tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64533318372418512282024-03-05T01:51:09.740-08:00Hiking in Michaux Forest, PADr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-5404299904378411842011-11-27T14:10:00.000-08:002011-11-27T17:02:49.721-08:00Michener Cabin<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0HVZKi-LEo_EuBmmvifmFFj3VGUGhuI6jOOQ7VAT6yPUXMO5gdU5b65spw4NwYqg2nI50Khy_vwXy9AJGU2Gjj-apjBmoddkR_0wyRZmh_yKv6cSjFSwwz3F0yLqVopgr4qhsO9rGPed/s1600/DSC02620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0HVZKi-LEo_EuBmmvifmFFj3VGUGhuI6jOOQ7VAT6yPUXMO5gdU5b65spw4NwYqg2nI50Khy_vwXy9AJGU2Gjj-apjBmoddkR_0wyRZmh_yKv6cSjFSwwz3F0yLqVopgr4qhsO9rGPed/s200/DSC02620.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michener Cabin (Summer 2007)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Michener Cabin is located just off the Appalachian Trail on Big Flat. We often walk by it when we <a href="http://webspace.ship.edu/dlcook/LoopHikes/LoopHikes.html" target="_blank">loop hike</a> from the parking area just off Ridge Road where the AT crosses Dead Womans Hollow Road. The AT dips down to the cabin on an old road bordered by numerous pines. At the cabin take a right (southwest) on Dead Womans Hollow Trail which first crosses a spring and then winds back to Dead Womans Hollow Road. Go right (north) on Dead Womans Hollow Road to get back to your car. We took this walk the day after Thanksgiving 2011. It was a beautifully clear fall day. Since it had just rained the spring was overflowing. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYGIc1xWvE8JyzYRlc6z4xKAchRVVS7q2MNUIVzd0Rk37ivMDgWKmW7SADEe-pWWXdxHUpvDJMCsDJnpnUvTYxtZUzJziydRzYWwNMYKjtmJM5DZ5-kS6mmLMdfaDUWKINNPaG4t_bnP6/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYGIc1xWvE8JyzYRlc6z4xKAchRVVS7q2MNUIVzd0Rk37ivMDgWKmW7SADEe-pWWXdxHUpvDJMCsDJnpnUvTYxtZUzJziydRzYWwNMYKjtmJM5DZ5-kS6mmLMdfaDUWKINNPaG4t_bnP6/s320/IMG_3315.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine on AT near Michener (T-giving 2011)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you take a left (southeast) at the cabin you can take Blueberry Trail to an overlook and then a steep downhill to Tumbling Run parking on 233. [This is not a loop hike.] A number of years ago we flushed a mother turkey and her chicks on a spring hike on the Blueberry Trail<br />
<br />
Michener cabin is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and can be rented from them. [<a href="http://www.patc.net/">http://www.patc.net</a>] It is listed as primitive - no running water or electricity, outhouse, spring water, and a picnic table. Parking is 1 mile away.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XIQL1mqc5b7PtGHIgdHDq0MdQz5WtkfTZ-8XOFjPd2YnTTxbu4Jp7Kuw3fW5PnRYjnn914rRpKj3aATkCPx2Sba8u7iQbcHWWwj6gAsbvBs_d8TI7eUkq_mKl_iz7QLf-GicCl7kg980/s1600/IMG_3321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XIQL1mqc5b7PtGHIgdHDq0MdQz5WtkfTZ-8XOFjPd2YnTTxbu4Jp7Kuw3fW5PnRYjnn914rRpKj3aATkCPx2Sba8u7iQbcHWWwj6gAsbvBs_d8TI7eUkq_mKl_iz7QLf-GicCl7kg980/s200/IMG_3321.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring near Michener (T-giving 2011)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-1661901282451680592011-11-20T15:33:00.000-08:002011-11-27T15:22:23.067-08:00Caledonia State Park<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1vwenuLxAFT7cAyHhhwy5AzQOngfchuXHPfIBMpr8f61tLXVfC4SA-P3ZtXiheRhU0MYc18ebbPENp6YmkptvHydSoZoqrRdYscbKoQuiyRI2zy3kkpiIZ5f0ScJF7wjC_Q_cgVkukUI/s1600/IMG_3308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1vwenuLxAFT7cAyHhhwy5AzQOngfchuXHPfIBMpr8f61tLXVfC4SA-P3ZtXiheRhU0MYc18ebbPENp6YmkptvHydSoZoqrRdYscbKoQuiyRI2zy3kkpiIZ5f0ScJF7wjC_Q_cgVkukUI/s200/IMG_3308.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramble Trail bridge over the Conococheague</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Caledonia State Park has numerous activities which might interest you. It boasts a number of short easy trails, including the Ramble Trail. The Appalachian Trail runs through the middle of the park. Numerous picnic table, grills, and shelters are available. The park is the site of a former iron furnace as well as the Thaddeus Stevens Blacksmith shop. A large camping area, a swimming pool, and a new visitors center provide added opportunities. The Conococheague Creek runs through the park. For more information see<br />
<a href="http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/caledonia/">http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/caledonia/</a>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8WpfaIa147eFSO341sKux7wD0PVeqXq1zSO9TF-2U7ivE5Gm4EuxgJ-zBfwp0vap2mgwgxllmzI-ScGJN2pVqBSW8GkdoJvqofkd1KAXw0VxpzJDGw06BORmc_FP0PrlqhwPVq5UsCVe/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8WpfaIa147eFSO341sKux7wD0PVeqXq1zSO9TF-2U7ivE5Gm4EuxgJ-zBfwp0vap2mgwgxllmzI-ScGJN2pVqBSW8GkdoJvqofkd1KAXw0VxpzJDGw06BORmc_FP0PrlqhwPVq5UsCVe/s200/IMG_3314.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conococheague looking toward the pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had a good walk today on the Ramble Trail. For November it was warm and sunny. A number of people were strolling around, including many with their pooches. If it had been a summer day, though, it would have been way too crowded for me. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ9ECfICnhiOZaefgmi1VgxEqZuOFAZBUv-x0Jr4SA7Xgvuxy6iQWC_O4Zz5Fp9qQd0HZwHfDrW7eISBxkL6Y2spBxMeMQAy6r_1F1aqii8yCSLxbUVmqtyRfKvH2uxp2M-pS4schE96z/s1600/IMG_3312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZ9ECfICnhiOZaefgmi1VgxEqZuOFAZBUv-x0Jr4SA7Xgvuxy6iQWC_O4Zz5Fp9qQd0HZwHfDrW7eISBxkL6Y2spBxMeMQAy6r_1F1aqii8yCSLxbUVmqtyRfKvH2uxp2M-pS4schE96z/s200/IMG_3312.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conococheague near the pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-68598992551227907072011-11-13T12:19:00.000-08:002011-11-13T12:36:54.549-08:00An unexpected pleasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eWRY2ounuPhhUFPzlQ0nDNGKgMqQ2nc9DJ0fTGs4mv3CD5-ZPc9XkoUgXqxuRR4KsGo3ngjAXeDNIX4TQPRLdBZxqxkWxbe4SqW4xab2sGbcbE80RmIAjOPAxhfq7to56ux6oFE6Ss_t/s1600/IMG_3296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eWRY2ounuPhhUFPzlQ0nDNGKgMqQ2nc9DJ0fTGs4mv3CD5-ZPc9XkoUgXqxuRR4KsGo3ngjAXeDNIX4TQPRLdBZxqxkWxbe4SqW4xab2sGbcbE80RmIAjOPAxhfq7to56ux6oFE6Ss_t/s320/IMG_3296.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We went hiking today on Big Flat, just off the AT near Rocky Knob. We weren't expecting it to be as warm as it was - 64 degrees by noon. We did a 3 mile loop starting on a mountain bike path and then back on Ridge Road and the AT. Picked up trash on Ridge Road. At the start of the hike we were in mostly hardwoods. As the trail went higher up on the ridge there were mostly pines. This is a trail that some crazy mountain biker created several years ago - right through every pile of rocks in the area. It makes a great walk. We didn't see any bikers today but instead two riders on horses.Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-293891364910730162011-10-16T16:55:00.000-07:002011-10-16T17:04:33.442-07:00Toms Run in the Fall<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7cOVehfHiK4kbA0nL3_rXEXrL0T-ofD4NyeAIDhkFg02FqgdiZu54vWYTx4BxsEQYdhL1SuI2hqvE34wtNkSZFW9vvOrof6zsJM1x8mTBoo_z97bHzWyr4vg-J8A8fkWvJypMk2hj7j8/s1600/IMG_3176.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7cOVehfHiK4kbA0nL3_rXEXrL0T-ofD4NyeAIDhkFg02FqgdiZu54vWYTx4BxsEQYdhL1SuI2hqvE34wtNkSZFW9vvOrof6zsJM1x8mTBoo_z97bHzWyr4vg-J8A8fkWvJypMk2hj7j8/s320/IMG_3176.JPG" style="clear: both; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a> I haven't been able to hike since last July due to some nasty surgery. Today was the first day that I have been able to do any hiking since then. I chose to circle hike from Camp Michaux to Toms Run Shelters on the Sunset Rocks Trail and back via the AT.<br />
<br />
I had a lovely walk as usual. The fall leaves are slightly past their prime. However when the leaves fall into Toms Run they are always beautiful. I keep trying to take the perfect picture of Toms Run. This one makes me feel very good. <br />
<br />
My lovely wife and best friend Carolyn was with me. It was good to be on the trail again. Camp Michaux has become a tourist attraction since it has been restored a bit by the Cumberland County Historical Society. There were many more folks in the area than typical.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNKujEuBq3BcwXLrJ6ZRWjrijhMlWz9fC_6AMut6N2516-CNaPv5y7-xZBWl6kK6nGX67E3LevLzmzyOV2fLleNbcvp7nnvXY2pIN1qTXS4pi7ptxH6NVcrifdiyYNloRhWcn-2oI5WTx/s1600/IMG_3174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNKujEuBq3BcwXLrJ6ZRWjrijhMlWz9fC_6AMut6N2516-CNaPv5y7-xZBWl6kK6nGX67E3LevLzmzyOV2fLleNbcvp7nnvXY2pIN1qTXS4pi7ptxH6NVcrifdiyYNloRhWcn-2oI5WTx/s320/IMG_3174.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: RIGHT;">
<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0Appalachian Trail, Newville, PA 17241, USA40.035369372460266 -77.34804153442382840.029290872460265 -77.357912034423833 40.041447872460267 -77.338171034423823tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-30182491950035561272011-10-16T16:30:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:30:05.227-07:00Camp Michaux Walking Tour<br />
Over the summer the Cumberland County Historical Society cleaned up and restored visible artifacts on the Camp Michaux property. They created a walking tour of the facility, as well. A pdf brochure is available from their web site.<br />
<br />
The site is just off the Appalachian Trail. Drive there by going east from Pine Grove Furnace State Park on Route 233. Take a right onto Michaux Road. Parking is available on Michaux Road and on Bunkerhill Road. <br />
<br />
While you are there you can circle hike on the AT toward Toms Run Shelters. Take a left on blue-blazed Sunset Rock Trail to make your way back,<br />
<br />
<b>CAMP MICHAUX SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR</b><br />
Bunker Hill Farm<br />
Pine Grove Furnace CCC Camp<br />
Pine Grove Furnace POW Interrogation Camp<br />
Church Camp Michaux<br />
David L. Smith, Director<br />
Camp Michaux Recognition and Development Project<br />
Cumberland County Historical Society<br />
2011<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.historicalsociety.com/uploads/michauxwalkingtour.pdf">http://www.historicalsociety.com/uploads/michauxwalkingtour.pdf</a><br />Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0Michaux Rd, Newville, PA 17241, USA40.03510650774659 -77.34169006347656240.02294900774659 -77.361431063476559 40.047264007746591 -77.321949063476566tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-32109825028894393872011-01-06T10:50:00.000-08:002011-01-06T10:50:36.818-08:00New Section of the AT opened in Michaux Forest<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqmGBkIBIS9u3U0rzFfQSvJoD0wgdSB5dZOBzTMN63zbm4wqzQvNqWoSp6MXsxU_4sGVmyDRG4NdsdZAm03Ll0X1G5A0bjG13e203PkNdVsPk8yMKqRj7f7EomB9k3Tchb2hZK8asFczU/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqmGBkIBIS9u3U0rzFfQSvJoD0wgdSB5dZOBzTMN63zbm4wqzQvNqWoSp6MXsxU_4sGVmyDRG4NdsdZAm03Ll0X1G5A0bjG13e203PkNdVsPk8yMKqRj7f7EomB9k3Tchb2hZK8asFczU/s200/IMG_2374.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New section from Michaux Road (south end)<br />
N40 02.427 W77 20.501</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The PATC has opened a new section of the AT, which now bypasses 2 roads. The new section is south of Pine Grove Furnace State Park and north of the new Mid-Point of the AT (near Toms Run Shelter). The new section is approximately .7 miles. <br />
Formerly the AT south followed the dirt Bunker Hill Road till it T'd at the former CCC Camp on Michaux Road. It then followed paved Michaux up the hill till the trail branched off the road to the left toward Toms Run. The new section wends its way through the forest.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ULVgUSW6FmXTLZ_kArp8aVTKKwL_hcim6uMhNlOCgdNnpRjd0mx0aXa7bZPjlXO32QUUyM1b-q1E7Bofs0yNQWAUTyFwRdQgv0FRi22zcEBG37K0NEqPhKShOerhRWnneIee8DsNpRCq/s1600/ATNewSection.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ULVgUSW6FmXTLZ_kArp8aVTKKwL_hcim6uMhNlOCgdNnpRjd0mx0aXa7bZPjlXO32QUUyM1b-q1E7Bofs0yNQWAUTyFwRdQgv0FRi22zcEBG37K0NEqPhKShOerhRWnneIee8DsNpRCq/s400/ATNewSection.GIF" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New section is in green (map is approximate)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-20758569927604813962010-12-12T07:54:00.000-08:002010-12-12T07:54:38.349-08:00Deer Hunting Season<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWta2_ZcXEaT0o60GCL3O2YtBeSqPntgpN5oCib4GanVCmeCi5_7DTM3aUWibO5P5MNxtI_eH6OGBPVgpqG_hCNZumrz4FDSb87tbt5uBUeYzqYONFJJQn1HfiPAczQnVr-G2kNILuKoK/s1600/IMG_2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWta2_ZcXEaT0o60GCL3O2YtBeSqPntgpN5oCib4GanVCmeCi5_7DTM3aUWibO5P5MNxtI_eH6OGBPVgpqG_hCNZumrz4FDSb87tbt5uBUeYzqYONFJJQn1HfiPAczQnVr-G2kNILuKoK/s200/IMG_2322.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swamp Trail in Pine Grove St. Pk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The only thing I like about deer hunting season is that it forces me off the AT into the State Parks. I have been hiking Pine Grove since T-Giving. I enjoy walking on the shorter paths in the Parks. In the summer the Parks are pretty crowded but far less so when it is cold. On my drive there from Shippensburg the road is lined with pickup trucks of hunters out there waiting for a deer. Unfortunately they are hunting too near the AT for me to feel comfortable hiking. I think yesterday was the last day of deer season so I should be OK next week. Small game season doesn't seem to bring out the hunters in droves as does deer season. I still wear blaze orange, though, when I walk during the winter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G7Xzyj02g-Y/TQTtAzWZ8bI/AAAAAAAAF3w/opmPW0qmGEk/s1600/IMG_2321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G7Xzyj02g-Y/TQTtAzWZ8bI/AAAAAAAAF3w/opmPW0qmGEk/s200/IMG_2321.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Creek in Pine Grove Furnace St. Pk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-26236334335272006152010-10-11T18:13:00.000-07:002010-10-11T18:14:58.859-07:00Kid's Book - A Hike on the Appalachian Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUWnqIybLxnUL24XUVBak48G7vL2JkVR512Prxx3_WWU3rf3FLzLTBVyDH5iBOUJsF4TkRpKtzzcqrkNKgwVd4Ah8ckOUv6STyoI19pxK-yqByrwyYSm8rQ6G7pBbwd4m2bso762Y0c3H/s1600/AHikeOntheAppalachianTrail_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUWnqIybLxnUL24XUVBak48G7vL2JkVR512Prxx3_WWU3rf3FLzLTBVyDH5iBOUJsF4TkRpKtzzcqrkNKgwVd4Ah8ckOUv6STyoI19pxK-yqByrwyYSm8rQ6G7pBbwd4m2bso762Y0c3H/s320/AHikeOntheAppalachianTrail_.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><h2 class="title" style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My wife and I were busy this summer working on this children's book. It is based on the many hikes my wife took her third graders from Luhrs Elementary on.</span></h2><h2 class="title" style="color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.7em; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 2px;">A Hike On the Appalachian Trail: Big Flat to Birch Run</h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">by Carolyn Cook and Douglas Cook; Illustrated by Beau Bowersox</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Jenna and Jay have been learning about the Appalachian Trail in third grade for weeks. Their teacher, Mrs. Cook, has been telling them about the animals, insects, and plants which depend on the habitat near the AT. The class has learned about caring for the environment and the principles of Leave No Trace.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">As the book opens, Jay and Jenna are excited because today they will be taking a field trip to hike several miles on the Appalachian Trail. They hike to the Birch Run Shelter to eat lunch and rest, learning about the trail habitat along the way. After lunch they participate in a number of learning activities about the environment.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">This book is unique in that it tells the story of a field trip on the Appalachian Trail and also provides numerous facts about the animals, insects and plants which call the AT home.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">As an avid outdoorswoman and former third grade teacher, Carolyn Cook led her students, yearly, on an Appalachian Trail hike as the culmination of a unit on the environment. Carolyn is currently assistant professor of Education at Mount St. Mary's University. Doug Cook is a librarian and professor at Shippensburg University. Beau Bowersox is a sculptor, graphic artist, and illustrator.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.publishamerica.net/product95036.html">Available from PublishAmerica online.</a></span></span>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-346272542544009732010-10-11T18:03:00.000-07:002010-10-11T18:05:01.241-07:00Toms Run is Changing Colors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G7Xzyj02g-Y/TLOy2Jb-X0I/AAAAAAAAFkg/ZMJgCyzCSDk/s1600/IMG_1924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G7Xzyj02g-Y/TLOy2Jb-X0I/AAAAAAAAFkg/ZMJgCyzCSDk/s320/IMG_1924.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I haven't had much chance to hike this summer. We spent a month in Australia, which took up most of my free time. I am glad that things have slowed down enough at the Library that I can at least get out on the weekends. Tom's Run is changing colors. This photo was taken, heading south, just before you cross Tom's Run toward the shelter. This is usually a good place to add the blue of the sky.Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-54918344917841114502010-04-24T13:52:00.000-07:002010-04-24T13:53:55.684-07:00Flowers along Toms Run<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunrzG3BnbHF9hQ72pkG3FQ1AeZj409dpcnV3xpCQGSdk3Wfj-cwD_t1lmhPe6F3qxOw8ZwBQX4k8ppvHvM_jaJi7TVNI4ZPZH-C7ogFhIUdIDXF0ekbRRv7IkyulApBFikVOjm_Jx80eL/s1600/IMG_0737.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunrzG3BnbHF9hQ72pkG3FQ1AeZj409dpcnV3xpCQGSdk3Wfj-cwD_t1lmhPe6F3qxOw8ZwBQX4k8ppvHvM_jaJi7TVNI4ZPZH-C7ogFhIUdIDXF0ekbRRv7IkyulApBFikVOjm_Jx80eL/s160/IMG_0737.JPG" style="clear: both; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a> I finally did something I have wanted to do for a long time. I followed Tom's Run from where it crosses the AT (near the shelter) east to Camp Michaux. The snow melt caused the creek to flow deeply enough that it had overflowed the banks and scoured the debris away from the banks. Most of the plants that would make a bushwhack difficult later in the summer were just showing their green noses out of the leaves. The first half of the way was fairly easy. The closer to the remains of Camp Michaux I got the more pine trees and brambles I needed to push through. Of course I took pictures of the Run the whole way.<br />
<br />
I have been unusually busy recently. I have been out hiking several times but not enough. To make it worse this is the first time I have downloaded any pictures from my camera in two weeks. I will put a few more on my<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Dr.Library.Guy/"> web album.</a>.<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-16054897655704194072010-03-10T10:14:00.000-08:002010-03-10T10:14:50.739-08:00The Mountains are still full of snow<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s0OShAdNSUFmlSZ8WOd2FA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_G7Xzyj02g-Y/S5fcJ1bqpfI/AAAAAAAAEqY/DU1Ptiuo4O8/s144/IMG_0467.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Dr.Library.Guy/TreesAndLandscapesInMichauxForestPrimarily?feat=embedwebsite">Trees and Landscapes in Michaux Forest (primarily)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>You'd think that after so much nice sunny weather in the east that more snow would have melted in the mountains. There's almost no snow left in our yard, but when you get up to South Mountain there is still more than a foot in most places. This photo is on the Appalachian Trail going south from Big Flat to Birch Run. Since it was 50 degrees there wasn't any ice, but the snow was soft enough that if was difficult going. I got hooked on shooting creek pictures again. I have a number of photos posted of Birch Run, Mountain Creek at Pine Grove, and the Conococheague at Caledonia.<br />
<br />
I did see a few sign of Spring at Pine Grove Furnace yesterday. A few buds were on trees and the tips of some water plants were poking up out of the soil. Hopefully the freezing weather is over for the year. <br />
<br />
DougDr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-58428404174704247422010-02-21T18:42:00.000-08:002010-02-21T18:42:44.413-08:00Sunny Morning Hike<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TJm-jN_YbC0kGPESytAcbQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8_dD9Vn2WxiIod6lJjlDHQKbYsUJ-9fPCcXIlzincV5PwVMF1wu-2PgzXDUF91tbEIzqEH9AItQ1k9yp2u6_72R9GZdUva8cNCbvwmcfC_2vem3nVmK9UV3opc4i_8gYFw1EflQzfoHi/s144/IMG_0388.JPG" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Dr.Library.Guy/TreesAndLandscapesInMichauxForestPrimarily?feat=embedwebsite">Trees and Landscapes in Michaux Forest (primarily)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">We were going to hike on the Appalachian Trail this morning, but none of the parking areas were plowed. The AT was still snow covered and it looked like no one had been walking there, at least near Toms Run. So we went over to Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The AT does run through the park and we did walk on it, but its not quite the same thing. Lots of people had been through so there was actually a groove cut through the snow about 6 inches deep. We were walking north through the Park making sure we stayed in the 6 inch deep trail, when some folks with dogs came south toward us - unleashed of course. One of the dogs came walking down the trail like a train on the tracks. Typically dogs are all over the place, but this guy stayed right in the grove and stopped dead when he got to me. He looked up as if to say "You move, I'm not" I laughed and stepped out of the groove. I guess he didn't want to get any more snow on his paws than necessary.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">It was sunny and 40, which is great weather for hiking. Lots of other people were out snowshoeing, sledding, skiing and walking. The sun was so bright against the snow that it was tough to get any good pictures. I did get some nice reflections from Mountain Creek and from the Swamp Trail. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span></div>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-68052060162458654592010-02-07T12:03:00.000-08:002010-02-07T12:03:00.453-08:00Sunday Morning Hike Through the Snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZBWAPqG17TPidchxL8QGuBd1nWxu1vC3-rb6nMK10ToJvN4GoQJkvK25YWW3T8MdmPSROw5Aj_IfQLCbyD5WWfHaaeF1A6ziGG8A_zj6ES3oCMLqg7KrkcNa9qnjeem08VsHvcVAikkT/s1600-h/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZBWAPqG17TPidchxL8QGuBd1nWxu1vC3-rb6nMK10ToJvN4GoQJkvK25YWW3T8MdmPSROw5Aj_IfQLCbyD5WWfHaaeF1A6ziGG8A_zj6ES3oCMLqg7KrkcNa9qnjeem08VsHvcVAikkT/s200/IMG_0324.JPG" width="112" /></a></div><br />
We got 15 inches of snow in the area yesterday. It stopped snowing so late that not much got plowed. I didn't come out of hibernation till this morning. The air was absolutely clear, the sky was blue, and the sun was shining. It was only 18 degrees but that was a minor difficulty. Carolyn and I decided to go for a hike through the snow hoping that we might be the first ones there. We drove to Caledonia State Park where the roads and the main parking lot was plowed, but there were no hikers. We put on our gear and started walking the Midland Trail. The Midland is a short trail which goes through thickets of Rhododendron, stands of pine, past a pond, and over the Conococheague Creek. To be the first one on the trail was great as the smooth layer of snow was beautiful. It was broken only by deer and rabbit tracks. The sun shining through the pines made for some great photos. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Dr.Library.Guy/TreesAndLandscapesInMichauxForestPrimarily?feat=directlink"> [To see more photos go to my Google Web Album.]</a><br />
Cheers<br />
DougDr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-4869523558152633992010-01-31T11:56:00.000-08:002010-01-31T12:05:52.814-08:0018 degrees and a brilliant blue sky<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbemOpUTzBRR3C5JOIzA029k9cxW-WXb6hhyIzEAQisvAHhNIISNjDP4wEdgm3z5n5Yhvo5oxRrGuNCBQfrhWvqm7loZY7xnMPd7nVyVJOSMg9Ly3o2w6Tlt999rtGTkRZFpy-vJ4HfL3/s1600-h/IMG_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbemOpUTzBRR3C5JOIzA029k9cxW-WXb6hhyIzEAQisvAHhNIISNjDP4wEdgm3z5n5Yhvo5oxRrGuNCBQfrhWvqm7loZY7xnMPd7nVyVJOSMg9Ly3o2w6Tlt999rtGTkRZFpy-vJ4HfL3/s200/IMG_0209.JPG" width="200" /></a>I took a hike this morning past Tom's Run Shelter. I bushwhacked from the Appalachian Trail where Tom's Run crosses the Trail near the Shelter. Because of the rain last week and the snow melt the Run was higher than it usually is at this time of year. The sky was a brilliant blue and it was cold - 18 degrees. Most of the pictures I took this morning were of puddles with ice forming on them. I particularly like these two photos because of the pools and the waterfalls and the ice. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeB2aUe-gmisqApmktw3wfbo5HfUgH25E-ppJ2ENxHiF0j1ORDwa7JlVT7UNnMLLz0EHHMkk_6VmItoPkO1Th6ikq9r3axFw_0o16rZzzZnd7sHlyZ4vCPHYMtRmXOMDcYSAFbf3Lh0gc/s1600-h/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeB2aUe-gmisqApmktw3wfbo5HfUgH25E-ppJ2ENxHiF0j1ORDwa7JlVT7UNnMLLz0EHHMkk_6VmItoPkO1Th6ikq9r3axFw_0o16rZzzZnd7sHlyZ4vCPHYMtRmXOMDcYSAFbf3Lh0gc/s200/IMG_0196.JPG" width="200" /></a>I actually met a bunch of cold-looking hikers who had slept on the Trail last night. They looked pretty happy though. You can't beat walking in Michaux.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Dr.Library.Guy/TreesAndLandscapesInMichauxForestPrimarily?feat=directlink">More photos</a>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-65940431433630821622010-01-23T12:31:00.000-08:002010-01-23T12:47:54.230-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y81OlMBLlMiTryND0WiAlyyg45IWX6jMd8m4goZZ7po9swfLBoaJXSrQlbpcZcy-bRho5MsL_t6zLjhPoQzssTvMVjpJt8OG8LbYTn6i3lUhDPukp90cG5mPuhW_0cyM2s9GDgSXrscK/s1600-h/IMG_0047.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y81OlMBLlMiTryND0WiAlyyg45IWX6jMd8m4goZZ7po9swfLBoaJXSrQlbpcZcy-bRho5MsL_t6zLjhPoQzssTvMVjpJt8OG8LbYTn6i3lUhDPukp90cG5mPuhW_0cyM2s9GDgSXrscK/s200/IMG_0047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430036452889465282" /></a>Monday, January 18, 2010, was the last free day I had before the semester started again at Shippensburg University. It just happened to be a lovely [but cold] day. A good day for a walk on the Appalachian Trail [or part of it anyway] The snow we had at Xmas was slowly melting.<div><br /></div><div>I walked form the AT parking lot at Dead Woman Hollow Road north toward Michener Cabin. I took the path to the cabin and then took the blue-blazed Dead Woman Hollow Trail. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have a weakness for photos where the trail is visibly winding through the landscape. Also this was among the first batch of pictures I took with my new Canon Powershot SX120IS - a nice size 10m camera with 10x zoom and manual override controls.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers</div><div>Doug</div>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-22875025229116544902009-04-01T07:21:00.000-07:002009-04-01T07:35:37.824-07:00Scouting for Circle HikesI was out scounting for potential Circle Hikes yesterday near Pine Grove Furnace when I ran into Dr. Stewart's Bio Class from Shippensburg University.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Dr.Library.Guy/DrStewart#">Dr. Stewart's Bio Class</a>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-67394262957787560482008-03-31T14:59:00.001-07:002008-03-31T15:18:11.704-07:00Milesburn Cabin Loop Hike - 3.9 miles<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Dr.Library.Guy/CircleHikesInMichauxForest/photo#5175092856702133090"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh6.google.com/Dr.Library.Guy/R9GfiMtkY2I/AAAAAAAAAYs/OAbSSqVe1-I/s288/DSC02975.JPG.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;">PENNSYLVANIA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, MICHAUX FOREST</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">This Loop goes on the Appalachian Trail, down a snowmobile trail, and onto Milesburn Road. It passes the Milesburn Cabin which you can rent from the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Milesburn Road doesn’t get plowed when it snows so it gets slippery. I fell on my butt at least once the first time I took this Loop in January. My favorite part of this loop is the snowmobile trail; however there are numerous unmarked roads off this trail. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out which one you should take. A dirt road at [N39 59.207 W77 26.236] heads left, southwest, to a Wild Turkey Habitat [N39 58.969 W77 26.513] maintained by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry.<br /><br /><strong>PARKING</strong><br />-From Shippensburg, take Queen Street, which turns into Baltimore Road, which turns into Shippensburg Road when you get to the Big Flat Area.<br />-Take Ridge Road (dirt road) southwest<br />-In approximately 2 miles you will see a parking area on the right and a gated access trail to the Appalachian Trail and the Rocky Knob Trail on the left.<br />-GPS Coordinates for Parking [N39 58.678 W77 26.486]<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>TRAIL<br /></strong>-Cross the road, southeast from the parking area, to the gated trail. Follow orange blazes up hill.<br />-Take a left, northeast, [N39 58.630 W77 26.332] onto the Appalachian Trail, which has white blazes.<br />-Follow the AT till you come to the power line dirt road [N39 58.977 W77 25.772]. Take the power line road up hill, northwest, to Ridge Road.<br />-Cross Ridge Road, through the gates and go down the hill, northwest. This dirt road is also a marked snowmobile Trail. This road has been moved several times, and has numerous dirt off shoots, so it is occasionally difficult to follow.<br />-At [N39 59.254 W77 26.258] the dirt road splits. Go to the left, west.<br />-You will eventually come to the bottom of the hill, at a gate to Milesburn Road [N39 59.133 W77 26.733].<br />-Go left, southwest, on Milesburn Road to Milesburn Cabin [N39 58.655 W77 27.160]. The Milesburn Cabin is about .7 mile from the gate.<br />-Take the AT [white blazes] up the hill, southeast. At the top of the hill the AT will cross Ridge Road. Stay on the Appalachian Trail. The AT goes through a pine forest. You will eventually cross the Rocky Knob Trail.<br />-At the Rocky Knob Trail [N39 58.630 W77 26.332] turn left, northwest, down the hill to parking.<br /><br /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://webspace.ship.edu/dlcook/LoopHikes/LoopHikes.html">For more information and a map.....</a></span></p>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-51331366730076665412008-03-31T14:11:00.000-07:002008-03-31T14:27:34.289-07:00TURKEY TRAIL LOOP HIKE - 2.3 miles<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Dr.Library.Guy/CircleHikesInMichauxForest/photo#5175092581824226066"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh6.google.com/Dr.Library.Guy/R9GfSMtkYxI/AAAAAAAAAX8/oIBab0DLnDY/s288/DSC02884.JPG.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">PENNSYLVANIA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, MICHAUX FOREST</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I ran across a Turkey Habitat one day when I was meandering down Ridge Road. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry is trying to bring back wild turkeys to Michaux Forest. While looking around the Habitat, I found an old road heading down the hill and wondered if it went to the Birch Run Shelter on the Appalachian Trail. Actually the road dead ends 2/3 of the way down the hill and I had to bushwhack the rest of the way. This bushwhack is the roughest parts of this Loop. This old road is pretty overgrown and when it ends you need to walk through the huckleberry brambles. I used a compass and a GPS to make it through the brambles to Birch Run Shelter. The rest of the Loop is on the Appalachian Trail and dirt roads. Ridge Road doesn’t get plowed when it snows, so it can be a slippery walk from the Parking area under the power line.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><strong>PARKING</strong><br />-From Shippensburg, take Queen Street, which turns into Baltimore Road, which turns into Shippensburg Road when you get to the Big Flat Area.<br />-Take Ridge Road (dirt road) southwest<br />-In approximately 1.4 miles you will see a parking area on the right, underneath the power line.<br />-GPS Coordinates for Parking [N39 59.057 W77 25.921]<br /><br /><br /><strong>TRAIL </strong><br />-Walk back up Ridge Road, northeast, for .7 mile, to a gated dirt road on the right which heads to the Turkey Habitat. [N39 59.539 W77 25.371]<br />-Go southeast through the gate to the Wild Turkey Habitat. [N39 59.517 W77 25.310]<br />-Go southeast across the Habitat to an overgrown road which goes down over the hill. Brambles are about knee high. This road gets harder to follow the further it goes down the hill. Point your GPS unit toward Birch Run Shelter. Heading down the hill will eventually bring you out on the Appalachian Trail.<br />-You should come out onto the Appalachian Trail somewhere near the Birch Run Shelter. [N39 59.122 W77 25.173]<br />-Head west on the Appalachian Trail. [If you see the AT signs at the Shelter you will be heading south toward Caledonia, Route 30, and Quarry Gap Shelter.]<br />-When you head past the Shelter you will be heading up the hill. Keep going until you get to the top of the hill and to the power line dirt road [N39 58.989 W77 25.767]<br />-Turn right, northwest, up the hill on the power line dirt road back to the parking area on Ridge Road.</span><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://webspace.ship.edu/dlcook/LoopHikes/LoopHikes.html">For more information and a map.....</a>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-90820033989564159582008-03-19T16:32:00.000-07:002008-03-19T17:08:10.519-07:00Big Flat Ridge Loop Hike - 2.4 miles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTAq1Dwx-P2CJJCNPZsDeNOhllYfD60P41VU5zmke4BeMdJPxoGrK2VjjkjXSo2mxfbJZ-BL1zIxKgJ2AHCWV1APn-_NX4439_BC23gGTfWPMD_Id9q81buG6TBoV6gbfIQUz9Z61gX8n/s1600-h/BigFlat.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179607891087600658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTAq1Dwx-P2CJJCNPZsDeNOhllYfD60P41VU5zmke4BeMdJPxoGrK2VjjkjXSo2mxfbJZ-BL1zIxKgJ2AHCWV1APn-_NX4439_BC23gGTfWPMD_Id9q81buG6TBoV6gbfIQUz9Z61gX8n/s320/BigFlat.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">PENNSYLVANIA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, MICHAUX FOREST<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Dr.Library.Guy/CircleHikesInMichauxForest/photo#5156985051534527602"></a><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This loop hike uses an unmarked trail to connect the Rocky Knob Trail with Fegley Road (a dirt road) and then the Appalachian Trail. The unmarked trail section of this hike is most interesting as it winds all over the place. It crosses a small creek and goes through some interesting hardwood areas. I also found this trail almost impossible to follow after it snowed one cold winter day because there are no blazes.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;">PARKING<br />-From Shippensburg, take Queen Street, which turns into Baltimore Road, which turns into Shippensburg Road when you get to the Big Flat Area.<br />-Take Ridge Road (dirt road) southwest<br />-In approximately 2 miles you will see a parking area on the right and a gated access trail to the Appalachian Trail and the Rocky Knob Trail on the left.<br />-GPS Coordinates for Parking [N39 58.678 W77 26.486]<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">TRAIL<br />-Cross the road, southeast from the parking area, to the gated trail.<br />-Follow the orange blazes across the Appalachian Trail onto the Rocky Knob Hiking Trail.<br />-At [N39 58.514 W77 26.149] an unmarked trail goes off to the left, east. Look carefully as you may miss this. If you see another sign for Rocky Knob which goes east, you have gone too far.<br />-Follow the unmarked trail as it winds through the forest. It dead ends at Fegley Road (dirt) [N39 58.650 W77 25.699].<br />-Follow Fegley Road left, uphill, north.<br />-Cross under the power lines. Stay to the right on dirt road, northeast.<br />-At the top of the hill the Appalachian Trail crosses the dirt road [N39 58.977 W77 25.772]. Take the AT left, southwest and follow the white blazes.<br />-When the AT crosses the Rocky Knob Trail [N39 58.633 W77 26.320] take it to the right, northwest back to parking.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://webspace.ship.edu/dlcook/LoopHikes/LoopHikes.html">For more information and a map.....</a></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6453331837241851228.post-79369391752798852682008-03-15T12:21:00.000-07:002008-03-15T13:04:07.485-07:00MICHENER LOOP TRAIL - 2.5 miles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4l-M96GWzTHqAe2CMGNB6nL_bB3j4FRAux1wTyFlPOOjLOtkn9MIAaxkft17idTDckNYR4T4G1EdsUPYibhhQ9f_kjxEILVzlsW4F5EmRVNuqMAui2G60LGUVjcYPfq_n2b0mL4EJkuhW/s1600-h/MichenerCabinLoop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178057943209501682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4l-M96GWzTHqAe2CMGNB6nL_bB3j4FRAux1wTyFlPOOjLOtkn9MIAaxkft17idTDckNYR4T4G1EdsUPYibhhQ9f_kjxEILVzlsW4F5EmRVNuqMAui2G60LGUVjcYPfq_n2b0mL4EJkuhW/s320/MichenerCabinLoop.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOTM6Lz0LDPzm3s_QJgCfOwVKNvEI-S0h1AfCPb9dvKE1nyp-d52zqF4u4_G0aslii8fGIFzJCZyQsIiFXvqLw_jGPzhx6sFFO5ikgt81kUPpCjLQCHQHMeUcS7qarmiHlLdSiNGL4Qkn/s1600-h/MichenerCabinLoop.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">This is one of the first loop hikes I planned. The Appalachian Trail is fairly straight so it is usually necessary to go out and back to your car on the same route. These Loop Hikes take advantage of the AT, dirt roads and side trails. It is tough to track down these small trails; however one good source is the excellent Appalachian Trail PA Route 94 to US Route 30 Section map published by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, which maintains the AT in this area.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Appalachian Trail part of this hike follows the Michener Cabin access road (blocked to cars). The end of the hike is on Dead Woman Hollow Road, a dirt road which is blocked to cars. The Dead Woman Hollow Trail Section is a side trail which goes over a spring and a wet area and then winds through the forest. This is the most interesting part of the walk because of the varied hardwoods and the winding trail. The Michener Cabin is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and can be rented.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>PARKING<br /></strong>-From Shippensburg, take Queen Street, which turns into Baltimore Road, which turns into Shippensburg Road when you get to the Big Flat Area.<br />-Take Ridge Road (dirt road) east.<br />-In approximately 1 mile, you will pass Big Pond Road. Just after Big Pond turn south for Appalachian Trail access parking.<br />-GPS Coordinates for Parking [N40 00.490 W77 23.700]<br /><br /><strong>TRAIL<br /></strong>-Appalachian Trail runs through parking area.<br />-Take AT east toward Michener Cabin. Follow white blazes.<br />-At [N40 00.712 W77 23.031] take Michener Cabin access trail when it splits from AT. Follow blue blazes south to cabin.<br />-On southwest side of cabin take the blue blaze Dead Woman Hollow Trail at<br />[N40 00.502 W77 22.926].<br />-Trail heads southwest to Dead Woman Hollow Road.<br />-At [N40 00.082 W77 23.309] take Dead Woman Hollow Road northwest (uphill) back to parking.</span> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://webspace.ship.edu/dlcook/LoopHikes/LoopHikes.html">For more info</a></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div></span><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Dr. Doug Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943492566693315607noreply@blogger.com0