You guys are so lucky to have such nice trails. We have nothing comparable in Ohio. I've hiked the Laurel Highlands Trail and just did a pretty big piece of the Gerard Trail. You're getting my tourism dollars.
Oil Creek.
Old school bus visible from the trail. Someone lived in it once upon a time. It had the remnants of a bed and chair inside. Reminded me, of course, of
Into the Wild.
The creek from 1400 feet.
Sap-cicles. They were sticky, like fly-paper, not smooth like an icicle. I'd never seen one before.
The creek from 1600 feet.
MSR sent the wrong-sized rainfly. Made for a cold night.
One of my favorite views in the world.
Second night sleeping location. Much nicer than the first! I love those shelters. In Ohio we have trails but no designated camping areas let alone shelters like these.
Shelter fireplace.
Setting sun means the cold is coming!
It got down to 17 at night with a high of about 30 during the day so the water in our canteens froze solid. Had to melt snow to drink the first night. Pulled water from a stream the next day.
My buddy brought crampons. Very smart. I fell several times.
Me.
There are lot of relics of the oil-boom days along the trail. Here's some rusty wheelie-things....
Crossing the creek again on the way back to the car.
Altogether about 16 miles hiked with elevation changes of about 400 feet (1200 at creek level, 1600 up on the ridge). High temp was 30 degrees, low was 17. On the way home we stopped in Franklin and had burgers and a few beers at Lona's - it was excellent. The Steelers aside, I love PA.