PhilaVentures Schedule of Events
A Program of the William Way Community Center
Weekly Wissahickon Valley Hike
Every Sunday - 2:00 p.m.
On Sunday, take the R-7 to Chestnut Hill and walk 2 blocks to Border's Books at 8701 Germantown Ave where it crosses Bethlehem Pike (the top of Chestnut Hill). Zip 19118. Our friendly, talkative, and outgoing group usually gathers around 2 PM outside Borders’ front doors, and is welcoming to newbies who are our newest friends-to-be. We depart Borders’: at exactly 2:25 PM . Return: approx 5 PM. Exit at half-way point, if wanted.
Activity level? There is some up and down walking over uneven paths. Our activity level is dedicated to the occasional hiker, or weekly hiker, so you should be able to walk at a moderate pace without losing your breath or balance. What we offer: An opportunity to have 2 or 3 hours of walking with a talkative group of gay/lesbian/tg people who like fresh air and hidden exercise.
The Wissahickon Hike is coordinated by Andy B. He can be reached at ABK121@HOTMAIL.COM or by phone at 215-659-5772. For those in the suburbs in need of a ride, Andy may possibly be able to arrange car pooling. Hike reservations are not required but contact should be made with the event leader so he can inform you of any changes and so he knows who will be attending the event.
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Midweek Fitness Walk at Valley Forge
Every Wednesday starting April 2, 2008, 6:00 pm
Recharge midweek with a fast-paced fitness walk on the 5.5 mile, paved multi-purpose trail at Valley Forge National Historical Park. We will meet at 6 p.m. and leave promptly at 6:15 from the lower parking lot near the bathrooms at the Visitor’s Center. We will maintain a brisk pace that will allow us to cover the distance in 1.5 hours. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes, but hiking boots aren’t necessary. Heavy rain cancels. You may have a leashed dog on the trail. See the park website for directions. Contact: Liz at ereasey@seic.com, 610-613-3776 or Beth at 610-718-8591.
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An Audubon Adventure!
Saturday, May 3, 10 am: Rain date Sunday May 4th at Noon
Join PhilaVentures for a visit to Mill Grove, first home in the United States of John James Audubon. We will meet at Mill Grove at 10am, and begin with a self-guided tour of the house, now a museum holding Audubon memorabilia (Admission $4). Afterwards we will take a 2-3 mile hike along the Perkiomen Creek. Terrain is up and down hills, some trails are paved, others are not. We will finish with a late lunch at a nearby restaurant (10 minute drive from Mill Grove). Participants must arrange own transportation, see website for directions. Reservation required by April 28 to Liz at ereasey@seic.com, or 610-613-3776.
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Ben Franklin Bridge Walk
Saturday, May 17, 10:40 am
We'll be departing 8th & Market in Phila at 10:40 AM to walk through the spring-flowers of Independence Mall on our way to the Ben Franklin Bridge.
As the bridge begins its sweeping ascent, we'll be able to see the architecture of the 1920's in "gritty", coal-fired, industrial Philadelphia. Backs of buildings, many not renovated, show us how openable windows and sun light were essentials in the era of longshoremen, steam locomotives, and labor strife along the Delaware waterfront. Moving toward the center of the span we'll see magnificent skyline of Philadelphia and several bridges spanning up and down the river. Down below us: boats of all sizes, and ships unloading cargo along the piers. Did you ever wonder about the noise from a Lindenwold Speed Line Train as it travels across the bridge?
As we approach the Camden side, we can see over to landmarks in New Jersey, some 5 miles away! Below opens up to Campbell's Ball Park and the surrounding, now redeveloping, community of homes and small shops and Rutgers-Camden U. A too-short walk through the campus and along the river will bring us to the Aquarium or the Battleship New Jersey. Your choice!
Aquarium: ($18.00) Boy, has this acquarium changed! There are several "please touch" presentations, many, many newer galleries, a 4D theater($7.00) and its all in beautiful living-color. If you've ever been here before, its time to come back. Touch the sharks, horseshoe crab, there's even live river hippos! Website: http://www.adventureaquarium.com/
Battleship New Jersey ($17.00) This is a ship worth visiting! Its 3 football fields long! In the guided tour, you'll get to see where the seamen lived (think cramped hallway) and ate, you'll see officers' quarters and where they met to plan strategy. You'll go up to the top of the big tower for a view of this battleship which seems to continue forever both front and aft. These guns fired ammunition that each weighs as much as a Volkswagon! How they got the ammunition into the guns is part of your tour! http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/
Return will be on the 4:30 PM ferryboat ($6.00) to Philadelphia with dinner location tba.
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Memorial Day Hickory Run State Park Camping Trip
Friday, May 23, - Monday, May, 26
Join us for 3 days of fun at beautiful Hickory Run State Park, http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/hickoryrun.aspx , located at the beginning of the Pocono Mountains, near White Haven , PA. The park is about a 2 hour drive from Center City Philadelphia and has much to offer in terms of scenic places and outdoor activities.
We will arrive Friday night and camp 3 nights. We have booked 3 adjacent tenting campsites capable of holding approximate 15 people in total. Bring your own tent (or share Bert's 8 person tent!), supplies, and food. We will have to coordinate the number of tents and people on each site. We plan to cook out one night (will share food that night) and maybe dine out in a nearby restaurant on another. Campsite costs will be $20 per person or less. Please plan on bringing your own camping equipment and food. Hickory Run offers modern rest rooms with hot showers and a camp store.
You'll have a wonderful choice of activities--Hickory Run has ample hiking and biking to satisfy all:
• Bike on the gorgeous 23 mile Lehigh Gorge Trail that begins in White Haven and ends at Jim Thorpe, PA. (You don't have to do the whole trail!)
• Hike on the 43 miles of park trails, including one that leads to a n incredible glacial boulder field (you can also drive to it!), and others that pass through lovely, cool rhododendron and hemlock forests.
• Hike on the nearby trail system, called the Pinchot Trail ( http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/PinchotTrailSouth_0000.asp , http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/PinchotTrailNorth_0000.asp ). This will be a new exploration for all of us.
• Fish in the streams and lakes, or swim, if the lake beach is open.
• You can also just hang out at the campsite and take it easy.
RSVP needed by Monday, May 14. Contact Susan (215)-387-6568 ( shaidar@martnet.com ) or Bert (Bert12345@comcast.net) (215)-271-8822.
NOTE: Predictions of extended heavy rains will cancel or reschedule the weekend.
P.S. Those looking for a day trip or those staying in a nearby motel are welcome to join us for any of the coordinated day activities.
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Hillside Campgrounds Weekend
Friday, August 8th - Sunday, August 10th, 2008
Join the guys from Philaventures for a tent camping weekend at the Hillside Campgrounds in the Endless Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania.
Hillside is a gay, clothing optional campground located on more than 235 acres of secluded woodland which is open to males 21 years old and older. We have reserved the same 2 adjacent campsites as last year which accommodate a minimum of 12 guys. The sites have water and electric hookups and there are showers nearby. Toilets are a 8 minute walk away.
The weekend theme is "NNS' All-Camp Party & Show Weekend". All are invited to the Saturday afternoon NNS (naked group) birthday party with refreshments. A Stage Show takes place at the Rec Hall Saturday evening. Other activities include a large heated swimming pool, Friday & Saturday nights bonfire and country western & disco dancing in the Rec Hall. There are 3 miles of walkable roads and 45 acres of cruisy hiking trails.
Our group will organize a group camp dinner for Saturday evening. We bring our own food for other meals and share among each other. Otherwise, food is available at a cafe located next to the Rec Hall that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We will be carpooling to Gibson, PA (north of Scranton) at different times during the day Friday depending on when different drivers can leave. When you make your reservation we'll need to know.............
1. if you have your own camping gear ( tent, sleeping bag, mattress, stove, cooking utensils, etc.)
2. if you can drive and have space for others or if you need a ride and where you'll be leaving from.
The cost is $35 (assuming we have the minimum of 12 guys) payable in advance to the group leader at the time you make the reservation and a $4 annual membership fee payable in cash at time of check-in. Allow approximately $25 for transportation if you ride with someone. We will split the cost of the group meal and other food costs are up to you.
There are motels within 5 miles for anyone who might like to attend without camping out.
For more information and to make reservations contact Don at 215-945-1243 or email at dformigli@aol.com . Also see www.hillsidecampgrounds.com . Please make your reservations now as they are on a first come first served basis.