Larry A. Smail's Blog

Keystone Lake

Yes, I managed to spend some time walking the borders and along the slopes of some of the waters of Keystone Lake. (Armstrong County, Pennsylvania) The day included much time of reflection on my part. Freda Yount, my aunt, had passed away and I had attended the funeral. Aunt Freda always had a smile for me. She was kind to me, but we weren’t as close as we could have been. Many years ago, she and my uncle were divorced. I was somewhere in my early teens when this happened. Divorces tear families apart. Regardless she was my aunt and I had much appreciation for her.   

I stopped by the funeral home in Elderton, Pennsylvania to show my respects and visit with my cousins and friends. Always great to see them. I find it sad our lives are so busy in this day that we seldom see each other unless it be a funeral or wedding.

Canada geese

    As per my plans, I carried extra clothing and shoes with me because I decided with such a springlike day of near 70 degrees a walk should be part of my agenda. These walks of mine often become times of reflection and deep thoughts.

Some of the lake still was covered with ice, but I did see an ice fishermen on the ice. Not me! I headed first to the mouth of the lake where Plum Creek entered into the big waters. I knew waterfowl would be at this area since plenty of vegetation is present . Here I saw geese and a coot. I walked about before relocating further south on the lake. At this site, I exited down a steep slope. This was an area I often fished over earlier years of my life. I had many hours of enjoyable times fishing here alone or with my dad.  We used to catch some big bass in this lake. I remember bass of eighteen inches being caught. We caught some big bluegills and walleye too.

Interesting Ice Formation

As I approached through the hemlock laden slope of the lake I could here and see Canada Geese. (Located one nesting pair.) I, also, saw several Common mergansers; a flock of swans and many gulls off across the lake. I couldn’t make any positive identification on exact species at such distances. Much of the waters  here were open.                                                                                                                                                                   

I sat down behind some hemlocks to watch the waterfowl and write down some thoughts until I felt something tickling my arm…a TICK! I removed and eliminated four ticks at that time. I decided I best get p and continue walking. I later removed three more from my pants. I HATE TICKS!

Red-Tailed Hawk (one of two)

I walked along the shore for sometime before angling up and over towards my car. I saw two deer and a squirrel on the wooded flats.

My walk wasn’t all that long. I estimated about two miles total, but I enjoyed being outside on such a beautiful day. I stopped to check on my mother’s progress while traveling home. She is doing very well with her new knee.

Hemlock Cone