camping weekend this summer - ghost towns? [Archive] - The Sportster and Buell Motorcycle Forum

kribit

8th July 2009, 16:56

Time for another camping trip? I was thinking about checking out another PA ghost town or two besides Centralia, apparently there are a bunch. Somewhere in eastern or central PA would be best since it would just be a weekend trip. Anyone interested? If so give me some dates and location ideas. I should have some weekends open in a few weeks. Here's a few links to ghost town info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ghost_Towns_in_Pennsylvania
http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/pa/pa.html
http://forgottenpa.blogspot.com/2007/08/six-great-pa-ghost-town-pages.html
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2002-10-31/cover.shtml

Anyone familiar with the other towns?

wandrur

8th July 2009, 17:00

Holy crap, that is such a great idea!! I should do that here in Colorado...

CaptEvo

9th July 2009, 00:35

Ooooooo.....I think I saw this movie....:wonderlan

MDT

9th July 2009, 00:42

Holy crap, that is such a great idea!! I should do that here in Colorado...

Nevadaville, above Central City has a great cemetary. There are many old buildings and such. My wife and I are doing an investigation at the Stanley Hotel Music hall this Friday night.

Earlier this year we went to Gettysburg and spent a couple of days at the battle ground. Lot's of "activity".

ParrotHead

9th July 2009, 22:52

I vote for pithole.

Also Gettysburg would be cool.

kribit

9th July 2009, 22:59

I vote for pithole.

Also Gettysburg would be cool.

:laugh Pithole is a great name but that's all the way in the northwest corner of the state. 6+ hours by highway.

I've still never been to Gettysburg.

I saw that you can't do a weekend until the end of summer? Most of my weekends are full at the end of August, unless we're talking September.

ParrotHead

9th July 2009, 23:23

:laugh Pithole is a great name but that's all the way in the northwest corner of the state. 6+ hours by highway.

I've still never been to Gettysburg.

I saw that you can't do a weekend until the end of summer? Most of my weekends are full at the end of August, unless we're talking September.

Didn't think about having to ride out Friday eve.

Never been to Gettysburg? If you want to go and are into the history, I suggest watching the movie or reading the book The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara which is what the movie was based on. It is close enough to give an idea to the flow of the battle and it will make more sense when there.

I have a trip I am going on the first week of August and need to get some things done before I go. It may be Sept before I can go. Of course we are going to Delmarva bike week Sept 17-20.

Brad

9th July 2009, 23:31

I'm up for it - 2nd half of August or later for me...

KC_Sporty_Gal

9th July 2009, 23:42

I used to live 20 minutes from Centralia... really aint too much to see there.

svwannabe

9th July 2009, 23:49

Gettysburg would be pretty sweet and i think the best choice as far a being able to setup camp and such. Centralia is sweet and i have been there but i dont think is the best choice since you arent suppose to stay there.

kribit

10th July 2009, 03:41

Screw Loose Dan

11th July 2009, 04:30

I wasn't really planning on camping in the ghost towns, was just going to use them as a direction to point the bike in. I have been to Centralia already and I know there's not much to see but it's still interesting, to me any way.

I was thinking late July / early August for this but that doesn't seem to jive with any one else so far. Late August I'm pretty booked. I'm thinking about a 2 week trip this fall but not sure when yet, maybe early October.

I'll try to remember to look at my work schedule and let you know, but I should have some time free (only supposed to work 2 weekends every 6 weeks...even if that didn't work out this weekend :( ).

Scotty355

13th July 2009, 20:30

Chris B.

13th July 2009, 20:53

http://www.ghosttowns.com/ghosttownsusa.html

Check it out, you can choose your state and browse through info on ghost towns.

kribit

13th July 2009, 23:45

Eckley is a nice place.You could also try the local legend of the stone couch (if you dare). stuofdoom.com/main/?m=200805 It is also not far from the scenic town of Jim Thorpe (he's actually buried there). I live up the street from Eckley in Freeland. Let me know if you are up this way and I could show you around.

The stone couch is cool, I like that kind of thing too. Looks like a good area up there, and more ghost towns are listed around Hickory Run and Ricketts Glen. Maybe do Friday night at the first one and Saturday at the second, after stopping at a few places along the way. I've camped at both places before and they're cool, I remember great roads near them. I will definitely let you know if/when this happens.

kribit

13th July 2009, 23:52

Fyi, I'm thinking Jul 31 - Aug 2 for this now, or possibly the weekend before. I just want to camp soon. For anyone that can't make it, I will obviously camp again in the fall and don't mind repeat trips. :)

mikeLI_77

19th July 2009, 17:42

I'm back from my trip now so I'm free just about every weekend. Let me know the definite dates and I should be able to make it.

kribit

22nd July 2009, 22:08

I actually would be able to do the weekend of August 15th now. Is that late enough in August for more people? Can't do this weekend now, and the weekend of August 2nd I could only do Sat-Sun now instead of Fri-Sun. Any preferences?

ReddTigger

23rd July 2009, 06:00

I might be able to make a weekend in august if I know far enough in advance.. :) Keep me posted and I'll keep my fingers crossed.

ParrotHead

23rd July 2009, 13:07

Since I will be away Aug 1-9, I will most likely stay home the weekend of Aug15-16 so the wife doesn't forget who I am ...

Cindy Dietz

24th July 2009, 04:11

Looks like it will be fun ride. Take care and be safe.

kribit

28th July 2009, 00:27

Well I was hoping someone would chime in agreeing with a specific weekend so I knew for sure at least one other person could make it. I guess I'll just say the weekend of August 15th. Who's in?

Brad

28th July 2009, 01:11

I'm 75% in ~ for 8/15, but I can only do Friday night thru Sunday.

kribit

28th July 2009, 02:34

I'm 75% in ~ for 8/15, but I can only do Friday night thru Sunday.

The plan is Friday night through Sunday for me too, I'm not taking off work. Maybe leave an hour or two early depending what I have going on that week.

Screw Loose Dan

28th July 2009, 03:03

I should have off Saturday and Sunday that weekend, but won't get off work until 7:00 PM Friday, but I'll meet up with you guys (or try to get out early) ...so I'm 98% sure I'm in!!! :)

mikeLI_77

28th July 2009, 04:57

I'm in. I could make it there friday through sunday. What part of PA are we meeting at?

ParrotHead

28th July 2009, 13:14

I'm 50-50 for the weekend of Aug 15.

Where to?

ReddTigger

28th July 2009, 13:17

I'd probably be able to head out of here on saturday afternoon around 5pm and can meet up with you guys for the last hurrah..

kribit

28th July 2009, 14:13

Brad

28th July 2009, 14:42

Regardless of location, I like the idea of staying put (not relocating) on Saturday.

ParrotHead

28th July 2009, 15:01

Regardless of location, I like the idea of staying put (not relocating) on Saturday.

I agree...

ReddTigger

29th July 2009, 03:45

Scotty355

30th July 2009, 03:28

There is a ride in Hazleton the 15th sponsored by the soldiers angels rc
pasarc.com
I hear that you get to camp for free if you preregister if anyone is interested.

Screw Loose Dan

9th August 2009, 22:43

We could meet at Hickory Run State Park on Friday. Either stay there Saturday too or move to Ricketts Glen, depending what people want to do. Or we could move south to make it easier for Anthony to meet up.

So, what's the plan? You guys rolling out Friday evening to Hickory Run (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/hickoryrun.aspx) and staying there until Sunday? I'm trying to decide if I could be ready to roll Friday night (would be late) or wait to meet up until Saturday.

kribit

10th August 2009, 12:24

I should be ready to go on Friday around 5-5:30. I'll call Hickory Run later to see if they think we should get reservations, but I would assume not. And yes, staying there until Sunday. :)

mikeLI_77

10th August 2009, 22:02

I'm still in. I'll meet everyone at the campsite friday. Hopefully a little earlier than the last time and maybee I'll make it to the correct one the first time this time. :laugh

kribit

11th August 2009, 17:03

I will probably be leaving later on Friday now. I'll be driving home from North Jersey that day and even if I get home by 5:30-6, I'll still have a few things to do before I can leave.

We shouldn't need reservations, there are 50 tent sites still open. Check in goes until 11pm.

ParrotHead

11th August 2009, 19:35

As much as I'd like to go I need to get some stuff done around the house so I'll be local this weekend.

mikeLI_77

11th August 2009, 21:34

would it be better to make reservations so they will put us all together or atleast close to each other or should the first person there tell them that there will be more coming seperatly so they could keep some spots for the rest?

kribit

11th August 2009, 22:02

I don't think it would be a problem to get 2 or 3 sites together when we get there. I mainly don't want to make reservations myself since I'm not guaranteed to be the first person there, and they'd need to be under the name of that person. I figure the first person there can get the sites and then everyone else will pay that person as they arrive. Also a few people seemed unsure of whether they could make it so I don't even know how many sites we'd need at this point.

Brad

12th August 2009, 12:24

I can't make it this weekend ~

ReddTigger

12th August 2009, 12:54

I can't make it this weekend ~

I have a weekend of extensive house hunting. I was hoping to at least have a signed lease by now.. I too will have to decline.

ParrotHead

12th August 2009, 14:02

I have a weekend of extensive house hunting. I was hoping to at least have a signed lease by now.. I too will have to decline.

Ya know Tigg, perhaps we could help. Give each one of us an area to cover and we can find ya the perfect house ... Trust us

mikeLI_77

12th August 2009, 22:20

So how many people are in for this weekend?

Screw Loose Dan

12th August 2009, 22:24

I'll be there. The bike is mostly ready (1200R). Should be rolling out Friday evening.

johnnybgood

13th August 2009, 00:24

I'll be there. The bike is mostly ready (1200R).

You got another bike? Hadn't heard. Congratulations!!:clap

You all have a fun and safe weekend.

John

kribit

13th August 2009, 14:43

Looks like 3 of us for camping then. And I think scotty355 who is local was going to try to meet up too?

Screw Loose Dan

13th August 2009, 15:29

Mike - What time you planning on getting there?

I should know by the end of the day today, I might end up taking the day off tomorrow.

Screw Loose Dan

13th August 2009, 16:37

Hope you guys aren't scared of bears... Looks like they have been having some friendly bears in the park up there this year.
Attention All Campers: Because of an active bear population, overnight guests are required to store all food and any scented items such as toothpaste, deodorant, and dish soap in their vehicle while away from their site. This includes when leaving the site for even a short period of time, day or night. Park staff will enforce these rules and failure to comply may result in a citation.

kribit

13th August 2009, 16:53

Hope you guys aren't scared of bears... Looks like they have been having some friendly bears in the park up there this year.

Well since our vehicles aren't bear-proof, we can put everything in a stuff sack and suspend it from a high branch. :)

Erik

13th August 2009, 17:12

Just wishing you all a great fun weekend, enjoy it and ride safe.:)

ParrotHead

13th August 2009, 17:56

Well since our vehicles aren't bear-proof, we can put everything in a stuff sack and suspend it from a high branch. :)

We did that in Yellowstone when I went backpacking there. They had poles set up so we did not have to find a suitable tree.

Its amazing how much water lapping over a small branch hanging into a nearby stream sounds like something walking down the stream in the middle of the night!

Enjoy the trip!

Scotty355

13th August 2009, 23:10

I'll try to find everyone friday after work!

mikeLI_77

14th August 2009, 00:08

Mike - What time you planning on getting there?
I should know by the end of the day today, I might end up taking the day off tomorrow.

don't know yet. If I can get my lazy butt up tonight to pack the bike up I will try and get out of my house at 5 which I hope will put me there before 8 p.m but I doubt it nothing ever works out the way I plan it.

Hope you guys aren't scared of bears... Looks like they have been having some friendly bears in the park up there this year.

I saw that. I will have some rope with me and I also have waterproof sac that I carry my camping gear in we could use which is pretty air tight also so that should work if we need it.

I looked up some camping gear last night and they sell bear resistance containers and they wanted $60. for this little plastic jar. I could not believe it.

kribit

14th August 2009, 01:03

I looked up some camping gear last night and they sell bear resistance containers and they wanted $60. for this little plastic jar. I could not believe it.

We don't need a bear container. That's more for backpacking when you're really in the middle of nowhere. I hear they are worth the price though. Most you need a coin or something to turn a latch to open, so bears can beat them up and kick them around but they still can't get in.

I hesitate to mention it after all the bear talk, but since there are only a few of us, how about cooking dinner on the fire on Saturday instead of going somewhere? We could do grilled chicken and potato boats pretty easily. I could bring the little stuff then we'd only need to stop at a grocery store for the chicken and veggies on the way back.

kribit

14th August 2009, 01:06

Also, I ended up getting home tonight. So I'm back to leaving around 5 tomorrow.

Scotty, I'll pm you my number so you can find us.

Screw Loose Dan

14th August 2009, 01:23

I aint skeered o'no bare!!! :)

We can cook Saturday night if you like. Let me know if you need to bring anything besides my bear repellent.

I took the whole day off tomorrow (didn't want to get stuck like tonight until 8:15). I'll probably head out around 3ish - which really translates to much later.

Scotty - I'll send you a PM as well with my cell number.

CYA all there.

mikeLI_77

14th August 2009, 01:41

there was no way I was going to buy one. I was just saying how much they cost for such little things. the one I saw was see through plastic. didn't look that strong but I guess it must be if it can resist a bear.

Should I put my saddlebags back on the bike so we will have room for anything we may buy?

kribit

14th August 2009, 01:48

I'll have room in my bags for whatever we get at the store.

I guess whoever gets there first tomorrow should get us a site. We should be able to fit 3 small tents on one. Then once you get the site, text the number to the other people and they'll know not to get one. Sound good?

Screw Loose Dan

14th August 2009, 01:55

Sounds good to me!

mikeLI_77

14th August 2009, 01:56

I'm all packed up and ready to go so I should be able to hit the road not long after I get out of work tomorrow.

It's saying it should take 2 hours and 10 minutes for me to get there but with the usuall traffic there is trying to get off this damn island it should take me no less than 3 hours to get there. Plus I'll probably stop to get something to eat along the way and gas up so that will probably add up to 4 hours to get there tomorrow night.

Screw Loose Dan

14th August 2009, 19:34

Hopefully leaving in a little bit...

Just checked the weather! :)
http://www.dancunningham.net/pics/random/weather.JPG

mikeLI_77

14th August 2009, 22:06

I'm just about ready to go. I'll be hitting the road soon. See you there.

kribit

14th August 2009, 22:23

I'm slow. Leaving in an hour hopefully.

Screw Loose Dan

16th August 2009, 19:10

I've been home now for a little bit (already started doing chores...).

Good to meet Scott and see everyone else again! Go riding and it was a helluva campfire!! ;)

Cindy Dietz

16th August 2009, 19:55

We expect pictures and a ride report, thank you very much.

mikeLI_77

16th August 2009, 20:22

I got home around 1. Changed my oil in the bike, and washed it which it needed both desperatly since I didn't do either since before my trip around the country. Was a really good weekend. We have to do it again. Found some good roads but most of all had a great time with everyone. Was nice meeting you scott and thanks for showing us around.

kribit

16th August 2009, 21:32

I've been home for a while as well. Showered and napped and now time to get stuff done.

Great weekend guys! Nice meeting you, Scott. And Dan's the only one with pictures, as usual.

ParrotHead

17th August 2009, 02:51

Rode over to the local dealer for a free lunch and then went home and went to sleep.

Pics? Ooops, forgot to bring out the camera. But I was only there for one night.

Screw Loose Dan

20th August 2009, 01:17

Here's a link (http://screwloosedan.com/cm/thumbnails.php?album=34) to all the pics I took.

Here's a few favs:

http://screwloosedan.com/cm/albums/20090814Poconos/normal_IMG_6218.JPG

http://screwloosedan.com/cm/albums/20090814Poconos/normal_IMG_6227.JPG

http://screwloosedan.com/cm/albums/20090814Poconos/normal_IMG_6234.JPG

We even do gravel roads...
http://screwloosedan.com/cm/albums/20090814Poconos/normal_IMG_6240.JPG

Scotty355

20th August 2009, 01:29

That gravel road looks familiar.
Is it a short distance off of 940?

paralegalpete

20th August 2009, 01:29

Nice trip, I've never motorcycle camped, it's on my list of things to do. The biggest challenge will be bringing the guitar

ParrotHead

20th August 2009, 01:31

LOL, I tend to bring too much camping as well. This time I managed to pack light without forgetting anything.

Scotty, sorry I missed you. I got up there around 7pm Saturday, just in time for a yummy dinner.

Screw Loose Dan

20th August 2009, 01:31

That gravel road looks familiar.
Is it a short distance off of 940?
:dunno Mike was leading...maybe he remembers.
Nice trip, I've never motorcycle camped, it's on my list of things to do. The biggest challenge will be bringing the guitar
Camping on a motorcycle adds a whole other level to camping and also to riding I think. I love it. But, you find quickly what's REALLY a necessity. :p

ParrotHead

20th August 2009, 01:45

Camping on a motorcycle adds a whole other level to camping and also to riding I think. I love it. But, you find quickly what's REALLY a necessity. :p

Basically the same as back packing. Weight is not as big of a deal, but space is. And it is a blast!

xena

20th August 2009, 01:46

Nice pics but I don't see any of the Ghost Town you visited.

ParrotHead

20th August 2009, 01:49

Nice pics but I don't see any of the Ghost Town you visited.

Its invisble :D

Brad

20th August 2009, 01:53

Nice trip, I've never motorcycle camped, it's on my list of things to do. The biggest challenge will be bringing the guitar

Get yourself a StrumStick!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2019/2360779094_a203d95913.jpg?v=0

http://www.strumstick.com/

mikeLI_77

20th August 2009, 03:14

That gravel road looks familiar.
Is it a short distance off of 940?

Yeah. I missed sandy valley RD after we stopped at the grocery store wear it intersects 940 so I made the right on Vetrans RD and it turns into Brickyard Rd which brought me back to Sandy Run Rd (rt2044) which brought us back the same way you took us out of the park in the morning

kribit

20th August 2009, 03:39

Nice pics but I don't see any of the Ghost Town you visited.

Scott took us by Eckley PA but there was a civil war reenactment going on that day so they were charging to get in and we didn't want to spend the money. Instead we just rode around. Went over a cool dam which you can see in the pictures although I'm not sure the name of it. Went past the stone couch mentioned earlier in this thread. I had actually forgotten to write down how to get to some other ghost towns on my way out Friday so we didn't see any other ones.