[at-l] trail conditions AT Port Clinton- PA 225 15-20 Jan 2003

[icw@xxxxxxxxxxx (Clark Wright)]

Walt [and others]:  First, thanks to Walt for this info; it helps me out
re the march hike I'm cooking up, beginning about 3/18/03 just north of
Duncannon, and heading for Port Clinton and beyond.  I have about 10-14
days and plan to simply hike northward and see how far I can get in the
time that I have.  Anyone who wants to offer me thoughts on trail
conditions, weather, things to take/not take, places to see/not see,
preferred beverages of choice, etc. - well, feel free to zap me some
notes, on-list or off! :)

I plan to drive up, and probably am going to be able to meet one or two
of my 2001 hiker buddies, so that will help with vehicle logistics, but
if anyone wants to butt in and join me, that would be great, too!

thanks in advance,

thru-thinker

Walter Cobbs wrote:

> [ Converted text/html to text/plain ]
>
> PA Ruck SoBo hikers and friends--
>
> Here is a sketch of  trail conditions I found on my aborted attempt to hike to
> the PA Ruck  at Pine Grove Furnace from Post Clinton ( N of Reading PA),
> beginning 15 Jan  and ending 20 Jan when I stepped of f the trail with tummy
> trouble.
>
> Basic message: the trail is packed nearly all the way, snow cover
> consolidated and not deeper than about 12", the springs are running at the
> shelters (Eagle's Nest, 501 shelter,  Wm Penn, Rausch Gap, Peters Mtn),
> blowdowns are numerous, and the NIGHTS ARE VERY COLD, every one in single
> digit temps, some down to zero F.  The trail was never difficult to follow,
> even on the one cloudy moonless night by headlamp.  The  first three days I
> met no one.   All shelters were in good condition.
>
> The caretaker at 501 shelter (Mr. George Shallenberger) was most helpful.  At
> Peters Mtn, the small old leanto offers better  wind protection than the new
> shelter with the sleeping loft.  This fact assumed particular importance when
> a a snow squall with strong wind gusts struck at dawn just as I was loading my
> pack.  The 18 mile stretch between Wm Penn shelter and Rausch Gap shelter
> demands an early start, as I now appreciate.
>
> In all, the trip was a stringent test of  light-weight technics, including a 34
> oz synthetic sleeping bag, vapor barrier suit, and  (of course) synthetic fill
> insulated clothing.  Total starting pack weight was 26 lb, including 7 d food,
> 24 oz water,  and fuel.  I wore full leather boots but encountered a party of
> three training for a 2003 Ga-Me thruhike and doing fine in  trail shoes.  My
> equipment list is posted on the public sector of  www.rarebirds.com/gear[1]
> (you will need to register).
>
> Walt
>
>
>
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> ===References:===
>   1. http://www.rarebirds.com/gear
>   2. http://g.msn.com/8HMMENUS/2731
>
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