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The Philadelphia Trail Club
Bulletin
Founded 1931
In This Issue
President’s Corner...................... 1
Bulletin Board ............................. 2
March Hikes and Activities ......... 3
April Hikes and Activities ............ 4
From the Membership Chair....... 6
PTC Who’s Who ......................... 6
March-April, 2015
President’s Corner
By Debby Lamb People join our club for many reasons. Here are just a few: 1. We made a commitment to ourselves to get out and be more physically active in nature 2. We enjoy the company of others 3. We appreciate the guidance of the hike leaders, so we can Summary of Hikes
get out and explore the outdoors, something which we and Activities
would not feel comfortable doing alone. 4. We are looking for an opportunity to build friendships with like-‐minded souls. Sun., Mar. 1 Phoenixville 5. We would rather be tromping around in the woods than Sat., Mar. 7 Ridley Creek (Round 1) shopping in a mall or sitting in front of a TV on the Sun., Mar. 8 Green Ribbon Trail weekends Sat., Mar. 14 Norristown Farm Park 6.
We would like to travel and hike in faraway places with our Sun., Mar. 15 Valley Forge Impoundment PTC friends (think excursions) Sat., Mar. 21 Philly Spring Training Hike 7. We feel it is important to support trail maintenance Sun., Mar. 22 Ralph Stover State Park initiatives such as Appalachian Trail repair work parties or Sat., Mar. 28 No hike scheduled Sun., Mar. 29 Brandywine Creek State Park contributions to local organizations such as Friends of the Sat., Apr. 4 Ridley Creek (Round 2) Wissahickon or Friends of Pennypack Park Sun., Apr. 5 No hike scheduled PTC keeps on running because members contribute in these ways: Sat., Apr. 11 Annual Meeting & Luncheon 1. Leading hikes. This is crucial because without hikes and Sun., Apr. 12 Bridlewild in Gladwyne leaders we don’t have a club! Sat., Apr. 18 Lower Wissahickon 2. Coordinating the hikes schedule and getting the word out to Sun., Apr. 19 Lower Gwynedd Trails you about offerings for the next two months Sat., Apr. 25 Pennypack Preserve 3.
Serving on the board. They do the following and more: Sun., Apr. 26 Wharton State Forest, NJ collecting dues, paying bills, getting out the newsletter, managing the website, keeping you up to date on changes and cancellations through email, keeping hike data, managing the membership list, collaborating with other hiking organizations toward shared goals, making and cancellations through email, keeping hike data, managing the m
embership list, collaborating with other hiking decisions about club initiatives, doing good works (grant organizations toward shared goals, making decisions about club initiatives, doing good works (grant distribution to trail distribution to trail maintenance organizations) and maintenance organizations) and keeping our archives and photos in place. keeping our archives and photos in place. Currently we have a dedicated group of individuals who work very hard to keep this club going. We can’t do this alone and many of us have done multiple jobs. WE NEED YOU! If you have been in the club for at least a year, it is time to lead or co-‐lead your first hike. You do not have to do this alone. We are here to help you get started by teaming you up with another hike leader. Even co-‐leading puts you in a position of giving back to the club and gaining an understanding of the commitment members make when they do this. If you feel that leading or co-‐leading is not for you, this is the time to dig down and think of ways you can contribute to the health and well-‐being of this club. Consider one of the positions on the board. If you are not sure how to help, consider serving as a councilor. The councilors attend board meetings and become familiar with the issues and inner workings of the club. They take on special projects as needed. We also have other opportunities where one can give of their skills and time. For example, help with organizing social events such as our annual Holiday party, Spring luncheon and the Bring a friend Weenie Roast. (Continued on next page) Member: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Keystone Trails Association
Club Website: www.philadelphiatrailclub.org
(Continued from page 1) This year there are only 3 positions open on the board: Hike Coordinator, Councilor and Trails Coordinator /Liaison to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. You will be receiving my email again with descriptions of these jobs. Please take the time to read it and consider how you can contribute either to these positions or to the ideas listed above. We can’t do it without you. Contact me if you want more information on how you can give back. Thank you. Debby
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Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting Spring House Tavern, 1032 Bethlehem Pike, Spring House 19447 April 11, 2015 12 noon cash bar, 1pm Luncheon $26 per person For details see page 5 Bulletin Board
Board Meeting, Tuesday, March 17, 2015
The PTC Board will meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Plymouth Meeting Friends Meeting House at the corner of
Germantown and Butler Pikes. All members are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Memorial Fund
A resounding thank you to Auda Gallagher, Mary Jane Cobb, Harry Edenborn, and Debby Lamb for requesting Memorial Grant funds for several worthy causes. Any PTC member can request funds. Just e-‐mail your request to Buzz Wemple at buzznjill@netscape.com, and he will run it through a most flexible committee, write the check, mail it, and your PTC stature will skyrocket. Keep those cards and letters coming! Regards, Buzz
Hike Leaders Needed
Spring will be here soon! Now is the time to get your hikes scheduled with Auda Gallagher, the Hike
Chair, for the May-June Bulletin. Let her know if you want your hike listed on Meetup.com. Phone: 267613-8212, email: audurgallagher@gmail.com
Croatia Excursion - Sept. 25 – Oct. 6, 2015
We still have space for a couple of hikers. Trip includes staying in bed & breakfasts, transportation within
Croatia, roundtrip ferry Venice/Rovinj and hiking with a local hiking guide . This excursion is for PTC
members only. If you are interested please call Jane Herwig Frassenei immediately at 267-312-4594 or
e-mail jsherwig@verizon.net.
Dues??? If you haven’t sent yours in, you’re overdue. Don’t miss out on the hiking
action. Send $10 (for Bulletin by email) or $13 (for Bulletin by post office) plus
any donation you’d like for our Memorial Fund or Operations to: Marjorie O’Neill,
Treasurer, Philadelphia Trail Club, 16 Arlington Ave., Malvern, PA 19355
~~~~~~~~
March Hikes
Sun., Mar. 1
Phoenixville
9:30 a.m.
9 miles
Class 1+
This is a steady, moderately paced hike on parts of the Schuylkill River Trail and through historic Phoenixville. We will meet and
start out in Upper Providence Township at Longford Park/Reynolds Dog Park (http://www.uptrc.com/parks-longfordpark.php). Optional stop for lunch and beer afterwards at Fitzwater Station, a small tavern along the hike route in Port
Providence. Bring water and snacks if desired, and poles if you use them. DIRECTIONS: For Google maps or MapQuest, use
1000 Longford Rd as the closest address. I will hike in rain or snow if not a hurricane or blizzard so call, text or email me if unsure.
LEADER: Deborah Lamb 215-896-5743 or deborahthelamb@gmail.com.
Sat., Mar. 7
Ridley Creek State Park (Round 1)
10:00 a.m.
5 miles
Class 1-2
Ridley Creek State Park is 2,606 acres located in Delaware County between PA Route 352 and PA Route 252 on Gradyville Road.
DIRECTIONS: From Route 476 go to exit 5, US 1 South; proceed on US 1 South to PA 352 North (right turn) for about 3.5 miles,
then make sharp right turn at Gradyville Road, stay on Gradyville (bear right at fork) and follow signs to Park
Entrance/Office/Hunting Hill Mansion. Meet at the parking lot closest to the mansion. GPS Address: 1023 Sycamore Mills Road,
Media, PA 19063. Leader: Ines Breen, 267-420-2331, pibreen1@outlook.com
Sun., Mar. 8
Green Ribbon Hike
9:30 a.m.
6 miles
Class 1+
Here’s a cute little hike to keep the blood circulating in cold weather! We walk on paved or gravel paths from Flourtown to Ft.
Washington. One long hill gets us up to the bird-viewing platform, where we can pause to see who’s flying through (bring your
binoculars). We go around the park and back to the trail. Sneakers will be ok. Bring snacks.
DIRECTIONS:
From
Germantown Pike in Lafayette Hill go north on Joshua Road, Right at second light onto Stenton Avenue, Left at next light onto
Cricket Club Road. Go Left at stop sign. Parking is on the right, directly across the street from the country club clubhouse. Look
for 6025 West Valley Green Road, Flourtown, PA 19031 on MapQuest or Google maps. Leader: Carol Beam 215-327-8021 (cell) or
loracbeam@gmail.com. Register in advance.
Sat., Mar. 14
Norristown Farm Park
10:00 a.m.
5-6 miles
Class 1-2
Hike this scenic and lovely farm park with beautiful winter vistas. Mostly level with a few hills and a trail near the creek. If a
volunteer is available, we'll be able to see the workings of the trout hatchery located on the grounds. Bring water and lunch for
after the hike if weather permits. DIRECTIONS: From, Rt. 202, turn West onto Germantown Pike. Go approximately 1.3 miles
to North Wales Ed/ Barley Sheaf Drive, turn left then bear right to enter Norristown Farm Park via Upper Farm Road, Go 0.3
miles to main parking lot across from Park Office (white building). Leader: Janice Myers. 215-699-2288.
Sun., Mar. 15
Valley Forge Great Impoundment
10:00 a.m.
6+ miles
Class 1-2
Moderately easy hike with interesting highlights. We will hike along the Schuylkill, then turn off to head for one end of the
impoundment, a 20-foot high man-made dam used to contain Schuylkill River dredging residue (coal dust). We will hike the full
length of the impoundment (about 1 mile) and then walk in the area near Pawling’s farm (lunch?). Then, it’s back to the river and
to our cars and refreshments. DIRECTIONS: From King of Prussia take Rt. 422 west to Trooper Road exit. At top of the ramp, at
the barrier, turn left, go over bridge, and then left again (don’t go around the barrier). Continue downhill. At bottom of hill, turn
right onto Sullivan Lane (Valley Forge National Park). Park on the other side of Restrooms. Call to register. Leaders: Murray &
Marcia Zanger, 610-728-5321, m.zanger@usciences.edu, or cell (morning of hike): 610-203-2528.
Sat., Mar. 21
Philly Spring Training Hike
9:15 a.m.
10 miles
Class 2
While the Phillies tune up in the closing days of Spring Training, let’s get in shape with a loop hike over the hills of the lower
Wissahickon to Laurel Hill. Partly on trails, but partly on pavement taking us along the beautiful River Drives and over Falls
Bridge and Strawberry Mansion Bridge. Good views of the City from our lunch spot on Laurel Hill. Bring lunch and water and
wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Refreshments after the hike. DIRECTIONS: Meet at Walnut Lane Golf Course. From the city,
take Kelly Drive, Ridge Ave. (West), and right on Walnut Lane. After crossing Henry Ave., turn left at the next corner
(Magdalena St.) into the parking lot on the left. For Google directions, use Walnut Lane and Magdalena St., Philadelphia, PA.
Leader: Dave Scheid (215-435-9012). E-mail: davescheid@yahoo.com.
Sun., Mar. 22 Red Cliffs of Ralph Stover State Park & Dam Release Weekend
9:45 a.m.
7 miles
Class 4
Bucks Co. Meet at Ralph Stover State Park and hike to the overlooks at High Rocks State Park. Descending the cliffs midway we
traverse them and view the rock climbing routes (class 4). This is the Lake Nockamixon Dam release weekend which raises the
water level in the Tohickon Creek creating rapids which draw many kayakers. We will stop at the creek to watch the kayakers
shoot the rapids. Next we continue on a hilly and rocky trail (class 2) to Tohickon Valley Park where we stop for a lunch break.
Returning we take a lower route along the same side of the creek. Total elevation gain is about 600 feet. Directions: Follow Rt.
611 North, then take the by-pass around Doylestown, continuing on 611 North shortly after Super Wawa on left make a right turn
at Stump Rd. Follow Stump Rd. into Ralph Stover Park. Turn right at end of Stump Rd. then quick left and park. Meet at red
bridge. Leader: Art Bucci 215-450-7070 or e-mail ambuccis@msn.com. Registration required.
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Sat., March 28 No Hike Scheduled
Sun., Mar. 29
Brandywine Creek State Park
10:30 a.m.
5-6 miles
Class 2
Beautiful hike through rolling hills in mature forests on both sides of the river. Walking in the woods, some open areas and along
the river and small stream crossing. Bring lunch, water, walking sticks, boots (may be muddy). Meet at the Nature Center/Park
Office at 10:30 a.m., 41 Adams Dam Rd, Rockland, DE. There is a $6.00 charge per car. Contact me for carpooling information.
DIRECTIONS: I-95 South; Exit 8-B for US-202 N/Concord Pike; 0.8 miles - bear right following signs for Foulk Rd; immediately
keep left at the fork toward DE-141 S/Powder Mill Rd; 0.7 miles - left on Children’s Dr.; 0.1 miles – right on Rockland Rd; 1.6
miles –a slight right onto Adams Dam Rd; 0.4 miles – Park entrance on right. Follow road to the left to the Nature Center/Park
Office parking lot. Refreshments after hike. Registration required. Snow or heavy rain may cancel hike. Leader: Carol CameronSears 215-242-4256, cell 215-813-1703 (day of hike), e-mail: carolsears@comcast.net
April Hikes
Sat., Apr. 4
Ridley Creek State Park (Round 2)
10:00 a.m.
5 miles
Class 1-2
Ridley Creek State Park is 2,606-acres located in Delaware County between PA Route 352 and PA Route 252 on Gradyville Road.
DIRECTIONS: From Route 476 go to exit 5, US 1 South; proceed on US 1 South to PA 352 North (right turn) for about 3.5 miles,
then make sharp right turn at Gradyville Road, stay on Gradyville (bear right at fork) and follow signs to Park Entrance. Once in
the park follow signs to Picnic Parking Area # 15. GPS Address: 1023 Sycamore Mills Road, Media, PA 19063. Leader: Ines Breen,
267-420-2331, pibreen1@outlook.com
Sun., Apr. 5
No Hike Scheduled
Sat., Apr. 11
Annual Meeting and Luncheon
Easter Sunday
Sun,. Apr. 12
Bridlewild Trails in Gladwyne
10 a.m.
5-6 miles
Class 2
Bridlewild Trails Association maintains more than 40 miles of lovely wooded walking and riding trails in Lower Merion
Township located in Gladwyne. Hilly hike with possible stream crossings. Hiking boots strongly recommended. Bring water and
snack/lunch. Meet at Flat Rock Park parking lot, on River Road and (nearby) Mill Creek Road in Gladwyne 19035.
DIRECTIONS: From Center City: Take Expressway west. Take Gladwyne Exit, bottom of ramp carefully turn right under bridge
onto River Road. Turn into second parking lot on right. From Conshohocken: Go over the Conshohocken Bridge and take left
following sign for Rte. 23, Conshohocken State Rd. After several miles you will come to dead end with traffic light. Continue on
Rte. 23 by turning left (it becomes Mill Creek Rd. if you go right). At the next light, turn left onto Hollow Road and go to bottom
of hill straight and under the bridge and left onto River Road. Meet in second parking lot on right. Leader: Charlotte Biddle 215247-0837 e-mail: biddlesea@gmail.com Rain cancels.
Sat., Apr. 18
Lower Wissahickon
10:00 a.m.
6+ miles
Class 2
Philadelphia County. Sites and less travelled trails of Lower Wissahickon starting from Walnut Lane Golf Clubhouse parking lot.
Lots of ups and downs. Visit Rittenhouse Town, the 100 steps, Kelpius Cave, and Lover’s Leap. Boots recommended. Bring
lunch and water. DIRECTIONS: Lot at Walnut Lane and Magdalena Street, 1 block east (traffic light) on the left coming from
Henry Ave. Going west from Germantown or Wissahickon Ave., it is on the right just after crossing the bridge. From downtown,
use Kelly Drive and Ridge Ave. to a right onto Walnut Lane. Use 800 Walnut Lane, Philadelphia or above intersection for
www.mapquest.com . Note: No. 9 bus from Center City stops at Walnut La. and Ridge Ave. three blocks away. No. 65 bus stops
at the lot. Refreshments after hike! Please register with leaders for this hike. Weather doubtful? Call leader. Leaders: Murray and
Marcia Zanger 610-728-5321; cell (morning of hike): 610-203-2528 e-mail: m.zanger@usciences.edu.
Sun., Apr. 19
Lower Gwynedd Trails
9:30 a.m.
6 miles
Class 1
We will hike on 6 of the 12 miles of scenic hiking trails in Lower Gwynedd Township, Montgomery County and end at the
leaders' home with a pizza party. Meet at the township building located at 1130 N. Bethlehem Pike, Spring House, PA.
DIRECTIONS: From PA turnpike, Exit 339, take 309 north to Spring House/Gwynedd Mercy Exit. Turn left on to Norristown
Road. At Norristown Road and Bethlehem Pike, turn right. Township building will be about ½ mile on your right. Leaders: Jane
Frassenei and Anne Getty. Register in advance at 215-646-4051 after April 5 or 267-312-4594 (cell) anytime before then.
Sat., Apr. 25
Pennypack Preserve
10:00 a.m.
6 miles
Class 2
Meet at Mason Mill Park 3500 Masons Mill Rd Huntingdon Valley PA, park between the tennis courts and pond.
We will hike in the Pennypack Preserve, and make our way to the Glencairn Museum and Bryn Athyn Church. Bring lunch,
water and wear hiking shoes. Hike leaders Karen & Chris Poli. kcpolispunky@gmail.com or 215-407-8507. Registration required.
(Hikes continue on next page)
Page 4
Sun., Apr. 26
Carranza Memorial to Apple Pie Hill 9:45 a.m.
8 miles
Class 1
Out and back hike. Burlington Co., N.J. Start at The Carranza Memorial dedicated to the pioneer Mexican aviator who died at
this site when his airplane crashed during a storm on his return trip to Mexico from New York City. At the time he was known as
‘the Lindberg of Mexico.” From Memorial, we hike along the Batona Trail to Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower, called one of the most
amazing views on the East Coast by the USGS. DIRECTIONS: From Red Lion circle of US 206 and Route 70, take US 206 south
for 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Carranza Road (CR 648). Travel 2.2 miles to Tabernacle. At the stop sign, cross CR 532 and continue
south on Carranza Road (CR 648). Shortly you will enter Wharton State Forest. At 6.7 miles from Tabernacle, the Carranza
Memorial and parking lot are located on the right. To register or for more Information contact leader: Art Bucci 215-450-7070 or
ambuccis@msn.com. Registering in advance required.
COME TO OUR SPRING LUNCHEON AND ANNUAL MEETING
Spring House Tavern, 1032 Bethlehem Pike, Spring House 19447
April 11, 2015
12 noon cash bar, 1pm Luncheon
For $26 per person, lunch will be your choice of four different selections to be ordered that day. The choices are crab cake, petite fillet, stuffed chicken or fish. Directions: The restaurant is at the corner south/east corner of Bethlehem Pike and Norristown Road. From Fort Washington, take Bethlehem pike north approximately 5 miles to the restaurant driveway on the right before the traffic at Norristown Road. It can be reached from the north via Bethlehem Pike and the east via Norristown Road. Please make checks payable to Philadelphia Trail Club and sent to Anne Franks, 4054 N. Warner Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444-‐1427. Deadline for checks and reservations is April 6. Please mark your calendar to send reservation by April 3 or sooner so we can plan the festivities. Please call Jill Wemple at 215-‐628-‐4163 with any questions. Page 5 FROM THE MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
Dorothy R. Smith, 2142 Bristol Road, Warrington, PA 18976-1514, E-mail: drsmith524@verizon.net, Phone: 215-343-1142
March-April 2015
WELCOME TO MEMBERSHIP
Franz J. Portmann, Hockessin, DE
Jeff Pelletier, Lafayette Hill, PA
Raymond Tobey, Radnor, PA
Assunta Becker, Wayne, PA
CHANGES:
Anne W. Getty: awgetty227@gmail.com (new email address)
Tirzah Rom: tirzahrom55@gmail.com (new email address)
Debby Lamb: deborahthelamb@gmail.com (new email address)
Paul Schubert: 484-319-0498 (new telephone #)
RESIGNED
Millie E. Schick, Doylestown, PA
PTC Who’s Who
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer
Membership:
Trails:
Debby Lamb
Tirzah Rom
Susan Smolens
Marjorie O’Neill
Dorothy Smith
Dave Scheid
Paul Schubert
Hike Program: Auda Gallagher
Hike Statistics: Bill Franks
215-836-1369
267-722-8346
610-220-3412
610-644-3350
215-343-1142
267-385-7443
610-701-8685
267-613-8212
610-828-2530
Archivist:
Carol Cameron-Sears
Memorial Fund: Buzz Wemple
Counselors:
Brooks Bromley
Eileen Lynn
Dror Rom
Bulletin Editors: Carol Beam
Eileen Lynn
Ines Breen
Webmaster:
Steve Leonard
215-242-4256
215-628-4163
267-243-2116
215-842-0649
267-722-8346
215-836-1046
215-842-0649
484-842-1293
215-628-3739
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