A lack of snow meant no winter activities during the Marilla Winter Trek, but the Tuna Valley Trail Association still welcomed outdoor lovers Sunday to the event.
While the rain likely deterred some potential visitors, many took them up on their offer to spend the February afternoon at the Marilla Reservoir rather than stay cooped up indoors. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing was out, but people were able to hike, fish, warm by the bonfire and enjoy the wilderness.
“There’s no getting around it: The weather was against us,” said Rick Lutz, adding, “The people who did show up had a great time.” In addition to the enthusiasm at the event, Lutz related seeing messages on Facebook from participants who posted on the site to thank the association for hosting the event.
“Hikers were shuttled to the top of some of the trails,” according to Lutz, which made the trek a little easier. Also, “We had a lot of people around the bonfire all day, and they enjoyed the hot dogs from Tops and the s’mores. The hot cider was a particular hit.”
People could still cast their fishing poles in the water, even if they couldn’t ice fish.
“It would have been dangerous to ice fish this year,” he said, but added, “We actually had some people fishing on the open water where the streams come in.”
It took the help of many people to make the event happen. Lutz said the Tuna Valley Trail Association was joined by Bradford Township Police, who provided traffic control, as well as students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, who came in two shifts to help with tasks such as distributing hot drinks, carrying stuff out to the gazebo and bringing stuff back out after the event.
“I can’t say enough about all the volunteers and all that contributed,” he said.
As for the importance of the event to the association, Lutz explained “It’s definitely not a fundraiser, but it keeps Tuna Valley Trails in people’s minds. It reminds them of how nice it is to get out at this time of year.”
The trek was cancelled in 2016 due to un-wintery weather, but the Tuna Valley Trail Association was determined this year to bring people out.
In fact, the association was pleased enough with the response — despite the lower attendance and lack of snow — that they plan to hold the Winter Trek again in 2018, regardless of the weather.
“We know if we have better winter next year it will be an even better event,” said Lutz.
He noted that people did make the trip this year from places such as Port Allegany and Smethport to attend. However, trekkers didn’t travel quite as far as in past years, when people have journeyed from Buffalo, N.Y., Rochester, N.Y., and Erie to take part.
The Tuna Valley Trail Association is already thinking about its next event.
Lutz said the association’s next major event will be the We Gotta Regatta, which will be held June 3 this year. He noted the regatta is normally held in May.
The regatta provides an opportunity for people to kayak and canoe down the Tunungwant Creek, ending their journey at Crook Farm, where all the festivities will be held. He said, “The No Name Trio” band is already committed to providing music all day, and there will be a pig roast as well.
“It really generates some important funds for us to maintain our trails. Plus, it’s a great time,” said Lutz. “We appreciate the support of the (Bradford Landmark) Society. They allow us to use the Crook Farm area.”
