Minister Creek is probably the most popular trail in the Allegheny National Forest. Big trees, beautiful creeks and interesting rock formations make for a great weekend getaway. Added bonus, there are many way to reach the triple fork area where most people camp. You can hike 3.5, 4.5, 7, 10 or 13 miles to get there and we have done them all. It is also very popular as a first trip for new backpackers: this is where we took the girls on their first trip.
Another nice weekend and another Friday off so we headed to Minister Creek for a laid back 3 day trip. Retirement is a week away so this is the last Friday I will be taking a vacation day. I thought it would be good if I showed up for my last day of work. Added bonus, friends were going to hike in and join us on Saturday.
We had a short hike to camp, it was going to get cold so we spent the extra camp time gathering a lot of fire wood.I brought the teepee so it would not rain (success). I saw the track on the right side and was scratching my head on the cause, then realized it was where I dragged fire wood, duh.We are camped just to the right of this creek.Sammy snuggled into his sleeping bag and out cold.We were up early on Saturday and did a day hike to the Minster Creek Overlook. We have not been there for many years.This is a popular lunch spotOur daughters liked having their pictures taken here.
View from the overlook, a few more weeks and fall colors should make this even better.This is behind the overlook and is a nice place to camp. It is a short hike from the southern parking lot. You can start late in the day set up camp, have dinner on the rocks and watch the sunset.What a tragedy!. This spoon was with me on many trips from Alaska to Australia, guess it had enough fun. Oh well, I have more of them.It’s a party! Friends came in Saturday afternoon and joined us for good food and conversation..Is my search for backcountry coffee over? Hi, my name is Steve and I have a coffee problem.. I like coffee in the wilderness but I am not going to buy or carry a coffee press to feed my addiction. I use to drink instant Maxwell House and then went to coffee singles. Think tea bag but with coffee inside. They were terrible but had caffeine. Starbucks then introduced VIA, which is a micro ground instant coffee in an individual serving size. I really liked the Italian Roast and carried it for many ears. Via is very popular with backpackers. I like the coffee but did not like the packaging waste from the individual servings. I found these cans in a small store in Northern Michigan and now even Walmart has them. One can makes 40 cups. This is still not as good as the Pete’s coffee I make at home but the ambience makes up for the difference.
Below is an assortment of pictures from our many visits.
Headed up to the overlookLeann at the overlook during a winter trip.Heading out of the valleyJamie and Leann, Jamie did more trips with us than the other girls but has not been out for awhileEarly spring trip, ferns are bright greenThere was no snow where we started but plenty when we got to the valley, Leann’s having funThe best part of backpackingWe have done this hike many, many timesRock formations near Hickory Creek TrailheadWe explored off trail near where we were camped and saw these interesting forms in the rocksThis one looks like a face to meMinster Creek overlook, there is a nice view up, down and across the valley. This is a great spot for lunch
We call this the “SPOT” and it is a great place for a night in the woods. Let’s just say we have been here more than once
