NOVEMBER 2, 2004 — CLARION, PA
Since October 20, Andrew hiked on the Finger Lakes Trail to the North Country Trail, through the Allegheny National Forest and on to Pennsylvania. He is now in PA hiking on roads and small sections of trail. After nine days of rain, the weather finally cleared. He saw his first black bear on this trip and has now hiked over 2000 miles. His comment was something like, “5,700 miles seems so much more plausible than 7,700, don’t you think? I mean, people hike 5,700 miles all the time.”
The Allegheny National Forest is a mature forest. The hiking was interesting and easy. Beautiful fall foliage and wildlife. He was fascinated by “rock cities” (a dozen of so huge boulders scattered in a valley). Some retreating glacial ice sheet had left them there. The Tionesta Scenic Area is an old growth section full of black cherry trees. The trees escaped the logging attempts but three-quarters were lost to a freak tornado during the nineties. It was a fascinating but sad sight. The Allegheny National Forest is actively managed and used for timber, oil and natural gas.
Last night Andrew stayed in Clarion, PA. He will enter the Moraine State park November 3rd and arrive in Wampum, PA on Thursday, the 5th. Moraine State Park is the location Andrew began his trek in February of 2004. He is among friends from the North Country Trail Association and hiking in familiar territory.
On Friday, November 6th, Andrew is taking a train from Pittsburgh, to come home for two to three days. This will be his “Thanksgiving” because he will be in a remote area in Ohio when Thanksgiving arrives on November 25th.
Thanks to all of you for your continued support and interest.
Total miles hiked: 2,070
Tags: