Hike to the Shelter where we celebrate the New Year.

From PA 309 we will hike south four miles on the A.T. to the Allentown Shelter. There we will socialize and replenish our energy with an early New Year's Eve smorgasbord at the shelter picnic table. After a suitable break, we will hike back to our cars. Bring a food or snack item to share with the group; non alcoholic beverages only. For anyone who wants a shorter four mile round trip hike, park at Jacksonville Road and meet the group en route to the shelter.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 8 miles
Meeting place: Meet at the parking area north of the A.T. crossing of PA 309. Park in the area farthest from the restaurant.
Leader: Barbara Wiemann 610-262-6977 blwiemann@gmail.com

Starting at 7:30 PM there will be a slide presentation by Mercedes Jurkiewicz and Ron Kieffer on their trip to the Adirondacks in spite of Hurricane Sandy.

Following the presentation there will be a break for refreshments and our monthly business meeting.

Details
Meeting place: St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, 140 South Ott St., Allentown, PA
Leader: Lucy Cantwell 267-664-3550

Before Meeting Hike

Go for an easy hike on the sidewalks before the January Meeting.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 5 miles
Meeting place: We will meet at the parking lot at the church hall where the AHC meeting is held and walk for 1-1/2 hours before the meeting.
Leader: Mike "Sparky" Wuerstle 267-374-0324 bluegrasshorizon@yahoo.com

Short easy walk to Nolde Mansion for their open house (free);then a short drive to hike Cushion Peak (private property by permission).

This hike is for members only. Join that day! Membership applications available. BMECC $12/yr. Highly recommended for children (no pets).

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 2-1/2 miles
Meeting place: 2 MEETING SITES: 1st is at 1:01pm at Timbers Diner (14323 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood, Intersection of 662 & 222 (across from Hess's gas station) or at 2:02pm at Saw Mill Parking Lot of Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center.
Leader: Ron Kieffer 610-217-4637
Co-leader: Mercedes Jurkiewicz 484-515-8001 mercedes.jurkiewicz@gmail.com

Parts of this hike will be on the Red Perimeter Trail and Blue Trail which can be quite challenging.

This is not a good beginner hike. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Inclement weather cancels.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 6 miles
Hike rating: A
Meeting place: Trexler Environmental Center. From PA 309 in Schnecksville, take Old Packhouse Rd. west for 0.8 mile to Orchard Rd. Turn right and go 0.35 mile to the parking lot on the right.

Fight the mid-winter blahs on the Walnutport Towpath.

We will follow the towpath south for an easy walk. The locktenders lock may be restored after serious damage from Hurrican Sandy. A personal extension to the north is available to anyone who is interested. Bring water, snacks and wear comfortable shoes.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 4-7 miles
Meeting place: Meet at Rite-Aid in Walnutport.

A loop hike to the Pulpit and Pinnacle

1/18 UPDATE - The hike is on! The forecast for tomorrow is for possible snow showers in the morning followed by clearing skies... with hopefully spectacular views from the Pinnacle! This is a 9 mile hike, starting at the Hamburg Reservoir and going up to the Pulpit and then Pinnacle for spectacular winter views. This is not a beginner's hike due to the 1000' ascent and rocky terrain. Bring plenty of water and lunch/snacks. Traction devices would be helpful, as well, given the snow and ice on the ground.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 9 miles
Hike rating: C
Meeting place: Hamburg Reservoir Trailhead Parking Lot, 410 Reservoir Rd., Hamburg, PA
Leader: Paula Uhrin 484-951-4299 jcnj168@ptd.net

Snow Tube at Blue Mountain Ski Area.

There is a charge for the lift ticket.

Details
Hike rating: A+
Meeting place: Meet at Blue Mountain Ski Area. Park in the lot at the bottom of the Mountain. We will meet at the Snow Tube Ticket sales Box.

BIG TRAINS, little trains and Vintage Toys

EARLY BIRD OPTION: Meet 9:00AM at Cabelas, Hamburg in front of canoe. Drive to Hamburg Diner for breakfast; drive to Hamburg Field House (123 S. 4th St., Hamburg) for the huge Toy Train Meet. Cost $3.00 (special for hikers). Free parking. Part II Meeting: 12:30PM at Cabelas, Hamburg, in front of canoe. Then 2 mile drive to the Reading RR Heritage Museum (500 S. 3rd St., Hamburg) for their annual Christmas Trains and Vintage Toys. Adm. $5.00. Then a very easy short hike thru downtown Hamburg and along the Schuylkill River to the Olivet Club Blue Mountain Camp. This is a family friendly hike. A cold wind blows - wear hat over head, ears and over hand!

Details
Meeting place: See 2 meeting places above.
Leader: Ron Kieffer 610-217-4637
Co-leader: Mercedes Jurkiewicz 484-515-8001 mercedes.jurkiewicz@gmail.com