Hurricane Bob
05-12-2010, 15:54
As part of the Backpacking Merit Badge, 7 Scouts & leaders just completed this trek over three days last weekend (05/09/10). Started at Scott's Farm (outside Carlisle, PA) and hiked to Duncannon.
No problem leaving two cars at the farm Friday night thru Sunday morning.
Trail was well marked and easy to follow to Darlington Shelter. Lots of relatively flat and open area around this shelter to set up tents. There was water in the spring by the shelter the night we were there. (05/07/10)
Only issue at the shelter were the two local guys who brought up a case of beer (w/ ice!) and some weed to smoke. Besides having an open fire when it is prohibited, chopping wood at 11:30 PM, and leaving broken glass in the fire ring, they were pleasant enough guys. (Yes, we camped as far away from them as we could). This experience provided us with a great opportunity to discuss LNT principles, the environment, and common courtesy. Wasnt really a bad experience...
The trail to Miller's Gap is easy to follow, not too rough, and follows a nice creek. We then started our climb up Cove Mountain crossing an unnamed creek and refilled our water there. Took our lunch just short of the pipeline (great view of the Susquehanna River from there). However, the weather was both unpleasantly windy and cold.
We arrived at the Cove Mountain Shelter around 5 PM. We were joined by 3 thru-hiking sisters and one section hiker with a dog. There is no flat ground for tents here, but a couple of us set up tents so there was room in the shelter. Worked out fine. Also, there is plenty of water at the spring here.
The steep .10 mile climb up the hill from the shelter on Sunday morning was a good jump start to the day. We completed our trek a couple hours later in Duncannon. We had our pick up point at "6 Inn Road" (GPS).
It was great to see the scouts develop self-confidence and enthusiasm as they conquered their fears, overcame their aches, and accomplished this trek. Only 2 more 15 milers and a 30 miler to go!
No problem leaving two cars at the farm Friday night thru Sunday morning.
Trail was well marked and easy to follow to Darlington Shelter. Lots of relatively flat and open area around this shelter to set up tents. There was water in the spring by the shelter the night we were there. (05/07/10)
Only issue at the shelter were the two local guys who brought up a case of beer (w/ ice!) and some weed to smoke. Besides having an open fire when it is prohibited, chopping wood at 11:30 PM, and leaving broken glass in the fire ring, they were pleasant enough guys. (Yes, we camped as far away from them as we could). This experience provided us with a great opportunity to discuss LNT principles, the environment, and common courtesy. Wasnt really a bad experience...
The trail to Miller's Gap is easy to follow, not too rough, and follows a nice creek. We then started our climb up Cove Mountain crossing an unnamed creek and refilled our water there. Took our lunch just short of the pipeline (great view of the Susquehanna River from there). However, the weather was both unpleasantly windy and cold.
We arrived at the Cove Mountain Shelter around 5 PM. We were joined by 3 thru-hiking sisters and one section hiker with a dog. There is no flat ground for tents here, but a couple of us set up tents so there was room in the shelter. Worked out fine. Also, there is plenty of water at the spring here.
The steep .10 mile climb up the hill from the shelter on Sunday morning was a good jump start to the day. We completed our trek a couple hours later in Duncannon. We had our pick up point at "6 Inn Road" (GPS).
It was great to see the scouts develop self-confidence and enthusiasm as they conquered their fears, overcame their aches, and accomplished this trek. Only 2 more 15 milers and a 30 miler to go!