Winter Camping Introduction

On Friday night the group met at the Flatwoods exit of I-79. The weather was relatively warm in the 40′s and we drove as a group to John Hayden’s mountain property. Staying in his warm cabin, we each found a bed, bunk or place on the floor to sleep. On Saturday morning we had pancakes and hot coffee for breakfast, then packed our heavy gear up to the top of the mountain – just far enough away to be able to enjoy the wilderness, yet be able to make a return, if needed.

Saturday afternoon found our group taking a moderate hike through the wilderness, passing a true log cabin which was only accessible via primitive dirt trail. We talked about history of the area and forest and tree harvesting and preservation. We saw deer, rabbits and squirrel. Saturday night found us around the campfire, cooking various foods, drinking hot beverages and sharing chocolates provided by Bill, the only member who arrived on Saturday afternoon, after our 6 mile hike. We retired to our tents, warmed and well fed, to sleep through temperatures in the mid teens. The only thing ‘missing’ was: “snow”!

Sunday morning brought clear sky and sunshine on top of our mountain, with temperatures in the low 20′s. The campfire blazing once again, John amazed us with his skillet of bacon and eggs! Packing up was easy with the relatively dry conditions and afterward some of us stayed around for another hike to the southern area of John’s property. Others needed to leave for an early start home. After a final farewell back at the cabin, I followed Bill on a back dirt road for a different way out.

Some places were ice and snow, but we made it to the I-79 interchange safely. At about Morgantown, the snow began falling and I slowed, noting one vehicle off the road and up-side-down! I arrived in Pittsburgh around 6 or so.

– Don Erdeljac, Volunteer Trip Leader