Two have been hooked and Tuna Trekker organizers hope there will
be many more to come.
Bradford women Patti Fisher and Linda Monti became the first two
“Tuna Trekkers” when they handed in their logbooks after finishing
the Trekking the Tuna Trails challenge.
Trekking the Tuna Trails is a fundraiser in its first year that
is collaboration between the Tuna Valley Trail Association and the
McKean-Potter Counties American Red Cross. Participants get pledges
and walk the trails to raise money for the Red Cross.
“It’s a win-win-win situation,” Monti said. “It benefits the Red
Cross, raises awareness of hiking and the Tuna Valley Trail
Association, and thirdly, there’s a personal goal of becoming more
healthy.”
Fisher agreed, “It’s the adventure of hiking and I wanted to do
something benefited a good cause.”
The two friends didn’t waste anytime starting down the trail to
becoming a Tuna Trekker. They did the first trail just two days
after the fundraiser started May 15 and they started off with a
bang. They tackled the Indian Pipe trail, the longest one in the
trail system, for a dual purpose. Indian Pipe was one of the trails
in becoming a Tuna Trekker and they were also looking for geocaches
that were on the trail.
“I wanted the challenge,” Monti said, adding she got what she
asked for while on the trail. “Then I thought ‘Oh, my God, I am
going to be on survivor!'”
The two noted that each trail has something to offer that’s a
little different than the other. For instance, White Pines is more
in the woods while the Richard McDowell Trail is paved and more
accessible for people with physical limitations.
Fisher liked the Hidden Valley Trail because she enjoyed
“meandering through the woods.”
And they saw more than trees. They also saw deer while on the
Marilla Springs Trail.
“They looked so peaceful,” Fisher said. Monti said it was
remarkable to see the deer in their own environment.
Now that they’ve gone through all the trails, the two women have
some advice to offer.
For one, it’s good to hike with a buddy. Some of the trails are
secluded and do not have cell service.
“Take water and bug spray,” Monti said. “Take water for
sure.”
The organizers have discovered a couple of things, too, that
people should know.
Rick Lutz, one of the Tuna Trekker organizers, noted that both
Indian Pipe and Marilla Springs are not loops. It is better to have
a car at one end of the trail. Lutz also recommends Indian Pipe be
done on bicycle because of the length, but adds it’s walkable,
too.
If someone wants a shuttle, they can call the Red Cross.
A marking issue on the trails has been remedied and workers from
McKean County CareerLink have worked this summer on the trails.
“The trails are in better shape than they have ever been,” Lutz
said.
There are seven trails in the TVTA totaling 25 miles. The
fundraiser runs until Aug. 15.
Walkers have a log to complete; there’s space for a photo of the
participant – for a photo contest – and a witness signature.
An oil worker was a witness for Fisher and Monti on one of the
trails.
Anyone who finishes each of the TVTA developed trails, pledges a
minimum of ,25 – ,1 for each mile – and completes the trails log,
will earn the title “Tuna Trekker.” The seven trails are Marilla
Bridges Trail, Richard E. McDowell Trail, White Pines Trail, Crook
Farm Loop, Hidden Valley Loop, Marilla Springs Trail and Indian
Pipe Trail.
The trails range from one mile to eight miles. There is a
description of each trail on the log, too.
Lutz said the log is the key to the project so the participant
can show how much money was raised and “to show they deserve to be
considered an official Tuna Trekker.”
A “Tuna Trekker” will receive a “Tuna Trekker Stimulus Package”
which includes a one-year TVTA membership, a Tuna Trekker T-shirt
as well as other items. Those who receive the most donations will
also receive gift certificates and prizes donated by local
businesses. There is no cost to participate.
All of the money raised will benefit the local Red Cross.
Anyone interested in participating can pick up a trails log at
the Red Cross office on Congress Street, any TVTA member or go to
www.mparc.com for more details.
Lutz noted there is still plenty of time to become a Tuna Trekker
like Monti and Fisher.
In the meantime, Monti can’t wait until next year’s Tuna Trekker
fundraiser.
