The Yellow Cabin

by Ed Lawrence, KTA Trail Care Chair

Early in March, Catherine and I got restless and made a trip out to walk the Cherry Run Rail Trail near Weikert in central Pennsylvania. The rail trail doubles as part of the Mid State Trail and, on the western end, passes through the Poe Paddy train tunnel and crosses Penns Creek. We were not the only ones out enjoying the brisk day; we crossed paths with 2 other walkers (including one who, like us, was out with their dog), 2 fellows fishing, 2 bike riders, and—surprisingly—2 guys in wetsuits carrying their kayaks through the tunnel for their second run around the oxbow. Options abound.
 
We also stopped by the cabin—really a house, with yellow vinyl siding—where we will stay for the first Trail Care of the year: April 5-8. It’s very easy to find—located on Weikert Road between Laurelton and Weikert (map and travel directions are posted on the Trail Care schedule). 
 
I’ll arrive Thursday evening, and the house will be open on Thursday for earlier arrivals. The house has 2 bedrooms and a pullout couch, plus floor space for pads and sleeping bags; however, I suggest bringing a tent just in case the inside beds are filled or if you want more privacy. There is a full kitchen, so I plan on making breakfast for volunteers all weekend. Bring your own lunch supplies. 
 
I also want to thank Kelsey Myers, the Sawyer product representative for the Northeast based here in Pennsylvania. Kelsey will provide some of Sawyer’s quality tick repellent products at a discounted price to this year’s Trail Care Program. She is familiar with the good work that KTA does on behalf of the hiking community in PA and, when I last spoke with her, was herself getting ready to head out for a weekend backpack on the Appalachian Trail. I hope we see her at one of our KTA events this year.