Thursday Nov 7, 2019 - Swatara Creek

HERB and several hikers suggested we walk the 5-6 mile hike on the Bear Hole Trail in Swatara Creek State Park near Pine Grove. We will start at the Swopes Valley Trailhead, pass the old Bordner Cabin with a waterfalls and stop to look for fossils at the shale pit. We will cross the series of metal bridges and end at the Sand Siding Trailhead. This is a fairly flat hike with few rocks. Lunch after is an option.

MEET: 9:45 A.M. @ the Swopes Valley Trailhead about 5 miles south of Pine Grove on Route 443. Hikers can arrange informal car pools to the trailhead. (Several cars will leave from the Old Church Road Blue Marsh parking lot at 9:00 A.M.)

TELEPHONE: Leader Herb 484-252-9493c with questions

Thursday Oct 31, 2019 - Shartlesville

ANN will lead an in and out road hike of 6 miles in the Shartlesville area. We will start from the Blue Mt. Fam. Rest. Parking lot in Shartlesville paralleling the Northkill. Passing an extensive Halloween display and heading towards the Golf Course and return. Optional lunch will be at the Restaurant afterwards.

MEET 10:00 A.M. @ parking lot of the Blue Mountain Family Restaurant, westernmost away from the main entrance of the Diner.

TELEPHONE: Leader Ann 610-488-6378 with questions. HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Thursday Oct 24, 2019 - Wernersville

GERRY & WILLIE will lead “The Trail of Benches” hike of ~ 4 miles. This is a walk through fields of grass, scenic roadways and some mountain views. We make a loop from St. John’s (Hain’s) Church, through the Jesuit Novitiate and Phoebe/Berks and return, a different way. No main roads with traffic, with which to contend. We will see statues, cemeteries, and benches to rest. Restrooms will be available at the Church before start of hike and at Phoebe/Berks during the hike, if needed.

Optional lunch afterwards, will be at the Red Plate Diner, if we finish the hike before 1:30 P.M.

MEET: 10: 00 A.M. @ parking lot of St. John’s (Hain’s) UCC Church, 591 N. Church Road, Wernersville. (Go to top of hill, about a mile, to church on right, enter into lot and park away from the building).

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