UPDATED! PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION>My Big Phat Backpacking Trip!

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

I've just received word from the Allentown Hiking Club and confirmed with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) that there is an active bear (probably a juvenile) in the area of the Outerbridge shelter. While the bear is not considered dangerous, and it has not harmed anyone, it is starting to show interest in human food. This is the part of the trail we were planning to hike.

So many of you have been planning and preparing for this hike, and I don't want to cancel it. However, I DO want to move it to another section of trail where the bear is not located. There are always bear in the woods, but when we hear of an active bear, we want to make sure everyone is safe.

Our other option is to cancel this hike and see what the Game Commission does with the bear, but they won't remove it unless it becomes a nuisance bear, so that could be a while.

My suggestion is to move the hike to meet at the trailhead on Route 309 (across from the Thunderhead lodge) and do an out and back. The hike length is MUCH shorter (3-5 miles round trip), but you will have the opportunity to hike with your pack and set up camp on Saturday. You would hike back to your car on Sunday.

If this option seems reasonable, please respond with a yes. If you'd like to cancel or wait for another opportunity, please say no.

I will be updating the map on the Meetup momentarily. It's about 20 minutes south (driving) of our initial location.

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Are you out of shape? Are you overweight? Are you dying to go backpacking but are afraid to try it because you think you can't do it? Do you have no experience? Are you afraid to go alone?

This is the trip for you!!!

Sorry, experienced backpackers (turtles, turbits, and rabbits), this is not a trip for you. There are lots of other amazing trips for you...please register for one of them :-)

Beth "Squeak" is the hike leader. She will be walking in the back with the very last hiker - no matter how slow - no matter how many times we have to stop...

WE CAN DO THIS! Together...with encouragement...with support.

Trip Details:

The entire route is on the Appalachian Trail, and is 6 miles from Ashfield Road to the Bridge. This will be broken into two days. We will hike half each day and set up camp. If we hike all 6 miles...we will stay at the Outerbridge shelter...if we get tired before that, we will camp early. There is a ton of time to allow for flexibility (and fun...we want to have FUN!).

We want to give enough time for the slowest hikers to make their way safely and enjoyably. Folks may choose to do smaller hikes once we make camp, but those will be self-guided.

Everyone must have their own equipment:

Trail runners or hiking boots designed for hiking
Trekking poles
Backpack
Appropriate clothing for hiking/weather
Shelter system
Water (& purifying system)
food (& cooking system)
sleep system
Headlamp

Please have on your body (not in your pack), a notecard in a Ziploc bag with your full name, emergency contact, medical conditions, medications, and allergies.

This hike is capped at 10 because that's how many Squeak can lead safely. Please note...Squeak is the only leader and she can't be in two places at once...and she is always, 100%, ALWAYS with the last person. It's the AT...follow the white blazes :-) (but if you want to be a volunteer leader...and you have patience AND know the group mission...I'd be so grateful if you signed up to help).

Each person must register individually. If you know you can't make it, please remove yourself from the list so someone from the waitlist can go.

If you've hiked with Squeak in the past, you know she is a lot of fun and a little nutty AND has been off trail for heel surgery. She is very much looking forward to getting back to the mission of this group...to get unlikely hikers out into nature!

Here's a video to get you started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwKdDhTnvGY