Outdoor Activities in Pennsylvania

Summer Field Notes from Heidi Ruby Miller

2008-09-07T12:36:16Z

The special tri-issue of my newsletter, Field Notes, went out this weekend with its new online format. The theme for summer is, of course, road tripping. Here's an excerpt:

Despite the rise in gas prices, Jason and I managed to drive or ride over four thousand miles during these past three months. In Florida, we saw Storm Troopers and Jedis, celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary, and became lost in the magic of Disney World. In Maryland, I reunited with family members and basked in the nostalgia of my childhood. And, in the Outer Banks, we discovered the beauty and renewal of the shore and just why the Wright brothers spent so much time there.

A little closer to home, we attended the 7th Annual WPF alumni retreat and writing conference at beloved Seton Hill University, where we reconnected with author pals, made many new acquaintances, and received our anticipated dose of motivation and inspiration.

We are always lucky to share these experiences with friends and family, and the memories and photos often keep us warm when the trees are bare and the wind chill makes our breath freeze once again.

If you would like to subscribe to Field Notes from Heidi Ruby Miller, please email heidirubymiller AT gmail DOT com.

~Heidi

Field Notes from Heidi Ruby Miller, Heidi Ruby Miller, newsletter, summer, roadtripping, Seton Hill Writers

Different spots to go?

2008-06-23T23:33:14Z

Hello all,

We typically go camping in the Allegheny National Forest, or when a 4X4 is available to use we sometimes go to a remote spot by the Yough River.

I am posting to inquire if anyone knows of any other places to rough camp that are similar to these areas within roughly 2 hours of Pittsburgh? Basically, remote and free. We don't like "campground" type camping.

We would like to try to find some where different to go.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

crossposted to penncamping pennsylvania & pittsburgh

April Newsletter for Heidi Ruby Miller

2008-05-05T12:17:39Z

My April newsletter is finally finished, a few days late.

I've reformatted it and given it a new name Field Notes.

Here's an excerpt from the introductory letter for April's issue titled Pride of Place: Loving Where You Live:

Field Notes allows me to express the many facets of my life rather than limiting me to speculative fiction. The concept comes from my undergrad days studying anthropology and geography, as well as my love for traveling and adventure.

Each issue will revolve around a central theme, while still sharing news of my latest releases, appearances, and projects-in-progress. I'll also feature writerly friends and keep you up-to-date on my latest author interviews.

In this issue I look at Southwestern Pennsylvania as my home and playground. The natural beauty rivals only the historic and cultural richness of the area. From the mansions of Uniontown's millionaire coal baron days to Ohiopyle State Park's whitewater rapids and hiking trails, I continue to explore this region in all its forms, seeing it with the eyes of a former anthropologist, but the heart of a native. It is the best of both worlds.

If you'd like to receive a copy, please email me at heidirubymiller AT gmail DOT com.

I'll have more updates here a bit later.

Cheers,
Heidi

CITO IN THE CONG II

2008-03-14T12:28:34Z

It's that time again!

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=bcfaa993-f297-44c6-ab4d-526abcf7500c

This year we will playing in garbage in Dunbar along Ferguson Road.
There are several dumping areas along the roadside.... not just one big
steep hill!

Carl from PA Cleanways is still working out some things with the
township. And I'm still looking for a place to meet afterwards. Any
suggestions, let me know!

Last year was a huge success. Hope to see you there. Gather up some
friends/family. We need all the help we can get!

Last year's event...
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=1ac4f8cb-c45a-4290-b9e7-51c093d511d5

PA Cleanways Scholarship

2008-03-02T14:28:09Z

PA Cleanways is once again offering The Sue Wiseman Scholarship for students ages 16 to 21.

The Sue Wiseman scholarship honors youth who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to reducing littering and illegal dumping.

The $1000 scholarship is paid directly to the student's college, university, or tradeschool of choice. The 2008 scholarship deadline is May 1, 2008. For more information, please visit http://www.pacleanways.org.

PA Cleanways, Heidi Ruby Miller, The Sue Wiseman Scholarship, littering, illegal dumping, Pennsylvania, clean-up,

PA Waypoints Features MOON PA Camping

2008-02-25T13:14:32Z

A new website by Doug Good is featuring our outdoor guide MOON Pennsylvania Camping.
MOON Pennsylvania Camping

PA Waypoints is compiling a database of waterfalls, overlooks, covered bridges, historical ruins, and geological formations within the beautiful state of Pennsylvania.

PA Waypoints, Heidi Ruby Miller, Jason Jack Miller, Doug Good, MOON Pennsylvania Camping, waterfalls, Pennsylvania, covered bridges, overlooks, Seton Hill Writers

Xpost- litolpea, outdoors

2008-02-22T14:17:36Z

The Banff Mountain Film Fest is back in Cleveland! And the Cleveland Fagowees will have an exhibitor booth! YAY!

SEE YOU THERE!

Cabin Fever Dreams

2008-02-14T14:04:28Z

Because I have a bad case of cabin fever right now...

Green Plateaus protruding through a dense fog. Pink and white laurel petals falling into a clear cool stream. Rushing rivers spilling through a mountain gorge. These are the images that welcome us back to Pennsylvania after we've been away for too long. And when we hit the trail again, inhaling the scent of fallen pine needles and air charged with the mist of cascades, we know that we are home.

- excerpt from MOON Pennsylvania Camping

MOON Pennsylvania Camping, Heidi Ruby Miller, Jason Jack Miller

Planning a CITO

2008-01-13T21:38:18Z

Hi everyone! I'm organizing a CITO event with PA Cleanways again this year. Save the date---APRIL 19----last year was a huge success. It was a great feeling of accomplishment. Hope to see everyone again and recruit some new help.

I will post everything as soon as the location is decided.

Off season.. discussion?

2007-12-19T13:19:38Z

Hey folks!

All of the camping communities I am in on LJ have been mostly inactive for a while, so I am attempting to inject some life into this one.

I'm currently in Lancaster, PA, and while I know of a handful of hikes in the area, I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for great local hiking destinations.

Hopefully, I'll be able to collect a good number of new locales so I can do more exploring come time for slightly warmer weather.

21st Annual Pennwriters Conference

2007-12-12T13:06:22Z

Jason and I are planning to attend. Maybe we'll see some of you there.

Best,
Heidi

Joyce Carol Oates will be the keynote speaker for the 21st Annual Pennwriters Conference at the Host Resort in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Tickets for the May 16-18, 2008 event go on sale January 2, 2008, at www.pennwriters.org or by e-mailing the conference coordinator at conferenceco1@pennwriters.org for a registration form. Three-day conference packages start at $199 for members and $249 for nonmembers. After March 2, 2008, dinner tickets with Joyce Carol Oates will be sold separately from the conference at $65 for Pennwriters members and $99 for nonmembers..

Oates, who has been writing since age 14 and is now a creative writing professor at Princeton University, released her 36th book, The Gravedigger's Daughter, this year. Her dinner presentation on Friday evening, May 16, will include commentary on her books and the writing process as well as a question and answer session and a book signing.

Oates' presentation is one of many events during the three-day conference that are designed to introduce beginning writers to the world of publishing and to provide experienced authors with opportunities to network. The conference theme, "A Writer¹s Smorgasbord," reflects the rich traditions of Lancaster County and the diverse nature of writing as a career.

Included in the conference price is the opportunity for writers to pitch finished manuscripts to 10 well-established agents and editors in the publishing business. Among them are Irene Goodman, an agent who started as the assistant to Stephen King's editor 25 years ago and has since built her own agency in New York City, and Melanie Donovan, the executive editor of HarperCollins Children. These 10-minute pitches are designed to give writers the chance to bypass the traditional query letter process and present their work face-to-face.

Other agents scheduled to be at the conference include agents Ginger Clark from Curtis Brown, Ltd., Jessica Regel from Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, and Elaine P. English. Other editors include Editor in Chief Ginjer Buchanan from Ace/Roc, Associate Editor Paul Stevens from Tom Doherty Associates (Tor/Forge), Assistant Editor Tessa Woodward from Avon, and Editorial Director Jane Friedman from F+W Publications.

Hour-long workshops led by agents, editors, and published authors start Friday morning and continue throughout the weekend until Sunday at noon. Visiting authors include Jonathan Maberry, Bram Stoker award-winning author of Ghost Road Blues; Maria V. Snyder, winner of the 2006 Compton Crook Award for Best First Novel, Poison Study; Timons Esaias, an Asimov's Reader Choice Award winner; and debut author D.L. Wilson, who will also speak during Saturday's luncheon.

Pennwriters is a statewide organization of more than 450 published and unpublished writers from Pennsylvania. Annual conferences are held in alternating years in Pittsburgh and either Harrisburg or Lancaster.

Pennwriters, Heidi Ruby Miller, Pennwriters 21st Annual Conference, Joyce Carol Oates, Maria V. Snyder, Timons Esaias, Jonathan Maberry, writing, D. L. Wilson, Seton Hill University

Angel's Landing Strikes Back

2007-09-10T14:41:23Z

Not afraid of heights.
I made it this far before really having doubts about making it to the top.

Crossposted to jaguarpaddler

Angel's Landing, Zion National Park

2007-08-22T15:01:49Z

Angel's Landing Sunrise
Our morning approach to Angel's Landing, Zion National Park.

Cross-posted to jaguarpaddler

Nevada from I-15

2007-08-21T15:04:06Z

I-15 to Utah
A shot from our rental as we sped along the I-15 just outside of Vegas.

Cross-posted to jaguarpaddler

Activity Calendar for Regional Environmental Education Center

2007-06-07T11:57:05Z

Here is the June Calendar of Events for the Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC):

Native Gardens Project
Saturday, June 9 (9:30 am – noon)
Sunday, June 10 (2 – 6 pm)
Family Friendly

Want to learn how to prepare a garden, what IPM stands for or just want to get the kids outdoors? Then we have what you’re looking for! Thanks to a grant from NiSource and Columbia Gas, the REEC will be adding two native avian and butterfly habitat areas to the Center but we need your help! Join the REEC staff and other community volunteers for Saturday’s “dig-out” to prepare the earth by digging the garden areas. Then join us for Sunday’s “plant-in” where we’ll be planting over 150 native plants from the Audubon Native Plant Center ! Bring your gardening tools, shovels and gloves if you have them. We’ll provide cold drinks and light snacks. No registration is required, come for an hour or stay the whole time. Great for Scout troops, garden clubs and other service organizations.

Saturdays OutDoors (S.O.D. Hike)
Dates: second Saturday of the month June through November (June 9, July 14, Aug. 11…)
Time: 10 am – 11 am
Tuition: FREE
Ages: Family friendly!

Beautiful weather, blue skies and singing birds are waiting at the REEC! Join us for these monthly FREE guided nature hikes on the trails around the Center. Family friendly and at an hour long they’ll easily fit into your schedule! A different hike each month! Watch as the spring wildflowers give way to the colors of summer! Pre-registration is requested for planning purposes.

Volunteers Needed!
Event: Bridgeville Community Day
Date: Saturday, June 16
Times: 11 am – 5 pm

ASWP Adult Eco-Series: Owl Anatomy & Physiology
Date: Wednesday, June 20
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Tuition: $8.00
Ages: Adult

Meet a live captive owl and search for wild owls as you enjoy a night hike under the stars. Join the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (ASWP) at the REEC for an in depth look at the owl. Contact Jessica Stombaugh , Program Manager at the REEC at JessicaS@regionaleec.org to pre-register for this event.

AMD Remediation Community Presentation
Date: Saturday, June 23
Time: 10:30 am
Location: REEC Outdoor Classroom
Ages: Adult

Interested in what’s going on at Wingfield Pines? Then don’t miss this informative presentation of the Master & Ecological Restoration Plan for Wingfield Pines by University of Michigan graduate students. For more information on Wingfield Pines and Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) visit their website.

2nd Annual Celebrate Chartiers Creek Day
Dates: Sunday, June 24
Time: 1 - 5 pm
Location: Wingfield Pines, Mayview Road, USC
Ages: Family Friendly

Join us on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at Wingfield Pines, a property owned and conserved by Allegheny Land Trust located on Mayview Road in Upper St. Clair . The Regional Environmental Education Center (REEC) and Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) are proud to host the 2nd Annual “Celebrate Chartiers Creek Day”, a review of the many conservation/environmental efforts underway in the Chartiers Creek Watershed. Conservation and environmental organizations active in the Chartiers Creek Watershed as well as numerous regional organizations and universities will join us that day. Features of the day will include: ALT’s AMD treatment plan for the outflow on the site, aquatic and riparian life along Chartiers Creek, wetlands and ponds scattered throughout the property, the function of a natural flood plain, identify plants species (both invasive and native), hiking to identify wildlife.

Once in a Blue Moon Night Adventure
Date: Saturday, June 30
Time: 8 - 10 pm
Tuition: $5.00
Ages: Family Friendly

A blue moon doesn’t come around very often; in fact there won’t be another one for over a year! Join REEC staff to celebrate the blue moon in June! Stories, games, myths and lore will be followed by a beautiful hike under the full blue moon! “Night owls” of all ages are welcome.

For more information or to register for one of these events, please contact:
Jessica Stombaugh, Program Manager, JessicaS@regionaleec.org or call the Center at 412.838.0064.

The Regional Environmental Education Center is located in Upper St. Clair, PA at 1571 Mayview Road.

Regional Environmental Education Center, penncamping, outdoors

REI slide show for MOON Pennsylvania Camping

2007-05-30T14:21:32Z

Tonight from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Jason and I will be hosting a free clinic at the REI in Pittsburgh's Southside Works on our travel guide MOON Pennsylvania Camping.

The clinic will include a slide show from our research trips throughout the state of Pennsylvania, a look at the TOP TEN campgrounds, and a question and answer segment open to the audience. We'll be signing copies of the guidebook afterward.

Hope to see some of you locals there!

Moon Pennsylvania Camping, Heidi Ruby Miller, Jason Jack Miller, REI, Pittsburgh, camping, outdoor activities, Seton Hill University

Meadow Run Slides

2007-05-25T19:11:56Z

Meadow Run Slides, originally uploaded by Jason Jack Miller.

In honor of the summer kick-off, here are Ohiopyle's Meadow Run Slides.

Be safe-don't slip!

REI Clinic for MOON Pennsylvania Camping

2007-05-23T12:32:42Z

On Wednesday, May 30, 2007, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Jason Jack Miller and Heidi Ruby Miller will be hosting a free clinic at the REI in Pittsburgh's Southside Works on their travel guide MOON Pennsylvania Camping published by Avalon Travel Publishing.

The clinic will include a slide show from their research trips throughout the state of Pennsylvania, a look at the TOP TEN campgrounds, and a question and answer segment open to the audience. They will be signing copies of their guidebook afterward.

Apologies for the X-posts if you read more than one of these blogs:
ambasadora, jaguarpaddler, setonhillwpf, penncamping, thecounty, book_pimp, penn_ljfriends, pgh_righters, heidirubymiller, wpfwriters, MySpace Heidi

Moon Pennsylvania Camping, Heidi Ruby Miller, Jason Jack Miller, REI, Pittsburgh, camping, outdoor activities, Seton Hill University

Take a look...

2007-04-18T00:34:27Z

at what a handful of volunteers can get done in a few hours.

http://users.livejournal.com/_dolphy_/24887.html?view=33591#t33591

Three Rivers Rowing Association

2007-03-30T15:40:50Z

Three Rivers Rowing Association has a new promotional video featuring several local paddlers. The organization, located in Pittsburgh, PA, encompasses rowing, kayaking, and dragon boating, and provides youth camps, scholastic programs, lessons, regattas, and festivals.

You can read their newsletters online or sign up at RowandPaddle@ThreeRiversRowing.org.

They also have open houses throughout the year. For more information contact them at trra@threeriversrowing.org.

Three Rivers Rowing Association, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh,

Attention Anglers

2007-03-27T14:19:48Z

Starting in 2007, Pennsylvania Trout Season will have two opening days.

On Saturday, March 31 the season opens for the following SE counties:
Northampton
Juniata
Schuylkill
Perry
Dauphin
Lehigh
Berks
Bucks
Lebanon
Montgomery
Cumberland
Lancaster
Chester
Philadelphia
Delaware
Franklin
Adams
York

On Saturday, April 14 it opens for the rest of the state.

The PFBC sites these reasons for the new early opening out east:
*expanded season
*warmer climate
*shortened stocking times

For more details you can visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Happy angling!

Pennsylvania, trout season, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Local Watershed Associations

2007-03-15T14:56:43Z

Here is a list of some local watershed organizations in Southwestern Pennsylvania and links to their sites:

Chartiers Nature Conservancy
Greater Redstone Clearwater Initiative
Greene County
Lower Chartiers Watershed Association
Montour Run Watershed Association
Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy
Nine Mile Run Watershed Association
South Fayette Conservation Group
Streets Run Watershed Association
Upper St. Clair Citizens for Land Stewardship

For more information visit Allegheny Sierra Club.

watersheds, Allegheny Sierra Club

CITO IN THE CONG--APRIL 14

2007-02-27T18:28:16Z

I finally posted my cleanup event on www.geocaching.com. (GC115WT) I have all of the locations figured out but still have lots of planning to do. Check it out.... http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=1ac4f8cb-c45a-4290-b9e7-51c093d511d5

It's going to be a big cleanup so I hope we have a good turnout from cachers and the public. Hope to see ya there!

Ride for Climate

2007-02-22T14:12:33Z

Ride for Climate begins its cross-country tour on April 21, 2007, in Boston and will be stopping in Pittsburgh, PA from May 12 -14. The sponsors of this bicycle journey hope to raise awareness of global warming.

You can check out the entire route here.

Ride for Climate, global warming