Half Gallon Challenge - Pine Grove PA

[whisperingwind]

never participated in the half gallon challange. don't know if i ever will, but the only thing that comes to mind is BRAIN FREEZE!!!!

[robweisser]

I took the half-gallon challenge on my hike in 1981. It was a true half gallon, and you had to do it in half an hour for it to be free--a most-important feature for the budget-conscious. I chose a local brand called Rakestraw, probably vanilla-chocolate-strawberry. Judging from the article, that was the first year of the challenge, but I don't think that's true. My memory tells me it was started at least the year before by Denny Shaffer, who was running the park store at that time. Denny hiked the trail in 1981, and our paths crossed a couple of times. His friend John took over the store and continued the challenge, which included making up names and posting cards of all those who succeeded. My name was "Lord High Rakestraw." A most enjoyable tradition--glad to see it has survived.

[Bob McCaw]

I remember snarfing down a half-gallon of cherry vanilla with no problems while a friend of mine had trouble getting down a quart of chocolate. I think the problem may be that they flavor chocolate with (yuck) salt.

[dan76]

I listened to an all-news radio station talk about this recently (NPR I think).

[cpzuroff]

I finally did the "Half-Gallon Challenge" this summer. As a long distance section hiker, I've been looking forward to this unique AT hiking tradition for two years. It was a mile-stone on my hike this summer.
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Yes, I completed the challenge. But it's sad to report that it took me an hour and 54 minutes to complete the task. But I did eat a cheeseburger and drink a large gaitoraid right afterwards. I was just sick of eating ice cream.
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Oh, if you are wondering what flavor of ice cream.... The three flavors at once; vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. I was afraid that if I selected a single flavor, then I'd hate it for the rest of my life.

[whisperingwind]

Originally Posted by cpzuroff

I finally did the "Half-Gallon Challenge" this summer. As a long distance section hiker, I've been looking forward to this unique AT hiking tradition for two years. It was a mile-stone on my hike this summer.

Yes, I completed the challenge. But it's sad to report that it took me an hour and 54 minutes to complete the task.

Oh, if you are wondering what flavor of ice cream.... The three flavors at once; vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate.

I was afraid that if I selected a single flavor, then I'd hate it for the rest of my life.

Congrats on finishing your milestone.

It does'nt matter if you beat the record, it doesnt matter if you have the new slowest record. The biggest thing is you accepted the challenge and you enjoyed yourself in competing.

Three choices are always better than one.

Now instead of one flavor to hate the rest of your life, you have three flavors to hate the rest of your life!!!

[Rockhound]

The 1/2 gallon is no longer free if you eat the whole thing and there is no prize if you do. It's a gimmick to sell a lot of bad ice cream. Which they do every year.

[Rockhound]

If it was eddy's or Turkey hill I might give it a go but hershey's should stick to chocolate.

[ki0eh]

Originally Posted by Rockhound

If it was eddy's or Turkey hill I might give it a go but hershey's should stick to chocolate.

Don't blame The Hershey Co., Hershey Creamery Co. is entirely and always has been independent. They even have to say that on their home page http://www.hersheyicecream.com/ since, although older, they have fewer lawyers to enforce the reverse.

[Rockhound]

Originally Posted by ki0eh

Don't blame The Hershey Co., Hershey Creamery Co. is entirely and always has been independent. They even have to say that on their home page http://www.hersheyicecream.com/ since, although older, they have fewer lawyers to enforce the reverse.

What does Hershey being an independent Co. have to do with there ice cream being lousy?