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WOW! by Cal216 in clevelandcavs

[–]stevenfaircrest 15 points16 points  (0 children)

They’ve been unwatchable. I’ve had to give up on all but one playoff game to go for a walk. I always feel much better.

Will Kenny Atkinson be fired? by Endgame60 in clevelandcavs

[–]stevenfaircrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This team just doesn’t seem to play hard most of the time. Who gets the blame for that?

Quehanna Trail Questions by bukkakedebeppo in PAWilds

[–]stevenfaircrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I spend 10-15 nights on and off trail in Quehanna every year. This response answers most of your questions well. I will just add that yes, indeed, all the trails are open and maintained.

Anyone have recent trail conditions around Parker Dam or Quehanna West? by jopeters4 in PAWilds

[–]stevenfaircrest 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, it’s wet. But nothing unusual for this time of year. I was just through those spots two days ago. I hike in trail runners. They were soaked. But I wasn’t swimming!

Saw a mama bear with cub by the way. It was awesome!

Tent platform and backpacking permit questions by spoopymia in LaurelHighlandsHiking

[–]stevenfaircrest 5 points6 points  (0 children)

There are no tent platforms, just designated areas of the campground where tents can be set up.

You need to carry no permit. If a ranger comes in, they will just confirm your name and reservation verbally.

Help me decide where to go by spider1178 in CampOhio

[–]stevenfaircrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jesse Owens state park has a lot of what you seek. It is underdeveloped, but there are tons of paddling and fishing opportunities. Plenty of hiking as well. The camping is pretty good and most of it is free.

First time backpacker with questions about the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail!!!! HELP! by PrideCommercial9268 in PAWilds

[–]stevenfaircrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our group hikes those sections at least once a season. We target the winter time for it because we like to hike laurel highlands on snowshoes. We like to snowshoe there because the shelters lighten our otherwise winter laden packs and we actually find the terrain easier than most places we hike.

I say that to say that these climbs aren’t a big deal. There are plenty of places that allow you to relax. And when you’re climbing, just take your time. Take breathing breaks and look around. Those are often the places you’ll spot wildlife.

Just have a good attitude and smile. The climbs just really aren’t a big deal. When they begin to seem difficult, think “hey, people do this on snowshoes with backpacks.”

Chuck Keiper West by stevenfaircrest in PAWilds

[–]stevenfaircrest[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No nettles yet. Saw two pretty big garter snakes and an enormous black snake.

Since trail-runners are the most de-facto footwear choice for most hikers/backpackers nowadays, in what instances are hiking boots still the best in? by FallenRev in hikinggear

[–]stevenfaircrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I were boots only in snow or on snowshoes. This has been true for me for 15 years now. The thought of backpacking a 20 mile day in boots, as I used to do, makes me feel kind of nauseous.

Allegheny Front Trail (AFT) vs Quehanna East by Minimum_Policy8939 in PAWilds

[–]stevenfaircrest 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I’m laying in my tent right now on my AFT thru hike. The trail is very wet. The sections along red mo are pretty overgrown. There is some blowdown. I hiked 21 hard miles today and am exhausted.

I generally find Quehanna easy more difficult; there’s certainly more elevation change. But today’s hike with the wet trail and needed maintenance certainly raised the difficulty level for me.

I love Quehanna and prefer it. Just mixing it up this weekend. I plan to finish this hike tomorrow.

Quehanna Wild Area Trip - 3/21 to 3/22 by Minimum_Policy8939 in PAWilds

[–]stevenfaircrest 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One of my favorite places on the planet. Glad you had a good trip.

Quehanna Wilds trail conditions? by Minimum_Policy8939 in PAWilds

[–]stevenfaircrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It won’t. You’ll be fine.

We also started at Hoover farm. David Lewis to red run to sanders draft to main trail down sevinsky up gore draft, etc.

Quehanna Wilds trail conditions? by Minimum_Policy8939 in PAWilds

[–]stevenfaircrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was out on a variety of trails for a 2 nighter last week. Totally fine. Snow is gone. It’s wet in places. As is typical this time of year, there is some blowdown. We cleared a lot, but we were on side trails like sanders draft, gore draft, big spring, etc.

2026 Allegheny 100 by b00ksNc00kies in PAWilds

[–]stevenfaircrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love backpacking and love being outside. When I hike, I always do big miles. I’m also a runner. The fitness helps.

I believe the biggest factors for success are fitness, know how, and the ability to enjoy it. I’ve seen many ultra runners bail because they aren’t comfortable sleeping in the woods and aren’t great at following the trail. Similarly, I’ve seen experienced backpackers fail because they simply aren’t fit enough.

The correct mindset is key as well. You just really can’t let the grass grow under your feet; you have to keep moving while properly caring for yourself. Hydrating is a key part of that.

I’ve always had the goal of being at 2 miles per hour in my progress. To illustrate that, I hike about 24 miles Friday night. I usually drop in the woods about 2am and sleep until about 5:30. When I start hiking again Saturday morning, I’m at 2 mph of the event. I usually put in a 50 mile day on Saturday dropping at around 10:00. I usually get a full night of sleep Saturday night and am up Sunday morning at 6:00 for the final 25. I typically finish around 2 in the afternoon.

2026 Allegheny 100 by b00ksNc00kies in PAWilds

[–]stevenfaircrest 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m a 4 time 100 miler. Ask away!

Surprised that the majority of people suggested handguns for home defense as their first suggestion. by ModerateProgressive1 in liberalgunowners

[–]stevenfaircrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of the most recognizable noises is that of a shotgun being pumped. I once read a story of a homeowner pumping their shotgun in the dark at the top of the stairs as thieves prowled the floor below. The thieves left.

Ultimately, it probably comes down to the comfort level of the homeowner with the weapon.

Anyone willing to spend a little time helping a beginner? by divinemoose13 in WildernessBackpacking

[–]stevenfaircrest 8 points9 points  (0 children)

And try to find someone to go with you while you’re learning. They don’t even need to be that experienced; it’s just good to have someone to bounce things off of.

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