Hiking PA: Backpacking Trip to Loyalsock State Forest

*Original loop is approx 27 miles long

Brad and I headed out Sunday morning with a friend bound for northern PA to try out a new trail! "Old Loggers Path" is a backpacking loop in the Loyalsock State Forest. We intended to do the entire loop over 2 nights and 3 days in a clockwise direction from the main trailhead in Masten. However we cut the trip short on day 2....keep reading to see why!

Rain was forecasted off and on, so the trails were expectedly muddy or flooded in some places. However otherwise it was a great trail! Very well marked, lots of campsites, and some nice viewpoints.

We set up camp at a site approx 8 miles in and were able to get set up and cook dinner before the rain returned! We ate dinner inside our tents then after it stopped we came back out to clean up and hang our food bags before calling it a day.

The next day we started early and thankfully the rain held off while we reached the Sharp Top Vista for a beautiful view! There was even a picnic table where we were able to rest for a bit after the climb up the ridge.

A few more miles up the trail we came to the river crossing. It doesn't look like much in the photo but the center part of the river was much deeper and the current was pretty swift from all the recent rain. We scouted up and down the bank but there really wasn't an easier place to cross. There was a fallen tree that Brad was brave enough to scoot across, however we did not want to chance it.

Ken and I took our time carefully fording the river with our poles. Brad stood on the other side eating jelly beans and watching us. As we got to the center of the river the depth was up to my hips, and the current was very strong. I moved very slowly with my poles to stay balanced and aimed for some rocks to brace myself. I made it on to them and turned back to watch for Ken behind me. Unfortunately the current swept his feet out from under him and he lost his balance for a moment. I was able to reach out a pole for him to grab so he could regain his footing and get onto the bank. His pole however was lost to the river and floated on it's merry way.

Thankfully we all made it safely to the other side, but Ken had gotten almost completely soaked including the bottom of his pack where his sleeping gear is. His pants and boots were heavy with water and for the next couple of miles he struggled with the added weight. When we came to a road crossing we talked about the unfortunate situation of his wet sleeping bag etc and how that would fare in the upcoming cold and wet night. Together we decided to cut the trip short and take the road back to our car instead of continuing on.

If it had been a warm sunny day then we could have made some adjustments to compensate, however it was rainy with temps in the low 50s and due to go down to the 40s overnight so we chose to be safe and not continue. We did however enjoy the trail and may return later to finish it!

Final mileage: 14.9 miles

Elevation gain: ~2000'

Induction Ceremony!

This week Brad got officially inducted into the NSLS--National Society of Leadership and Success. This is a collegiate honor society that values leadership qualities as well as good grades. He was invited to join 2 different ones this year for his high grades in college, so this is the one he chose. He completed all the necessary steps required to complete his membership, and was invited to attend the official dinner and ceremony at the college this week.

He spotted 2 schoolmates that are seniors, so we all sat together.

Had to get a pic with the school mascot!

Officially listed on the board!

He got his cords for graduation, and took a group pic with the rest of the inductees.

This boy is in for big things! So proud of him.

Girls Getaway in Cleveland OH

Last weekend I spent a couple of nights in Cleveland with my two favorite girlfriends that I don't get to see much! We rented a beautiful AirBnB right in the Little Italy district with 3 bedrooms and a fabulous kitchen. We each divided up meals to prepare plus lots of snacks!

The weather forecast was precarious, so we took advantage of the dry times and explored the area around our house. It was a great active district with tons of cafes and bakeries. Of course we had to go in and get some treats!

We sat out on a little sidewalk table to chat and eat our treats, then headed back to the house and relaxed the rest of the evening with dinner and wine.

Our house was conveniently located right by a subway stop, so the next morning after breakfast and coffee we headed out for the day (with umbrellas on standby!) to downtown Cleveland for more exploration.

Our first stop was West Side Market which is personally one of my favorite stops in Cleveland! There was so many amazing foods there. We each got a couple of small things to nibble and made plans to stop again on the way back for more shopping.

When we returned later in the day, I picked up a bunch of this fresh made pasta to take home....

...and I also had to get one of these apple fritters that were as big as my head! It was sooo good.

After the market we walked to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to check it out.

The timing was perfect because while we were in there it poured rain! We grabbed lunch there and strolled around for a couple of hours, then made our way back to the subway for one last look at the market. By then we were ready to get off our feet so we got back to the house and enjoyed another great dinner and relaxing evening in.

For our last morning there we took our time with coffee and breakfast then bid each other farewell until next time! We are already planning our next trip together....

A Day in the 1840s

Some of you may know that my infrequent "side hustle" is being a background actor since moving to western NY! Nick and I have done a few small roles together and separate. It's always a fun and exciting experience to see what it's like!

My latest gig was last week for a day of filming at the Genesee Country Museum in Mumford, NY. It was the last day of scenes for a movie by and about the Mormons called "Six Days in August". It is set in the 1840s so I got to dress up in some old timey costumes and stroll the town!

The Museum is actually a large village comprised of donated houses and building from the 1800s and during the summer they have volunteers dressed up and doing all kinds of scenes and reenactments for visitors. I need to take the kids here!

This one is actually a house that my friend's grandpa donated from Pavilion, NY!

This little guy watched us while we were having snacks on break.

Changing up accessories between shots....

After lunch we changed clothes for one more scene, then we were done!

They provided us breakfast and lunch, as well as snacks throughout the day. The crew was very nice and the weather was perfect! Looking forward to my next time whenever it may be.