Nockamixon State Park, Old Mill Trail, 5 Miles RT, July 9, 2021

It was another hot and humid day in Pennsylvania. Despite the weather which I am not taking well to, I slathered myself in bug spray and set out on the Old Mill Trail at Nockamixon State Park. The previous evening had brought storms, and sections of the trail were covered in boot sucking mud. I’d gotten myself a pair of Keen Ridge Flex waterproof boots earlier in the year, and they are serving me well. At about .4 miles we arrived at a creek crossing where we boulder hopped over the water to continue along the trail. Along side the creek we spotted an impressive grouping of oyster mushrooms growing up the side of a tree. The trail took us through a forest of hardwoods and in and out of sunny areas of tall grass surrounded by lush, green vegetation. As we hiked, chorus of cicadas surrounded us. I saw a number of dragonflies and butterflies along the route as well. Somehow, we both managed to come off the trail without one tick hitching a ride. Lyme Disease is common in this state and you need to always check yourself for the creepy crawlies after hiking. We could have continued from Old Mill onto the Quarry Trail, but we were already at about 5 miles and I was more then ready to hit the shower. So we headed back and noted to return on a less hot/humid day to get in more mileage. I enjoyed my time exploring the trails here, and I’m looking forward to doing a night kayaking trip out on the lake during the next full moon.

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