Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Hikes’ Category

Late March Snow Hike

Posted in Hikes on March 25, 2013| 2 Comments »

DSC_0008   The official first day of spring has come and gone yet six inches of a wet and heavy snow blanketed everything this morning.Earlier this day the winter wonderland beauty was to be enjoyed as the tree limbs bent under the snow’s extra weight.

I remembered in the movie, “Jeremiah Johnson” as the two mountain men enjoyed a char-broiled rabbit when the older fellow who always was hunting “griz” told the questioning Jeremiah something to the effect of, “March is a green and muddy month, some folks like it.”I chuckled.

Some woods time was required of me this day. I hesitated since I have had some knee pain for almost a week. I elected to go and see some beauty and critters.

I gathered up one of the remaining deer rib cages from my property.(I know most think of this as weird! Don’t care!) Over winter red-tailed hawks; crows and many numerous small birds enjoyed the calories during the colder weather. Last week four turkey vultures had a feast too. This deer part would be taken to the woods to return to nature.

Water droplets from melting snow

Water droplets from melting snow

The snow made for some quiet walking as I trekked up and over the hills. I saw two different woodcocks. The little birds are questioning their early arrival to western Pennsylvania. I enjoy hearing their whistling wing feathers as they take flight.

Wetland Woodcock. One of my recent paintings in the game bird series.

Wetland Woodcock. One of my recent paintings in the game bird series.

I hiked through an older growth spruce site to see a great-horned owl leave a limb and circle directly over me. I hurried to try to get the camera ready. I failed to get any shots. A few minutes later the crows could be heard harassing the bird of prey.

I saw four deer laying along a bottom area. One was busy chewing its cud before the other three became nervous and took off in a flash. Later, i bumped two other deer from a thicket.  Shortly, I discovered four sets of tracks heading towards a crabapple thicket. Soon, I was blessed to see them sneaking through. I saw ten different deer!

A few hundred yards from my vehicle my knee area began to hurt terribly. I wonder what the knee will be like when I get old….oh wait…I am already old! I forgot!

Read Full Post »

Keystone Lake Time

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature, My Family on March 10, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Keystone Lake

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.    DSC_0055

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

Canada geese

DSC_0048    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

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.                                                                                                                                                                    DSC_0056

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)

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

Hemlock Cone

Read Full Post »

A Hike With Friends

Posted in Hikes on January 8, 2013| Leave a Comment »

 

Frank (l) & Slim

Frank (l) & Slim

Past fellow workers, Frank Maus and Robert “Slim” Bowser and I headed for McConnell’s Mill State Park for some adventures in hiking. The park is located in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Ninty percent of the conversation dealt with laughter found from our place of employment for many years. We laughed so much I had a dry and raspy throat!

Dam at the Mill

Dam at the Mill

After a nice breakfast, we quickly began our walking about the park. We first visited a waterfall known as Alpha Pass following a packed and icy trail down over a hill. The extra walking sticks were a plus in maneuvering the slippery areas.

Ice ring on water

Ice ring on water

Covered Bridge

Covered Bridge

Later, we stopped at the McConnell’s Mill site to view the beautiful and treacherous Slippery Rock Creek gorge area. Here an early mill is located built in 1868 after the first mill (1852) was burned in a fire. Also, on site is a covered bridge built in 1874.

Hell's Hollow Falls

Hell’s Hollow Falls

We hiked along the Hell’s Hollow Trail to see a three tier waterfall. Also, along the fall is a remnant of an old kiln known as Lime Kiln.

Alpha Pass Falls

Alpha Pass Falls

Hell Run

Hell Run

The hiking was beautiful with the snow cover and the clear stream known as Hell Run. Large rocks loaded with long-hanging ice could be seen throughout. Hemlocks contrasted the deciduous trees and snow making for great views to witness.

We saw a couple of squirrels; turkeys and a pileated woodpecker.

More hikes are going to be in our future.

Read Full Post »

Always Busy!

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature, Uncategorized on December 15, 2012| Leave a Comment »

DSC_0038  This past week was another “normal” week for me. When I say normal, I am slightly kidding around. A much better description of my week is “busy”. Along with the events listed below, I was cleaning the basement; of course, working on my art and some limited yard work.

Monday, December the 10th, after erecting our Christmas Tree, Laurie and I headed for Tarentum, Pennsylvania for a Christmas party. This annual party was being hosted by the Alle-Kiski MS group which Laurie is a member. We enjoyed some good times with friends; present exchanges and a fine meal.

Chestnut hulls

Chestnut hulls

On Tuesday evening, we headed south again. We exited at the RIDC exchange off of Route 28, just north of Pittsburgh. This event was a MS conference with a power-point viewing. This presentation was completed by Doctor Malcom Berger. He is Laurie’s doctor. Of course, another meal was enjoyed by us all!

Vine twisting around sapling

Vine twisting around sapling

Wednesday evening, Laurie and I were at the Kittanning Free Methodist Church for our weekly Bible study groups. I have been leading my group since 2010. I chose to discuss the Apostle Paul.  The study began with the Book of Acts. We are currently in the Book of Philippians. I have my study notes typed into the computer from Acts up through the Book of Hebrews. (I have the pastor and assistant pastor attending my study. I have to behave myself!) By the way, if anybody would like to do this study on their own, I do have them typed into the computer and I can send them along as needed via e-mail. Just let me know!

Thursday morning found me visiting my mother and step-father, Bob. This has become a tradition for us all. After breakfast, Bob and I went for a woodland hike to visit a site that had been clear-cut last year. We enjoyed hunting flintlock deer at this site. Many acres were cut. I have heard a gas well event may be scheduled here. I saw 7 deer and a squirrel.

Fur and bones from owl vomit.

Fur and bones from owl vomit.

Friday morning, I was honored to be treated to a breakfast with my friend Randy Tost. We talked over our deer season adventures. Later we visited at my home. Randy always enjoys seeing the steps to my various art projects. The evening, after we ate out for supper, Laurie and I went on a relaxed drive to view Christmas lights.

Puff ball

Puff ball

Today, the 15th of December, I managed a 3-4 mile hike at State Game Lands 247. The spring-like weather was comfortable to hike in. I heard deer in the multiflora brambles, but I couldn’t see them.  I witnessed  a small flock of bluebirds eating seeds.

Crow at home after tearing away some deer meat.

Crow at home after tearing away some deer meat.

Read Full Post »

Non-Hunting Morning

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature on October 19, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Beech leaves

I just didn’t feel like pursuing deer with my smoothbore because the weather was warming some. Also, the squirrels were safe too. A lot of items on the agenda this past week. Laurie and I took Susie (my Springer Spaniel) to the vet for a look over.  Susie is a few months from becoming 15 years old. She has had diabetes since February 2009. Her sugar reading was 60. That is a long way from 600 when this terrible disease was discovered. The vet said Susie is the exception to the rules. The vast majority of dogs with this ailment never last this amount of time. She is one special little girl to mE!

Other yard keeping chores, a visit and walk at my homestead  and a practice with a gospel band in Butler, also used some of my week up.                                                                   

Cowanshannock Creek Watershed

October 19th, Friday morning was looking like an exceptional morning for a walk and photos. I elected to walk near to Cowanshannock Creek staying, mostly, on a township road or gas well roads. The fog, always makes for great views. This morning would be no different. The Cowanshannock creek watershed held the heavy fog until after 10:00 A.M. It appeared to be a heavy cloud that fell into the hollow and couldn’t ascend!

   As the sun evaporated these clouds the range of leaf colors contrasted nicely. Autumn is a great time to be out and about!

I saw plenty of squirrels and chipmunks gathering acorns. I could have had my limit of six easily, but then I would have to clean them and eat them. Um, maybe that would not have been such a bad thing! Fried squirrel sure is good!

I looked up into a gas line and could see a couple of turkeys backs. they were feeding. I prepared the camera and began a stalk. As the terrain yielded to a slight rise my approach was unviewed until I raised up and began taking photos. The three turkeys weer well into shotgun range and the four quick photos were all the birds allowed as they quickly exited.    

I found some cub bear tracks on a packed area of the road. This cub had to be traveling here recently since we had a lot of rain overnight.  

Read Full Post »

Clear Creek Park Adventure

Posted in Hikes on October 13, 2012| Leave a Comment »

  Saturday, October 13, 2012, found Laurie and I and friends heading to Clear Creek Park in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.The goal of the four of us was to hike the Beartown Rocks  Trail and enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage. We weren’t disappointed with the colored leaves.                                                                                                                          

Laurie packed a picnic lunch and the menfolk carried the “grub” in backpacks. This meal was scheduled to be eaten after we reached the top and the huge rocks. The rocks cover a rather small area when one considers the space on the hill’s top. They’re grandiose to see and climb on.

Some of the trail parallels Clear Creek. This is a clear and spring-fed waterways that yields some trout for anglers to enjoy. Many years ago, my sister’s first husband, Bob Hudson and I spent time camping in the area. We arrived at this stream shortly after an in-season  stocking. We, probably, caught thirty or so trout each that day, We caught and released all our catch except any trout injured due to swallowing the hooks.These trout became a meal. We actually tired of the action! Bob tragically was killed in a tree-cutting job with a gas company in 1987.

Lichen on a spruce limb

Clear Creek

Ruthann & Laurie

The friends we were with this day were Larry and Ruthann D. The hiking trail we used was around 5 miles in estimate. We saw one buck and two doe. Some turkeys were seen too. We saw two nice trout in the waters.

  The forest land consists of white pines, various deciduous tress and, both, mountain laurel and rhododendrens.Many years ago, much of these lands were burnt over with devastating fires. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) 0fthe 1930 era did much work to improve the acres after the burn.          

Larry taking a photo!

Read Full Post »

Along Buffalo Creek

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature, Wildflowers on September 29, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Buffalo Creek

I spent the morning hours finishing up details on a couple of paintings. A couple of errands were in need of doing too.

Mom believed me when I told her white caterpillars meant 12-15 feet of snow!

All done with the errands and a hike of a couple of miles would be the ticket on such a glorious morning. This walk would include both road and woodland walking.  Some trees, especially the maples, were already coming into full color and others were still holding onto their summer hues. The wild flowers are in various stages. Some have long gone to seed, yet others are in full bloom.

   One of the most prevalent flower in blossom now is the New York Aster. This flower has a slight sky-blue color with a golden center. Other white-colored asters are flowering yet. The woodland sunflowers are in seed and the Goldfinches were enjoying filling up on their seeds.

The coolness of the day had bird activity in high gear. Bluejays; finches; woodpeckers… were to be viewed everywhere! Chipmunks and some squirrels were busy gathering acorns.

While on the pavement I noticed a gobbler walking across the road. Shortly, thereafter, I heard him gobble at a loud ATV. I saw one deer feeding in the distance.

This evening, I will be playing lead guitar with the First Methodist’s church staff band at their Saturday night service. Tomorrow, the 30th, I will be playing with a put together band at the Burrell Township’s Annual Fall Festival. I am not sure of who will be playing at that event.                        

Yes, the fall season is upon us and expect autumn-colored trees to be included in upcoming posts.

New York Aster

Cocklebur

 

Read Full Post »

I’VE BEEN WALKING

Posted in Hikes, Music, Wildlife on September 22, 2012| Leave a Comment »

I have been walking some. However, I have been lazy in regards to this site. While walking about I have seen deer; turkeys; squirrels and many species of flowers and bird life.

 

White Snakeroot

Bob and I have walked  a couple of miles at my homestead. In fact, we have done this rural road walk twice in recent weeks. As we walked along this road I noticed what appeared to be a turkey wing in the ditch. It was! Apparently, the turkey was a road kill. Upon inspection of the remains I was surprised to see one inch spurs. Immediately, I thought I need to get these legs for my friend, Kip Feroce. He would make back scratchers from them. Unfortunately, when I returned to remove the legs some critter must have relocated the remains far away.                                                                                                                          

Another hike I did consisted of walking a rural road that one can  easily make a circle instead of backtracking. I am guessing th e entire walk to be , at least, 4 miles around.  I did, however, walk off the road to pass through the lower area of a local state game lands. Here I was blessed to see a march hawk  flying through the fog. These hawks tend to fly low often hovering in one spot watching for movement of a mouse.

Marsh Hawk

   Last evening, while planning to visit the land owner, I first went for a mile long walk to see if any turkeys were in a field searching for grasshoppers. I did see a buck in the field. Later, I would see about 15 turkeys within feet of another of the landowners building.  Later, I saw another buck and six does. Another two deer were viewed while traveling home before dark.

Today, I spent working on some art. I haven’t been painting lately and the rainy day helped inspire me to paint. I have been putting lots of hours working with a digital recorder and , I am , pleased to say I have completed the twelve songs. I have actually placed the songs onto a CD!  This has been a time-consuming venture, but I have learned a lot. I , literally have hundreds of hours involved with studying the manual; retyping the  instructions into a computer and making a guideline to ease my study. Most songs have, at least, seven different tracks of music!

Read Full Post »

Nicholson Run Walk

Posted in Hikes, Wildflowers, Wildlife on August 15, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Silvery water spots on milkweed leaf.

This walk wasn’t a planned excursion in any sense. This walk came to be because of an instance that happened in the pre-dawn hours. I guess I should explain. I had Susie out for a nature call when, suddenly and without warning, a severe coughing and choking event overcame me.  These spells are not unheard of in regards to my health, but they are not usually this bad. I actually dropped to the yard and had a burning discomfort to my arms and legs. I am assuming this is because of a lack of oxygen. I have had these sensations before too, but usually after a difficult sneeze.

Catbird

I remember securing Susie’s leash for fear if I passed out she would be wondering towards the road since she is blind. In a couple of minutes the event was over except for a slight burning in my right arm and extreme fatigue. I went to my “man cave” to recoup. To use a saying of my dads; this “knocked the wind out of my sail”!

Ironweed

I laid down and awoke about 7:15 and gave Susie her insulin. I felt weak, but I decided to go for a walk and get some fresh air…hence, Nicholson Run. I parked and forced myself to walk the road  parallel to the small stream. I literally mean that I forced myself for physically I was tired. Eventually, I received a second wind and the walk became more enjoyable.

Joe-Pye

The road is about 3 miles in length, so I am guessing so I walked approximately 6 miles,  give or take. The later summer flowers are in abundance. I found lots of woodland sunflowers blooming with their brilliant yellow petals. Also, the yellow-colored, green-headed coneflower could be viewed. The deep purple of ironweed contrasted the yellows, as well as, the pinkish joe-pye. I have joe-pye at my home reaching over 8 feet in height. As one would expect, the bees and butterflies were prevalent.

  Birds were common today around the flowers. I saw goldfinches; catbirds and various other species. I saw 4 deer in total. One was a doe with fawns.

Nicholson Run isn’t a very big stream. A local sportsman’s club stock trout in it for a youth fishing day. The vegetation is thick along the borders so for most of the walk the stream was unseen. I did, however, notice a few small beaver dams. I had watched beavers on this stream many years ago when the mammal was first making a strong comeback in the area.

green-headed coneflower

Read Full Post »

Expensive Day

Posted in Hikes, Misc. Nature on June 4, 2012| Leave a Comment »

I dropped the car near the old Linde -Aire plant (south of Applewold, Pennsylvania) off this morning to have it inspected. Also, I needed a squeal located. I packed my camera and headed down the tracks across the river from Manorville, Pennsylvania. I allocated two hours to allow for the car to be checked over. However, I discovered , while going through my insurance papers that my insurance would be up very soon. I didn’t receive the usual forms  showing what I needed to pay to comply.  I had forgotten about this since the paperwork hadn’t been received by me.

Daisy

Male wood duck

The walk was enjoyable with cooler temperatures with lots of nature to observe. The mechanic called my cell to inform me my 2008 Dodge Caliber with only 26,000 miles was in bad joint. The “Bad Luck”car was adding up more grief for me. The warranty is up and the problems I have had  are terrible when one considers the low mileage. While setting on the rails of the railroad tracks I called the insurance company and was told for me to simply drop by and pay the cost and they would take over and supply all my needs in regards to the insurance.

Wood Duck family

Needless to say with insurance and car repairs I dropped very close to a grand. However, I still managed to find enjoyment with my hike. I saw wood ducks…a beautiful male woodie and a hen woodie with  quite a brood. I saw lots of squirrels. I saw gray and fox squirrels. I noticed these mammals enjoy setting on the rails too. They allow me to walk rather close at times. I saw lots of bird life, especially the rose-breasted grosbeak…always a favorite of mine. I saw two deer (possibly three) and had two red fox sightings. The fox, at one time, exited the vegetation ten feet to my left and was so surprised it resembled a cartoon character running in place trying get traction. So, one might consider my hike rather expensive!

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »