The Fifth Paw

I walk my dogs.  A Lot.  Nature calls whenever it wants, but I don't want to have to carry a full bag.  I used to, as any good dog owner does, then I saw an advertisement for The Fifth Paw.  

An ingenious little device that slips onto your leash.  It has two sides and can slip onto thick or thin leashes up to 1 inch wide.

It has three 'hooks' around the outside that will hold poo bags - sometimes two at a time, if you are walking multiple dogs.  Just tie a knot, slip it in and away you go.

Learn more and see a demonstration at their website.  

Walking Goes Green(er)

Walking is great exercise and, depending on where you live, a great way to get where you go.  I started walking for fitness after I had an unfortunate motorcycle incident.  That incident left a dent on my leg that would re bruise with the slightest impact - for up to two years.  My boss suggested that I register for the Harrisburg Half Marathon in order to keep myself motivated to move.  In September 2010, I completed my first half marathon - walking.  Not a bad way to spend 3 to 4 hours on a beautiful morning.  Since then, I have completed a total of 15.

My fifteenth was a very nice walk through Lancaster county, starting and ending at Garden Spot village.  This event is especially nice for walkers as it is a combined half and full marathon.  In addition to the extra time afforded by the full marathon participants, they keep the finish line open as long as they need to. Combine that with a bag check, showers and an excellent food station at the end, it is a very nice event.  This year, they went green, as well.

Good running/walking events include water stops every 2 to 3 miles.  While some participants carry their own hydration, most take advantage of the water stations.  While a great service, it leads to a very high number of paper cups being disposed.  My 15th half marathon had a nice solution - HydraPouch.

HydraPouch is a soft sided drink container that has a clip on the back.

The water stations had the options of cups or water coolers with a hydrapour spout.  It was a 'handle' that allowed you to use your entire hand to press the button and fill the pouch.  It fills very quickly - possibly quicker than getting a cup from a volunteer.  It also allows you to keep water or Gatorade with you for slightly longer.  It did take a little getting used to drinking from - you have to overlap the top and hold it closed with a finger or your pour liquid over yourself.  I did not practice before I started and had an event at the first water stop.  After that, all went well.  I would definitely use it again. 

The biggest drawback that I can identify is that events need to purchase the spouts and commit to using them.  Elite runners may also choose not to use them, but it still appeared to be a reduction in cups I saw along the road as I participated in this event.  Learn more at http://hydrapouch.com/

Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area

Today and tomorrow, we will take a break from Thanksgiving desserts to meet travel locations.  Today, it is Joseph E Ibberson Conservation area in Halifax, Pennsylvania.

To find it, cross Peter's Mountain into Halifax on route 255.  After you reach the bottom of mountain, you will come to Camp Hebron Road - turn right.  There was a PADCNR indicating the turn when I visited.  Follow Camp Hebron Road until you see the sign above on your right.  The parking area is a one way road and, when you are parked, you have a wonderful view of the valley.

When you are ready to begin, there is a sign board that includes a brochure.  In that brochure is a map, so take one along just in case.  There is also a wooden board that gives a nice overview of the available trails.

Just beside that trail is the beginning to the Evergreen Trail - blazed in red.  I started on this trail and followed it to the left to where it met the blue Victoria trail.  The trails are very well marked.

I stayed on the blue trail - it crossed the beige Rock trail and the pink Whitetail Trail then turned into what appeared to be an old road and started to climb the mountain.

At the top of the mountain, you will come to the end of the blue trail and a steel gate.  Just across the gate you will see white blazes and another trail - this is the Appalachian Trail.  The view from the top is quite nice, but you can only see it when there are no leaves on the trees.  You can, at this point, turn left onto the AT and follow it to the blue trail and continue to follow it until you come to the pink trail.  I did not take this option, I walked back down on the blue trail.

Not only is there a better view after the leaves fall, Abby has a great time playing in the piles of leaves on the way back down to the pink trail.

As you walk back down the mountain, you will find where the pink trail crosses your path.  Turn left onto the pink trail.  Continue to follow the pink trail - it will join with the yellow trail for awhile.  When the pink and yellow trail diverge again, you will be at the pond.

There is a bench on the far side of the pond.  If you would like to sit for awhile, continue past the pond and turn onto the next left trail.  You will see a trailer ahead of you and the bench is just behind that.  If you see the Eagle Path, in blue, it can be taken, but it is very close to the water and was not as well maintained when I was there.  Continue on the pink path until it meets back to the red path - there will be a small cottage where they meet.  At this point, you have done 2.5 to 3 miles (depending on how many side trips you take around the pond, etc) - a mile less if you don't climb to the top of the blue trail.  If you want to have a slightly longer walk, bear right and follow the red trail back to where you started.  If you want to get done, turn left and head back to the parking area.

To learn more, go to http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/josepheibberson/index.htm