Here is a varied group of photos to see. I think I may be caught up with all the entries I intend to use.
Archive for the ‘Misc. Nature’ Category
Extra Photos
Posted in Misc. Nature, Wildlife on January 19, 2021| 3 Comments »
Low Tide On Keystone Lake
Posted in Misc. Nature, Wildlife on January 19, 2021| 2 Comments »
Last fall, I went to Keystone Lake in Armstrong County to hike along the shoreline. The water in the lake is very low thus offering an opportunity to see the lake with a different perspective.
There were a lot of various forms of birdlife utilizing the water.
Plenty of memories swept through my minds as I walked along. Many times my dad and I fished these waters in days past. I remember one extremely foggy first day of bass season when hearing a low volume boat motor. Suddenly, my line went taut and pole bent towards the water. I heaved expecting a huge fish only to find the fishermen trolling close to shore had tangled my line with there line.
A much sadder memory occurred that day as well. I ventured in the area where my Uncle Carl died in 1976 while hunting waterfowl. We arrived as he was being brought out of the woods.That was a memory I cared to not have.
A few of the many photos have been included below.
2020-21 Flintlock Season
Posted in Flintlock Hunting, Misc. Nature, Wildlife on January 18, 2021| Leave a Comment »
Unquestionably my most favorite time to hunt deer is with the flintlock rifle. “OLD JACOB” is the name christened to him in honor of the Kit-Han-ne war chief, Captain Jacob. He was a Delaware warrior during the French and Indian War and was killed in 1756 in, what is now, Kittanning, Pennsylvania.
OLD JACOB is fifty caliber flintlock rifle made in the Andre Verner style from the latter eighteenth century. This particular rifle has taken more deer than I can remember.
The primitive season always begins on the day after Christmas. I am almost exclusively alone in most areas I hunt. Another reason to enjoy the season.
This year I harvested two deer within the season. The first one went approximately a hundred yards and the second one moved about fifteen yards. I butchered them myself and this year made all the meat into burger. I kept some meat back for jerky.
I saw a lot of deer this season with seven hammer cocked scenarios. Most non-hunters can not believe I can be as close as eighteen steps away to thirty steps and not get the shot. Much can happen when deer are close. One problem is getting the rifle up to the shoulder without being spotted. Terrain and underbrush ca, also, bring about failure to shoot.
I did see one buck in the season, but I believe he was a six-point which is illegal to shoot in Pennsylvania. The last day was January 18th. I told my wife I was only going to go hunting if the ground was white and it snowed. Around ten-o’clock while still hunting I spotted a doe feeding at about thirty yards. I prepared for the shot when my thoughts abrupted me into deciding I didn’t want to shoot the deer. I allowed it to walk broadside offering a great shot. I am totally satisfied with the decision. I went home to work at cleaning the firearm.
One other day found my sights on a doe. Two of this year’s fawns came up behind kicking their legs into the air in a playful mood. I didn’t shoot.
Reasons to Hike!
Posted in Misc. Nature, Wildlife on October 7, 2020| Leave a Comment »
One can initiate many reasons to go out for a woodland hike. Time afield could be for scouting for a big buck or turkey and bear activity if hunting is on your mind. One could be out searching for mushrooms in season. Some could go for exercise and others simply to take photos of the natural world and wildlife. I have been doing all, but I have been walking for other reasons, also.
Monday I came home from a walk in a familiar hunting area. I didn’t find any Sheepshead mushrooms, but I did see some deer and turkeys and lots of squirrels. the mast-producing trees such as the oaks, dogwoods, wild grapes, crabapples and hickories were abundant with their crops this season.
I saw one spike buck with a doe early into this walk and later saw two additional bucks. The bigger of those two deer produced fuzzy images as he walked through the pines not allowing any time to get fully focused. the second buck above cooperated very well.
Another reason for my hikes is to reflect on issues in my life. This year has been rough on me from a stress-level. The Covid-19 hysteria angers and disgusts me. All the goal-post moving and unconstitutional “mandates'” irritates to me to no end. And all of this for a virus no worse than the yearly flu. The survival rate is over 99%. I refuse to hear of this new normal.
Let us getting back to the reasons for my walking. I am. potentially, facing a health issue for myself and will be seeing a specialist soon. So my time afield, also, has me praying as I walk along.
I have found in times of feeling low something always happens to alter my thoughts. In a recent hike while feeling poorly, I looked to my right and a flock of turkeys were feeding within shotgun range and the birds were not aware of my presence. I was happy to witness this event.
Yesterday morning I went to another site to reflect and think and pray. A frost was upon the woodlands in the early hours, but the rising sun would quickly warm up the air. I saw some doe and two bucks. Again, I was feeling a little low when I heard some clicking sounds. I turned to my right and I saw a buck approximately thirty yards away. A second buck was immediately behind the first.
As I watched them trying to get a photo through the abundant fall foliage they began to spar with their antlers. I thought this is a site you don’t see often.
Both deer were feeding along as well and were moving towards this game land trail. I eased behind a tree hoping to not be spotted and it worked.
The front buck appeared on this open area and I managed several photos before he spotted something amiss. With his focus upon me the sound of the camera alerted him and he soon exited the site.
Later I would see two young deer in a field and they allowed me with some photo ops.
However, this walk had another issue on my mind. I had found the day before my step-father, Bob Miller’s cancer has reemerged. So, I needed to begin planning for the future with this issue.
As you can see how can one be down with seeing bucks sparring and the rays of light emerging through the trees.
Additional Adventures
Posted in Misc. Nature, Sinnemahoning on September 27, 2020| Leave a Comment »
Bottle Gentian
Those three days in the north country went fast. The weather was great, but we needed to begin or thoughts towards returning home this day.
Early in the morning while Laurie was preparing herself for the day, I ventured downslope to the Bennett’s Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. Most areas of areas I walked showed the distress from the lack of rain. the water was very low, and as the First Fork one could walk across the creek using exposed rocks. A few photos are included here.
Later, in the morning our departure led us through Medix Run. This creek was lower than I had even seen it. I hope holdover trout can survive. We stopped at the Shagger’s water Impoundment hoping to see some Ospreys and bald eagles, but the site was barren of the birds this day. 
Our trip towards home continued with time at Parker Dam State Park. Here we were prepared to do some hiking. Laurie became tired and elected to set on a park swing and read a book while I spent more time hiking. The trail I chose to explore had wetlands created by past Beaver activities. I saw some Brook trout.
I noticed a vivid blue partially hidden among the various wetland grasses. The blue was from a native wildflower known as the Bottle Gentian. (See photo above.)
The three days went fats and I was saddened to head towards home. Wildlife was abundantly viewed during these days. We saw plenty of Elk, Deer and three flocks of turkeys. We saw squirrels including Black squirrels. We saw two Ruffed Grouse, a rarity in these days. We saw a beautiful Bald eagle, Mergansers and Cormorants. I believe I had a glimpse of a Black Bear in the vegetation for I saw black for a moment.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
Parker Dam forest
Shagger’s Impoundment
Wetlands
Along The Sinnemahoning
Posted in Misc. Nature, Sinnemahoning on September 26, 2020| Leave a Comment »
The area of the Sinnemahoning has always held a powerful and special feeling with me since I first saw the beauty in my younger days. Since those days of many years ago I have been enthralled by the majesty of the beautiful mountains and deep hollows. My recent time in the area still provoked those same feelings of grandeur.
Technically the area is the watershed of the First Fork of the Sinnemahoning. The name Sinnemahoning came from the Indian word, “Achsinnimahoni.” The word in their language meant “stony lick.”
Tremendous labor occurred on these steep and high mountains during the 188 era. I mentioned to Laurie, as we hiked. in wonderment as to how those men of that time managed to remove huge, virgin timber using non-powered saws and axes. Afterwards, those humongous logs had to be removed! the unfortunate side of those years resulted in mud slides, erosion, and wildfires from the denuding of the timber on the steep slopes.
In 1955, the George Stevenson Dam was constructed to control flooding along the west branch of the Susquehanna River farther down stream. This dam has created a small back-up of water used by boats and fishermen and women, today. 
I have fished various native trout stream tributaries and hunted for bear and small game over the years. A couple of years ago, I slept in a tent in November. The park office people couldn’t believe I was going to be in a tent in very cold weather. There was not any other people in the area at all.
We were blessed to see a Bald eagle just over our heads. The white of he bird glowed in the un as it flew over. I wasn’t prepared with my camera. WE, also, saw a flock of turkeys of about fifteen, or so, birds. Other wildlife included Cormorants and Mergansers.
I walked along the creek for a time amazed at the lack of water flow. I had never seen the Sinnemahoning this low. Many placed offered enough exposed rocks to walk across.
Roseate Skimmer
Long Dash Skipper
Three Days to Northern Pennsylvania
Posted in Misc. Nature on September 24, 2020| Leave a Comment »
Cross on the Hill
Sometime in July, I believe, a friend sent along a notice of her new endeavor. She was working on a lodge to rent to people. the name of the lodge was to be, BULL ELK LODGE. Laurie and I decided a trip north might be a great thing for us and now we had a place to potentially stay. I contacted Marcy Manning and planned a stay-over for the latter half of September. In fact, we were the first to use the lodge. at the beginning of the week of September 21st. See photos of the lodge below and the Bull Elk Lodge website.
We heard coyote yipping and howling two evenings while at the lodge. I heard a gobbler across the hollow on one morning and saw five deer within easy bow range just outside the door.
Freedom Bell at Mount Zion Historic Park
Ours three days to this country was quite enjoyable. I took Laurie to see some various sites of the area. We went to the Cross on the Hill site and visited the nearby Mount Zion Historic Park. The park recognizes local war veterans of the area. After we arrived at the lodge and prepared our “stuff” for our stay, we hiked on the Fred Woods Trail. We met a couple on their way out of the trail when they reported seeing a lethargic rattlesnake was back the trail towards the area of the huge rocks. From that point on Laurie and I didn’t hold hands as I was placed on point! Unfortunately we failed to fins the snake. I heard something over the hill’s rim and saw black moving amid the vegetation. I can’t say with one-hundred percent certainty, but I may had glimpsed a bear. A separate entry will be placed on the Fred Woods Trail.
Top of the Hill view.
Evening was coming rapidly as we went to the Top of the Mountain viewing area to see the view of the Pennsylvania mountains. What a beautiful site to behold.
If Interested with learning more on Bull Elk Lodge check out the link below.
BULLELKLODGE.WIXSITE.COM
HOME | Bull Elk Lodge
Bull Elk Lodge Interior Images.
Summer Season Is Winding Down
Posted in Fishing, Hikes, Misc. Nature, Wildflowers on September 18, 2020| Leave a Comment »
Golden Rod
Yes, the summer season for the year 2020 is heading down the road to the autumn season. Recently, this past week, I went for a walk to a state game lands pond approximately a mile back in. I obtain the benefits of walking plus fishing during one excursion. I have placed posts from fishing this pond in the past. I enjoy catching Carp on light tackle or even a flyrod.
One observation being very prominent this past week were the end-of-season wildflowers. Yes, with the golden fields of the Goldenrods the frosts can’t be far away, in fact, as I type this on 
September 18, frost watches and warnings are being forecasted for counties north of SR 422. This land area includes northern Armstrong County where I reside. Oh well it is the last half of September.
Turtlehead Wildflower
New York Aster
Spotted Jewelweed
Bullhead Catfish
Dew-laden Mullein leaves
This excursion yielded two flocks of turkeys, one deer, a flock of Canada Geese and a very brief glimpse of a Black Bear at about thirty yards. The fishing wasn’t too bad either for I landed some Bullhead Catfish. I lost a few Carp due to the four pond test line on my light tackle rod and reel.
Buffalo Creek
Yellow Jewelweed
Monday of this past week found my walking shoes along Buffalo Creek looking for whatever I could find to observe. I found a Red-spotted Newt. (Removed a Box Turtle from the road, too.)
Red-spotted Newt
Cocklebur
Keystone Lake Memories (Most Good, One Bad)
Posted in Misc. Nature, My Family on June 17, 2020| Leave a Comment »
I was on the move early for I wanted to be somewhere along Keystone Lake to watch the sun rise. (Keystone Lake is in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.) I parked and walked along a narrow, old fishermen trail to get down to the water’s edge. Fog was over much of the lake, but not heavy enough to cancel out seeing the water. I began to take photos wherever I could do so. Vegetation was dense and to the shoreline in many places. I was surprised as to how high the trees had become at many places.
I visited other places that held dear memories for me and my father, Allen K. Smail. We had fished these waters much in years past catching Largemouth Bass, Bluegills, Walleyes and such. There was a time when we caught bass as big as eighteen inches. Those were the days. The years seemed to have reduced such size and I gradually had forgotten about the lake for fishing.
I remember my dad taking my cousins and I fishing on the first day of bass seasons in the past. We always had a good time. One extremely foggy 
morning we were situated along the grassy shoreline. I could hear something before seeing my line grow taut causing a sharp pull only to hear voices. I then saw the reason for the noise. A small trolling boat had come close to shore and the fisherman’s line caught onto mine. As hard as I tugged I would have yanked the rod and reel out of his hands. However, he had the pole locked onto the boat’s side.
I remember fishing for bass and Bluegills with a fly rod. That proved to be quite a fight!
A sad memory flooded my thoughts as I visited the lake. In early November in 1976, we received a call after dark about someone very close to me being missing. My brother-in-law, Bob Hudson, my dad and I took off to look. We checked an area known as Reefer’s Cove for my uncle liked to hunt waterfowl back in this area. I remember hollering, but his car was not in the area. We circled around and came up the eastern side of the lake only to look across the lake and see lots of lights. We hurried to the site.
I didn’t realize what was happening at first, but quickly put the events together as I saw people carrying a man covered with a white sheet. I could see my uncle’s black hair only. I lost myself and walked away and up the township road. Carl E. Smail had died with a massive heart attack while hunting waterfowl. He was quite a man and uncle. He was a taxidermist, and a deputy game warden. I enjoyed our times together hunting and fishing. I helped him skin wildlife to mount and make artificial molds for the mounts. He had a wildlife menagerie in his back yard featuring bear, bobcat, elk, deer, wolverines, turkeys and so many other species. He gave me a Brittany Spaniel named Smokey. I could add many more points of interest.
That memory was one I wished had not happened to me this day, but it was vivid.
Wildlife was plentiful this morning. I saw deer, a doe and her new fawn, several flocks of turkeys, and a Great Blue Heron.
Sensitive Fern
Great Blue Heron
Just Some Photos
Posted in Misc. Nature, Wildlife on June 7, 2020| Leave a Comment »
Larry A. Smail's Blog 