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.

Thursday Sept 6, 2012 - Maiden Creek/Ontelaunee Lake

AL will lead a hike of ~ 5 miles in Ontelaunee Township. The hike is mostly woodland walking along the Maiden Creek with some road walking. This is an easy, scenic and relaxing outdoor venture. See the overflow of Ontelaunee Lake, the Blue Falls and the Berkleigh Water Works (filtering plant for the city of Reading’s water supply). Carry water, insect repellant and wear good hiking shoes. Lunch is an option afterwards

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ Lake Ontelaunee dam breast parking lot off Route 73.

DIRECTIONS: Travel Rte. 61 north to Jct. 73, turn right onto 73 and go to the dam breast parking lot on right side of road, just before the spillway bridge.

TELEPHONE: Al 610-929-9694 with questions.

Thursday August 30, 2012 - Robesonia

MARK will lead the Part 2 hike in the hills of Robesonia. This moderate ~5 mile loop hike is on various woodland trails. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water. Lunch stop afterwards is an option.

MEET: 9:30 A.M. @ parking lot of old Conrad Weiser High School on nearest lot to Rte. 422 to carpool to starting point.

TELEPHONE: 610-589-5575 with questions.

Thursday August 23, 2012 - Drehersville

BARBARA will lead a 4 – 5 mile, in and out, hike on SGL 106 along the Little Schuylkill River near Drehersville in Schuylkill County. This is woodland walking and mostly shady, could be muddy at spots. Suggest good hiking shoes, insect repellant and carry water. Lunch after the hike is optional.

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

TELEPHONE: 610-375-3358 if you have questions.

Thursday August 16, 2012 - Neversink

ANNELIES & RUDY will lead a moderate ~ 5 mile hike on the Neversink Mountain. Expect hilly, but shady woodland trail walking. Carry plenty water, wear good hiking boots, bring bug spray and happy spirits. Lunch is an option after the hike..

MEET: 9:00 A.M. @ Forest Hills Cemetery, in the back near the pond.

TELEPHONE: 610-777-4223 if questions arise.