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

Hickory Run SP (09-03)

September 18-20, 2009

Organized by: Nick Clabbers

Many attended this outing to the Hickory Run State Park. The trip consisted of day-hikes and campfires, with new members getting to know old members. The chicken suit made many appearances on this trip, and even took its life in its own hands on the Shades of Death trail. The weather for this strip was spectacular, though there was an unusual cold-snap that resulted in frost on one member's hammock and car window. There is currently an album up on the photo-gallery of this trip.

Members in Attendance:
Catherine Campbell
Jake Catt
Nick Clabbers
Renee Fledderman
Rohit Gandrakota
Zach Haas
Natasha Lucas
Ryan Mullins
Brittany Murphy
David Semple
David Smith
Dan Trew
Carolyn Weber
Emily Wychock

Allegheny River (09-02)

September 11-13, 2009

Organized by: Mike Szedlmayer

The first water-born trip of the 2009 Fall semester was held on the Allegheny River from Kinzua Dam to Indian Waters Outfitters. The trip was reportedly very easy and appropriate for all levels of skill. The less-than-favorable weather at the stat caused a small delay, but the trip ended on a sunny note. There was adequate food, however the kayaks were mediocre (Indian Waters Outfitters is not recommended for a return trip). The water in the Allegheny was dirty and packing in water is recommended if possible. The group was a good mix of core members and new people that got along. A final note: Don't forget a spatula.

Members in Attendance:

Mike Szedlmayer
James Basham
Kelly McFadden
Roozbeh Foroozan
Eric Schmidt
Molly Burbank
David Semple
Emily Donner
Stephanie Vliet

Old Logger's Path (09-01)

September 4-7, 2009

Organized by: Joe Moran

The first official trip of the 2009 Fall semester was held in Tiadaghton State Forrest along the Old Logger's Path Trail. The hike was clockwise starting at night in Masten, an abandoned logging town, and completed the entire trail. The trail was marked by a few very significant elevation changes, but overall was an excellent trail system. Early sections of the trail proved to slightly over-grown and prickly, though this was short-lived. The weather was perfect, highs in the 70's and lows in mid 50's. In the prospect of the perfect weather the group elected to not bring any tents and instead sleep on tarps. The food brought was pasta, instant mashed potatoes, stuffing, chicken, eggs, and a large quantity of other foods. There was an excellent amount of food resulting in very little left over at the end of the trip and the portions were very generous. The end of the hike was marked by a stay at the legendary water-hole along the path. The entire group ventured forth into the frigid waters, and many members participated in a an early morning "polar bear swim." The group was cheerful and cooperated well, old friends and new all around.

Members in attendance:

Joe Moran

Dan Trew

Diana Zahuranec

Molly Burbank & Tuffy

Roozbeh Foroozan

Kelly McFadden

Ben Hardwick

Rich Schatz

Emily Riddle

Pamela Lin

Rothrock Easter Hike

April 11-12, 2009
Organized by: Michele Scanze, Kelly McFadden

This single-overnight hiking adventure was a romp through Rothrock State Forest. The trip went out under perfect hiking weather in the early spring. An easter egg hunt was held in the morning of the second day to the joy of all the participants. No one died, and much easter candy was eaten by all.

Members in Attendance:
Michele Scanze
Kelly McFadden
Molly Burbank
Kate Lalancette
Helena Kotala
Rob Justice
Dan Trew

Gila National Wilderness Area

March 6-15, 2009
Organized by: Nick Clabbers

This Spring Break '09 trip was to the Gila National Wilderness Area, New Mexico. The long-term backpacking trip required much preparation and planing (from dehydrating whole meals, to organizing transportation, and a whole lot more). The area was beautiful, however weather was widely unpredictable and many portions of the trail were challenging. Some equipment brought was not up to par with what the weather threw at it, resulting in some less-than-happy outcomes. No one died however, and the group united against a common foe late in the trip and much laughter was had. There may have been a federal crime committed, but that is the stuff of legend and myth.

Members in Attendance:
Nick Clabbers
Franz Lichtner
Kaitlin Pope
Toma Zikatanov
Kelly McFadden
Gretchen Wall
Dan Trew