Seeing the rectangular white blazes on the trees was like getting reacquainted with an old friend. With just a minute or two walk from the parking lot, even given the bare spring branches, I noticed that the road noises from busy Route 309 were soon muffled.

Feeling frazzled? Sick of the lingering cold? Want to get away, but all those vacation spots are too costly? Take a hike.Hiking is a family activity that will build your knowledge of local history, teach the importance of thorough planning, and as a bonus, increase everyone's fitness level. The Appalachian Trail laces through our area, covering a mix of long, rocky ridges and easy paths, never more than a thousand feet or so above sea level, for 230 miles from south to north in Pennsylvania.Most hikers who plan to cover the 2,184 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine left Springer Mountain in Georgia earlier this month. They'll be on the trail for about six months on their way to Mt. Katahdin in Maine.These days, few people have the time and money to take off for six months as the "thru-hikers" do. Instead, you can use weekends to complete a section of the trail. My friend Jim Hedderson, Georgia, used a week each year for 22 years to complete the entire Appalachian Trail.Compared to the other states of the trail, Pennsylvania is relatively flat, although it does have the reputation of being the state "where boots go to die." The foot-bruising rocks are located in our area, north of the Susquehanna River; southern Pennsylvania is one of the easiest sections of the entire trail. You'll start in Penn Mar Park in the south, and end at the Delaware Water Gap.How can you do this? Start with planning by using resources from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy,

www.atctrailstore.orgYou'll need the Pennsylvania Guide Book and Maps, which will cost $40, plus the Data Book, which shows exact miles between roads, shelters and other features.There is also a book called The Thru-Hikers Companion ($15), which expands the information in the guide and data book. For example, a notation in the Data Book may show a paved road crossing with the notation G, 1 mile east. G stands for groceries. But what kind of store is it? The Thru-Hikers Companion details that information.How many miles can you expect to cover in a day? While wearing a pack, depending on your fitness level, you can plan to cover two to three miles an hour. You should plan on taking a break every two hours, or more often if you're hiking with youngsters.Always remember, don't turn hiking into a job. Don't get so caught up in the quest to accumulate daily miles that you forget to enjoy the journey. The Appalachian Trail will always be there waiting for you, like an old friend.Below are some tips and things to think about before going on your hike:WHAT TO TAKEBackpackBetween 3 and 4,000 cubic inches, with generous hip and shoulder padding, either internal or external frame. Youngsters can get by with much smaller packs; let them carry little more than their own water, snacks and clothing.TentThe smallest and lightest you can afford. Don't count on staying in the numerous shelters along the trail, because they may be full; for example, the shelter at Bake Oven Knob near Andreas sleeps six, but there are three campsites for tents.Water bottles, water bagEach person should carry their own water. Some water sources are located a half mile or more from the camping areas, so it's more convenient to fill a water bag than make numerous trips.FoodBasically anything that can be cooked with boiling water. The freeze-dried camping foods can be a costly, you can cook on a shoestring with noodles, rice, oatmeal and similar choices. Snacks such as crackers (you'll need the sodium), granola bars, and dried fruit.StoveThere are many models that heat with propane or white gas. My personal choice was always a twig-burning stove that weighs a pound, called the Zip Stove. This way I didn't have to worry about running out of fuel.WHAT TO WEARBasic needs are something to wear for hiking, and something to wear for sleeping. Each person should have a poncho in case of rain. The poncho can also be spread out under the tent if the ground is wet.LOGISTICSHow do you get back to your car? In the Thru-Hikers Companion, you'll find lists of people who provide shuttle services along the trail. Or, given that we're no more than two hours from any point on the trail in Pennsylvania, you may be able to enlist friends to pick you up at a road crossing to end your hike for the weekend.