| Pittsburgh Council previously a member of American Youth Hostels | |
| To provide inexpensive educational travel, intercultural understanding, and an understanding of the natural environment through hostels, hostelling, and outdoor recreation. |
Pittsburgh AYH leads several trips a year to Wilderness Lodge in Wattsburg PA. It's on the New York State border directly east of Erie and is within cycling and skiing distance of Peak 'n Peak.
There were generally three cross-country skiing trips the last weekend in January and the first and third weekends in February.
Check the latest newsletter for the current trip schedule and leader. Call the leader listed for information about a trip or to sign up for the trip. Please call before 10 o'clock at night.
The August 2-4 trip to Erie County was so successful that there was a return. Summer and fall weekends at Wilderness Lodge will be added to the tradition already established by our cross-country skiers. Those who have been there can attest to the comfort and relaxing ambiance of the Lodge and to the excellence of Nansi Janes' cooking.
Don Hutchinson of North East, PA, who volunteered his knowledge of the area during the August trip, has offered to map out a route through farms and vineyards along the shore of Lake Erie, securing permission from the local growers.
Other riding options available to you were: (1) touring the relatively flat macadam roads in the scenic environs of Peek 'n' Peak and French Creek, where you will find a classic General Store stocked with everything from Woolrich to ice cream; the French Creek Tavern features a famous Friday Night Fish Fry; also worth noting is Peek 'n' Peak's offer of the use of its pool, sauna, and fitness center to the general public for a fee of $5.00; (2) The Lake Erie Shoreline Tour including a stop at the Heritage Winery and a rest stop at Orchard Beach in Freeport where you can wade along the shore; (3) a ride on Presque Isle, using both the paved bike trail and the park roads. NOTE: Except for Presque Isle, mountain bikes or hybrid bicycles were recommended. Helmets were REQUIRED on all rides.
COST: $55 per person for AYH members, $65 for non-members for a bed in a hostel-style room (3-6 persons). There were three private double rooms, two persons per room at $130 for AYH members, $150 for non-members. The cost includes Friday and Saturday night lodging and a family style dinner Saturday evening. Vegetarian meals were available upon request. Transportation cost is not included.
Reserve early by calling the AYH Office at 412-422-2282; space was limited to 36 people. Send a check for the full amount payable to Pittsburgh AYH a.s.a.p. after your call to guarantee your space. A waiting list will be kept. Fees include a non-refundable $10 per person, or $20 per double room.
"To provide inexpensive educational travel, intercultural understanding, and an understanding of the natural environment through hostels, hostelling, and outdoor recreation."
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This page was last updated January 21, 2006