December 17, 2024
Our Efforts Help Make Dreams Come True

Once in a while it is satisfying to imagine the thousands of people who hike along the trails we maintain.

An opportunity for reflection on the importance of our work arrived in AHC's mailbox the other day. Thru hiker Mark "Detour" Gardner sent us this postcard thanking us for the trail maintenance we do as a routine part of our volunteer efforts. Every year we receive one or more of these thank you's from grateful thru hikers, either by email or postcard.

Whether hiking thru, finishing the trail in sections, or just out for a weekend or a day, thousands of hikers' lives are made better by passable trails in pristine, natural environments.

December 14, 2024
In Memory of Gene Scharle

Long-time Honorary Club Member Gene Scharle passed away on May 15th.

Gene made significant contributions to the club, serving as Club President in 1998, 1999, and 2010, as well as Vice President in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1992, and 1999, and Treasurer in 1987 and 1988. He also held the position of Publicity Chair and managed our Post Office Box. Gene played a crucial role in the creation of the D & L Trail. He was always eager to volunteer and educate others about the hiking club and outdoor activities. Gene enjoyed hiking, backpacking, camping, bike riding, and spelunking.

A couple of the hikes that Gene lead were the Seven Tubs Hike and his annual tubing down the Lehigh River event. Gene had a dry sense of humor and he will be deeply missed.

December 14, 2024
In Memory of Bernie Harris

Former AHC President Bernard (Bernie) Harris died July 24 in Greenup, Illinois, while traveling with his family.

He was one month shy of his 90th birthday. Bernie served as AHC vice president in 2005-2007 and as president in 2008. He declined reelection because he and wife Edna were moving to central Pennsylvania to be near their grandchildren. Bernie was an avid hiker and hike leader. When AHC needed to find a new meeting location in 2007, Bernie located a home for AHC at St. Timothy Lutheran Church.

December 14, 2024
AHC and the D & L Trail: 25 Years of Commitment

In July, 1999, Sherry Petrilak and Tom Gittings of the Wildlands Conservancy attended the AHC monthly meeting to talk about a new trail, the D & L Trail, and recruit volunteers to be Trail Tenders to help maintain and improve the trail. This simple encounter has led to a 25-year continuing partnership between our two organizations.

AHC decided to become a roaming maintaining group, tackling areas that needed attention. Gene Scharle served as liaison with the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and organized club participation in work trips. The first outing was Nov. 20 to Lock 22 at Mud Run, 2.7 miles north of Rock-port. The club improved an access trail from the D & L to the lock and removed vegetation from the lock.

During the span of 10 years, AHC participated in 30 work days. Club members volunteered at Lock 2 south of Glen Onoko, Lock 4 north of Glen Onoko, Lock 22 at Mud Run, Lock 24 near Lehigh Tannery, Locks 28 and 29 near White Haven, and Dam 4. As a change of pace, AHC tackled clearing vegetation from the railroad turntable south of Glen Onoko, and built an access trail with a rail fence. The club also performed trail maintenance at the Penn Haven Plane, Weissport, Parryville, and spent a day upgrading signage and kiosks along the trail. At most of these events, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor provided lunch to the volunteers.

After 10 years, in 2009, AHC decided to adopt Lock 2 south of Glen Onoko. Built 1836-1838, Lock 2 is a 17 foot high lift lock, 22 feet wide and 125 feet long, with a buttress extension on the river side of the lock. Carl Griffin and Jim Gabovitz assumed responsibility for planning the twice a year work trips and directing club volunteers. Our volunteers have cleared vegetations from the capstones, inside the lock, and between the lock and the river so that rafters can see the lock; built a set of steps to facilitate visitor access to the inside of the lock; planted grass inside the lock;, dug out the headwall; removed graffiti and invasive plants; and erect-ed two signs. The club also maintains the three-tenths mile access trail from the D & L Trail at the railroad trestle to the lock. Lock 2 is in good condition.

Although AHC has not formally adopted the Coalport Guard Lock, which is just over a half mile south of Lock 2, the club has also worked at this lock and maintains the access trail between the two locks. This lock is also well preserved, although an earthen dam has been created across the center of the lock.