Author: shf317

On a beautiful Saturday of September, we gathered at Alumni Building at 11 AM, and 50 people headed out to Lake Nockamixon. Some chefs departed as early as 10:30 AM to set up the picnic area and pick the grills.

Chefs and participants were making the fire on one grill. Jimmy was dedicated to cooking;)

We had burgers (beef, turkey, veggie), Indian snacks, Iranian style chicken breast, garlic chicken wings, pork rib, corns, chips.

With live music by BenDStaw:

People tried different types of sports: football, cricket, kayaking, spike ball. Games were fun!

Some were just chatting, sipping, and chilling.

Before the sun set, everyone was happy and tired! Ready to go home:) Beautiful day at Lake Nockamixon.

Photograph: Guanyang

Writing: Shasha

Sep, 4th, Sat, we gathered in front of the Alumni building at 8:30 AM. Everyone arrived on time and filled out the mini waiver printed by Jimmy. 8 cars of 34 people headed out to the trailhead of Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop. This is said to be a heavily trafficked trail in Hamburg, PA. We arrived around 9:20 AM and proved it to be true. The parking lot was small and we had to park on the roadside. The group was divided into three groups for management.

This 9-mi hike started with ~ 1,300 ft ascent in the first quarter of the hike. It was not easy and challenging in certain sections. Also, since Pennsylvania is very rocky, many people were trying to find the easy route among the rocks. When we arrived at the first lookout place, Pulpit Rock, everyone had a smile on their face!

Then the trail was much flatter and we finished this section quickly, reaching the lunch place, Pinnacle. The view was great for lunch. And the lookout is spacy for a large group.

People enjoyed the view:

We were not alone on the Pinnacle – copperheads were the residents there. Within ten minutes, we spotted 3 copperheads who were hiding between the crevices or underneath the rocks.

On the way back close to the trailhead, we had a picture near the reservoir:

Everyone was tired but happy and fulfilling after finishing the 9-mi hike!

Photo: Guanyang, Xinqiao, Robert

Trip leader: Jimmy, Shasha

[Guest Series] By Guanyang Xue

The Perseid meteor shower was predicted to reach its peak around Aug 9-13 this year. Last time we attempted a stargazing trip at Camelback Mountain but it was a pity that we needed to leave at 9:30 PM because of the closure of the state park. This time we made an unofficial trip to Cherry Springs State Park, the darkest sky on the east coast. We did not stay overnight or camp at the park because all the spots have been booked up.  

The weather forecast indicated it to be a clear sky on Aug 14th, Sat. So we gathered as planned at 6 PM in front of the Alumni building. Everyone stuffed their winter clothes, yoga mat or sleeping pad into the trunks. Two drivers, Guanyang and Jimmy, started the engine at 6:20pm and drove into the sunset along the beautiful I-80 W. In the ancient Chinese tale, Vega and Altair are a couple separated by the Milky Way and two lovers are allowed to meet once a year on this specific date (7/7 of lunar calendar), so-called Qiqiao Festival. One of the traditions on this day is to watch the sky and see Vega and Altair. What a roman tic but sad story! 

After a 4-hour drive, we finally arrived at the dark parking lot of Cherry Spring. Not surprising that the lot was almost full even at 11 pm. Grabbing our packs, turning on the red flashlight app on our phones, we headed to the public viewing area. The sky was mostly clear but too bright as the moon was still above the horizon. It was within the plan that we spared 30 minutes for the eyes to adapt to the darkness and started stargazing at 11:37 pm when the moon set.

Guanyang quickly set up his astrophotography equipment and took a panoramic picture of the Milky Way right on the top of the dome. It was splendid. 

Shasha had a photo of Vega and Altair, which forms the “Summer Triangle” with Deneb. 

Not only did we see these two commemorative stars, but also found other bright stars in the dark sky. Of course Sirius took the lead after the moon set. We also found Big-Dipper and Polaris on the top of it. Big-Dipper was so bright that our Captain was obsessed.

We saw a few meteor stars gliding through the night sky, along with the “Oooh” in the crowds. People were all making wishes at this moment. One second was short, but it felt like forever. A beautiful silhouette was captured when someone turned on the flashlight on the meadow.

We also managed to take a group photo. Despite multiple rounds of 10s countdown plus 10s exposure time (because some people always could not help laughing!!), everyone was finally able to hold their breath and had this astonishing group photo.

Guanyang also attempted to take a time-lapse photo of the star trail. Unfortunately, the lens was covered by condensed dew in the late night and the photographer finally gave up his plan. All of us were lying on the lawn and exclaiming for a few more meteors until 2:30 am. As it got a lot colder and humid, we left the dark field and started to drive back. We stopped for an early breakfast at 4 am at the same lovely Sheetz gas station on the way there and continued driving with more coffee. Luckily we were able to see the sunrise again on the beautiful I-80 E, and finally arrived at the campus at 7 am. This is a 6PM-7AM trip, compact, challenging for drivers, but so memorable for everyone. 

Photography: Guanyang, Shasha

On July 10th, 2021, we formed a group of around 30 grad students to visit Camelback Mountain in Big Pocono State Park. We departed at 6:45 PM from Alumni Building, and had a 1-hr drive to the top of Camelback Mountain, which uses to be a ski resort in the wintertime.  Group picture after everyone arrives:

We first had a 2.7-mi moderate hike via the trail and the road, circling the mountaintop. The forest has fresh air and dense trees, when we walked out of it, the surrounding was suddenly much brighter.

We were close to the end of the hike and the sun has set, just as we have planned – after finishing the hike, the sky should be dark for us to gradually start to gaze at the stars. The sunset on the Parking Lot #2 was magnificent. Everyone held their breath to watch the darkening sky and the color palette made by the sunset.

However, we did not realize that the Camelback Mountaintop region of the Big Pocono State Park closes at 9 PM, where the gates will be shut. After getting the notice from the ranger, we hiked back to the cars, memorizing the dark sky and the stars we observed on the way, and heading out to a local brewery. The evening ended with beers, hot food, laughter, and conversations.

Trip leader: Shasha, VamC,

Writing: Shasha

Photos: VamC, Mahsa, Khayrul, Arte

June 24th, 2021, Thursday, we gathered at the fountain before Alumni Building at 6:15 PM. After checking in with everyone’s Hawkwatch code, six cars headed out to Bake Oven Knob in Germsville, PA. It was a short 0.2-mile hike to the lookout site – many felt it was a too short hike. The sun was still high above the horizon:

Some opened their snack packs and started to enjoy the snack while observing the scenic view of the Appalachian Trail; while others began to explore bouldering the rocks.

Micheal was standing on a steep rock:

Some were going down to explore the boulders:

The lookout view was great: )

And some were smiling happily sitting on such a big rock:

We got some social time to chill and chat with new friends:

Finally the sun set:

We took a group picture before heading back:

Heading back in the dark, people started to turn on the lights on their cell phones.

It was a great weekday night trip to enjoy the sunset, have some exchanges with fellow grad students, and have a retreat away from the campus. We were rewarded with the beautiful Strawberry Moon view as we headed back to campus. The moon was right hanging in front of our wheels as we drove eastward – so orangish and big in the night sky across vast acres of country farms.

Trip leader: VamC, Shasha

Writing: Shasha

Photos: Everyone on the trip

June 13th, Sunday, at Pocono Adventure Rafting, the weather forecast did not give us an indication of good weather – showers and thunderstorm predicted. We still adventured out and it turned out to be a cool cloudy day 🙂

We departured from the campus at 11:30 AM, arriving at the trailhead at 1:00 PM, checked in, got the paddles, life jackets, and listened to a peppered demo by one of the guides. The whole awesome paddling team shown below: (we have 21 people)

When you meet a rapid that is totally out of your control: screaming. Jacky was sitting at the front and he stopped paddling probably because of a big rock! His teammate Balram was chill with a leg outside the boat, and others still working on maneuvering the boat.

A sneaky photographer was taking photos for us near a rapid. This team was adjusting their weights to the right side (probably because of hitting a rock on the left).

The majority of us did not take a phone as it is highly unrecommended by the crew. We only got some photos when we realized someone did have a phone at the lunch break site. Look at those smiles:

The trip ended around 6:30 PM. Everyone was thrilled and tired at the end. The bus shuttle drove us back to the trailhead and everyone changed into his/her comfy dry clothes. We drove home at the dawn of a beautiful Sunday, got to know many new people today!

Writing: Shasha

Photo: VamC, Daolong, Rafting crew

Trip leader: VamC, Shasha

On April 17th, Sat, a group of 20 drove into the Pocono Mountains, arriving in Jim Thorpe, ‘the Switzerland of Pennsylvania’. An almost full parking lot indicated it was a busy day for the town. We signed the waivers, got the tickets, and waited for the train to come.

The train made a tortuous trip along the Lehigh River for about 1 hr. We enjoyed the view of the railroad and the river. There were fishermen, people in rafting, kayaks, hikers who were about to start on the trail. Big warm waves from them.

Arriving at White Haven where we got the bikes and started the 25-mi journey. Here is a group photo after the train ride:

Beginning on the road. The weather changed from time to time, sometimes drizzling a bit, sometimes cloudy, others with a bit of sun.

Nature Mother embraces us with scenic views along the ride. Many small beautiful waterfalls are scattered.

25 miles is definitely not an easy journey, just like grad school. But we made it in groups!

Some of us stayed for dinner at downtown Jim Thorpe:

Everyone finished the 25-mi biking successfully, even though the ache and pain on bodies might last a few days more. We celebrated our persistence and solidity during the journey:)

Trip leader: VamC, Artemiza, Luke, Shasha

Photos: by a number of attendees

Writing: Shasha

On April 4th, 2021, we made a kayaking journal on Delaware and Lehigh Canal Trail. The trip was brought together by LU Outing Club, PSP, and GSOC. We had eleven people in the group and used five kayaks. The goal was to pick up trash from the waterway so that those plastics will not be eaten by fish and other wild animals.

The first step was to inflate the kayaks. Even though new to kayaks, everyone quickly figured out efficient ways of inflating them. Team members helped each other out.

Carrying the boats to the launch point along the canal:

Trash picking started! It took each team a while to figure out the maneuvering of the boats. Some teams made many circles on the canal. Teams picked up shoes, beer cans, plastic bottles from the waterway. So much of them should not be in the canal at all!

A group picture on the canal:

The trip was wrapped up earlier than expected due to the trail as a popular destination in the trout season. This cleanup act is a small step of our organization towards the “Leave No Trace” (LNT) principle. The trail should only be cleaner after your visits. While we are outdoor lovers and enjoy being on outing trips, we are also committed to keeping nature clean and smiling 🙂

Video: Mahsa

Photo, writing: Shasha

Trip leader: Shasha & Natasha

It was a very warm day on Mar 11th. A Thursday afternoon at 4 PM, we gathered before the Alumni building and headed to Bear Creek Ski Resort, located about 40 min drive away. Spring is right around the corner, chasing away the winter. But hold on for a minute, let’s experience the last few days of snow season and learn how to ski!

We had a lady taking photos for us before we trial and fell on the snow. Look how handsome everyone was! Behind us is the beginner’s slope, Bear’s Carpet.

The ski resort was quiete yet still quite some people were there (just not around those dining tables):

First thing first, we got the lift ticket and picked up the rentals. We went through how to select the right size boot, how to put it on, what buckles are the most important while others are minor. In the picture, Shasha was making sure Sinchan’s helmet was correctly put on. In the background, there are the ski poles.

Going out of the rental pickup place, before heading to the slopes, we had a dry run training on how to put the binders on and off, how to carry the binders, as well as the code on the slope: people in front of you have the right of the way (which means it is your responsibility not to hit the person in front of you, if you cannot control it, please fall down :). Members were excited about trying out ski!

Okay, real time. We went through ways to slow, stop, make turns, how to put on binders on the slope. Then everyone was free to try out by himself! Of course we fell and had discussions with members on the trip.

Finally we rode the lift to go to the top of mountain and skiied down. Hilarious but everyone made it and some even multiple times! Ski is not that difficult it turns out. Next snow season we hope more people will join us to learn to ski and just enjoy the fun of it!

Photos: VamC, Sinchan, Indranil, Shasha

Writing & trip leader: Shasha