Ghost of Masten Encampment 2009

“When do the MarkO tee shirts go on sale?”

“I'll go broke on that T shirt deal.”

“You just need to think of you're marketing plan. With it being almost Halloween, you'll make a mint selling them as scary costumes.”

“Hey, what happened to my prayer blanket?”

“Now that is a possibility.....Pooh Bear caught a sleep at Masten”

“Pooh Prayer Shawl?”

“Dammit....just dammit. I hate missing the good stuff.”

“Where's the real trip pics?”

“It was fun seeing you guys again.

Take care,

Doug”

“It was great meeting you guys and gals one and all. It was a lot of fun and the food was totally awsome. Spindlette and Lost soul Thanks for the hike in the hills.Rev thanks for the Hanging lesson. Gremlin Don't tell and we won't ask. Haha all in all was one heck of a good time. I can not wait tell next year. so I can sit around the fire and ramble on.”

“Were all the dang pictures taken with print film?”

“What happens in Masten, stays in Masten.”

“I met Jackstraw a year ago just two weeks before Ghost of Masten III - Phil's Revenge. Listening to stories, looking at pictures and literally feeling the magic that Masten seemed to have for everyone who attended each of these gatherings, I impatiently waited for Ghost of Masten Encampment 2009.

Jackstraw and I met NoGranola at the campsite on Tuesday night. After several adult beverages we adjourned for the evening hoping for an early start on the Old Logger's Path the next morning. We got on the trail at 9:10am. As this is a major hunting area, there were many cabins and lodges along the road to the trail. Jackstraw pointed out that some places were more modern and upscale than others. He even commented that the house on the left had a real "Brick $hit House", unlike the other wooden structures. More than a little ways down the road we noticed that it had been a while since we had seen a blaze. Dropping packs, JS and NG searched in opposite directions to no avail. We were met by a very nice couple that led us back down the road to the blaze that leads to the trail. It was directly across from the "$hit house" we had all been interested in.

The trail was easier than I had thought, mostly level and only one real kick a$$ hill. At least my a$$. But as JS promised the view was such a reward. The leaves were so beautiful and made the trail seem on fire. Reds, yellows, oranges. Every step was more and more magnificent. After about 11 miles not counting the $hit house detour, we camped at the most wonderful place on "Pleasant Stream". Sleep came early.

The next day, JS and NG continued on the loop while I hiked back to camp and then spent time at the infamous Wegman's. Dinner was fit for 2 kings and 1 queen. Cajun ribeyes, basil potatoes and seasoned butternut squash. Then the rain came in and it was the kind of rain that you love to sleep to.

Friday morning was chilly and wet. After a hearty breakfast at the Trout Run Diner, we headed to Williamsport to resupply.

As the day went on the crowd trickled in. Some old friends and some new. Some southern hugs and some Canadian "bizous". The campsite came alive with laughing, cursing, eating, drinking and even sitting by a roaring fire under umbrellas. The party went on til the wee hours.

Even though Jackstraw and I had to leave early on Saturday morning this trip was more than I had imagined for more than a year. I'm looking forward to the next Masten.

On Thursday I had about 2 hours to myself at the campsite. It was magical. So quiet, the trees seemed to be whispering. As I enjoyed the peacefulness I tried to envision the camp at its glory. Men, tired from the days work, enjoying a hot meal and exchanging stories of their lives and families. That connection with that site lives on today. Masten comes alive every October when TT'ers bring their lives to share with others.”

“Nice T1mberwolf”

“Great report”

“Sorry we missed it yet again :(

ahh but there is always next year!”

“Very nice, Timberwolf.”

“awesome tr TW. I say again, Pleasant Stream is probably THE most aptly named body of water on the planet. it is truly pleasant.”

“I didn't take a whole lotta pictures, but I wasn't there a whole lotta time. We drove up Saturday and got there around 330. It was good seeing Fridge, Mark, LtheZac, spindle, the crazies, no_granola, lost soul and everyone else... good meeting Lone Wolf. Fridge, I need to go on one of your trips, bushwhacking is where it's at.... got my mind on the catskills.. Anywhere is cool. I would love to get back to WV. I want to do some winter camping this coming winter. It's been a long time since I camped in/on snow.

We only got to stay for a few hours. I wanted to come back, but by the time we ate dinner, got Liam settled, it was after 8, so I never made it back.

Masten is a great place. You feel the past reclaimed by the forest and imagine a one time bustling lumber town with two railroads and several mills. The power of nature is amazing, the forests in that area were completely cleared and have since returned to glory. The hard work of the CCC helped replant many of those trees and forests.

sorry I missed you jack, twolf and gremlin!!





Masten ohten!
last edited: 10/15/09 6:59:57 PM”

“Nice trip report T1mberwolf. ENS, Liam is so cute, getting big too. I was disappointed I missed Masten this year, but had just too much going on to make the trip. I hope to make it next year.”

“Sounds like a great great trip. One day I hope to rejoin the group so I don't miss trips like this. How's fatherhood ENS? Glad to see you still getting out there!”

“That's one happy little boy!”

“How's the little one? Not so little anymore, I imagine?

Haven't "seen" you around in ages - hope all is well!”