Thursday February 14, 2013 - French Creek

HERB has planned a relatively flat, easy winter, 5 to 6 mile loop hike in, and near French Creek State Park. We will walk along the south side of Hopewell Lake, pass “Beaver Cove” and check out the south shore. We plan to visit the ecologically important Pine Swamp Natural Area, walk through an abandoned primitive camping area and return to our starting point. Some of the walk will be on trails and some on park roads. The park is especially pretty in winter, if we are lucky enough to have light to moderate snow. However; heavy snow or rain would cancel this event. An optional lunch is planned afterwards. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

MEET & DEPART: 10:00 A.M. @ parking lot across from the French Creek Visitor’s Center on Park Road.

TELEPHONE: Herb 610-286-6886 or 484-252-9493

Thursday February 7, 2013 - Money Rocks

CLYDE will lead a hike in a Lancaster County Park known as MONEY ROCKS. Be prepared for a moderate walk on hills with rocky footing. Carry your hiking stick, dress accordingly and also carry water. A lunch stop will be at Wimpy’s and Dee after the hike.

MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ Clock Tower Plaza in west Morgantown, arriving at least 10 minutes early to prepare for a prompt departure. Call Clyde if you plan to meet at the main parking area of the Money Rocks Park.

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

Thursday January 31, 2013 - Lake Ontelaunee

RICHARD P will lead a hike of about 5 miles on the east side of scenic Lake Ontelaunee. We will trek on an old abandoned rail road siding that once served the Evansville Cement Works along the Maiden Creek and continue on animal trails to an eventual grand lookout of the Lake. Sturdy shoes and blaze orange are recommended. A lunch stop afterwards is an option.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Redner’s Market parking lot off Rte. 61 in Leesport to carpool to starting point, as there is limited parking there.

TELEPHONE: Richard at 610-504-4190 with questions.

Thursday January 24, 2013 - French Creek

CLYDE will lead a 5 mile loop hike in French Creek State Park. From our starting point at Shed Road, this hike will take us to the Colliers Trail after passing the new horse trail at Hopewell Furnace Headquarters. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the meeting time to prepare for a prompt departure. Dress accordingly for the weather, wear good boots and blaze orange and carry water.

MEET: 10:00 A.M. @ Shed Road parking lot in French Creek State Park.

TELEPHONE: Clyde 610-913-0284 at home … no cell reception in FCSP.

Thursday January 17, 2013 - Birdsboro Watershed

LES will lead a hike of about 6 miles through the Birdsboro Watershed. We will pass the two less scenic lakes in the Watershed and will walk along both sides of the Hay Creek. The hike will begin on the Geigertown side of the Watershed on Hay Creek Rd., then cross the Hay Creek and walk along this scenic creek until we take a trail to the first lake. We follow trails on the hill to the wire bridge at Hay Creek leading to Rustic Picnic Park south of Birdsboro. We do not cross this bridge, but partially retrace our steps by taking a trail to the lake adjacent to the rock climbing area. The last leg of the hike will be on old route 82 aside the Hay Creek back to our starting point. Dress for the weather, wear good boots and orange blaze and carry water.

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

2nd MEET: 9:50 A.M. @ the parking area across from an old stone house on Hay Creek Rd. (the washed out former route 82). From Geigertown at the intersection of Geigertown Rd. and Hay Creek Rd., this is about 2.8 miles toward Birdsboro. Traveling from the intersection of Hay Creek Rd. and Mullen Hollow Rd., this is about 0.8 mile toward Birdsboro on the former route 82.

TELEPHONE: Les 610-323-1703 with questions.