Hermitage Cabin

This past weekend Jeanette and I were joined by Bob, Mary and Joe us in Michaux State forrest.  We stayed in the Hermitage cabin which is a rustic cabin maintained by the PATC.  It sits a little more the 0.2 miles from a parking area at the base of a neat rock climbing area called Schaffer's Rock.  Additionally it sits ~1 mile down a side trail from the AT.  The cabin was much more then we expected, beautiful and fully stocked with your standard camping gear - sleeping mats, cookwear.  All you really need bring is food and clothing.  We ate well and enjoyed the climbing at the rocks as well as a hike up to Chimney Rocks on the AT with beautiful views of an unspoiled valley below.

The cabin entrance

The cabin

Panorama shot of the cliffs

Joe on a pretty nice route

Joe and Bob at the campfire

Getting darker

Shiloh's new best friend Buster - Mary's dog

Young forrest on the way to Chimney Rocks

Beautiful wild butterfly bush

Old logging trail path on way to Chimney Rocks

Joe on the "summit" of Chimney Rocks

Mitch's 8th Birthday

Saturday we also celebrated Mitch's 8th birthday - dragon theme.  Lot's of cute little people running around with swords and shields - pretty funny.  Food was great - meatballs and ravioli and lots of side salads.  After dinner Mitch opened presents, smashed a dragon pinata and ate a really delicious cake.  It was fun as always visiting with the family.

Dragon Party - Look out!

Uncle Kevin, being a good sport playing the part

Aunt Jeanette and Ellie

 Opening presents - the envy of all the guys

Dragon slaying time

Bringing in the heavy hitting princess to finish the job

Time to sing

Trail Triple Crown

Jeanette before the race

The crew bouncing to keep warm pre-racce

And their off (Jeanette's is in the right 3rd of pic)

Finishing strong up the tough final hill

Saturday morning Jeanette, me and Jim ran the Trail Triple Crown at White Clay Creek State Park in DE which consists of a half marathon, 10K and 5K.  We competed in the team division and each ran a leg, but the real hardmen / women do the whole thing on their own.  It was a perfect day for running.  We did quite well coming in 2nd place in the team division.  Also racing were team Merrick and Wendy who ran the 10K solo.