First trip report on BPL. Thanks to all the members for great gear ideas and general backpacking knowledge. I'm trying to get "lightweight" but its taking some time and adjustments to my current setup.
I'm lucky enough to live in Western Pa where we not only have great football but awesome hiking also.
I decided to drive down to Ohiopyle which is about 45 minutes from my home. Upon waking I tried to rouse my son up at 5:30 to see if he wanted to take a "quick" hike with dad, but to no avail he didn't want to leave his comfortable bed and I don't blame him.
Ohiopyle is the southern terminus of the 70 mile Laurel Highlands Trail. The Laurel Highlands Trail provides shelters approx every 6 miles but I decided to make this a day hike and not utilize the shelters today. I was introduced to this portion of the trail by an REI employee who told me that the initial ascent is a steep one but not to bad. I found out the hard way that it wasn't the case. It was the multitude of ascents and descents in such a small area that had me wondering why I chose this section to start my hike. I should of looked at the elevation profile before hand, plus the trail is 80% rocks.
Here is an image of 8 miles out and 8 miles back.
10 minutes on the trail and this is what I ran into. There was a bear nearby, well not at the moment but he did stop by here.
The Laurel Highlands trail is marked every mile with concrete markers
I tried to keep my 2 mile and hour pace and figured I was doing ok. 5 miles in in 2hrs and 23 mins.
Once I made it to the top of the first ascent I was rewarded with a spectacular view of hills and valleys below with the Youghiogheny River flowing below me.
Some of the "Rocks" you encounter on the trail.
During the day I encountered probably 15 people while out hiking. I didn't photo any of the people out there on the trail but I did run accross one group of 8 or people in the middle of the woods with 2 babies. One woman was actually cradling of the baby in her arms walking through the woods. I was lucky enough to have trekking poles!! I have no clue as to how they where not falling whilst carrying a baby ??
A beautiful stream crossing
Self Portrait with valley below.
Being ex military I tend to push myself and when I first started the hike I was only planning on doing 8 or 9 miles that day. After seeing how much ground I could cover I decided to go out to the 8 mile mark and back.
Finally time to turn around:)
Sometimes you become so consumed with the hike you really do not pay attention to your surroundings. I cannot even remember this strand of trees on the way out.
About 1/2 mile left after this sign. My feet needed some TLC
I plan on completing the entire 70 mile in sections within the next year. I can say that I'm glad this section is finished. Too many ups and downs and although the vistas were beautiful and the scenery was at times festive with the fall colors this portion of the Laurel Highlands Trail is finished and I'm tucking it away for memories only.
My next trip (next week) is supposed to be the Pa Grand Canyon (west rim trail) http://www.visittiogapa.com/canyon.html A beautiful 30+ mile hike in North Central Pa.
