Larry A. Smail's Blog

This week has things to do every evening for me except today. With that thought in mind I headed north to Quehanna trails for some serious hiking. This day was to be, also, a test to see how much I can do since my knee surgery.                                                   

I moved out this morning at about 5:15 to plan my arrival near 7:30 A.M. My plan worked out perfectly. I turned south at Medix Run, Pennsylvania searching for a trail to explore.   

I began my first trail at about 7:20 in the morning while the fog still saturated the hollows.  I would soon reverse the plan when I realized the trail had some major wash out concerns. However, I did see a bull elk at close range. I stumbled for my camera only to miss the chance at getting this majestic creature at about forty yards.

I went over the hill to hike another trail. The trail began with some steep climbs until I reached the flat areas of the top. I debated whether I should be doing such a task this early since the knee surgery at times. I, also, wondered about how anybody would find me if I would get hurt or worse!                                       

Medix Run

The steep slopes consisted mostly maples thus not a good food source foe many animal species. However, once I reached to top (One hour and ten minutes.) Plenty of oak , and beech could be viewed. Immediately, I began to see, and hear chipmunks, and a couple of squirrels.     

Eventually, I knew I needed to go over the steep slope to reach Medix Run watercourse. I knew plenty of great photos could be had way down over.  Here is where I made my mistake. The side was sleep. I fell at one point, and slipped and slid a couple of more times. This aggravated my knee.

I finally made the trip to the Jeep at almost noon. I was dealing with some pain. I drove around to the Marion Brooks Natural Area. I was at this spot two years ago during a moderate rain. I became soaked that day. I wanted to take some  photos of the numerous white birch trees that are found on site.

  I didn’t walk very far. I crawled up on a rock and rested some before heading back to start the trip home.

All told I saw one bull elk; 1 deer (Two while traveling including a nice buck. I, also, saw a truck hit a doe. The deer came through underneath as I dodged hitting her. How sad. the trucker never tried to slow down.) I saw a flock of about 15-18 turkeys. The photos didn’t come out well.