Thursday October 18, 2011 - Hamburg Reservoir

MARGARET will lead the Hamburg Reservoir Hike of ~7 miles. This hike will begin on the east side of the reservoir, continue onto the red blazed trail while bypassing Pulpit Rock and then following the Appalachian Trail to the Pinnacle. After viewing the changing foliage, we will return via the blue blazed trail on the western side of the reservoir. This is moderate to somewhat challenging woodland walking. Dress accordingly, wear sturdy shoes, orange blaze and carry water.

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

TELEPHONE: Margaret 610-779-8393 with questions.

Thursday October 11, 2012 - Robesonia/Womelsdorf

GERRY & WILLIE will lead Robesonia to Womelsdorf and back, a loop hike of 6 miles, three fourth being on roads. We will hike the north side of route 422 with hills, views and sun. We will return on the south side with shade, park and level walking. There will be a midway stop at Conrad Weiser Park. Dress in layers; wear good walking shoes and orange blaze, if you wish. A lunch stop at the Heidelberg Restaurant afterwards is planned.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Robesonia Playground, one block off rte. 422W. South side, along Ruth Ave. (look for signs to library).

TELEPHONE: Gerry or Willie 610-678-5245 if questions arise.

Thursday October 4, 2012 - Antietam Lake

LES will lead a 6 mile loop hike beginning at Antietam Lake. Then, via a number of trails generally crossing or paralleling the red blazed trail, proceed to the Mt. Penn Fire Tower. The return trip will follow some of the Ferndale Trail while passing Kuechler’s Roost and two other stone cellars. Mostly moderate woodland walking; dress appropriately, wear sturdy shoes and carry water. There will be an optional lunch stop after the hike.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Angora Road parking lot, next to Antietam Lake.

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

Thursday September 27, 2012 - Merrill Creek Reservoir, NJ

KATHY, KAY & DIANE, this dynamic trio of Leaders, will take us on a trip to Merrill Creek Reservoir. This is one of many reservoirs that drain into the Delaware River Basin in times of drought. We will hike the perimeter trail which is exactly 5.5 miles and circles the entire distance around the lake. The trail consists of gravel roads and wooded areas and crosses two dikes and the main dam. The leaders enjoyed watching bald eagles nesting in spring when they explored this park. Pack a lunch and water, as an optional 2.5 mile walk will be offered after the lunch break and will cover the historic area of the park. This is an all day event, so plan accordingly.

1st MEET: 8:30 A.M. @ parking area off Bus. Route 222 (5th St. Hwy.) behind McDonald’s and in front of Salvation Army and left of Walmart.

2nd MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Merrill Creek Visitor Center, 34 Merrill Creek Road, Washington, New Jersey.

TELEPHONE: Kathy 610-603-9461, Kay 610-796-7602 or Diane 610-488-0231 should you have any questions.

Thursday September 20, 2012 - Leesport Area

“YOU” will lead a hike not to exceed 6 miles, somewhere in the vicinity of Leesport. “YOU” will be chosen by the attending group’s unanimous decision. Then, the chosen leader will determine the trails in the area to be hiked and approximate miles. Dress appropriately, wear sturdy shoes and carry water. An optional lunch location after hiking will be determined by the “majority rules system”.

MEET: 9:15 A.M. @ Redner’s Leesport Market off Rte. 61 N.

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

Thursday September 13, 2012 - Birdsboro Watershed

LES will lead his oft rained out hike of 5.5 to 6.0 miles in the Birdsboro Watershed. The hike will begin from the Rustic Picnic Park (parking lot south of Birdsboro where the Hay Creek washed out the old Route 82) and continue to the scenic Birdsboro Reservoir. On the return mostly different trails will be used, although some retracing of steps will occur. Be prepared for hilly and some rocky footing at times. If the group desires we could encircle the reservoir and add an additional half mile to this trek. Lunch is an option later. We will not be crossing the Hay Creek.

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Rustic Picnic Park at the wash out Rte. 82.

DIRECTIONS: Take the former Route 82 (Furnace St.) south through Birdsboro and continue to the road washout at the Hay Creek. Meet the leader in the parking lot there.

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