2010 2nd Quarter POC Newsletter

Volume 22 No. 2 Spring 2010

w ww.PoconoOutdoorClub.org In case you have forgotten, Annual dues for the year2010 were due by February 1, 2010, but you can stillpay for the year if it slipped your mind or if you are

new to the Pocono Outdoor Club.Please use the membership application on the last page of the

Newsletter and mark it renewal.

The Pocono Outdoor Club publicist will be emailing weekly activityupdates directly to your inbox! If you do not receive the weekly updates

and would like to be added to the weekly emailing list, please send anemail requesting to be added to [email protected]

For those of you without internet access, be sure to save the POC calendar and mark your own personal

calendars so you don’t miss an event!

REMEMBER… THERE IS ALMOST ALWAYS SOME HUNTINGSEASON, DON’T FORGET TO

WEAR YOUR BLAZE ORANGE!

Winter Quarterly MeetingThe Winter Quarterly Meeting was heldSunday, February 28th at 2 PM at the MonroeCounty Environmental Education Center onRunning Valley Road in Bartonsville. TheFood was GREAT as always! There was alively discussion of plans for the future ofthe POC. John and Fran Whipple gave a slidepresentation of their hike of the GrandCanyon last fall.

PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND THE QUARTERLY MEETING ONMAY 23RD AT 2:00 PM AT THE MONROE COUNTY

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER ON RUNNINGVALLEY ROAD.

Call Kate Andrew at 570-236-1462 to RSVP and planyour food contribution.

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View of the South Kaibab Trail approachingthe Tonto Plateau

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2010 TRAIL CAREFrom the POC President:

The arrival of spring and early summer means a transition from skiing andsnowshoeing to camping, backpacking, and hiking.

The wonderful variety of our trail systems has an abiding, unchangingquality that we count on. In a society of rapid technological change, streams andtrails provide reassuring constancy. However, to focus only on trails, trails needour care. (So do bike paths, rivers, streams, etc.!) Like anything else a society uses, trails demandmaintenance, particularly in spring after the ravages of a hard, destructive winter.

Trail care and repair is up to volunteers. We can’t rely on any government or municipal entity orboy or girl scouts. Lots of people talk about it, but no one else out there will do it. Bill Friese, ParkManager, Tobyhanna State Park Complex, told me recently that every state park in Pennsylvania isunder a mandatory 20% cut. You don’t have to be Henry David Thoreau to realize that these cuts willprobably come out of maintenance budgets.

In a time when the American wilderness is threatened as never before by commercialdevelopment, urban sprawl, demands for energy and land, and, when many of our fellow citizens areunemployed, our trail systems needs aggressive advocacy, ongoing monitoring, careful maintenance andstewardship. Not to mention hard work!

Trail care doesn’t mean pushing a heavy wheel barrow up hill. The POC and the KTA utilizelabor-saving and state-of-the-art equipment and tools. It’s not a matter of brute strength. Men andwomen of all abilities and ages can contribute and do their share to whatever degree they can.Beginners are always welcome. Our trail crew leader, John Motz, this year is planning to holdvolunteer training sessions emphasizing job safety and preparation. Working with a trail teamprovides exercise, camaraderie of people who love the outdoors, and a direct, uncomplicated way ofhelping to preserve forests, game lands, parks and wildlife which sustain us all and are a source ofpride for our society.

The POC Trail care schedule is available in the newsletter or on our website. KTA’s 2010 TrailCare schedule is in the February issue of the KTA newsletter. If these dates don’t fit your schedule,why not get together with a few friends and clean up fallen branches, pick up debris, and cut backbrush and undergrowth on your favorite trail? It’s up to volunteer maintainers to keep trails open foreveryone. Why not give some of your time to help? Frank Allen

WANTED: Trail Maintenance Supervisor- Thunder Swamp Trail System –POC is seeking avolunteer to oversee maintenance of the TSTS in Pike County. The qualified candidate will have astrong desire to put up with state bureaucracy and malodorous volunteers. First Aid training isrequired and Chainsaw Safety Training is preferred. Long hours and no pay, great rewards andmosquito bites included in benefits package. No retirement plan available. Interested persons shouldcontact John Motz, Trailcare Committee Chair at 570-236-1462 or [email protected].

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2010 TRAIL CAREFrom John MotzPOC Trailcare Committee Chair:

Winter time is planning season for trail maintainers. Time to schedule meetings with agencymanagers, volunteers, and others involved in managing and maintaining trails; Time to meet with openspace advocates and planners on new trail opportunities, connections, and landowners; Time to gathertools and funding for the upcoming season and projects; Time to recruit volunteers.

Whether you can give a few hours, a day, or hundreds of hours, every minute counts. Even ifyou’re just removing fallen branches and trees from the trail while you’re out on your hike, you’rehelping out. Painting blazes, clearing brush, installing signs, repairing and maintaining tools, attendingmeetings are all tasks our volunteers take on because they love trails. Show us the love this season aswe embark on the Pocono Outdoor Club’s 21st year- 2010.

Many opportunities exist for anyone wanting to volunteer. Tools are available and training ishappily provided at no charge. Hand tools, power tools, paint brushes- all free. Paint too! Join one ofour scheduled events- or go out with a friend whenever you want. Maintainers attending at least 3events, or performing at least 20 hours of maintenance get a Volunteer Maintainer shirt.

2010 Spring Trailcare Schedule

See dates in trhe Activities Calendar for more details.(Note: Some dates have changed since the last newsletter was published)

April 17 Trailcare at Big Pocono State Park

May 8 Trailcare at Thunder Swamp Ludleyville section right off PA 402.

May 14-16 Trailcare with Keystone Trails Association -Thunder Swamp and Promised Land StatePark

May 22 Trailcare at Big Pocono

June 12 Trailcare at Hickory Run State

Upcoming Keystone Trails Association Meetings and Eventskta-hike.org for details

April 23-25, 2010 Spring Meeting and Hiking Weekend, Wellsboro, Tioga County, PA.May 29-June 6, 2010 Pennsylvania Hiking Week, statewide. Co-sponsored with DCNR.June 26, 2010 Board Meeting, Harrisburg, PAJuly 16-18, 2010 Prowl the Sproul Hiking Weekend, Renovo, PA

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POC ACTIVITIES CALENDAR For every activity, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear, bring a lunch or snack, and water to drink. TheMeeting time for activities is 10:00 AM unless otherwise noted in the write up for the hike.

Hiking on uneven terrain can be hard on the ankles, so be sure to wear hiking boots, which are stiffer and taller thansneakers and have better traction. Going downhill can be hard on the knees, so if yours are sensitive, invest in awalking stick or hiking poles to take the pressure off.

Anyone interested in hiking on Thursdays should E-mail [email protected] for the schedule.

April, 2010Sat, 3-Apr

Four Ponds Hike – A 7-8 mile hike in State Game Lands No. 38 to four pondsincluding Wolf Swamp, Deep Lake, Sand Spring, and one other pond. This will be amoderately paced hike mostly on game lands roads. As always, dress for the weather,wear hiking boots, carry water and a snack. Meet at 9:30 AM in the parking lot forState Game Land No. 38 on the road to Big Pocono State Park. Contact: Roy Kleinle at (570) 421-8982

Sun 4-Apr Easter

Sat, 10-Apr

Dingmans Falls, DWGNRA - Meet at the Visitor Center. Turn off Rt. 209 just south ofDingmans Rd. 5 mile easy hike to the falls and back. Contact: Kate Andrew at 570-236-6831

Sun,11-Apr

Nescopeck State Park - An easy/moderate 5 mile hike along Nescopeck Creek andLake Frances. Meet at the Park office just off Honey Hole Road, Drums, PA. Contact: John & Fran Whipple 570-646-7970 (cell 570-350-2957 or 2977)

Sat, 17-Apr

Beehive & 3 Lakes - 11 mile, fast-paced cardio hike through SGL 38 around Beehiveand 3 lakes (4 B/C 11). Hikers should expect to be screened, due to pace anddistance of hike. Register early with leader as hike fills up fast! No initial contactsafter 10:00 a.m. 4/16. AMC Co-sponsored hike.Contact: Rhoda Eisman (610-659-2726),[email protected] (preferred)

Sat,17-Apr

Trailcare at Big Pocono State Park - 9 am – X. The tax man has been paid, so nowlet’s get out and do something for our fellow hikers. It’s time to pick-up sticks andtake inventory at BP. 8 miles of hiking and clearing winter debris. Easy work. Meet atLot 4 (east end of Rim Road Loop) at 9am. Tools and training provided. Please RSVP John Motz 570-236-1462.

Sun,18-Apr

Tumbling Waters, PEEC, DWGNRA -.A moderate 3.5 mile hike to 2 impressivewaterfalls, overlooks of the Delaware River, hemlock grove, ans a cascading streambed. There will be a 350 ft climb up from the waterfall. Turn near the 8 mile marker onRte 209 on to Brisco Mountain rd to the PEEC parking lot. Contact: Rosemary Huebner 570-588-3201

Sat,24-Apr

Van Campens Glen Loop - 6 mile moderate hike from the Van Campen GlenParking Lot to Milbrook Village and returning via Orchard, Hamilton Ridge and PioneerTrails. Meet in the parking area at 9:30 AM. Contact George Singlemann 570-421-2968

Sun 25-Apr No Event Planned – Contact Bob Huebner at 570-588-3201 if you wish to schedulesomething.

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May, 2010

Sat,1-May

AT to Sunfish Pond, DWGNRA - 7 mile hike. Meet at 9:00 am in the Dunnfieldparking area at the base of the trail off of Rt. 80 (first exit after the toll bridge, on theJersey side). Bring a lunch and plenty of water. We will eat lunch at the pond. Contact: Kate Andrew 570-236-6831.

Sun,2-May

Kurmes Preserve - A 3 mile easy hike in the northern section of the KurmesPreserve. This preserve is a recent open-space acquisition of the Pocono HeritageLand Trust. We will visit Paradise Creek and hopefully see vernal pools along thetrails. Meet at 1:00 PM at the parking lot just south of the Railroad grade crossing onDevil's Hole Road, Paradise Township. Contact: John & Fran Whipple 570-646-7970 (cell-570-350-2957 or 2977)

Sat,8-May

Trailcare at Thunder Swamp Trail - 9 am-X Ludleyville section, right off PA 402. We’ll be clarifying the trail route in this overgrown area with brush removal and blazepainting. Free tools and training. Please RSVP John Motz 570-236-1462.

Sat,8-May

Dry Gap to Big Pocono - 11 mile, brisk, vigorous hike from SGL 38 to Dry Gap andBig Pocono State Park (3 C/D 11). Hikers should expect to be screened, due to pace,terrain and distance of hike. Register early with leader as hike fills up fast! No initialcontacts after 10:00 a.m. 5/7. AMC Co-sponsored hike.Contact: Rhoda Eisman (610-659-2726), [email protected] (email preferred)

Sun,9-May

Gouldsboro State Park to Tobyhanna State Park – Hike the Frank Gantz Trail fromGouldsboro S. P. to Tobyhanna S. P. Part of this moderate paced 6 mile hike may bedifficult due to rocks and fallen trees. Dress for the weather, wear hiking boots andbring water and a snack. Meet at the parking lot at the dam at 9:30 AM. We willshuttle. Contact Roy Kleinle at (570) 421-8982.

Fri-Sun,14-16May

Trailcare with Keystone Trails Association - Thunder Swamp and Promised LandState Park- Come for the weekend or just for the day. We’ll be working Saturday onThunder Swamp Trail and Sunday a half day in Promised land State Park. Campingis available at Promised Land Fri and Sat night for volunteer maintainers. Dinner outSaturday night at Promised Land Inn. Please RSVP John Motz 570-236-1462.

Sat,15-May

McDade Trail, Hialeah to Smithfield Beach and return. Easy 4 mile hike. Hialeahparking is off River road north of Shawnee. Contact: Kate Andrew 570-236-6831

Sun,16-May

Bicycle the Lehigh Gorge - Meet at 10:00 AM at Rockport. We will follow theRailroad grade to White Haven, have lunch at the WHite Haven Diner and then returnto Rockport.Contact George Singlemann 570-421-2968

Sat,22-May

Trailcare at Big Pocono – 9 am –X. Clearing trail and repairing signs. Free tools andtraining provided. Please RSVP John Motz 570-236-1462.

Sun,23-May

Club Quarterly Meeting, MEEC - 2:00 PM Please contact Kate Andrew (570-236-6831) if you are attending the meeting. If you have other questions about the meetingcall Frank Allen (570-420-9040)

Mon,29-MaythroughSun, 6-Jun

START OF PA HIKING WEEK

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Sat,29-May

Appalachian Trail from Delaware Water Gap - 9:00 AM Meet at the Lake Lenapeparking area, off of Rt. 611 by the Deer head Inn. We will go as far as the groupdecides to go 4-5 miles. Bring a lunch and plenty of water. Contact Kate Andrew 570-236-6831.

Sun,30-May

Delaware River Heritage Trail, Port Jervis, NY - All day hike/event, includingmuseum visit. Meet at 8:00 am for car pooling. Return around 5:00 pm. Pre-registration is mandatory 10 days prior to the hike. Contact: Frank Allen 570-420-9040/ [email protected]

Sun,30-May

Big Pocono to Dry Gap - 11 mile, moderate-paced hike from Big Pocono State Parkto Dry Gap (2 C/D 11). Hikers should expect to be screened, due to terrain anddistance of hike. Register early with leader as hike fills up fast! No initial contactsafter 10:00 a.m. 5/28. AMC Co-sponsored hike.Contact: Rhoda Eisman (610-659-2726), [email protected] (email preferred)

June, 2010Tues,1-Jun

Mt Minsi - 5 miles, strenuous. Part of PA Hiking Week. Meet at 6:00 PM at the LakeLenape parking area up from the Deer Head Inn in Water Gap. Contact: Wayne & Shirley Gross 570-595-2904

Sat,5-Jun

Lehigh Valley Nature Refuge Center -. Hike 5+ miles up the grasslands and downthe AT. May extend hike up to 9 miles- group decision. Meet at Cherry’s Restauranton Rte 209/534 intersection. Contact: Bob Wacker 570-629-5293

Sun,6-Jun

Hawk Falls via the Orchard Trail – A 3 mile moderate paced hike that will take us toHawk Falls. Wear hiking shoes and bring water and a snack. Meet at the parking lotfor Hawk Falls on Rt. 534 at 9:30 AM. We will then drive to the Orchard Trail parking.Contact: Roy Kleinle at (570) 421-8982.

Sat,12-Jun

Trailcare at Hickory Run State Park – 9 am –X. Annual maintenance trip to theOrchard Trail. Contact: Tom and Rosemary Miller 570-992-1321.

Sun,13-Jun

Martin’s Creek Environmental Preserve: 3 mile, easy loop hike. Directions: Exit Rt.33 at Stockertown, go L, then R at light, take L at next light on Uhlern Rd. At the end,turn L at stop sign. Go 5-1/2 miles and turn R on Foul Rift Rd. Parking at Tekening.Contact: Bob Wacker 570-629-5293

Sat,19-Jun

Ricketts Glen State Park - Walk 7 miles to 21 waterfalls. Meet at 8:00 AM at theBlakeslee Shopping Center at the junction of Rtes 940 &115.Contact: Bob Wacker 570-629-5293

Sun.20-Jun

Bicycle the Lehigh River Towpath - We will start in Easton and go to Bethlehem,where we have lunch at one of the small restaurants and then return to Easton. Meetat 10 AM in the parking lot off 25th Street in Easton just before the Lehigh RiverBridge.Contact George Singlemann 570-421-2968

Sat, 26-Jun

SGL 38 to Big Pocono - 11 mile, fast-paced cardio hike from SGL 38 to Big PoconoState Park (4 C/D 11). Hikers should expect to be screened, due to pace, terrain anddistance of hike. Register early with leader as hike fills up fast! No initial contactsafter 10:00 a.m. 6/25. AMC Co-sponsored hike.Contact: Rhoda Eisman (610-659-2726), [email protected] (email preferred)

Sun,27-Jun

Eales Preserve, Moosic Mountain - Moderate 8 mile hike. Enjoy the mountain andridge top views. Meet at 10 am in main parking lot on Rt. 247. From 380 N exit ontoRt. 6 E towards Carbondale, then, take exit 3 for 247 S towards Jessup. Contact Michele Valerio 201-679-3755.

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2010 POCONO OUTDOOR CLUB MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONSend check, made payable to “Pocono Outdoor Club” to POC Memberships at 47 Stones Throw, EastStroudsburg, PA 18301. Memberships are per calendar year. The POC Newsletter is publishedquarterly/4 times a year. Applicants must be at least 18 yrs old.

Name(s) $10. Basic Membership $15. Family Membership

Address:Higher Levels of Trail Support $18. Contributing Member

Phone: $25. Trail Maintainer $50. Trail Builder

Email: $150. Life Member

Additional Contributions are welcome and benefit local trails. $ ___________

___ I would like to lead an outing. ___ I would be interested in doing volunteer trail care.

New Member Renewal Please send me email updates/newsletter

___ This is a Gift Membership From _____________________________________

____________________________ My signature verifies I am 18 yrs of age and agree to the Rulesof the Pocono Outdoor Club. I understand that I am responsible for me and my minors.

POCONO OUTDOOR CLUB INFOwww.PoconoOutdoorClub.org

This Newsletter publishes quarterly. It is received by Club members, other trail clubs, friends, and agency partners. New Members are encouraged to participate and volunteer for Club events.

To contact POC Committees:

Activities — Bob Huebner [email protected] Newsletter - [email protected]

Trail care – John Motz [email protected] 570-236-1462

Club Publicity- [email protected]

Membership –Treasurer Solvejg Wills at 570-424-1818 or [email protected]

POC Info – 570-420-9040 or [email protected]

Club Officers

President-Frank Allen (570-420-9040) Vice President- Roy Kleinle (570-421-8982)[email protected] [email protected]

Secretary- Florence Gatto (570-646-0673) Treasurer- Solvejg Wills (570-424-1818) [email protected] [email protected]

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T-SHIRTS & PATCHES Make Excellent Gifts ForEveryone

The Club's first edition T-shirts are now available in Navy Blue (M and L sizes only). The Navy BlueTee’s are 50/50-poly/cotton blend and look sharp with white graphics. The original All Cotton

Green Tee’s are still available in all sizes- Adult S/M/L/XL. All Tee’s sport the original POCTagline-“Take A Hike!” Requests for children’s sizes should be submitted- if we get enough we will

order some. Specify size and color when ordering. Tee’s are $12 for non-members/$10 formembers. Patches are still $3.00 each.

Pocono Outdoor ClubPO Box 246East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

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2010 2nd Quarter POC Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of 2010 2nd Quarter POC Newsletter