There is a winter weather advisory for the state of Ohio, but there are several Groundhogs Day events planned in Cincinnati. Although it is easier to predict that most people will stay in from the weather and see what Punxataney Phil will do in Pennsylvania. The chances of Phil seeing his shadow today are slim with the snow cloud blocking out the sun, but one never knows.
As the lore goes, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; if he does not see his shadow then spring is coming.
Groundhogs Day hike scheduled by the Tristate Hikers Club (THC)at the last minute is still accepting a few hikers on February 2, 2013, at Long Branch Farm & Trails, Gaynor Rd, Goshen, Ohio, 9:45 to 12:15 a.m. Hike versus Winter Weather Advisory
Meet all eleven the groundhogs
If it's cold and breezy, with snow. There is a winter weather advisory out, so be aware of driving conditions in your area of travel. I am pretty sure that I will not cancel the hike, however if I do, it will be before 7:00 a.m. in the morning.
THC spokes person says, "Join me for this last minute scheduled hike. There are only 4 miles of trails, except that I plan to double back and hike about 6.5 to 7 miles total. This will be a faster pace hike about 3 mph, but we can stop and take some photos, throw a few snowballs, and such. This will be a really nice setting with great back drop of snow, creeks, trees, some open fields as well. Here is some background of the farm."
What do I bring? Bring your waterproof hiking boots and plan to endure some creek crossings. Hiking poles for stability would be recommended and layer your clothing. It will feel extremely cold as you start, but you will warm up quick with a faster pace.
Prepare to use compost toilets, so prepare accordingly.
Groundhogs Day in Gobblers Knob, PA
The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club annually meets at Gobbler’s Knob near Pittsburgh at daybreak on February 2, 2011, gathering with other visitors in the cold temperatures to view the groundhog’s prediction. Since 1887, the Groundhog has predicted more winter weather most of the time. There were nine years where no records of the groundhog’s prediction officially recorded.
Shadow Fun Activities
- Fake a shake. Make friends with each other by shaking hands with someone else’s shadow without really touching hands.
- Hide in shadow. Have children hide from their own shadow by placing themselves in the shade or any other creative way they can think to hide their shadow.
- Shadow tag. Play shadow tag and have each child touch someone else’s shadow with his or her own.
- Shadow stacking. Have each person line up tallest to smallest with the tallest person shadow first and everyone hiding inside each others shadow.
