Thun Trail - Saturday Dec 29, 2007

5 to 6 miles, easy

Meet Janet for this end of year hike to RACC or Goggle Works and back. Length of hike will be determined by weather.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Thun Trail parking lot on Route 724, near Route 176 and Hafer Petroleum.

For further information or directions, contact: 610-779-0142

Christmas Surprise Hike - Saturday Dec 22, 2007

Take a Winter Wonderland walk through Wyomissing Park and environs. Distance and exact route to be determined by the group.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am at the Reading Museum parking lot, Museum Road in West Reading

Information will be available at the hike and leader will be determined at hike.

Oley Christmas Caroling - Sunday Dec 16, 2007

Dress warm and bring your Christmas spirit to this traditional celebration of song and light!

Meeting Place: 5:30 pm, King's Grocery parking lot, on Route 73 in Oley

for further information or directions, contact: 620-926-5251

Bethlehem, PA Christkindlmarket / Luminaria Night - Saturday Dec 15, 2007

Visit Bethlehem's Christkindlmarket, a holiday market of handmade crafts. This will be followed by dinner and a walking tour of Bethlehem's historic district on "Luminaria Night", when thousands of families decorate their walkways and properties with luminaria.

Meeting Place: 12:00 pm Business Route 222, 5th Street Highway in Temple, left of Walmart behind McDonald's

For further information or directions, contact: 610-488-9269

Christmas House Tour - Sunday Dec 9, 2007

Annual tour of decorated homes in Historic Centre Park, Reading. You could start on your own if you wish. (Tour takes place from 1:00 to 6:00 pm.) The cost has not been determined at the posting of this event but last year's cost was $12.00.

Meeting Place: 2:00 pm at the ticket sales tent in Centre Park in the 700 block of Centre Ave.

For information or directions, contact: 610-374-2394

Annual Christmas Party and Hike - Reservations Required- Saturday December 8, 2007

Have fun at the Pioneer Grange in Topton at the annual Christmas party! Hike will take place in Topton at 1:30pm. Fun for all...historical presentation by Ivan Bub at 3:30 pm before dinner and entertainment following dinner with singing and fun! Look forward to seeing Santa too!
Full details in flyer sent out in club mailing. Reservations by November 28th required with dinner payment of $13.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members.

Contact for information: 610-779-2599

Return to Longwood Gardens - Christmas Visit- Saturday December 1, 2007

See beautiful Longwood Gardens in all its Christmas greenery and enjoy the music from the famous organ! Hikers may traverse the outdoor and indoor grounds as well as the many interesting walkways. Enjoy lunch in the restaurant, cafeteria or pack your own. We will depart for home between 6 or 7 pm, dependent on group decision.

Note: Please notify Karen S. by Nov . 29 if you plan to attend. Details on ticket costs are available from Karen. At least 15 people need to go in order to get the group rate.

Meeting Place: 7:30 am, Boscov's East (east end of parking lot) on Business Route 422 East in Exeter Township.

For directions, to register to attend, or for more information, contact: Karen at 610-779-2599

Nolde Forest - Saturday November 24, 2007

6 miles, weather permitting

This will be a nice, cold hike, so dress accordingly. Bring water and wear sturdy boots.

Meeting Place: 10:00am, Sawmill parking lot located on Route 625



For further information or directions contact: 610-777-4223

Bowmansville Area - Saturday November 17, 2007

5 miles+, depending on the weather

Hike with Doug over some of the back roads and farmlands of the Bowmansville area. There will be a few small hills.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, St John's Worship Center parking lot, Route 625, South of Bowmansville

For directions and further information, contact: 610-775-7453

Valley Forge - Saturday November 10, 2007

5 miles

This will be a relatively level and easy hike to see the various positions of the Colonial State Brigades. We will also see the remnants of the trenches on their outer line of defenses, with a stop at the Washington Memorial Chapel. The final stop will be the Chapel Cabin Shop specializing in their famous cakes, candies as well as lunch, pastry, and ice cream.

1st Meeting Place: 9:00am, Boscov's East (east end of lot) on Business Route 422 East in Exeter Township

2nd Meeting Place: 10:00am, Valley Forge Visitor's Center

For directions and further information, contact: 215-592-3037

Hamburg Reservoir, Pulpit Rock Hike - November 3, 2007

5 miles, moderate

We will be doing a reverse loop past Hamburg Reservoir and on up to Pulpit Rock. Coming down we will follow the road, instead of the A.T., and a short section of the original A.T. still existing prior to its current relocation. We will pass the Windsor furnace shelter along the way. There are a few short, very rocky sections. Wear Sturdy boots. If the group wishes, the hike could be lengthened to about 6 1/2 miles.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Hamburg Reservoir parking area, end of Reservoir Rd. (off old route 22)

For directions or further information contact: 610-921-3252

Kutztown Area Country Roads - Saturday October 27, 2007

5.5 miles

This is a circular hike on several rural, macadam and gravel roads, passing by farms and wooded areas. The hike includes some hills. Optional lunch stop at the Kutztown Tavern.

Meeting place: 8:30 am, Kutztown Shopping Center on Constitution Blvd. near the CVS

Directions: 222 North, Krumsville exit route 737, at end of exit ramp left onto Constitution Blvd.
Go straight at traffic light to the Kutztown Shopping Center on the right.

For directions or further information, contact: 610-562-0207

Tohickon Valley Trail - Saturday October 20, 2007

7.3 mile loop trail with a 200 foot elevation

This hike tours the north canyon wall of Tohickon Creek, passing through Tohickon Valley Park and the high rocks area of Ralph Stover State Park in Bucks County. The degree of difficulty is moderate with high rock cliff and viewpoints, wildlife sightings, forest wildflowers, and fall foliage. There are 4 great overlooks - Doan's Cedar, Balcony, and Argillite. Come prepared with hiking boots, lunch, water, and a camera to capture the great views. We will stop for our "traditional" food fuel for those who wish to join us.

Meeting place: 8:30 am , Boscov's East (east end of parking lot) Business route 422 East, Exeter Township

For directions and further information, contact: 610-796-7302

Kelly's Run - Saturday October 13, 2007

9+ miles, strenuous and hilly

Visit this very scenic area with 4 stream crossings. (or 3 with a girder bridge!) Bring walking sticks, lunch and water. Kathy also led this hike last winter and the group was rewarded with a bald eagle sighting at the pinnacle.
Note: 1 1/2 hours drive to trail head located in Lancaster and York Counties

Meeting Place: 8:30 am at Ollie's parking lot (closed Giant and A. C. Moore), intersection of business Routes 222 and 724 at Lancaster Ave. in Shillington

For directions and further information, contact: 610-603-9461

Heritage Rail Trail County Park - Saturday September 29, 2007

8 miles, easy flat trail

Established in 1992 and covering 176 acres, the Heritage Rail Trail County Park is 21 miles long and runs from the Mason Dixon Line to York. We will be walking the 8 mile section from Brillhart Station to Hanover Junction Station. This is a beautiful trail to see, especially in the fall, as we walk through Howard Tunnel...view a picnic grove with giant metal sculptures of bikes... stop at the historic Hanover Junction Station...and...ending with a restaurant stop at "Serenity Station" located on this trail.

NOTE: This will be a SHUTTLE HIKE AND ALL DAY EVENT as this is a 1.5 hour drive each way.

Meeting Place: 8:30 am at Ollie's parking lot (at the closed Giant and A.C. Moore) at the intersection of Business Routes 222 and 724 on Lancaster Ave. in Shillington.

For directions and further information, contact: 610-779-9725, 610-286-8917, or 610-376-1430

French Creek, Hopewell Village & Doggie Roast - Saturday September 22, 2007

4 to 5 miles

Beautiful easy hike, views of the lake and a tour of historic Hopewell Village. After the hike you are invited to a doggie roast at the campgrounds. Hot dogs, rolls, and condiments will be provided. Please bring a beverage, chair, and something to share.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, French Creek Boat Ramp parking lot

Directions: Take either Route 724 East or Route 422 East, right turn onto Route in Birdsboro, turn left at light onto Main St., Make right onto Route 345. Continue on Route 345, bear right at the French Creek East Entrance (Park Road). The boat ramp parking lot will be on your left.

For further information or directions, contact: 610-926-5251 or 610-582-5220

Horseshoe Trail - Saturday September 15, 2007

7 to 8 miles

Woodland shuttle hike on the Horseshoe Trail from French Creek State Park to Warwick County Park. Orange is required as we will be passing through PA State Gamelands.

Meeting Place: 9:00 am, Warwick County Park, lower parking area, located off Route 23 on County Park Road, 9 miles east of Morgantown.

For further directions or information, contact: 610-286-8917 or 610-587-8656

French Creek/ Hopewell Lake - Saturday September 1, 2007

6+ Miles

Travel on a variety of trails in the area. Views of the lake, dam breast, Bethesda Baptist Church and cemetery will be seen on the hike. Mostly wooded trails (some with rocks) and some road walking. Water, sturdy shoes, and a snack (if needed to keep your energy) are recommended.

1st Meeting Place: 9:00am Boscov's East (east end of the parking lot) on Route 422 East Exeter Twp.

2nd Meeting Place: 9:30am Hopewell Lake parking lot

For further information or directions, contact: 610-375-3358

Pennside Ice Cream Hike - Sunday Evening August 26, 2007

2 to 4 Miles (easy)

Enjoy a late Summer leisurely walk around the Pennside area. We will visit the new location of Fegeley's restaurant (not open at this time) and check out the trail behind the Antietam Valley Park and Recreation Center. All level streets except for a short, level trail section. Return for ice cream at Coney Tony's Pennside Drive In.

Meeting Place: 5:00pm at Coney Tony's Pennside Drive In, 900 block of Carsonia Avenue, Pennside.

For further information or directions, contact: 610-779-9725 or 610-779-2599

Caption for photo: Sue looks like she wants to do an Ice Cream hike! She's skipping for joy!

Trail Maintenance on Horseshoe Trail - Sunday August 26, 2007

Time and Meeting Place: 9:00am at Kenhorst Plaza "Dollar Store" on route 625

Bring weedwhackers and gardening/pruning tools that will be helpful to clear the trail. It's important that our club keeps this trail maintained. The Rudy and Annelies feel that this can be accomplished in an hour or two if enough people show up!

Additional questions or information, call 610-777-4223

Warwick County Park, Water Walk! - Saturday August 25, 2007

5 Miles (Be prepared to get wet!)

A 5 mile hike around the perimeter of this Chester County park located in Knauertown just South of Route 23. Will cross two streams and will require hikers to be prepared to WADE across them. The first crossing is usually a shallow crossing, but the second- fording French Creek, will be deeper. Be sure to bring your water shoes, hiking stick, a snack and a drink.

Meeting Place: 9:30 am at Warwick County Park's main parking area off Route 23 on County Park Road, 9 miles east of Morgantown.

For further directions or information, contact: 610-913-0284

Native American/ Indian History Hike in Exeter TWP - Saturday August 18. 2007

4.75 to 5 miles

Hike through the area where one of the largest Schuylkill River/ Lenape Indian villages in Berks County once existed. See some of their artifacts and sites where they were found. We will visit the site of an Indian Shad (Weir) or (Dam). Wear sturdy shoes. Bring water and snack. Mostly easy walking with shade or sun. RAIN CANCELS.

Meeting Place: 9:00am Boscov's East (parking lot at east end) on Route 422 East, Exeter Twp.

For further directions or information contact 610-779-4204

Union Canal Towpath - Saturday August 11. 2007

4 to 8 miles

Take an easy early morning walk on the towpath. Length of hike depends on the weather and temperature. Bring plenty of water and comfortable shoes.

Meeting Place: 7:00am Heritage Center parking lot, off of Route 183, turn left on road past the NEW St Joseph's Hospital.

For further directions or information contact: 610-374-2394

Knoebel's Amusement Resort, Elysburg, PA - Monday August 6. 2007

Note: RAIN CANCELS

Hopefully we will have a good weather day! Join your hiking friends for a day of fun, rides, and swimming. Optional easy hike around the campground area upon arrival. Park entertainment for this day is the "Mapapa African Acrobats".

Park Hours: 11am to 10 pm
Cost: All Day Ride Pass - $28.00 Adults or $34.00 with wooden coasters; children under 48" -$18.50 or $23.00 with wooden coasters; $5.00 ticket book for $4.25

Meeting Place: 9:00am at Business Route 222, 5th Street Highway in Temple at the left of Super Walmart. (lot behind McDonald's and in front of Ollie's)
Departure: 5:00pm from Knoebel's

For further directions or information contact: 610-779-9725 or Cell 610-914-1357

Gring's Mill - Sunday August 5, 2007

1/8th of a mile!!! (Sounds very easy!)

Meet Linda Whitman at the Amphitheater at 5:30pm - look for her colorful umbrella. Bring your picnic supper, a snack, or a beverage with a chair or blanket. You will be bringing back some memories while being entertained bt "Number Nine", PA's premier All-Beatles band. We can even sing along. The "hike" will be from the concert to the barn for ice cream.

Meeting Place: the Amphitheater at Gring's Mill

For further directions or information contact: 610-926-5251

Seven Tubs Nature Area - Saturday August 4, 2007

4 to 5 Miles

Join us for an ALL DAY EVENT to see this outstanding geological phenomenon featuring seven large "potholes" or "tubs" believed to be formed during the Ice Age. With additional stops at a reservoir and a waterfall near Wiles-Barre. Carry snacks, water, and wear hiking boots. Restaurant stop afterwards.

Meeting Place: 8:30 am, Redner's Market, route 61, Leesport

For further directions or information contact: 610-929-9694

Kulptown To The Birdsboro Reservoir -Saturday July 21, 2007

5 miles

This hike will be on shaded, wooded trails with some hills and some stony roads. We will enjoy a short break at the beautiful reservoir. Make sure that you bring enough water and a snack.

Meeting Place: 9:30 am, Kulptown Fire Company in the rear parking lot
Directions: Take either Route 724 East or 422 East, turn right onto Route 82 in Birdsboro. Turn left at light onto Main Street and turn right onto Route 345. Continue about 2 miles to the Kulptown Fire Company station on the right. Please park in the rear.

For further directions or information contact: 610-582-5220 or 610-926-5251

Schuylkill River/ Elverson Walking Club - Saturday July 14, 2007

5.5 Miles

We will join with members of the Elverson Walking Club for a 5.5 mile loop hike along both sides of the Schuykill River, between routes 113 & 29. If the river should be extra high or the banks muddy, our alternate hike will be out and back on the 2.5 mile Canal Towpath in Monte Clair. Lunch afterwards at the Fitzwater Station.

Meeting Place: 9:00 am at the Lock 60 parking area which can be reached via an approach road to the west that is on the route 29 bridge over the Schuykill, just north of Phoenixville...look for a sign directing you to Lock 60.

For further directions or information, contact: 610-913-0284

Mystery Hike - Saturday July 7, 2007

??? Miles (??? Difficulty)

Weather determines distance and place. Wear boots, bring water and snacks. Be ready for anything!

Meeting Place: 9:00 am, Boyer's IGA, at routes 422 & 419 in Womelsdorf

For further directions or information, contact: 610-589-5575

Pictures from Winterthur Hike!

Left to right:

1. Two hikers check out the grounds
2. Interesting tree shot
3. Beth and Susie take a rest
4. Peek-a-boo, I caught you on camera too!
   

Susquehannock State Park, Lancaster - Saturday June 30, 2007

3 miles (moderate to difficult)

Hike Landis Trail through the forest to Overlook Trail. At Hawk Point Overlook there is a cliffside view of the Susquehanna River & Islands; notably Mt. Johnson Island - the world's first bald eagle sanctuary. Short hike to Wissler's Run Overlook (look for Osprey nests.) Make a short, steep descent with switchbacks to Wissler's Run stream along Rhododendron Trail & then gradual descent to parking lot. Hiking poles, water, and sturdy boots are recommended. Optional lunch stop afterwards at place to be determined.

Meeting Place: 9:00 am, Ollie's parking lot (at closed Giant supermarket & AC Moore) intersection of business routes 222 and 724 in Shillington.

For further directions and information contact: 610-376-9581

Shillington Area - Saturday June 23, 2007

approx. 5 miles (moderate)

Hike & enjoy a diverse terrain of wooded trails, sidewalks, parklands, and a few hills through Shillington.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am at Shillington Park off of Route 724

For further information or directions contact: 610-775-7453

Hamburg Reservoir To Port Clinton - Saturday June 16, 2007

6+ miles (moderate to strenuous climbs/ descent/ some rocks)

Come out for an active hike on the AT - get those legs & lungs in shape, starting with an uphill climb to the ridge line, following a forested path to another ascent, and onto outstanding views of farmlands, the Schuykill River, Cabela's, and Hamburg. We will then descend down a series of switchbacks to Port Clinton. Bring water, snacks, and boots. The "carrot on the stick" is food afterwards at a local eatery. (suggestions taken)

1st Meeting Place: 8:30 am at Redner's on Route 61 North in Leesport

2nd Meeting Place: 9:15 am at Port Clinton Playground off of Route 61 North in Port Clinton (call for directions)

For further directions and information contact: 610-775-2677

Suedburg DC&R Loop - Saturday June 9, 2007

11.2 miles (easy)

Hike and enjoy the scenic Swatara Creek. Pass the fossil pit & onto the Iron Pedestrian Bridge. Then return on the opposite side. Lunch at the Twin Grove Park Restaurant.

Meeting Place: 9:00 am at Boyer's IGA on Routes 422 & 419 in Womelsdorf

For further directions or information, contact: 610-603-9461

Knoebels Amusement Resort Elysburg, PA - Monday June 4, 2007

Beat the summer crowd by going on a weekday, before school's summer break.

Park Hours: 10 am to 6 pm

Cost: Free Admission to this amusement park; pay as you go for the rides ("PAY ONE" - Price is not available for this day, sorry!); Pool rates: $5.50 for swim only or $12.00 for combo (swim & slide)

NOTE: HEAVY RAIN CANCELS TRIP!

Meeting Place: 8:00 am on Business Route 222, 5th Street Highway in Temple, left of Walmart (lot behind McDonald's and in Front of Ollie's)

Departure Time from Knoebel's: 5 pm

For further directions or information contact: 610-779-9725 or cell # 610-914-1357 (day of trip)

Ned Smith Center for Nature & Art - Saturday June 2. 2007

5 miles (Moderate)

Hike on mostly new trails around the nature center and surrounding area. The Ned Smith Center celebrates the life and works of Ned Smith, a wildlife artist, writer, and naturalist. There is a gift shop and gallery (open from 10am to 4 pm) which has a collection of art exhibits. It is suggested that you bring water and snacks.

1st Meeting Place: 9:00 am at Boyer's IGA on routes 422 and 419 in Womelsdorf.

2nd Meeting Place: 10:00am at Ned Smith Center

For further directions or contact information: 610-589-5575

Popular Acclaim Hike for Memorial Day Weekend - Saturday May 26, 2007

? Miles (?Terran)

Come out and the group decides the direction of the hike.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Gring's Mill Parking Lot

For further directions or contact information to Gring's Mill Parking Lot: 610-670-4629
or 610-921-3252

Blue Marsh/ Stilling Basin - Saturday May 19, 2007

4 plus miles (easy terrain)

Hike the trails around Blue Marsh from the Stilling Basin. some hills, but mostly flat. We may see the wildflowers in bloom.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Stilling Basin parking lot. (Directions: Go out route 183 North, turn left at Bern Church onto Palisades Drive, pass the Visitor's Center, turn right at the Stilling Basin sign, then go 1.5 miles to the parking area.)

For further directions or information, contact: 610-775-7101

Conewago Trail & Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails- Saturday May 12, 2007

No mileage listed (easy terrain)

We'll shuttle from the town of Lawn to Elizabethtown and then take an easy level hike from Elizabethtown back to Lawn. Optional restaurant stop afterwards.

Meeting Place: 9:00 am, Redner's in Sinking Spring, Route 422 West, west side of parking lot

For further directions or information, contact: 610-929-9694

Virginville Hiking Pictures

Pictures from the April 7th Virginville hike led by Linnae. Pictures are courtesy of Lou! Check out the hungry hikers at the end

Winterthur, Delaware - Saturday May 5, 2007

Special Trip!

Enjoy the spring flowers at the Henry DuPont Estate. We'll shuttle there via carpooling & then you'll be on your own for a self guided tour with the Garden & Gallery Pass. Lunch in the Cafe' or plan your own picnic at one of the picnic sites. Bring water & snacks. Hours are until 5 pm, when we will meet to depart.

COST FOR PASS: $15.00/ person or $13.00/ senior (62+)
$12.00/ person for groups of 20 or more
Meeting Place: 9:00 am, Boscov's East (east end of lot), Business Route 422 East, Exeter Township

For further directions or information, contact: 610-670-4629 or 610-926-5251

Evansburg State Park - Saturday April 28, 2007

6-7 miles, moderate

Loop around Skippack Creek on a woodland trail through the Collegeville area. One tricky hill and 2 short road sections. Hopefully, we will see Virginia Bluebells in bloom.

1st Meeting Place: 8:30 am, Redner's at Routes 422 and 622 in Douglasville. From Route 422 East, turn left at light Wawa crossing over Route 422 West, then turn into Redner's parking lot.

2nd Meeting Place: 9:15 am, Evansburg State Park main parking area. (The play field on May Hall Road)

For further directions or information, contact: 610-582-6914 or cell phone on day of hike only, 610-858-7172

Mt Penn/ Antietam Lake - Saturday April 21, 2007

7 miles

Hike over Mt. Penn to the lake and back, optional stops at the Pagoda and Tower, if anyone is interested.

Meeting Place: 9:00am,parking lot behind the bandshell in City Park, Reading

For further directions or information, contact: 610-374-2394

Reading Public Museum/ Wyomissing Creek - Saturday, April 14 2007

Approx. 6 miles, easy

Hike from museum grounds along creek to Shillington and back. Bring water and snacks. This is easy level walking and no hills. Optional lunch at Viva.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am Reading Public Museum parking lot.

For further information or directions, contact: 610-451-6715

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service Hike- Sunday April 8, 2007

Tribute to Paul Lehman

4 miles, Moderate Pace

This was Paul's annual hike to the top of Mt. Penn in order to participate in the Easter Dawn Service sponsored by the Greater Reading Council of Churches. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. (Warm clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended.) Optional Easter hat/ bonnet! Optional breakfast stop afterwards. Note: this hike is in conjunction with BMECC.

Meeting Place: 5:30 am, Reading City Park, park at the former Police Academy parking lot.

For further directions or information, contact: 610-678-5921

Virginville Loop - Saturday April 7, 2007

3 to 4 miles

Hike on some rail-trails and some roads, mostly flat with a couple of hills. Trail may be wet from recent rainfall. nice scenery. Will include an optional stop at Historic Dreibelbis Farm. Admission of $2.00 supports the ongoing restoration.

PLEASE NOTE TIME CORRECTION - Meeting Place: 9:30 am, Virginville Grange on Route 143 in Virginville; park in rear.

For further directions or information, contact: 610-562-0207

Delaware Water Gap - Saturday March 31 2007

8 miles on the Appalachain Trail (rocks and challenging descent)

This hike has been done in the Spring/Fall (pretty), but never whent he trees are bare. So join us for a ridge hike on the AT through forests that overlook the Delaware River - views will be fantastic! (no leaves!) Since we start on top, there is a long downhill (sometimes steep with rocks), but the overlooks are a great payoff as we descend down to Gap. Bring water, snacks/ lunch, and wear sturdy boots. A stop for food, it time permits. This will be a shuttle hike.

1st Meeting Place: 8:00 am, left of Walmart (lot behind Mc Donald's & in front of Ollie's), Business Route 222, 5th Street Highway in Temple, PA

2nd Meeting Place: 10:45 am, trail head parking lot in Gap (call for directions)

Information or Directions Contact: 610-775-2677

Wissahickon Valley Park - Saturday March 24 2007

7 miles (moderate, wear boots)

Repeat of a marvelous series of hikes that start along the Wissahickon, where it flows down to the Schuylkill, following the river through Fairmont Park down to the Art Museum. You want to start this adventure by joining your fellow hikers on this one - a moderate scenic circle hike along the Wissahickon.

Meeting Place: 8:30 am, Boscov's East (east end of lot) business Route 422 East, Exeter Twp.

Information or Directions Contact: 610-929-9694

Middlecreek Hike - Saturday March 17 2007

4 to 5 miles (uneven terrain, wear boots)

This hike could be called the "Middlecreek Meander in the Mud"...or will it be dry? Mark knows the trails like the back of his hand, so come out and explore the wildlife refuge with an expert. Bring water and snacks; lunch afterwards if hungry.

1st Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Boyer's Junction Market, at intersection of Route 422 West and 419 in Womelsdorf

2nd Meeeting Place: 10:30 am, Middlecreek Visitor's Center

Information or Directions Contact: 610-589-5575

Vinemont Hike - Saturday March 10 2007

5 to 6 miles (roads/trails)

Hike on roads and through gameland trails with some hills. Wear orange since we'll be be on gamelands.

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Redner's in Sinking Spring, Route 422 West, at west side of parking lot

Information or Directions Contact: 610-775-7453

Kelly's Run Pinnacle Trail - Saturday March 3, 2007

5 miles (rough terrain, challenging, wear boots)

NOTE: This will be an all day affair in Lancaster County. This trail is challenging, requiring careful footing over rocks and steep climbs; the views will "take your breath away" (...if you are not already out of breath) and make it worth the effort. Bring lunch and water.

Meeting Place: 8:00 am, Ollie's parking lot (at closed Giant and AC Moore stores) intersection of business Routes 222/ Lancaster Ave. and 724 in shillington.

For further directions or information, contact: 610-775-7453

Monocacy Hill Hike - Saturday Feb 24, 2007

3 to 5 Miles (Moderate terrain, trails)

No snow shoes required - wear your hiking boots and warm socks to hike through the snow (we should have some?!?!?) on various trails locked away in a marvelous wooded setting on a mountain overlooking 422 East. You will be surprised by the amazing vista all the way to Reading once on top. Don't slow down...because, at the end we will all head down the road for pizza or ?

1st Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Boscov's East (east end of lot), Route 422 East, Exeter Township

2nd Meeting Place: 10:30 am, Monocacy Hill parking lot on Geiger Road

For further directions or information contact: 610-796-7302

Leesport Hike - Saturday Feb 17, 2007

5 to 6 miles (easy, road walk)

Come and see another part of Berks County - hike back country roads, Main street, Gardens of Leesport (aren't you curious to see what's growing in January?!) with suzanne. Of course, we'll eat afterwards!(PICTURE: Butterfly photographed at warmer temperatures!)

Meeting Place: 10:30 am , Hoss's Restaurant parking lot off Route 61 in Leesport

Information and Directions Contact: 610-488-9269

Riverplace Part I - Saturday Feb 10 2007

6 miles (easy, paths and road)

Repeat of last year's hike along the Schuylkill Greenway Trail system, starting at the Goggle Works Arts Building in the City of Reading to Gring's Mill and back. You'll hike trails (some road walking) along the Schuylkill River to where it meets the Tulpehocken Creek, past Stonecliff Park and onto Gring's mill. From the city to the country! Afterwards, spend some time at the Goggle Works or opt for lunch elsewhere. (PICTURE: Last Year's Riverplace Hike )

Meeting Place: 10:00 am, Walnut Street parking lot of Goggle Works

Information or Directions Contact: 610-779-0142