Stuffed bear at Michaux State Forest headquarters.
Michaux State Forest, Pennsylvania, June 1 – 5 — Contrast is the name of the game. This year the predicted rains never came. Last year it never stopped raining. This year the temperatures were in the low-80s. Last year hypothermia lurked around every corner as the rain-soaked thermometer registered in the high 30s. In both cases, the hikers were in good spirits, the rocks were happy, and so were we.
Ridgerunner recruiting this year has been a proverbial bear. Qualified seasonal employees are in short supply. Thanks to a stroke of luck, two ridgerunners will share the season in Michaux. Chrissy has the first part. Wendy has the second. Chrissy will return to close out the season.
After meeting the the state forest rangers, we encountered our first blowdown almost straight out of the door. We quickly hacked a path through the branches leaving the bigger stuff for the chainsaw folks.
Our first night was spent at Tom’s Run Shelter. The crowd was convivial. We saw several people using bear canisters. Everyone took advantage of the bear poles to protect their food. Given the increasing number of bear incidents, this is an excellent sign.
With early morning temperatures in the low 60s, hot coffee is still a welcome treat. That season is about to end as the summer heat and humidity sets in.
Our section of trail in Pennsylvania is only 37 miles long. It packs some respectable hills, so it’s not a snap.
A line of thunderstorms was expected to pass about lunch time at Birch Run. Several hikers ducked in for lunch and some decided to stay. Fortunately the storms never materialized. We pressed on for a total of 18 miles to Quarry Gap, probably the most famous and aesthetically pleasing shelter on the trail. It is famous for its flowers and kitschy decorations.
Sadly one of the twin shelters at Quarry Gap got bonked by a blowdown. Most shelters are built like bunkers and can withstand a significant hit. This was Wednesday.
By mid-day Saturday repairs were well underway. The PATC north chapter mobilized to sneak repair materials in via the “secret squirrel” side trail. By nightfall, almost like new. Photos courtesy of the PATC north chapter.
Meanwhile, other members of the north chapter were organizing at nearby New Caledonia State Park to prepare a trail magic feast featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salads desserts, and soft drinks! After the work day, the crews descended to polish off the fixin’s.
Ours wasn’t the only trail magic. A well-intended generous soul left water near a road junction. We left it overnight, but cleaned it up on our way back to New Caledonia. Trail magic should not be left unattended, even if it is water which, unlike food and sugary drinks, does not attract animals.
A hiker’s favorite sign. This is trail magic done the right way. This guy comes out several times a year to cook hot dogs and serve snacks at the Old Forge picnic area. He retrieves his signs when the day is done. I loved his dogs last year and my dreams were fulfilled that he’d be there again this year. Before we left, the pavilion was full of hikers.
Our chunk of Pennsylvania has its scenery. Eponymously named Rocky Mountain is our signature site. In other places pine needles carpet the straightaways.
Houston, we have a malfunction. I’m still adjusting to switching to ultralight equipment. This Zpacks frame has had its issues. One reason the gear is lighter in weight is that it simply is not as rugged as the heavier traditional equipment. In this case, the design is flawed. Now both sides have been repaired with zip ties.
Graffiti continues to be a problem, although not nearly as bad as it was last year. “Sunshine” seems to be this year’s problem child. The first instance is in PA. The second is in NJ. We’re looking for you girl. “Pyro” last year’s biggest jerk has been painted over everywhere except in this one spot where someone seems to have had a sense of humor and maybe is trying to message others.
Literally rubbing out graffiti can be a sport.
The patrol ended with the last piece of microtrash at Penn-Mar, aka the Mason-Dixon line.
Sisu
A ridgerunner’s work is never done. Good you have the team support.
To be honest, I’m glad it’s my last year. It’s exhausting in spite of being extraordinarily rewarding. I need a new rock to push up the mountain. 🙂
How long have you been involved?
This is year eight
What a great photo post update. Ah…..Pennsylvania……….what I got out of PA was, fun rocks……painful double blister and a wonderful friend………
I still like the friend part.
It is Anelia Slavoff. You should fine her!
https://thetrek.co/author/anelia-slavoff/
We don’t fine anyone. Not our job. All we can do is ask someone to follow Leave No Trace ethics. There are at least three Sunshines on the trail this year. Not sure this one is the perp, but we can ask.
My son Tom and I have backpacked all over Michaux SF (we live in nearby Carlisle). Last year my wife dropped us off at Caledonia State Park on a Tuesday afternoon, and we hiked in a meandering and vaguely northeastern direction to the town of Boiling Springs, where she picked us up that Saturday afternoon. With a strategic use of side trails, Tom had taken us off the AT for probably two-thirds of the trek, resulting in our logging about 55 miles ’til it was all said and done! It’s a beautiful area to explore. Thanks for your work.