A Winter Walk to Buttermilk Falls in Lehigh Gorge State Park, January 31, 2021

February 01, 2021

My husband and I ventured out Sunday morning to check out the Rockport Area of Lehigh Gorge State Park. I’ve not seen much of the Lehigh Gorge besides the Bald Mountain Loop which we’d hiked last year and really enjoyed. We decided to check out a more popular area of the gorge and take a short walk on the D&L Trail to see Buttermilk Falls. I’m not much for hiking popular or crowded hikes, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a go. Getting to the falls is an easy walk on a flat gravel surface. From the parking area, the trail takes you upstream to the beautiful, 50 foot waterfall in less then half a mile. I’ve never had a hike to a waterfall be this easy! The forecast had been calling for snow, but not until later that afternoon. As we drove to the gorge, we were in and out of snow showers, but nothing too significant yet. When we arrived at the trailhead, it had started to snow very lightly. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was only one other car parked in the lot at this very popular destination. I guess we were the only crazy people out braving the potential weather that was yet to come. We made our way down to the D&L Trail that would take us to the waterfall. The gorge was so still and peaceful. That kind of stillness you only get to experience in the middle of a forest just before a snowfall when no one else is around. I could hear the whispers of falling snowflakes as we walked silently along the trail. The fast moving waters of the Lehigh River below us carried large chunks of ice downstream. As we walked I was mesmerized by the towering walls of the gorge which were adorned with icicles. They looked like gigantic swords protecting its high cliff walls. We continued onward being very careful not to slip on the ice that was hidden by a dusting of snow. In no time we arrived at the waterfall. Its icy cold waters tumbled down a 50 foot rocky ledge into a crystal clear pool below. Surrounded by snow and ice, it looked incredibly beautiful, especially with the snow that was falling. By this time it was starting to snow more heavily so after taking it all in, we made our way back to the car and were soon on our way back home to enjoy a nice, hot cup of coffee. It was an easy day, but well worth it to see so much beauty in just a quick walk.

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French Creek State Park, Mill Creek, Raccoon and Lenape Trails, 7 mile loop, August 23, 2020

August 24, 2020

I really enjoyed this hike around French Creek State Park. I chose the Mill Creek Trail because it was listed as a difficult back-country type hike. My favorite hikes are those that take you deep into the wilderness where you don’t see a sign of another human being for miles. It really makes me feel at peace and gives me a deep sense of connection with nature. While this hike really isn’t in a deep wilderness, it did wind through a dense forest of oak, beech, maple, poplar and hickory. French Creek State Park is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City. American chestnut trees once grew here to provide wood for charcoal to sustain the operations of Hopewell Furnace, an iron plantation, from 1771 to 1883. Eventually the forest was tapped out, and the chestnut trees gave way to mixed oak forest.

A little history about French Creek State Park that was included in the handy park map provided at the trailhead kiosk: During the 1930s, the Federal government purchased the land as part of a project to reclaim marginal lands. These areas were located in close proximity to industrial centers for use by people of lower income groups, family camps and underprivileged children. Two Civilian Conservation Corps camps were built at French Creek and were in operation until the 1940s. The camps built dams, tent camping areas, beaches, roads, picnic areas and the restoration project of what is now the historic Hopewell Furnace was begun. In 1946, most of the property and recreation facilities were transferred to the Commonwealth and French Creek State Park was birthed.

Back to the trail… The terrain on the paths I took today were very rocky (something I’m having to get used to in Pennsylvania). Most of the trails were on a single dirt track (which was nice and more of what I’m used to having come from California). I reached a side spur with a sign pointing to Miller’s Point. So I went off to explore what is a large outcropping of rock that was formed out of magma during the Jurassic Period over 175 million years ago. The sign noted that in the winter time when the trees drop their leaves, there would be a view of the valleys below. After enjoying the rock formation, I made my way back to the Mill Creek Trail which intersected with the Raccoon Trail at Mill Creek. I spent some time at the creek enjoying the serene sounds of the trickling water with not a person in sight. After a short break, I took Raccoon southwest until it intersected at the boarder for the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. I branched off onto an intersecting trail to explore some ruins from Hopewell Furnace and then backtracked heading west on the Lenape Trail. There was a beautiful set of steps cut into the trail to hike up to the top of the hill. Once at the top, there was a bench where you could have a seat. So I did before heading back to the trailhead.

Overall I did a little over 7 miles. It was a really good day. The more time I can spend in the woods, the happier I am. I will come back to French Creek to explore more of the area, as there are many more trails throughout the park to enjoy.

A walk between storms, Monocacy Way, August 2, 2020

August 05, 2020

I woke up to the sound of pouring rain coming from Tropical Storm Isaias today. I love listening to the sound of rolling thunder and the feeling of being safe in my bed. There was no rush to go anywhere, so I enjoyed listening to the rain and nodding in and out of sleep. About mid-morning the rain let up, and I left the house and took a walk down by the creek. The mist coming off the water was beautifully eerie. I didn’t see anyone braving the stormy weather save for a few fishermen. The sun was peeking in and out between the gray clouds as I walked the nature trail and crossed over the rail tracks to the meadow. I travelled up and down the hillside admiring the wildflowers, the trees and the stormy sky. The goldenrod is beginning to bloom and I saw some butterflies and clearwing hummingbird moths. The storm was still brewing and so I thought it best to head out before the next round of downpour rolled through. It’s nice to have such a wonderful place to visit that’s so close to home.

Jacobsburg State Park, Homestead Trail, Blue Blazed, Meadow Walk, August 1, 2020

August 05, 2020

Today was a good day to walk the meadows at Jacobsburg State Park. The sun was shining and it was still early enough that it wasn’t too hot. Jacobsburg is such a great place to observe wildlife. I saw and heard so many different birds as I meandered around the blue blazed Homestead Trail. I spent time watching two Common yellowthroats (male and female) in the meadow, and I heard the songs of the Eastern towhee and Indigo bunting. There were Tufted titmice high up in the tree canopy, Blue jays and so many others. One thing I’m learning as I do more exploring of Pennsylvania’s natural areas is that the trails here are less about reaching the summit of a big mountain and more about taking your time, observing, and enjoying the journey. It reminds me of a quote by John Muir, “I don't like either the word [hike] or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains - not 'hike!”. Mountains or meadows, I am learning to spend more time “sauntering”.

Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, July 25, 2020

July 27, 2020

I recently learned about Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary which is located not far from where I live. I’ve been doing short hikes and nature walks early in the mornings and sticking close to home because it’s been too hot and humid this summer to do any long mileage or strenuous hiking. This was my first time visiting the sanctuary which is part of Natural Lands, a non-profit organization preserving open space in Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Mariton is absolutely lovely. It sits on top of Bougher Hill and overlooks the Delaware River. There is a small trail system that took me through the woods and along the slopes of Bougher Hill to the River Lookout which on a clear day may have provided views of the Delaware Canal below. The woods were thick with morning mist and being the first on the trails so early in the morning I was breaking through spider silk from the previous evening. The forest was so still and quiet. The kind of quiet that almost hurts your ears. Who knew such a place existed so close to home! I kept my walk short today and didn’t bother to record any mileage. I simply enjoyed the scenery and took these wonderful photos. I will most definitely be back to do more exploring.

Columcille Megalith Park, Bangor, PA, July 11, 2020

July 11, 2020

I woke up a little before 5 am on this Saturday morning. The cardinals were singing outside my bedroom window in the big maple tree as dawn was about to break. As much as I wanted to enjoy the birdsong and keep sleeping, I couldn’t get my mind off a place my aunt had shared with me called Columcille Megalith Park in the Appalachian mountains.

Columcille is a hidden gem located in Bangor, PA. It is the creation of the late William Cohea, Jr. who was inspired by a dream he had after visiting Iona, a small island on the western coast of Scotland. According to ancient history, the early Celts considered Iona a place where the veil is thin and one’s spirit could easily travel between worlds. There were once over 350 standing stones on the isle along with sacred oak groves. Inspired by his vision, Mr. Cohea made his dream reality in 1975 when he created Columcille.

Within the grounds of this enchanted park you’ll find circles of standing stones, pathways to hidden sacred sites, a faerie ring (don’t be surprised if you see one), a winding labyrinth and a chapel, named after St. Columba. There is a beautiful bell tower with large quartz and lapis lazuli stones inset in the top of the stone building. The surrounding woods are filled with fern, wild mushrooms and toadstools. I could have lingered here all day. Each winding path led to something magical. It’s a wonderful place for a quiet walk or meditation. I will definitely be visiting again.