by Sue-Ann Roades
Pennsylvania is home to many people who get out and walk in the woods. Some of these individuals prefer big mountains, and others enjoy strolling along streams. Others – like 30-year-old Nick Penglase, from Danielsville, PA -- don’t seem to care where they go, so long as they are out and about in the natural world.
Nick’s favorite trail is Hickory Run’s Fireline Trail. Whichever trail he’s on, Nick’s favorite aspect of putting boots on the trail is “the physicality of it. There is something immensely satisfying about aching all over at the end of a long hike.”
His most memorable hike consisted of a trek up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, with his dog and fiancé. Despite (or due to?) the cold temperatures and the steady rain, this was the most invigorating hike of Nick’s life!
Nick is upping his outdoor ante by deciding to take KTA’s 100-Mile Trail Challenge. To him, this was “a win-win decision” since it gives back to KTA, an organization that Nick discovered while checking into the annual Susquehanna Super Hike and Ultra Trail Run last year. Though he missed the cutoff to participate in the KTA trail run last year, he definitely plans to register for the 2015 event. Since the Super Hike isn’t until September 12, he won’t be able to count those miles towards this year’s 100-Mile Challenge, so Nick will focus on hiking the Loyalsock Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and in Nescopeck and Hickory Run state parks.
Nick offers the following advice to new hikers: “Hike what you like and (go) at your own pace.”
In addition, Nick warns novices to make sure to pack enough water and/or a water purification system, so that they can stay sufficiently hydrated.
We wish him a most successful journey on his goals of helping himself and the hikers of Pennsylvania with this goal he is seeking to attain.
Nick took the Challenge. Will you? Sign up today on www.kta-hike.org.