The Keystone Hiker, April 2013 Edition

Have you thought about Keystone Trails Association, but haven't yet done so? Join KTA today for $15 and your membership will be extended until September 30, 2014. 18 months of membership in Pennsylvania's only statewide hiking organization, for only $15 -- what a deal! To learn more about membership benefits, or to join KTA, please click here.

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!

Explore the Poconos, meet terrific people, and sleep in a tent (or cabin, lodge, or
yurt - your choice!) during KTA's annual Spring Hiking Weekend, from April 26-28. New this year: Friday evening "Intro to Hiking" round-table and Gear-Exchange, from 6-7 PM! Weekend package prices start at only $92 per adult. Registration ends Monday, so don't delay!

ADVOCACY UPDATE: DRILLING ON THE OLP

by Curt Ashenfelter, Executive Director

The September, 2012 request made by a coalition of KTA and seven other organizations for a public hearing concerning gas drilling on and near the Old Loggers Path (OLP) in Lycoming County has finally been answered. Read more.

DRY TIMES: A SHORT STORY

by Stuart Thompson, KTA Member July 2012 Thompson Ad

Preparation only takes you so far. Sometimes, factors outside of our control can make a normal hike turn life-threatening. What would you do if you ran out of water in the middle of the wilderness? Check out this short story by Stuart Thompson, KTA member, entitled "Dry Times," from his book To My Daughter: Stuff I've learned While Playing Outside.

JEFF'S JAUNTS: BUTTERMILK CREEK

by Jeff Mitchell, KTA Board Member

The small village of Falls is named after an impressive series of waterfalls along Buttermilk Creek that plummet to the Susquehanna River. Read more.

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

minister creek

Much appreciation to everyone who participated in KTA's Spring Photo Contest! The winning photograph (the one with the most "LIKES" on Facebook) was taken by Phil Williams on Minister Creek Trail and will be featured at the top of each edition of The Keystone Hiker (and on the top of KTA's Facebook page) for the remainder of the Spring! As a prize, Phil received a one-year complimentary membership to KTA, to keep or to gift to a friend. Congratulations, Phil!

KTA HIKES THE SMOKIES

Smoky Mountains

It's not too late to sign up for KTA's trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park from June 30-July 6! GSMNP has hundreds of miles of hiking trails, including a large portion of the Appalachian Trail. You and a select group of other hikers will sample many of the best-known places in the Smokies, including Clingmans Dome. Learn more.

OLP REFLECTIONS: ED STEVENSON

At least once each year, Ed Stevenson, his brother-in-law, and their children travel from the suburbs of Philadelphia to hike the Old Loggers Path. Read his story, and a story written by his twelve-year-old daughter, here.

SUPER HIKER SPOTLIGHT: ROXANNA STRINE

Roxanne Strine

Roxanna Renee Strine (trail name "Riverdawg") age 58, hails from Wrightsville, PA, where she currently coaches Cross Country at Eastern York H.S. A retired postal worker, Roxanna has spent nearly her entire life on river hills, and has been an avid trail runner since 1994. This is her story.

Click here to learn more about participating in, or volunteering for, KTA's 5th annual Super Hike!

SPRING INTO GEAR

"Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink." Has the length of your hikes begun to exceed your ability to carry the appropriate amount of drinking water? If yes, then it's time to learn how to effectively and efficiently treat water that you find near the trail to make it safe to drink. There are many different water treatment options, each with its unique benefits, drawbacks, and challenges. Check out this informative video from Backcountry Edge, Gold Sponsor of the KTA Susquehanna Super Hike and Ultra Trail Run.

100-MILE PROFILE: DAVID & ALYSON

David and Alyson Davis

David LaVerne, 45, and Alyson Davis, 35, are avid hikers and environmentalists. Both were born and raised in Scranton, PA, where they hiked as children with their family and with their Scouting troops. Today they continue to hike as often as possible, with each-other and with their children, although Alyson's battle with arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis sometimes makes hiking more of a challenge. Read more.

OAXACA, MEXICO HIKING TRIP

Keystone Trails Association is again partnering with Treks & Trails International, offering KTA members, family and friends a hiking adventure of a lifetime in the wondrous Sierra Norte mountains of Oaxaca Mexico.

This amazing trip combines the color and spectacle of the renowned Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival in Oaxaca city with the exhilaration of hiking in the beautiful Sierra Norte mountains, homeland of the Zapotec people. Learn more.

CLUB CONNECTION: IRONMASTER'S CHALLENGE

On Sunday, April 28, The Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and SATC invite you to participate in the 4th Annual Ironmaster's Challenge in Pine Grove Furnace SP and Michaux SF. This year's challenge features 3 events: 50k Ultra, 20-Miler, and 15k Trek. Read more.

SAVE THE DATE

KTA Spring Meeting & Hiking Weekend: April 26-28, 2013, Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingman's Ferry, Pike County, PA. Registration ends April 1.

Butler Outdoor Club's Outdoor Extravaganza: May 24-27, 2013, Breakneck Campground, Butler County, PA.

KTA Smoky Mountain Hiking Trip: June 30-July 6, 2013, Great Smoky Mountain National Park. First-come, first-serve. Registration now open, and ends April 30.

10th Annual Prowl the Sproul Camping and Hiking Weekend and Chuck Keiper Slackpack: July 19-21, 2013, Western Clinton Sportsmen's Association, Renovo, Clinton County, PA. Registration opens May 1.

NCT Annual Conference & Trail-Fest: August 12-17, 2013, Slippery Rock, PA.

5th Annual Susquehanna Super Hike and Ultra Trail Run: September 7, 2013, Lancaster/York Counties, PA. Registration now open.

KTA Fall Meeting & Hiking Weekend: October 11-13, 2013, Doubling Gap Center, Newville, Cumberland County, PA. Registration opens August 1.

Oaxaca, Mexico Hiking Vacation: October 31-November 10, 2013. Registration now open.

The complete 2013 Trail Care and Trail Crew schedule is now available! Click here.

Newsletter Submissions

This newsletter is published monthly by Keystone Trails Association. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Opinions expressed are those of the listed authors. The Editor encourages submissions reflecting all viewpoints, but reserves the right to edit material. You are encouraged to submit your material via e-mail to Program Administrator/ Interim Newsletter Editor, Shanna Filizzi, at ktaadmin@verizon.net. Want to advertise in The Keystone Hiker? E-mail Curt Ashenfelter, Executive Director, at ktahike@verizon.net for advertisement benefits and rates.