Everglades (09-09)

November 20-28, 2009

Organized by: Kelly McFadden, Joe Moran

The first Thanksgiving Break trip to depart, this trip explored the wonders of the Everglades National Park. The trip had varying degrees of difficulty depending on the current. As would be expected the weather was warm (80 degrees) and sunny, however it being Florida the weather was also unpredictable at times (high winds and downpours). All the perishable food perished within the first 3 days and large dry-bags were required to keep water-sensitive equipment safe and dry. The trip went smoothly. Note: many notes to follow.

• Long-term weather forecasts are unreliable for Florida
• it is suggested that perishable food be purchased in Florida to minimize spoilage
• lots of bugs
• bare feet = cut feet
• sun = sun burn
• Campsites in Everglades National Park must be reserved in person at the visitor center less than 24 hours before arrival at camp

Members in Attendance:

Nick Clabbers
Adam Cota
Brian Kocher
Pamela Lin
Thaddeus Line
Kelly McFadden
Joe Moran
Ed Wilson-Ewing

North Carolina (09-11)

November 20-25, 2009

Organized by: Zach Haas, Jake Catt

The third Thanksgiving trip of Fall 2009 was to Mount Mitchell and areas around it. The trip was originally planned to be ridge hiking, however wintery weather made traversing the mount dangerous and it was decided to change plans and go to Linville Gorge. The gorge was grossly underestimated and proved very challenging at points, most notably a long climb at nearly a 200% grade. The area was plagued by thick clouds, fog, drizzle, rain, and utter dampness. Fortunately all the gear was adequate and no emergencies arose. Other than falling off a cliff in the fog, or getting lost at night, or getting lost during the day in the fog, or trying to cross a freezing river in the rain, or... it was tricky. The group rolled with the challenges and turned out a terrific trip despite setbacks.

Members in Attendance:

Zach Haas

Jake Catt

Tony Hemming

Tyler Haas

Dave Alleman

Kaitlin Pope

Dan Trew

Milton Rock Gym (09-08)

November 8, 2009

Organized by: Kelly McFadden

This was the second official climbing trip to the Milton Rock Gym. There was much climbing to be had indoors. So far as we know, no one died, everyone had a good time.

Members in Attendance:

Attendance data is not available, if you have the trip roster please enter it here

WILD (09-07)

October 24-25, 2009

Organized by: Nick Clabbers, Kelly McFadden, Zach Haas, Danielle Gruen, Dan Trew

WILD (Wilderness Instructional Leadership Development) was reorganized this year, but was held in the same spirit as always. Those in attendance participated in sharing their backcountry knowledge, including both soft and hard skill sets. The weather was dead set to wash-out all of us, heavy flooding turned many trails into streams ankle-deep or more. The group was awesome and after opening up flourished. Many games were played and delayed departure for a few hours. Large groups are unwieldy and it is recommended that they be broken up for easier handling.

Members in attendance:

Nick Clabbers

Kelly McFadden

Zach Haas

Dan Trew

Zach Orban

Rebecca Baker

Kerry Brunner

Scott Campbell

Colin Carey

Jake Catt

Alex Devaux

Chris Grigas

Rachel Hoh

Noura Jebara

Helena Kotala

Pamela Lin

Nick Loew

Chris McCartney

Anne Sheldrake

Justin Shultz

Alie Treciak

Julia Vadas

ACA Canoe/Kayak Collegiate Championship (09-06)

October 9-11, 2009

Organized by: Brian Brosius

This was the second annual attendance of the Penn State Outing Club at the ACAC/KCC. PSOC placed 5th, and not out of 5. We received a certificate which is "on file" with The President. The trip was easy and requires no experience. The weather misbehaved and decided to be everywhere from 35-80 degrees with some sun and some rain. Overall the trip was a good time, no one died, everyone got along. Food of note: Apple Cinnamon Bagels with Hamburgers. Next year's race will be in Western North Carolina.

Members in Attendance:
Brian Brosius
Rohit Gandrakota
Darcy McKinley Lester
Stephen Meckler
Megan Murphy
Rich Schatz
Kurt Smithgall

Allegheny Front Trail (09-05)

October 2-4, 2009

Organized by: Dan Trew

This backpacking trip was to the Black Moshannon State Park along the Allegheny Front Trail. The trip consisted of the Southern-half of the trail, moving a clockwise direction. The trip started in darkness and rain but ended in sunlight and cloudlessness. The fall colors were in full tilt on the Allegheny Plateau resulting in beautiful vistas and a wonderful back-drop for hiking. The trip was greatly downsized prior to its departure due to illness and accidents resulting in a large rented gear surplus (namely 4 tents and 5 backpacks). The beginning portion of the trail should not be attempted in darkness. The many rocks and sudden trail changes make traversal hazardous and requires constant blaze-vigilance. The group did not talk much during the actual hiking, however once at camp the group became quite boisterous. All said, it is a great hiking trail and a great trail.

Members in Attendance:

Dan "were-wolf that eats people" Trew

Brennan "Brenda" Becker

Toma "Gypsy" Zikatanov

Joe "Don't you dare close your eyes" Sumereau

Jackie "The Girl" Don

Greg "geologist that saw it on a special" Smith

Climbnasium (09-04)

October 2, 2009

Organized by: Ryan Mullins

The first official climbing trip of the Fall 2009 semester was to the Climbnasium, an indoor climbing-nasium. The trip was a great time, no one died, everyone had fun.

Members in Attendance:

Attendance data is not available, if you have the trip roster please enter it here