by Shanna Klucar, Program Administrator
Finally! Spring has sprung! Yes, it snowed a bit for many of us on the very first day of spring (Mother Nature has a sense of humor, after all), but most Pennsylvanians (our apologies to those in the Northern Tier!) no longer have to scrape the car windows, salt the sidewalk, or worry that their children will turn into kidcicles during the 10-minute wait for the school bus.
We’re now wearing gaiters to keep mud (not snow) from getting in our boots, and we are glimpsing signs of spring everywhere: bird choruses in the morning, buds forming on the trees, and crocuses just starting to peek out of the ground. We’re peeling off the layers when we hit the trail and welcoming the sun (when it graces us with an appearance) on our faces.
Now is the time to come out of hibernation, if you’ve been curled up on the couch (reading trail guides?) since November! Now is the time to meet new hiking partners and reunite with old trail buddies. Now is the time to celebrate the return of spring in the best way we hikers know how: by visiting our favorite footpaths! Now is the time to register for KTA’s Spring Hiking Weekend!
The KTA will host its annual Spring Meeting and Hiking Weekend from Friday, April 17, to Sunday, April 19, 2015, at Camp Swatara, in Bethel, Berks County.
In addition to hikes of all lengths and difficulty levels organized by the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club (BMECC), we will also have a hoedown with a 4-piece band with a caller, Ken Saul and the Blue Mountain Ramblers, to celebrate the BMECC’s 100th anniversary. We’ll also have a sing-along at our Saturday bonfire (bring your instruments!), a maintainer’s workshop, boating, miniature golf, climbing tower, and more!
Stay for a day—or the whole weekend! Bring your friends—and your kids! This is a fantastic way to introduce novice hikers of all ages to the beauty and wonder of Penn’s Woods. Children hike for free, and discounts for meals and lodging are available.
Need to recharge and renew? Select a weekend package and leave all the thinking, planning, and cooking to us—all you need to do is show up, and we’ll take care of the rest! Weekend participants must register by April 2. Commuter rates are also available; preregistration is not necessary for those not wishing to eat or lodge with us.
Not sure if you’re “ready” for this? This weekend is perfect for both novice day hikers and experienced backpackers. You will choose the hikes and activities that best meet your abilities and interests. Hikes will range from very easy and short to long and tough! If you’re brand-new to hiking and would like some advice on what to bring and wear, please let us know—we’re happy to help guide you!
Click here to learn more about this exciting weekend!