In This Issue: Slipping and Sliding in Woodward Gap Last Chance to Get a 2008 PA Hikes Calendar Hiking on the Web - Mid State Trail Hiking Tip - Insulate Your Boots For Winter Hiking Announcements - Hiking Organizations & Outing Clubs Deal of the Month - 2008 PA Hikes Calendar Slipping and Sliding in Woodward Gap This past summer I moved to a different section of Centre County. Ever since the move I have wanted to venture into the local woods to discover the trails there. Not living far from the Bald Eagle Forest, I knew the Mid State Trail and it's many side trails were an option. The plan for this hike would start me out in Woodward Gap, take Martin Hollow Trail over to Haines Gap, follow Haines Path to the top of Thick Mountain where I'd meet up with and follow the Mid State Trail and forest roads back to Woodward Gap. I soon discovered that sometimes even well thought out plans don't go quite the way you thought they would. [LINK TO TRIP REPORT AND PHOTOS] Last Chance to Get a 2008 PA Hikes Calendar Here's your last change to pick up a 2008 PA Hikes Calendar. After January 31st, or once supplies run out, these calendars will no longer be available. If you miss out this year, you'll have to wait an entire year to pick up the 2009 PA Hikes Calendar. The 2008 PA Hikes Calendar highlights various sections of the trails in central Pennsylvania and around the state. Each month depicts a hike on some of the various trails found in the Keystone State. View scenes from the Mid State Trail, Allegheny Front Trail, Chuck Keiper Trail, Donut Hole Trail, and many others. For every calendar purchased, a donation of $5.00 will be given to the Keystone Trail Association. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that the trails of Pennsylvania have to offer and give a little something back in return. [GET YOUR CALENDAR AT THE HIKING SPOT] Hiking on the Web - Mid State Trail Our hike on the web this month takes us to the website of the Mid State Trail. This website is the home of the Mid State Trail and is maintained by the Mid State Trail Association. The Mid State Trail is a 504km long trail that extends from the Pennsylvania/Maryland border almost to the Pennsylvania/New York border. The trail is divided into 4 sections and the website offers detailed information on each of these sections, including trail alerts, general route descriptions, as well as overview maps. You can also read the latest Mid State Trail Association's newsletter, the Brushwhacker, as well as order the trail guide or maps online. If hiking the Mid State Trail is in your future, then a stop by this website is strongly recommended. If you're interested in supporting this trail, membership applications to the MSTA are also available here. [VISIT THE MID STATE TRAIL WEBSITE] Hiking Tip - Insulate Your Boots For Winter Hiking If you are planning on doing some hiking this winter, here’s a little tip to help keep your feet warmer. To insulate your boots for winter hiking, trace your foot onto a piece of closed-cell foam. Cut out the trace and attach smaller pieces for arch support. Place these new insoles into your boots, and with time, they will mold to the shape of your foot, and provide additional insulation against the winter cold. Announcements - Hiking Organizations & Outing Clubs January 26, 2008 : Mid State Trail Association Winter Meeting Meeting starts at 1:00PM with a potluck dinner at 12:00 beforehand. Meeting to be held at the Bald Eagle State Forest headquarters in Laurelton, along route PA45. March 28-30 , 2008: KTA Trail Care Raccoon Creek State Park Base camp: stay in the cabins in the park. Contact Mark Christy (724-695-5523) if you are interested in helping out. Do you or your hiking organization or outing club have information that you'd like to share? Planning a trip, fund raiser, or future trail maintenance? Then let the "Go Take A Hike" e-Newsletter help. Submit your announcements to webmaster@pahikes.com. We will post all announcements here each month for everyone to see. [SUBMIT YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS TO THE WEBMASTER] Deal of the Month - 2008 PA Hikes Calendar Don't have a 2008 calendar yet? Here's an opportunity to pick up a 2008 PA Hikes Calendar at a reduced price. Typically these calendars retail for $24.95 but the everyday price at The Hiking Spot is $18.95. And for the Deal of the month, use coupon code 2008PAHIKES and get an additional $2.00 off. For every calendar purchased, a donation of $5.00 will be given to the Keystone Trail Association. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that the trails of Pennsylvania have to offer and give a little something back in return. Only one coupon/coupon code per order. Some coupons can only be used once. Other restrictions may apply. This exclusive Deal of the Month offer is only valid for "Go Take A Hike" e-Newsletter subscribers. [GET YOUR CALENDAR AT THE HIKING SPOT]       www.pahikes.com www.thehikingspot.com The Hiking Spot 153 Long St. Spring Mills, PA 16875 (814) 414-0253 webmaster@pahikes.com Click on the link below to unsubscribe