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helena kotala

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Tag: Camping

Posted on August 21, 2018January 24, 2020

The things worth doing.

The things we are most scared of are often the things most worth doing. Evan reminded me of this last week as I was having a meltdown and freaking out about going on a 3-day bikepacking trip with a group of women that I barely knew. I was scared I would somehow be in over …

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Posted on April 14, 2018

A weekend in Quehanna, part 2.

In late February, I spent a weekend hiking and biking in the Quehanna Wild Area with my friend Emma. If you missed Part 1, check it out here for a history of the area and rainy day exploration on foot.Β  Day 2: Change of plans – again. Something felt off on Sunday morning. Maybe it …

Continue reading "A weekend in Quehanna, part 2."

Posted on July 17, 2013July 17, 2013

Tales from swallow mountain.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect in the mountains of Japan. Until about a year ago, when Amanda came here for the first time, I didn't even know that the Japanese Alps existed. Sure, everyone's heard of Mt. Fuji, and perhaps skiing and the Winter Olympics in Nagano, but I had no idea about …

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Posted on May 8, 2013August 8, 2013

Going places on bicycles.

I woke up with a smile, still basking in the happiness of my college graduation the night before, and excitedly anticipating what the weekend would bring. My first bike touring trip. After a breakfast of salmon and cheese on rolls and chocolate chip muffins, and the gathering and packing of gear, we were off. The …

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Posted on April 10, 2013June 6, 2013

Canoe trippin’

I threw my drybags, PFD, and assorted other paddling and camping gear in my car just as a hint of light was beginning to illuminate the sky that Saturday morning. Soon, I was on Rt. 80, cruising east. I was bound for the Delaware River, where I was meeting up with a group of canoeists …

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Helena Kotala

Outdoor adventurist. Mostly bikes, also runs, paddles, hikes, and more. Map-maker & other duties as assigned at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. Central PA based.

Bikes + friends to celebrate 33. πŸŽ‚ I can’t say enough good things about the inaugural @lulackawyco Starrucca Crossing. The route was beautiful, remote, and challenging with over 10k feet of elevation over 100 miles and unrelenting, punchy climbs. My legs felt like πŸ’© by mile 45 but I was determined to do the entire course and kept it rolling slow and steady. As is my usual M-O, I got a second wind and my legs loosened up at mile 70ish (naturally an endurance athlete through and through πŸ™‹πŸ»β€β™€οΈ). There were cool old bridges and impeccable stone walls, SO much gravel (probably 85-90% of the route?), and continuous lovely views of rural Susquehanna County. Word is the course will be different next year but I have no doubt it will be just as great. Put this one on your calendars! Some more from Virginia! A sampling of photos from my MTB trip to Virginia with @_whit_green_ this past week. I can’t pick a favorite ride or trail β€” the highlight was in the variety. There were plenty of vistas, lots of rocks but not too many, and a healthy amount of climbing (almost 17k ft of gain in just over 100 miles over 5 days). Been very excited about mixing it up with more foot-powered adventures lately. Sometimes off-trail, often steep and rocky, always good views. Seeking snow last weekend. I’ll probably always complain about the shuttle, but the Red Mo long run sure is fun. Under the railroad, over the river, and up the hill. An H in her natural habitat β€” deep in the middle of the woods, staring off into the trees.

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