Monthly business meeting and our scheduling meeting for April, May and June hikes and events.

Following the business meeting we will be looking to schedule hikes and other events for April, May and June 2012. These scheduled events will be published in our Spring 2012 Happy Hiker and posted on our website. Please complete an AHC Hike/Event form and give to the Hiking Schedule Coordinator Edna Himmler.

Details
Meeting place: St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, 140 South Ott Street, Allentown, PA
Leader: Mike "Sparky" Wuerstle 267-374-0324 bluegrasshorizon@yahoo.com

Hike up the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Lehigh Gap to the communication towers.

Then hike across the Blue Trail back down to the AT. We will start at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center using the Prairie Grass and Woodpecker Trails to access the AT. Please bring water and a lunch. No pets please. Weather conditions will be considered for this hike.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 8 miles
Hike rating: C+
Meeting place: Meet at Osprey House at Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Starting at the Lower Glen Trail, we will hike to Watergate Trail and eventually to the re-created 19th-century Millbrook Village.

The start of the hike is rocky, narrow in places and can be slippery when wet. The remainder of the hike is relatively level with waterfalls and many scenic views. Bring lunch, water and wear sturdy shoes. Don't forget to wear something green. Don't have anything green...now's the time to get one of the club's green hiking shirts and look like a real hiker. ERIN GO HIKE!

Details
Round trip road miles distance: 80 miles
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 8 miles
Hike rating: C+
Meeting place: Meeting place: Park & Ride at Rt. 33 and Wm. Penn Highway, Palmer Township.
Leader: Nick Rosato 610-437-3199

Hike the former route of the Northampton and Bath Railroad in East Allen and Allen Townships.

Banish the last of the winter blahs and prepare for spring hiking with this easy rail trail hike. We will hike 5 miles from Jacksonville Park to Northampton and return to Jacksonville. Anyone who prefers a shorter hike can return before reaching Northampton.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 10 miles
Meeting place: Meet at Jacksonville Park. From Allentown, head north on Airport Road (PA 987). Turn right onto PA 329. Go about 2/10 mile and where PA 329 bears left, go straight onto Jacksonville Rd. The park will be on your left.
Leader: Barbara Wiemann 610-262-6977 blwiemann@gmail.com

A tour of the art studio of local wildlife artist Dan Christ and then a STEEP climb to the top of Spitzenburg mountain.

THIS HIKE IS FOR MEMBERS ONLY BECAUSE IT IS ON PRIVATE PROPERT(IES) BY SPECIAL PERMISSION. Membership application will be on hand ($10.00 to join). We will be touring the art studio of the very talented local artist Dan Christ's Originals and then a STEEP climb to the top of Spitzenburg mountain. Wear ankle support. Optional stop at the Kempton hotel afterwards. (bring beer money) and remember piano/song music. No children under 10; no pets.

Details
Hike / bike / on-water distance: 2 miles
Hike rating: A
Meeting place: Meet at Kempton Fire Co. at Rte 737N and 143 N
Leader: Ron Kieffer 610-217-4637
Co-leader: Mercedes Jurkiewicz 484-515-8001 mercedes.jurkiewicz@gmail.com