Minister Creek Snowshoing - Feb 2007
First, my pictures are here:
http://www.soundsofthedesert.org/ministercreek.htm
Neville's pictures are here:
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/557894868emdYjZ
Spindle's pictures are here:
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/557898975CbvKgb
No_Granola was a slacker and didn't take pictures.
I went on my first snowshoeing adventure this weekend to Minister Creek in Allegheny NF in the NW sector of Pennsyltucky. I met up with a couple of friends from SE Pennsyltucky and one from TX that had flown up to Philly on Friday morning (crazy man... he left 80* weather to get this winter experience!). The original plan was to meet up at the trail head on Friday night and pack in about 3.3 miles Saturday and pack out 3.3 miles on Sunday. Plans are made to be changed.
Friday Night:
After about a 5 hour drive into Pennsyltucky, I arrive at the Devil's Highway (as it has become affectionately known), SR 666. I turn left in search of the Minister Creek Campground and trailhead. I get to an area that says Minister Creek campground, but I don't see any other cars around and the shadows of those by a fire didn't look like anyone in my party. So, I drive past a little ways and turn around. I came back and asked the guys if they had 3 others wondering around and they let me know they were just in the next campsite and were parked across the street.
I hauled my crap into camp and greeted everyone and set up camp. Spindle and I instantly started giggling.
After sitting around and shooting the shit for a while, we decided to head over to the neighbor's campfire and steal their heat. Quite an entertaining couple of guys. I forget the other's name, but the drunk biker dude was George. He was amazed to see Spindle and I out there in the cold and snow and giggling. And he kept letting us know just how amazed he was.
After fishing him out of the fire once and watching him fall multiple times, we decided it was time to hit the sack.
It got down to about 4* (take a little) on Friday night.
Everything was frozen in the morning. We listened to the tree limbs cracking all night long because of the cold. Michelle and I have the same -5* bag and we both noted that the temp rating was seriously being pushed that night. Not to mention, try getting up to pee in single digit temps!
Saturday:
When we woke up the next morning, even though the sky was clear the entire night, there was a fresh dusting of snow that coated everything. It created a pretty sparkle when the sun hit it.
Our tents were completely frozen and it was probably still only 10* (probably less) when we woke up. Plus, the weather was supposed to turn very nasty on Sunday and we needed to make sure we were out before that hit. So, we opted to just base camp, throw our snow shoes on and don our daypacks and attempt to day hike the 6.6 mile loop that is Minister Creek.
We started out at about 10am. Snowshoeing is very slow going and works all types of muscles I don't think I knew I had. The first half mile is all uphill and the only other people that had been on the trail were those without snow shoes. So, we were pretty much breaking trail since the new snow came on Thursday night.
The surrounding areas were completely white with about 2 foot of snow on the ground. The sun was bouncing off the snow and creating one heck of a glare. The woods were sparkling with the new powder and fresh animal tracks were everywhere.
We reached a trail junction and made an executive decision to go .8 miles up to the overlook instead of doing the whole loop. Our Texan wasn't feeling too hot from his travels and both he and I were snowshoe virgins (it made for some slow-going). The PA folks had snowshoed before, but had not had the opportunity to do much.
So, up to the overlook we went. I was quite pleased with this decision. The surrounding snow covered boulders were beautiful. The trail itself was quite impressive. There were huge boulders topped with 2-3 foot of snow lining the trails. Some had impressive ice hangs on the sides.
We were nearly to the top when we hit an area that had a couple of rock houses. In the lower rock house, it was quite evident that someone had camped here. There was a fire ring and fire wood stashed in the cave. We had to go through the upper rock house to get to the overlook. We took a little break in the sun and proceeded to the overlook. There was a really great view here that would probably be made better with a little foliage. There was a good two foot of snow on top of the overlook and the Texan was knee deep in it.
After we had our fill of the looking out over bare trees and snow covered ground, we headed back to the lower rock house for lunch and decided to build a little fire. We sat and visited for a bit before heading back down to put the snowshoes on and heading back to camp. We left the rock house at about 1:30pm.
1.5 miles later it was 3:00 (total miles hiked, about 3). When we got back to camp, we did some filtering and the boys sent Spindle and I to go look for fire wood. We hopped in the car, hopped on Satan's Highway and went back toward Sheffield. We ended up at a motel/campground to see about firewood. I pulled into what appeared to be a plowed or snow packed driveway only to discover that looks are quite deceiving. As I was driving toward the General Store of the campground, the front end of my car sunk about a foot into the snow.
Not for anything were we getting that sucker out. I tried all the tricks I learned from last month's adventures.... Nothing. We went up to the motel office and we were greeted by the most pleasant lady who informed us that we just added to her chaos for the day. All we were looking for were shovels. So, while she was yelling for Frank, I called AAA and had them dispatch a tow truck to come and pull me out. We waited for 3 hours (and after numerous phone calls). Nobody showed. Finally, some locals (pretty good looking guys, to boot) took pity on us and came to help. With the help of some concrete used to add weight in a pickup and a 4x4 coming along a little later and strapping onto my back end, we finally got out! (Frank's wife, Sue, ended up taking pity on us and felt bad about her first impression and did end up sending Frank out with a few Chocolate Mocha Cookies. This woman knows how to make friends!) Had we stayed any longer, I think Spindle and I would have been adopted.
Thankfully, the owner had sold us some firewood while we were waiting, so all we had to do was get back to the campsite. Mind you, we left camp at 3:30'ish and didn't get back until 7 that night. The boys were just a bit worried. They actually thought we had decided to get a hotel room, good meal and hit a bar instead of returning to the campsite.
We were hungry backpacking girls who hadn't had an adequate amount of alcohol to deal with that stress. We didn't even think to get phone numbers before hurrying off! We must of have been sick.
When we finally got back to camp, Neville and No_Granola had cleaned off the picnic table and had started to get a campfire going. They didn't know when/if we were coming back and it was getting cold quick. ;) Thankfully, there were hot dogs saved for us. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Once we were properly fed, we were content girls again.
We had a hell of a blaze going that night, but not enough alcohol to keep me awake. I was falling asleep on my feet in front of the fire. It was probably about 11 when I headed off to bed, which is very early for me. I believe nearly everyone else followed.
I slept like a baby that night. It was a much warmer night, probably coming in at around 20*.
Sunday:
We woke up just as the wind was kicking in and decided to get the hell outta Dodge. We got packed up and I followed Spindle, Neville and N_G toward I-80 to find someplace to eat breakfast. Our encounters with the locals weren't quite over.
We hit this little bar/diner along the way. They had a breakfast bar and that didn't sound half bad at the time. Spindle noted we got some pretty interesting looks from a table of women that we walked by. I had only one thing on my mind at that time and it wasn't a table of women.
The food was average, but I picked and chose wisely. N_G and I share a disgust for ketchup on eggs. We watched Neville drench his eggs in lots and lots of 'tchup. How one can eat cooked poultry embryos like this, I'll never know....
Our waitress was also playing with fire when my coffee cup ran empty and was that way for several minutes.
It's been a while since I felt that malicious. It's just not my character!
Soon, it was time to say goodbye. I would head West and Spindle, N_G and Neville would head East. We said our goodbyes and off we went.
Things I learned:
When it's single digit temps outside, condensation from your breath will freeze your hair.
Toes get cold very quickly.
When you're finally warmed up and have to go back outside, it's 20x's worse. You're better off staying cold.
Stay stuck in the snow long enough and some hot local boys will help you get your car out. Next time, don't forget to take names and numbers.
http://www.soundsofthedesert.org/ministercreek.htm
Neville's pictures are here:
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/557894868emdYjZ
Spindle's pictures are here:
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/557898975CbvKgb
No_Granola was a slacker and didn't take pictures.
I went on my first snowshoeing adventure this weekend to Minister Creek in Allegheny NF in the NW sector of Pennsyltucky. I met up with a couple of friends from SE Pennsyltucky and one from TX that had flown up to Philly on Friday morning (crazy man... he left 80* weather to get this winter experience!). The original plan was to meet up at the trail head on Friday night and pack in about 3.3 miles Saturday and pack out 3.3 miles on Sunday. Plans are made to be changed.
Friday Night:After about a 5 hour drive into Pennsyltucky, I arrive at the Devil's Highway (as it has become affectionately known), SR 666. I turn left in search of the Minister Creek Campground and trailhead. I get to an area that says Minister Creek campground, but I don't see any other cars around and the shadows of those by a fire didn't look like anyone in my party. So, I drive past a little ways and turn around. I came back and asked the guys if they had 3 others wondering around and they let me know they were just in the next campsite and were parked across the street.
I hauled my crap into camp and greeted everyone and set up camp. Spindle and I instantly started giggling.
After sitting around and shooting the shit for a while, we decided to head over to the neighbor's campfire and steal their heat. Quite an entertaining couple of guys. I forget the other's name, but the drunk biker dude was George. He was amazed to see Spindle and I out there in the cold and snow and giggling. And he kept letting us know just how amazed he was.After fishing him out of the fire once and watching him fall multiple times, we decided it was time to hit the sack.
It got down to about 4* (take a little) on Friday night.
Everything was frozen in the morning. We listened to the tree limbs cracking all night long because of the cold. Michelle and I have the same -5* bag and we both noted that the temp rating was seriously being pushed that night. Not to mention, try getting up to pee in single digit temps!Saturday:
When we woke up the next morning, even though the sky was clear the entire night, there was a fresh dusting of snow that coated everything. It created a pretty sparkle when the sun hit it.
Our tents were completely frozen and it was probably still only 10* (probably less) when we woke up. Plus, the weather was supposed to turn very nasty on Sunday and we needed to make sure we were out before that hit. So, we opted to just base camp, throw our snow shoes on and don our daypacks and attempt to day hike the 6.6 mile loop that is Minister Creek. We started out at about 10am. Snowshoeing is very slow going and works all types of muscles I don't think I knew I had. The first half mile is all uphill and the only other people that had been on the trail were those without snow shoes. So, we were pretty much breaking trail since the new snow came on Thursday night.
The surrounding areas were completely white with about 2 foot of snow on the ground. The sun was bouncing off the snow and creating one heck of a glare. The woods were sparkling with the new powder and fresh animal tracks were everywhere.
We reached a trail junction and made an executive decision to go .8 miles up to the overlook instead of doing the whole loop. Our Texan wasn't feeling too hot from his travels and both he and I were snowshoe virgins (it made for some slow-going). The PA folks had snowshoed before, but had not had the opportunity to do much.
So, up to the overlook we went. I was quite pleased with this decision.
The surrounding snow covered boulders were beautiful. The trail itself was quite impressive. There were huge boulders topped with 2-3 foot of snow lining the trails. Some had impressive ice hangs on the sides.We were nearly to the top when we hit an area that had a couple of rock houses. In the lower rock house, it was quite evident that someone had camped here. There was a fire ring and fire wood stashed in the cave. We had to go through the upper rock house to get to the overlook. We took a little break in the sun and proceeded to the overlook. There was a really great view here that would probably be made better with a little foliage. There was a good two foot of snow on top of the overlook and the Texan was knee deep in it.
After we had our fill of the looking out over bare trees and snow covered ground, we headed back to the lower rock house for lunch and decided to build a little fire. We sat and visited for a bit before heading back down to put the snowshoes on and heading back to camp. We left the rock house at about 1:30pm.
1.5 miles later it was 3:00 (total miles hiked, about 3). When we got back to camp, we did some filtering and the boys sent Spindle and I to go look for fire wood. We hopped in the car, hopped on Satan's Highway and went back toward Sheffield. We ended up at a motel/campground to see about firewood. I pulled into what appeared to be a plowed or snow packed driveway only to discover that looks are quite deceiving. As I was driving toward the General Store of the campground, the front end of my car sunk about a foot into the snow.
Not for anything were we getting that sucker out. I tried all the tricks I learned from last month's adventures.... Nothing. We went up to the motel office and we were greeted by the most pleasant lady who informed us that we just added to her chaos for the day. All we were looking for were shovels. So, while she was yelling for Frank, I called AAA and had them dispatch a tow truck to come and pull me out. We waited for 3 hours (and after numerous phone calls). Nobody showed. Finally, some locals (pretty good looking guys, to boot) took pity on us and came to help. With the help of some concrete used to add weight in a pickup and a 4x4 coming along a little later and strapping onto my back end, we finally got out! (Frank's wife, Sue, ended up taking pity on us and felt bad about her first impression and did end up sending Frank out with a few Chocolate Mocha Cookies. This woman knows how to make friends!) Had we stayed any longer, I think Spindle and I would have been adopted.
Thankfully, the owner had sold us some firewood while we were waiting, so all we had to do was get back to the campsite. Mind you, we left camp at 3:30'ish and didn't get back until 7 that night. The boys were just a bit worried. They actually thought we had decided to get a hotel room, good meal and hit a bar instead of returning to the campsite.
We were hungry backpacking girls who hadn't had an adequate amount of alcohol to deal with that stress. We didn't even think to get phone numbers before hurrying off! We must of have been sick.
When we finally got back to camp, Neville and No_Granola had cleaned off the picnic table and had started to get a campfire going. They didn't know when/if we were coming back and it was getting cold quick. ;) Thankfully, there were hot dogs saved for us. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Once we were properly fed, we were content girls again.
We had a hell of a blaze going that night, but not enough alcohol to keep me awake. I was falling asleep on my feet in front of the fire. It was probably about 11 when I headed off to bed, which is very early for me. I believe nearly everyone else followed.I slept like a baby that night. It was a much warmer night, probably coming in at around 20*.
Sunday:
We woke up just as the wind was kicking in and decided to get the hell outta Dodge. We got packed up and I followed Spindle, Neville and N_G toward I-80 to find someplace to eat breakfast. Our encounters with the locals weren't quite over.
We hit this little bar/diner along the way. They had a breakfast bar and that didn't sound half bad at the time. Spindle noted we got some pretty interesting looks from a table of women that we walked by. I had only one thing on my mind at that time and it wasn't a table of women.
The food was average, but I picked and chose wisely. N_G and I share a disgust for ketchup on eggs. We watched Neville drench his eggs in lots and lots of 'tchup. How one can eat cooked poultry embryos like this, I'll never know....
Our waitress was also playing with fire when my coffee cup ran empty and was that way for several minutes.
It's been a while since I felt that malicious. It's just not my character!Soon, it was time to say goodbye. I would head West and Spindle, N_G and Neville would head East. We said our goodbyes and off we went.
Things I learned:
When it's single digit temps outside, condensation from your breath will freeze your hair.
Toes get cold very quickly.
When you're finally warmed up and have to go back outside, it's 20x's worse. You're better off staying cold.
Stay stuck in the snow long enough and some hot local boys will help you get your car out. Next time, don't forget to take names and numbers.