shuttle to our starting point at the Highland Rd. parking lot.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Swiftwater parking lot off Palisades Drive. (It is one of the new lots on Union Canal Connector).

DIRECTIONS: From Reber’s Bridge Rd. parking lot, turn left onto Palisades Drive and travel about .7 mile then turn left onto Swiftwater Rd. and continue to the parking lot.

TELEPHONE: Kathy 610-603-9461 or Kay 610-796-7602 with questions.

Thursday December 8, 2011 - Neversink to Antietam Lake

CLYDE will lead a 4.5 mile moderate hike on the newly opened Gravity Trail. This trail, in the care of the Berks Conservancy, will begin on the Neversink Mountain on South 18th Street at the water tower and end at the parking area for the Antietam Lake trails. We will shuttle from Antietam Lake to Neversink to start the hike. There will be short dissertations along the way to talk about the Gravity Railroad. Lunch later is optional.

MEET: 9:30A.M. @ Angora Rd. & Hill Rd. parking area of Antietam Lake.

TELEPHONE: Clyde 610-913-0284 Check Clyde’s blog page at http://combinedschedules.blogspot.com

Thursday December 1, 2011 - Birdsboro Watershed

LES will be leading a ~7.5 hike through the Birdsboro Watershed west of the Hay Creek. We begin on the Geigertown side of the watershed on Hay Creek Road, cross the Hay Creek and walk along this scenic creek until we take an uphill trail. We will explore much of the watershed above the creek which is hilly and features a variety of trail conditions. Good shoes and blaze orange may be appropriate. Along the way we will encounter the scenic reservoir lake area. Optional lunch stop after the hike.

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Thun Trail parking area in Gibralter off Rte. 724 across from Turkey Hill Store.
2nd MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ Parking area across from an old stone house on Hay Creek Road (the washed out former route 82) about 2.8 miles on the Birdsboro side of the intersection of Geigertown Rd. & Hay Creek Rd. in Geigertown (.8 mile on the Birdsboro side of the intersection of Hay Creek Rd. & Mullen Hollow Rd.)

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 if you have questions.

Thursday November 24, 2011 - Shillington & Wyomissing Park

KAY will lead a HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY hike ~ 5 miles. So, put your turkey in the roasting pan and let it cook while you take a leisurely hike today to work up an appetite. The hike will be to Wyomissing Park and return to our starting point. Be prepared to walk alleys, sidewalks, roads, fields and arrive home in time to eat your turkey dinner.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Rite-Aid in the Shillington Shop. Ctr. Bus. Rte. 222.
TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 if questions arise.

Thursday November 17, 2011 - Appalachian Trail

MARGARET will lead a moderate 7 mile loop hike encompassing parts of the Appalachian Trail, the Eagle’s Nest Trail and the Service Road to return to our starting point. This is mostly woodland trail hiking in the Blue Mountain Range and wearing orange may be appropriate. Lunch stop after the hike is optional.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Blue Marsh Church Road parking lot off Route 183.
TELEPHONE: Margaret 610-779-8393

Friday November 11, 2011 - Wernersville to Womelsdorf

GERRY & WILLIE will hike 6.5 miles from Wernersville to Womelsdorf while walking with the veterans to the Womelsdorf VFW. There will be stops along the way for refreshments and toilet facilities. Anyone walking with the veterans will be entitled to a free lunch at the end. This is a special Friday Event on Veteran’s Day.

MEET: 8:30 A.M. @ the Wernersville Memorial at the Fire Company in Wernersville.
TELEPHONE: Gerry or Willie 610-678-5245 with any questions.

Thursday November 10, 2011 - Shiloh Hills

GERRY & WILLIE will lead a ~ 4 mile hike in Shiloh Hills Park. This is part of the Spring Twp. Park system located in Berks County and is probably a new area for a lot of us. We will be using macadam trails within the park and sidewalks through the residential area. We will do a figure eight through the development and then the trails around the Shiloh Hills School & Environmental Education Center. This is a shorter hike in order to save energy for Friday’s hike. Will do a special equation, plus a birthday treat? Lunch after the hike is an option.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Bus. Rte. 222 (Lancaster Ave.) at former A C Moore & Giant parking lot next to Arby’s in Shillington.
TELEPHONE: Gerry or Willie 610-678-5245 if questions arise.

Thursday November 3, 2011 - St Anthony's Wilderness

MARGARET will lead a 6 mile hike in St. Anthony’s Wilderness off Gold Mine Road. See remnants of old mining activity. The leaves should be showing early color at this time. The Boxcar Rocks will be visited at the end for interested hikers. There will be an optional lunch stop at a nostalgic sixties diner near Pine Grove.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Bethel Library Rtes. I-78 & 501.
TELEPHONE: Margaret 610-779-8393

Thursday October 27, 2011 - Hopewell

BARBARA will lead a ~5 mile hike in French Creek State Park. Hike along Hopewell Lake on the Boone Trail to Hopewell Village. Then, walk through the village while viewing the old historic buildings and continue trail walking to view the old Bethesda Church. We will retrace our steps to return to our starting point. A lunch stop after the hike is optional.

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Boscov’s East in the northeast corner of the parking lot off business route 422 to carpool to Hopewell Lake. 2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Hopewell Lake parking lot in French Creek.

TELEPHONE: Barbara 610-375-3358 if any questions arise.

Thursday October 20, 2011 - Tuscarora State Park

MARGARET will lead a 5 mile hike in Tuscarora State Park. A moderate walk through vibrant autumnal hues and a rhododendron tunnel while enjoying the seasonal scenery. There will be an optional lunch stop at an Italian restaurant in Orwigsburg afterwards.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Redner’s Market parking lot off Rte. 61 N. in Leesport.

TELEPHONE: Margaret 610-779-8393

Thursday October 13, 2011 - Pike County

LISA (Al’s Niece) will lead a moderate (5 mile total) hike on 2 separate trails in Pike County in the Pocono Environmental Education Center. We will take the 3 mile, 2 hour Tumbling Waters Trail, a loop that will take us back to the Center parking lot where our cars are parked. We can take a break and use the facility and grab a snack left in the car. No food is recommended on the trail due to possible bear in the vicinity. After the break we will continue on the 2 mile, 1 hour Scenic Gorge Trail, a loop in the opposite direction returning to our starting point to end the hike. On the way home we can stop in Marshall’s Creek for food at a restaurant of choice.

1st MEET: 8:00 A.M. @ Parking lot next to Walmart behind McDonald’s off Bus. Rte. 222 north in Temple.
2nd MEET: 10-10:30 A.M. @ Pocono E. E. Center parking lot.

TELEPHONE: Al 610-929-9694 with any questions.

Thursday October 6, 2011 - Birdsboro Watershed

LES will lead a 6.5 mile “drought- buster” hike in the Birdsboro Water Shed. This hike has been snowed and rained out thrice on the Thursday schedule. The first time by 10 inches of snow, the second time by 3 inches of rain, and the third time by 6 + inches of rain. Will history repeat? If not, we will have hills to climb and possibly some rocky or uneven terrain to walk over, but our reward will be the scenic Birdsboro Reservoir. We will NOT be crossing the Hay Creek. Restaurant stop for lunch afterwards is an option.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Washed out former Rte. 82 (Furnace St.) parking lot.

DIRECTIONS: Take the former Rte. 82 (Furnace St.) south through Birdsboro and continue to the road wash out at the Hay Creek. Park in the parking area there and meet the leader.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with questions.

Thursday September 29, 2011 - Gring's Mill

GERRY & BARBARA will lead the Gring’s Mill & Penn State Campus hike of ~5 miles. Hike from Berks Leisure Area to Red Covered Bridge on the tow path and explore the lovely campus of Berks Penn State. We will rest and take time to walk the labyrinth. A restaurant stop afterwards is an option.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Gring’s Mill parking lot.

TELEPHONE: Gerry 610-678-5245 or Barbara 610-375-3358 with questions.

Thursday September 22, 2011 - Hibernia Park

HERBERT will lead a “September Saunter” in Hibernia Park. This will be a late summer hike of 5 to 6 miles, a fairly level walk in the north end of the park. We will start at the park office and look for fall wildflowers and walk beside the Brandywine Creek while looking for changing leaves on trees. If interested, there could be a stop at a local traditional Amish/Mennonite flower garden for ice tea and homemade chocolate cookies. A stop at the Windmill Restaurant for lunch would be an option later.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Parking lot across from the Windmill Restaurant on Route 10 in Morgantown.

TELEPHONE: Herb 610-286-6886 with questions.

Thursday September 15, 2011 - Bernville

GERRY & WILLIE will lead the Bernville Hike & Picnic at the Arboretum. A 2.5 to 3 mile hike around Bernville, over the dam breast, around the park and explore the cemetery. Then drive to Rentchler’s Arboretum of the Blue Mt. Eagle Climbing Club’s property. There we will walk around the perimeter viewing the trees and flower beds, about another mile. Between 12:00 – 1:00 P.M. we will have a picnic lunch at the arboretum (outside or inside depending on the weather). Carry your own sandwich and Gerry will provide a cold rice salad for everyone and a gallon of iced tea for a relaxing day together.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Friedens Lutheran Church, Main & Washington Sts. in Bernville.

TELEPHONE: Gerry or Willie at 610-678-5245 with questions.

Thursday September 8, 2011 - Birdsboro Watershed

LES will lead a 6.5 mile “drought- buster” hike in the Birdsboro Water Shed. This hike has been snowed and rained out twice on the Thursday schedule. The first time we got 10 inches of snow and the second time we got 3 inches of rain, will history repeat? If not, we will have hills to climb and possibly some rocky or uneven terrain to walk over, but our reward will be the scenic Birdsboro Reservoir. We will NOT be crossing the Hay Creek, yay! Restaurant stop for lunch afterwards is an option.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Washed out former Rte. 82 (Furnace St.) parking lot.

DIRECTIONS: Take the former Rte. 82 (Furnace St.) south through Birdsboro and continue to the road wash out at the Hay Creek. Park in the parking area there and meet the leader.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with questions.

Thursday September 1, 2011 - Nolde Forest

ANNELIES & RUDY will lead a 5 to 6 mile hike in the Nolde Forest. This is a lovely, scenic, but moderate to difficult hike. Be prepared to negotiate various hills on various trails. Wear good hiking shoes, carry water and a lunch or snack that we hope to enjoy while sitting on the big rock and loving life. A restaurant stop after the hike is optional.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Sawmill parking lot off route 625.

TELEPHONE: Annelies or Rudy at 610-777-4223 if questions arise.

Thursday August 25, 2011 - French Creek / Hopewell Village

BARBARA will lead a ~5 mile hike in French Creek State Park. Hike along Hopewell Lake on the Boone Trail to Hopewell Village. Then, walk through the village while viewing the old historic buildings and continue trail walking to view the old Bethesda Church. We will retrace our steps to return to our starting point. A lunch stop after the hike is optional.

1st MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Boscov’s East in the northeast corner of the parking lot off business route 422 to carpool to Hopewell Lake.
2nd MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Hopewell Lake parking lot in French Creek.

TELEPHONE: Barbara 610-375-3358 if any questions arise.

Thursday August 18, 2011 - Thun Trail / Morlatton Village

LES will lead a fairly flat hike of ~ 6 miles in the Douglassville area. We will begin with a tour of the Keystone Villa at Douglassville (formerly Morlatton Villa). After that, we will begin our hike with a walk through historic St. Gabriel’s Churchyard where noted colonial settlers William Bird, George Douglass, Andrew Robeson and Marcus Hulling are interred. While making our way to the Thun Trail, we will view the four historic buildings owned by the Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County in Morlatton Village (can you name them?). Then, road walk on the Old Philly Pike until it intersects with the Thun Trail and taking that trail back to our starting point.

MEET: 8:50 A.M. @ Keystone Villa in Douglassville on Rte. 422 East. Please park to the left of the main building. Our tour begins at 9:00 A.M.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 if you have questions.

Thursday August 11, 2011 - Bartram Trail / Landingsville

RICHARD will lead a ~ 5 mile hike on the BARTRAM TRAIL, a section of the SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL traversing to Landingsville in Schuylkill County. We will circle the scenic marsh, home of 211 species of birds and take a diversion to view the birthplace of one of our own “famous” hikers, (wonder who that may be?), then return to our starting point. There will be an optional restaurant stop after the hike for those interested in dining.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Redner’s Market parking lot off rte. 61 N in Leesport.
TELEPHONE: Rich 610-926-3415 with any questions.

Thursday August 4, 2011 - Horseshoe Trail Maintenance

ANNELIES will lead a Horseshoe Trail Maintenance Walk-Thru. This takes place on the section that BCHC maintains periodically. Please bring any tools you may have for trimming; for example pruners, loppers, bow saw, etc. Wear sturdy shoes and work gloves, carry water and snacks and a good sense of humor. Lunch afterwards is optional.

MEET: 8:30 A.M. @ The Dollar Store parking area in Kenhorst Shopping Plaza at Jct. of 625 & 724.

TELEPHONE: Annelies 610-777-4223 with questions.

Thurs July 28, 2011 - Wyomissing

KAY will lead a leisurely “Summertime Stroll” through Wyomissing’s shaded streets and boulevards. The hike will be at an easy pace and we will be happy they named Wyomissing “The Tree City”. The length of this trek will depend on the weather, perhaps five or six miles. Afterwards, there will be a lunch option for those interested in dining.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Wyomissing Creek parking lot off Lancaster Ave. in Shillington. (The parking lot is located behind WAWA near Bus. route 222 and route 724).

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 if you have questions.

Thursday July 21, 2011 - Shoemakersville

WILLIE & GERRY will lead the Shoey and Five Locks Area Hike. This is a 6.5 mile leisurely road walking loop hike in the countryside of Shoemakersville. We will view railroad bridges, Yarnell Park, farm land and the Schuylkill River. No big hills to negotiate and no shuttling required.
Lunch after the hike is optional.

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. @Redner’s Market off Rte. 61 N. in Leesport
2nd MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ Shoemakersville Park & Playground

TELEPHONE: Willie or Gerry 610-678-5245 with questions.

Thursday July 14, 2011 - Laureldale / Muhlenberg

AL will lead a hike of ~5 miles on Yoder’s Hill and areas of Laureldale Borough and Muhlenberg Township in Berks County. This hike will entail various terrain with hills including road walking, street walking, some rail to trail and some bushwhacking on a deer trail. We will circumvent the Bernhart’s Dam which is currently off limits to the public due to EPA mandatory clean-up by Exide Corp. Wear something ORANGE to alert motorists. Carry plenty of water; wear sturdy shoes, use insect repellant and sun block to prevent sunburn. There will be an optional lunch stop later.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Dominic Manzella Recreational Park parking lots, above the Manorcare, just off Elizabeth Ave. in Laureldale.

DIRECTIONS: Traveling north on Bus. Rte. 222 (5th St. Hwy.) in Muhlenberg Twp., turn right onto Elizabeth Ave. and follow to a driveway just above the 2100 block up hill on left side.

TELEPHONE: Al 610-929-9694 or 610-223-9806 day of the hike.

Thursday July 7, 2011 - Appalachian Trail

HERB “Hopeful Herb” will conduct a “trail angel” event. The through hikers are coming through at the end of June and early July on the Appalachian Trail. Our mission would be to set up a manned “greet & meet” station for about 4 to 5 hours. We would supply cold drinks and snacks to welcome and treat the through hikers. We would take turns manning the station while some of us could hike to Bear Rocks or Bake Oven Knob. The station could be set up where Lake Leasure Road crosses the Appalachian Trail. Herb will coordinate this event and let us know what to contribute.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Redner’s Market off Rte. 61 N in Leesport.

TELEPHONE: “Hopeful Herb” 610-286-6886 with questions.

Thursday June 30, 2011 - Welkinweir & Horseshoe Trail

CLYDE will lead a 6 mile hike to Warwick County Park. Starting at Welkinweir Park in Chester County, located 8/10 mile west of route 100 on Prizer Rd., we will walk the trails there before following the Horseshoe Trail west through Warwick Park to end of hike. This is a combined hike with the Elverson Walking Club.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Elverson Deli parking lot at Rtes. 23 & 82 to drive to Warwick County Park main parking lot (about 15 minutes from Elverson). Leaving some cars there and shuttling to Welkinweir. For more info and map of the hiking trails, go to Welkinweir.org ………click on Natural Areas and then on Hiking Maps.

TELEPHONE: Clyde 610-913-0284 or day of event 610-413-6281.

Thursday June 23, 2011 - Mt Penn

CLYDE will lead a hike of 5 to 6 miles on Mt. Penn trekking through Mineral Spring Park to the William Penn Fire Tower. We will stop at the Pagoda on the return to our starting point. This is a joint hike with the Elverson Walking Club. Lunch is an option for those interested afterwards.

1st MEET: 9:20 A.M. @ Arner’s Restaurant in Mt. Penn or
2nd MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ EAST END AC parking lot

TELEPHONE: Clyde 610-913-0284 or day of event 610-413-6281.

Thursday June 16, 2011 - Stony Mountain Rail Trail

“Hopeful” HERB will lead a 7-8 mile hike in the area of Fort Indiantown Gap. This is an all day event with a 35 mile drive to the Stony Mountain Rail-Trail parking lot off of Goldmine Road. We will see the remains of an abandoned town, read the history of the area on a historic marker and visit a bubbling spring. We may check out the Rausch Gap Shelter on the AT or visit a long abandoned graveyard. Arrive back to our cars via the same route. There will be a lunch stop for those interested.

MEET: 8:30 A.M. @ Shur-Fine parking lot off Rte. 422 in Sinking Spring.
TELEPHONE: “Hopeful Herb” 610-286-6886 for further info or questions.

Thursday June 9, 2011 - Cornwall Rail Trail

WILLIE & GERRY will lead the Cornwall Rail Trail to South Hills Park Hike. This is a ~ 5 mile shuttle hike from Cornwall to Lebanon on the completed Rail Trail. Also go on trails in the Park and VA Hospital. Eat at the Golden Corral in Lebanon, if it is still open???

1st MEET: 9:15 A.M. @ Womelsdorf Rite-Aid lot on Rtes. 419/422. Drive to South Hills Park in Lebanon from here.
2nd MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ South Hills Park in Lebanon and shuttle hikers to Cornwall to start of hike.
TELEPHONE: Willie or Gerry 610-678-5245 with any questions.

Thursday Jun 2, 2011 - Neversink Mountain

LES will lead a Neversink Mountain, Mountain Laurel Hike of about 6.5 miles. Two years ago when we did this hike, in the first week of June, the hills were covered with blooming Mountain Laurel. Last year, however, nary a bloom was to be seen. Wonder what will we see this year? The walk will be through many sections of Neversink covered with Mountain Laurel. This is a very scenic hike, but there are difficult hills to climb. Carry water and wear good hiking shoes. Lunch is optional afterwards.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ the pond of Forest Hills Memorial Park.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with questions.

Thursday May 26, 2011 - Horseshoe Trail Maintenance

ANNELIES will organize a Horseshoe Trail Maintenance Walk-Thru. This takes place on the section that BCHC maintains periodically. Please bring any tools you may have for trimming, for example pruners, loppers, bow saw, etc. Wear sturdy shoes and work gloves, carry water and snacks and a good sense of humor. Lunch afterwards is optional.

MEET: 8:30 A.M. @ The Dollar Store parking area in Kenhorst Shopping Plaza at Jct. of 625 & 724.

TELEPHONE: Annelies 610-777-4223 with questions.

Thursday May 19, 2011 - Womelsdorf & Stouchsburg

WILLIE & GERRY will lead the Historic Womelsdorf & Stouchsburg Hike. This is a 5 mile road walking loop hike. We will walk along the “Tully”, Tulpehocken Creek. View old canal lock remains, the old Reed Homestead, Church and Cemetery. No big hills in a nice pastoral area of Womesdorf with some history and pictures. Lunch afterwards is optional.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Rtes. 422 & 419 on south side big lot next to McDonald’s in Womelsdorf.

TELEPHONE: Willie or Gerry 610-678-5245 with questions.

Thursday May 12, 2011 - Sweet Arrow Lake

ANN & THELMA will lead the hike that was rained out on Saturday, April 23rd, in Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove, Pa. This very moderate hike of 4 – 6 miles is along lakeside and woodland trails and some roads. Sweet Arrow Lake is a 60 acre lake built as a water supply for the Union Canal in the past. The scenery of the lake, along with the boardwalk and foot bridge over the falls in a gorge, makes this trip worthwhile. There is an optional lunch stop at the Red Lion Café on Rte. 443 in nearby Deturksville.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Blue Marsh Church Road parking lot off Rte. 183, just south of Bernville.

TELEPHONE: Thelma 610-929-9694 or cell 610-406-1366 on day of hike.

Thursday May 5, 2011 - Birdsboro Watershed

LES will lead a hike of 6.5 – 7.0 miles through the lower end of the Birdsboro Watershed. We begin our hike on the Geigertown side of the Watershed on Hay Creek Road and walk south on the road and along the creek towards Geigertown. We will take Mullen Hollow Road until we meet the Horseshoe Trail entrance to the Birdsboro Watershed, and then follow the HST for about 1.75 miles. Then, we leave it to take a trail that leads us to the scenic Birdsboro Reservoir. From here it is a simple walk downhill and along the washed out former route 82 returning to our starting point. Lunch after the hike is optional.

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ the parking area for the Thun Trail in Gibralter across from Turkey Hill on Rte. 724.

2nd MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ the parking area across from an old stone house on Hay Creek Rd. (the washed out former rte. 82) about 2.8 miles towards Birdsboro from the intersection of Geigertown Rd. and Hay Creek Rd. in Geigertown (0.8 miles on the Birdsboro side of the intersection of Hay Creek Rd. and Mullen Hollow Rd.).

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with any questions.

Thursday April 28, 2011 - Shoemakersville

WILLIE & GERRY will lead the Shoey & Five Locks Area Hike. This is a 6.5 mile leisurely road walking loop hike in the countryside of Shoemakersville. We will view Railroad Bridges, Yarnell Park, Farm Land and the Schuylkill River. No big hills to negotiate and no shuttling required. Lunch after the hike is optional.

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Redner’s Market off Rte. 61 N. in Leesport.
2nd MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ Shoemakersville Park & Playground

TELEPHONE: Willie or Gerry 610-678-5245 with questions.

Thursday April 21, 2011 - Swatara State Park

MARGARET will lead a 6 mile hike in Swatara State Park using newly created mountain bike trails. This moderate hike will be on rolling terrain with several stream crossings. There is an option for lunch later.

1st MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Blue Marsh Church Road parking lot off Rte. 183.
2nd MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Bethel Library (I-78 & Rte. 501) in Bethel.

TELEPHONE: Margaret 610-779-8393 with questions.

Thursday April 14, 2011 - Port Clinton Towpath

AL will lead a hike of ~5 miles in Port Clinton on the old Schuylkill Canal Towpath. As we walk along the Schuylkill River on this scenic trail we will venture as far as possible to private ground to possibly see remnants of the still existing Rischels Lock. Then retrace our steps to a point in the game lands, climbing uphill to explore trails and an old cemetery while winding back on a road to our starting point. Optional lunch afterwards.

1st MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Redner’s Market off Rte. 61 N. in Leesport and carpool to Port Clinton. Non-diners should carpool in same vehicle.

2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Port Clinton playground in Port Clinton.
DIRECTIONS: Take 61 N to Port Clinton and turn left on Broad St. to Pine St. then left again to the playground. Only street parking is available there.

TELEPHONE: Al 610-929-9694 with questions. (Don’t make them too hard).

Thursday April 7, 2011 - Wolf's Hollow County Park

MARGARET will lead a loop hike in Wolf’s Hollow County Park. We can look for signs of spring as we explore hollows and ridges in Chester County’s newest park. Located on the Chester-Lancaster County line, this tract dates from a 1681 land grant from William Penn. This is a moderate six mile hike on well maintained trails. There will be an optional lunch stop at the Windmill Restaurant.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Windmill Restaurant, Rtes. 10 and 23, Morgantown.

TELEPHONE: Margaret 610-779-8393 if questions arise.

Thursday March 31, 2011 - Alsace & Oley Townships

LES will lead a 6.5-7 mile road hike in Alsace & Oley Townships. The hike will begin at Spies Church in Alsace Twp. and proceeds along the western ridge and the base of the Oley Valley. We will pass historic homesteads and get a magnificent view of the Oley Valley. If conditions permit, there will be an additional stop at the “Sacred Oak”. This would add .75 mile to the hike through a field that could be frozen, icy or soggy. Lunch later is optional.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Spies Church parking lot between the two churches.

DIRECTIONS: Take Rte. 12 towards Pricetown, after expressway narrows to two lanes, shortly thereafter you will pass Blind Hartman’s Hotel on left side, then take next right which is Skyline Drive. Continue for ½ to ¾ mile where Skyline Dr. curves to the right, go straight ahead instead onto Blankenbiller Road. Continue 1-2 miles until Blankenbiller Road merges with Antietam Road. Go straight at the stop sign. At the first intersection where Antietam Rd goes right, continue across the intersection onto Church Hill Road. Go to the “T” and turn right to the churches on left side.

TELEPHONE: LES 610-323-1703.

Thursday March 24, 2011 - Lake Ontelaunee / Peters Creek

BARBARA will lead a ~ 5 mile hike in Ontelaunee Twp. in the Lake Ontelaunee area and will follow Peters Creek to its source. We will visit an old cemetery where some of the Peters family is resting; get a view of the Evansville Cement Works and continue on to the east side of Lake Ontelaunee. There we will hike through various woodland areas and be able to get a glimpse of the confluence of Peters Creek entering the lake. A lunch stop after the hike is an option.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Redner’s Market off Rte. 61 North in Leesport.

NOTE: Carpool to trail head on Maiden Creek Road from Redner’s.

TELEPHONE: Barbara 610-375-3358 with any questions.

Thursday March 17, 2011 - Hibernia Park

HERB & DICK will lead a 5 - 6 mile circuitous hike in Hibernia Park. This park is located about 15 miles southeast of Honey Brook. During our walk we will check out the historic mansion and explore the lake and surrounding woodlands. The hike is mostly flat easy walking on park roads and trails. A lunch stop later is optional.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Windmill Restaurant, Rtes. 10 & 23 in Morgantown. If you want to meet at the Hibernia Park Office give the leader a call.

TELEPHONE: “Hopeful Herb” 610-286-6886 for more info or if questions.

Thursday March 10, 2011 - Birdsboro Watershed

LES will lead a 7 mile hike in the Birdsboro Watershed. There will be hills to climb and possibly some rocky or uneven terrain, but our reward is the beautiful scenery of the Birdsboro Reservoir. We will not be crossing the Hay Creek and there will be no shuttling. Lunch afterwards is an option.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Hay Creek parking area off old Rte. 82.

DIRECTIONS: Take the former Rte. 82 (Furnace St.) south through Birdsboro and continue to the road wash out at the Hay Creek. Meet the leader in the parking area there.

TELEPHONE: LES 610-323-1703.

Thursday March 3, 2011 - Shartlesville

MARGARET will lead a 7 mile loop hike in the Shartlesville area. We will begin our hike on the Sand Spring Trail to junction with and continue on the Appalachian Trail and then return to our cars via the service road. Expect rocky terrain with some muddy areas. If adverse trail conditions exist, we will use the service road for our hike. Several Wanderers did this a few years ago and discovered a winter wonderland with icy trees and outstanding views. Bring your ice grippers (Yak Trax, etc.) for your boots. There will be an optional lunch stop after the hike.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Shartlesville Game Land Parking Lot.

TELEPHONE: Margaret 610-779-8393 if any questions.

Thursday February 24, 2011 - Brandywine Trail

CLYDE will lead a 5 to 6 mile hike along the Brandywine Creek on the new two and a half mile trail built by both West and East Bradford Townships, just south of Downingtown. We will be walking out and back (5 miles) with additional hiking on the bicycle trails adjoining Harmony Hills Nature Area. This new trail will be part of the BRANDYWINE TRAIL connecting the Horse Shoe Trail to the Mason-Dixon Trail, with part of the trail being a former trolley line.

After the hike we will stop for lunch at the Blue Café in Downingtown.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Elverson Deli (Rtes. 23 & 82) in Elverson to carpool to start of hike, or call leader if planning to meet at trail head located along route 322 at the Trestle Bridge south of Downingtown.

TELEPHONE: Clyde 610-913-0284 with questions or to meet at the trail head.

Thursday February 17, 2011 - French Creek

CLYDE will lead a hike in French Creek State Park. We will follow the Horse Shoe Trail to a junction with the Turtle Trail and then to a turn onto the Ridge Trail where we will hike to the summit of William’s Hill. While building a small fire in the pavilion to warm ourselves, we can view the Fire Tower and surrounding area that actually belongs to the Pennsylvania State Forest. (Bring your own Marshmallows for toasting!) The group will return on the Ridge Trail to resume our clockwise hike on the Turtle Trail and finally returning to our starting point via the Boone Trail. Lunch stop afterwards is optional.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ French Creek S. P. West boats launch parking area.

TELEPHONE: Clyde 610-913-0284 if you have questions.

Thursday Feb 10, 2011 - Wyomissing

KAY will lead a ~ 5-6 mile hike in the Wyomissing area. If you are looking for a nice hike to take on a crisp winter’s day, come on out! We will hike to the Wyomissing High School and return. Be prepared to walk alleys, sidewalks, roads and through the pine trees. We will also traverse through Wyomissing Creek Park. You may want to wear orange to alert motorists. Lunch is an option afterwards for interested diners.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Rite Aid Pharmacy in the Shillington Shopping Center off Lancaster Ave. (Bus. Rte. 222). Please park along side of the building where the Casino patrons park.

TELEPHONE: Kay 610-796-7602 if you have any questions.

Thursday February 3, 2011 - Hibernia Park

CANCELED BY 'HOPEFUL HERB' DUE TO THE CONDITIONS

HERB will lead a 5-6 mile circuitous hike in Hibernia Park. This park is located about 15 miles southeast of Honey Brook. During our walk we will check out the historic mansion and explore the lake and surrounding woodlands. The hike is mostly flat easy walking on park roads and trails. A lunch stop later is optional.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Windmill Restaurant, Rtes. 10 & 23 in Morgantown. If you want to meet at the Hibernia Park Office give the leader a call.

TELEPHONE: “Hopeful Herb” 610-286-6886 for more info or if weather is questionable.

Thursday January 27, 2011 - Birdsboro Watershed

HIKE CANCELED DUE TO THE SNOW

LES will lead a 6.5 mile hike in the Birdsboro Watershed.
There will be hills to climb on this hike and possibly some rocky and/or uneven terrain, but our reward will be the scenic Birdsboro Reservoir. We WILL NOT be crossing the Hay Creek. If the weather conditions are unfavorable, we will hike along the Thun Trail as an alternative. Restaurant stop later is an option.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Hay Creek parking area off old Rte. 82.

DIRECTIONS: Take the former Route 82 (Furnace St.) south through Birdsboro and continue until you come to the road wash out at the Hay Creek. Meet the leader there in the parking area.

TELEPHONE: 610-323-1703.