News of note
I have to say that last Saturday's National Trails Day event at the Route 653 shelter area for the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail was an absolute blast. Long-time Ridge Runners (like the first ones Jerry Eicher and Ted Massa) joined brand spanking newbies (like Susan and Emily ) and a lot of great volunteers including those with REI and park staff to get a lot of great stuff done at Route 653. We got to see the Taj Mahal of firewood storage shelters (the prototype for things to come at the seven other shelter areas), and hear inspiring words from DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, Bureau of State Parks Director John Hallas, REI Outreach Coordinator Steve Wood, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy President Tom Saunders, Clare Boast from the Ridge Runners and Laurel Highlands Ultra race (which takes place this weekend), Executive Director Ann Nemanic of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, and Ted, Jerry, PPFF Marci, and Park Manager Mike Mumau. Copies of some of the remarks are posted now to our website page for the event (along with a picture of that firewood garage) - and check out this photograph of the new stairs the Ridge Runners constructed on the shelter connector trail.
If this kind of thing is something you'd like to do, contact Park Manager Mike and become a Ridge Runner yourself. You could adopt a section of trail to monitor independently or, like I do, just come out on the two or three days hosted each year for group projects. It's lots of fun even in the rain!
Making projects happen on trails takes money, of course, which is why PPFF was proud to sign on with American Hiking Society as part of the FY19 Trail Funding Coalition and send a letter to the US Congress urging support for capital improvements appropriations. Trails like the Laurel Highlands are a part of National Scenic Trails and as such belong to all of us. If I can make an admission here (promise you won't tell) - I am not a backpacker. Part of me would like to be when I see the pictures of folks out on the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Great Eastern, AND the LHHT. But I know it's not my thing in reality. Nevertheless, I love helping on Ridge Runner days and I love knowing that funding and volunteers are in place and supported to make sure that you, who do love to strap your belongings to your back and head out for long days away from it all, have a place to do that.
Our chapters are always up to something cool (so if doing trail work isn't the thing that interests you I'm pretty sure there is something else you can help to accomplish) and the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace have helped to accomplish something I daresay is unique among our friends groups. A few years ago, they helped to provide funding (and volunteer labor) for renovations to the Ironmasters Mansion where hostel accommodations are available for AT hikers. Since that time, the site has become a popular wedding venue and the next step in the evolution of the mansion is a new private suite available for rent by brides and other people looking for a lovely place to stay.
Not a bad place to stow your hiking boots after a long day on the Trail!
Lodgings of a very different kind also filtered into the inbox this week with news that Bob and Dotty Webber's Slate Run cabin has been placed at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum in Ulysses and will become an exhibit there. What an incredible resource this will be. If you were not a Fridays reader at the time of Bob's passing in 2015 learn a little more about him and his contributions in the DCNR Resource newsletter. Then make plans to visit the Lumber Museum!
The registration deadline for the Friends of Oil Creek's fifth annual Chicks in the Sticks (how can five years have passed?) women's outdoor program is coming up quickly (June 10). The event itself is next Saturday.
Should you find yourself in Pittsburgh tomorrow, Bill and I will be at REI Southside for the annual members only garage sale. We'll spin the wheel with 125th anniversary trivia, have a special deal on PPFF membership, and be there to help you pass the time while you stand in line waiting for a great bargain!
And for those who are running the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace's annual Iron Run Half Marathon or Charcoal Challenge 5k, look for Marci and Joe acting as safety marshals at one of the crossings on Michaux Road.
Look for Van Wagner coming to a state park near you this summer and fall for a series of one-hour performances in story and song commemorating the anniversary. 
