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Born in Bellfonte, PA, Terri Davis remembers hiking with her family from Cowan's Gap State Park to the Narrows Gun Club when she was ten years old. Now, retired and 59 years old, she has rediscovered her love of hiking. Terri first became involved with KTA through the Quehanna Area Trails Club, and by encountering trail signs noting our contributions.
Of all of the trails she has traversed, Terri says the Marion Brooks Trail is her favorite. As a maintainer of this trail, Terri's relationship to it is especially strong, and she feels indebted for the enrichment it has given her life. Though a short distance from the Quehanna Highway, she says the trail is diverse in its terrain, and therefore holds hikers' interest at each turn. Numerous wildlife encounters are among many of the gifts rewarded to her by the trail.
Overall, it is the connection to nature that keeps bringing Terri back to the trails. Her favorite thing about hiking is that "it slows you down so as to live in the moment of being connected to our first mother, Mother Earth." Terri remembers her dad's advice about hiking: "First look down the trail as far as you can see, and make a mental picture or map of the trail. Commit it to memory, then step forward, enjoy the scenery, and periodically look down at the trail where your mental map instinctively tells you that soon there will be a root or rock to watch out for. And so, repeat as you travel the trail."
For new hikers, she recommends starting with shorter hikes, and increasing the distance only once you are comfortable. She also suggests joining a local hiking club, as members love to share their tips and the joy of the experience.
With encouragement from fellow KTA member Susan Kerlin, and sponsorship from her family, Terri decided to take KTA's 2013 100-Mile Trail Challenge. She plans to incorporate familiar footpaths into her mileage, including the Marion Brooks and Big Spring Draft trails in the Quehanna Wild Area, which she volunteers to help maintain. She also hopes to explore new trails such as Tussey Mountain Trail, Golden Eagle Trail, and Fred's Woods Trail.
Please encourage your club members who are seeking a personal challenge, while also helping to protect Pennsylvania's hiking trails, to participate in KTA's 2013 100-Mile Challenge! Click here for more information. |