Thanks for the heads-up. I called the Parker Dam State Park office. I was told that that the EPA has certified that Laurel Run and Little Laurel Run, both of which feed the lake at Parker Dam, are not contaminated. However signs that were posted on the Quehanna Trail warning of contamination have been left in place for the time being as a precaution. Little Laurel Run generally parallels the Quehanna Trail for almost 3 miles as the trails heads eastward out of Parker Dam. Laurel Run feeds into Parker Lake and then out of the lake and parallels the Quehanna Trail from mile marker 69.5 to roughly mile marker 66.2 at which point the Trail makes an abrupt turn eastward away from Laurel Run which continues on to eventually empty into the Bennet Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. There are not any other sections of the Quehanna Trail that come near these water sources.

Our hike takes place on the Quehanna plateau. Our water sources start from springs up on the plateau and drain downwards. The well mishap and any resultant contamination of water sources was at an elevation a few hundred feet below our water sources, and since water doesn’t run uphill, we are more than safe. We are also approximately 18 miles as the crow flies from the well mishap.

I have to drive as I am staying for a second hike.

My three sons are coming (Wibes, Benjamin, and awesomeo) and currently they plan to drive so they have a way back.  We are leaving early afternoon and plan to leave one vehicle at the south end and take one vehicle to the campground where I have reservations.  (Leonard Harrison SP)

The vehicle at the south end can be used to transport all drivers back to the north where our hike starts.

I really hope that we take, at most, two more vehicles.

I know that limeygal is always willing to share a ride and lives east of Cleveland.  Both superhiker and artsyfartsy start on just to the south side of Cleveland and are inclined to share rides as well.  I do not know when they plan to leave.

If all can come in one vehicle, great.  If two, that is fine as well.  I will leave it to the four of you to sort out what works.  In any event, this crew can come directly to Leonard Harrison.  Saturday morning, we either back track a few miles to Wellsboro for a restaurant breakfast or eat in the park.

I will send out a note to all about this.  Majority rules unless there is a tie then I decide.

I’m the unhappy owner of a very painful ear infection. 

Another time,

Thing

I booked my flight and will be flying out on Thursday to visit a friend, See you all there.

May 1 is the first day we can reserve permits according to the web sites I have seen. 

·  Hikes starting in June can be reserved as of April 1,

·  Hikes starting in July can be reserved as of May 1,

·  Hikes starting in August can be reserved as of June 1

·  Hikes starting in September can be reserved as of July 1

As for reservations, Alan, you and I can work out payment for the permit.

Is anyone unsure if they’re going? I would love to go, however I don’t want to pay the last minute plane prices.

I deeply regret having to cancel especially after all the considerations were made for my dog, Cooper, but unfortunately a family situation has arose. I want to also thank panaha for taking the leadership role when a new leader was needed to avoid cancellation.
Thanks again and I am sorry. I hope you all have an excellent backpacking outing and hopefully will see you on the trails in the near future.
Alan