Trip report by Jim and Carolyn Austin. How fortunate we were that no rain interrupted our December 1st hike at Gilbert Lake State Park. Twenty hikers took off from the parking area, past the large pavilion, and to the Deer Run camping loops. After meandering through those roads we went to the lake and started our walk around the eastern side to the swimming area. Four hikers continued around the lake, while the rest of us walked through the cabin area and back to the lake. On the west side of the lake we stopped at the famous holiday tree. We added pinecones coated with peanut butter and birdseed, strands of popcorn, and a handmade silver star adorned the top (courtesy of Jim Pearce). The group sang a Christmas carol and we continued on to our cars. A sprinkling of rain began as we ‘drove out of sight’.
Charlie Brown Christmas Tree photo by Ruth Schaeffer. Other photos by Irene Jervis and Janice Downie.
Susquehanna Chapter 