Adventures & Friendships Abound

From rail trails to overlook treks, the Hiking Club at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown proves you never outgrow adventure.

The group, established this spring by resident Chris Dunlap, has already made several trips to local trails and has more on the calendar for the coming months.

Originally from Hummelstown, Chris spent 35 years working for the PA Governor’s Office of Administration and shares two children and three grandchildren with his wife, Becky. Though they’ve visited trails as far as New Zealand and Switzerland, Chris first discovered the hobby during a hike with his son’s Boy Scout troop.

Since then, Chris and Becky have hiked trails in the Swiss Alps and portions of Hadrian’s Wall Path and successfully completed over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

As the years passed, their children gradually moved out of state and had families of their own, leading Chris and Becky to seek a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) for their own futures. When they found Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, they knew it was the right fit.

“We didn’t want our children to be burdened with having to plan for our care, let alone provide for it,” Chris said. “One of the things that has made our stay especially comfortable is the philosophy of aging in place.”

Chris and Becky have certainly proven that aging doesn’t have any bearing on the spirit of adventure. Following the move to their new home, which surprised the couple with its natural beauty, Chris saw an opportunity to take their hobby with them in the form of an on-campus hiking group.

After an initial organizational meeting to weigh interest among residents, Chris was pleasantly surprised to find that many others share the same passion. Among the attendees were Fred Richter, a longtime biking and hiking enthusiast, and Glenn Achey, who has been involved with the Boy Scouts for 66 years and frequents their treks in New Mexico. He’s also hiked through the Appalachian Trail.

“My wife and I thought it sounded interesting to hike with some different people and get to know them,” Fred said. Glenn was also looking for an organized group that offered the opportunity to meet new people, as well as a chance to be in nature.

Since its initial meeting, the club has successfully planned and hosted five trips to nearby trails, including Susquehannock State Park, Union Canal Tunnel Park, the Lancaster Junction Recreation Trail, the Enola Low Grade Trail and the Pole Steeple Trail in Cumberland County.

The planning process is member-led, with the goal of hosting one excursion a month. After volunteering to plan a trip, the member will locate an unpaved trail at least four miles in length with some elevation that is no more than an hour and a half drive from campus. Additionally, the members do their best to plan hikes around other attractions that might be of interest to the hikers.

Previous hikes featured stops at places such as the Appalachian Trail Museum, the Ironmaster’s Mansion and Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve, though the men agree the Wildflower Preserve was their personal favorite.

“The mountain laurel was in bloom, and it almost gave you a canopy as you’re walking out of the trail,” Chris said. “It was just magnificent.”

Once the location is set, Glenn prefers to hike the trail himself prior to the group trip, which helps with direction day-of. Recently, while scoping out the Pole Steeple Trail (a side trail of the Appalachian Trail) with Fred, the men became lost while looking for an overlook. The Appalachian Trail has white blazes, and side trails are blue blazed.

After walking about a half mile in the wrong direction, Glenn suggested they turn around. Fred recalls, “I looked over Glenn’s shoulder, which is hard for me since he is six inches taller, and there’s the blue blaze trail marker! Somehow, we just completely missed it,” he laughed. “It was a whole lot easier the second time!”

The member will then set a date and a message will go out to those on the email list containing details for the hike. Since about eight to 10 residents have been interested in each hike, the group relies on carpooling to get to the hike locations, which also reduces the costs of travel.

While most of the residents who attend the trips have previous hiking experience, no prior knowledge or specific equipment is required – just ability and enthusiasm.

“There’s nothing special you have to have in order to do a hike anywhere, but you need a certain level of fitness,” Chris said. “All you need is the ability to walk on uneven terrain unassisted.”

The men encourage other residents with hiking capabilities to join them on their upcoming adventures.

“The best part is the people you’re with,” Glenn said. Chris echoed his words, saying, “The most rewarding experience is hearing other hikers’ stories. Come on out for fresh air and fellowship.”

For more information about the hiking club and future hikes, please contact Chris Dunlap at abcsd@verizon. net. For information about walking or running groups at Elizabethtown, contact Lydia Kraft, wellness specialist in the Baird Wellness Center, at lkraft@masonicvillages.org.

By Natalie Torta, public relations associate