Rockwell Sanctuary 6/19/11

"A Day of Beautiful Hiking Not Meant to Be" (pictures)

Such a beautiful morning on this Sunday! The sun was shining, we were up on time and all looked well. Aside from a terrible night of sleeping...allergies acting up and an upset stomach which was still lingering as I packed my bag....blah. We headed off heading in the direction of Crawford Notch, "eye balling" Webster Cliff trail or if we were not feeling up to it Mt. Parker or Langdon . As we approached the clear sky's in the White Mountains the wind began to pick up substantially. I decided to snag Bear Notch road off of the "Kanc" to bypass the Conway's. But as my stomach remained unsettled as well as the wind we decided to perhaps try a smaller hike off of the "Kanc". So I parked at the Potash/Hedgehog Trail head in hopes to try the much anticipated Hedgehog loop that's been on the back burner for a couple years now.

The lot was quite with only 3 other cars. We jumped out ready to enjoy this nearly perfect day when I opened the back of the truck to find that my back pack was not there! "What!?" According to Scott the look on my face was that of shock and disbelief! I have forgotten a lot of things in my day-to-day and hiking trips but my entire pack! Are you kidding me!? Well, not having my clothing which would be needed for the windy conditions and not having my oh-so important camera, I was no longer in any mood for hiking.

Just as well I suppose. My stomach was still in knots so we began the long journey back home. Man am I glad we didn't go all the way to the notch to find out I had no pack! LOL! As we turned back onto Rt. 16 we passed a sign for Tin Mountain Conservation Center. I see this sign all the time but never have the time to stop and see what it is and if there are hiking trails of any kind. So after grabbing a hot coffee at Dunkin's we drove up Bald Hill Road to check it out. Just up the hill and on the left the Conservation Center and an 1800's barn sat. The center was closed, and that is where the trail maps were. We did see a sign marked trails and thus we headed off for a walk in the woods.

We started off on a yellow bird blazed trail (blazes on this property were made out of ceramic which was pretty cool!) After passing a granite sitting area we seemingly could not find the rest of the trail. Just as we were ready to ditch this small effort of a hike Scott noticed another trail with signs. This was a woods road with a stone reading "Rockwell Sanctuary". We began on the Maple Leaf loop trail and kept right at the fork then took a right onto Bear Tree loop trail. A few boulders were passed by and the trail drops downhill. Mosquito's began to bother us a little and we tried to keep a quick pace. We passed Pine Link trail and dropped down to Quarry trail. Along this trail one can see Quarry sites from the late 1800's.

After a short climb up this woods road we took a left back onto Bear Tree loop trail which passed the other side of Pine Link and connected back to Maple Leaf loop trail. No "bear tree" seen and trails were intersecting in several spots. Unsure of the trail system and having enough of mosquito's we headed back to the truck figuring we would have to come back when they were open for a map. At home I found the site for Tin Mountain Conservation Center and found the map to find we missed the seemingly best part of the trail system, that being the pond and bridge/boardwalks. Ah well, we would have to return to check it out! We did a walk around the Conservation building and spotted a butterfly on a butterfly bush. The most exciting part of the day....sad.....but I'll take it!

Swasey Parkway 6/17/11

"A Relaxing Walk Along Squamscott River" (pictures)

As I entered into Exeter I passed by Swasey Parkway. I've passed this small park often but never stopped to check it out. The view down the Squamscott river to the town of Exeter and it's mills, smoke stacks and steeples is very neat looking and I always wanted to take some pictures of it.

Today the clouds and lighting looked rather good for some photo's so I parked at the public parking lot and walked down to the park. Probably the most striking (and I believe one of the oldest) buildings along the waterfront is the yellow mill that sits below the dam. Such a beautiful building that elequintly sits in the center of the line of buildings.

In 1930 Abrose Swasey donated this land and the funding to clean up a trash infested river side where a shipyard used to operate. Since then it has been a relaxing 1/4 mile walk with beautiful trees and shrubs, a pavillion, benches and a couple interpretive signs.

There is also a view across the river to the Old Powder House which used to store the towns gun powder during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Powder captured from the British in New Castle was also stored here and used at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Incredible the history that surrounds us in NH, right under our noses sometimes without us even realizing it!

Phoebe's Nable Mt. & North Trail 6/15/11

"Trash and Wildflowers, and a Double Whammy of Moose!" (pictures)
(Moose Mountains Facebook Group)

Well I finally got myself in the mood for picking up trash at Moose Mountains Reservation. After a wet and cold week, a nice day on Wednesday had me wanting to get out and do some hiking. So I finagled an old hiking pole with an unused bowie knife to create my bad-ass trash picker! And off I went....hold on, gotta have trash bags....OK, now I'm ready! As I rounded a corner on Ridge Road I spotted a fawn in the road. It crouched down against the pavement as I passed. Not sure if it was hurt or just scared I parked. I began to jump out for a closer look and it jumped up and darted into the woods. Off you go Bambi!  I parked in the parking area and put the gate back up. Then beginning on the right side of the road I began the search for trash.

Along the way wildflowers that had passed, where replaced with new kinds. It was an interesting balance holding a trash bag in one hand, a pole in the other and taking out my camera constantly to snap pics of the flowers! A few bugs made there way into my lens as well but the flying insects would have to be on hold today as I didn't have the time or patience for them! At one section of the roadside I passed by a beautiful colony of Bird's-Foot Trefoil and found a small bunch of Larger Blue Flag Iris's. Spectacular! I continued my walk up to the Burrows Farm site, took some pics and continued on.

I took a left onto Phoebe's Nable spur trail, collected bottles we had stashed from picking them up on a previous hike and continued up the hillside. Temperatures were rising and I was getting pretty hot up this steep section of trail. This area was apparently where the ticks had moved too as I began to find them on my legs. Ah the beauty of hairy legs! They have trouble climbing and I can feel them when they disturb a hair follicle, LOL! I arrived at the summit, took a picture and headed back down quickly to get back home for 3.

I did have to stop a few times for more flower pics. I just can't help myself! They were so pretty! One flowering plant on the picture to the left was all over. I've yet to figure out what it is, but very pretty! The task completed I had one 33 gallon bag of trash! I passed a couple my age coming up from the parking lot whom I introduced myself too and spoke with shortly. Nice to see people hiking this area each time I'm here, more than I had previously thought!

I got back home just before Scott arrived from work. He wanted to go for a hike and I was totally down for another hike! It was after all, a beautiful afternoon! We threw some peaks around but really didn't want to drive to them. Doesn't help that we have to head to work at 6/6:30. So it was back to Moose Mountains. I decided we would try the North trail as I recall reading there was some sort of view up there. We got a slight view South from a banking along a landing area where two birds were making noise and flying about. Not sure what they were, Northern Rough-Winged Swallow was the best I could come up with.

We passed by more wildflowers, tiger beetles along the road and dragon fly's. We passed by some open rock ledge with a pretty good view of Piper Mt. and arrived at a large landing zone. It was here I believed we were to take a left but everything looked to be grown in. So we continued on the only open road to the right over a gated bridge which we re-gated. Tick checks kept turning up a couple of the little buggers. Ticks...ick! We continued for a ways upward then as the trail began to drastically descend it was getting too late so we turned back. Another trip not finding the views we had heard about, ugh! Soon we WILL find what we are looking for and can mark and trim these trails!

Piper Mt. 6/13/11

"Off Roading and Some Hiking" (pictures)
(Moose Mountains Facebook Group)

A busy weekend with hosting my sisters baby shower, work and an otherwise rainy/dreary weekend we never made it out to hike. Scott asked if I wanted to go for a small hike when he got home for work, and I never say no! He mentioned Blue Job but I hate the drive there with such short time, having to leave for work at 6:30 and getting dinner in before that.

I had been wanting to check out another corner of the Moose Mountains Reservation over by Piper Mt. So off we went. I found the Access Road, a secondary dirt road and we followed it to a fork where I took a right onto Piper Mt. Drive (not signed). Now a class six road the going gets a little rough. Along this section of road signs were here-and-there warning that these areas were under surveillance. I slowly made my way over rocks and partly washed out road sections, but my Ford Escape was doing just fine.

We passed another truck on a flat section and we asked them if they new where Piper Mt. was, they said we were headed the right way. Soon we came to another fork in the road, the right side being gated. Piper Mountain Drive continued but was not suitably maintained for regular SUV's. So we parked here and got our 'walk on'! FYI, the gated road I found out later on is a trail down to Lily Pond. Dragon fly's were prevalent again and one (6 Spotted Skipper I believe) allowed me a beautiful picture I am very pleased with!

We climbed up the hill and after some time found another road intersection. Following my vague map of hiking and snow mobile trails I determined to make a left here onto Moose Mountain Road (not signed). From here we continued a climb up to a flat area where a trail leads off to the left just before the road steeply drops. We climbed this trail up to Piper Mt. Mostly over-grown ledges where seen here and we were not sure where the view ledge exactly was. Rather than follow the trail downhill we walked back to Moose Mt. Rd. Looking at a report and map now I believe the ledge was lower down on that trail and has a nice overlook across the pond.

Back on the road I wanted to keep exploring, so we walked down the steep road and a view opened up to Phoebes Nable and Moose Mountains. Continuing on we arrived at another intersection where to the left the snow mobile trail runs down Piper Mt. trail to Bowser Pond and over to the rest of Moose Mountains Reservation. We noted a massive fire pit littered with old wheels, dozens of beer cans, lighters and other trash that will need to be cleaned up at some point...if at all.

On our way back we where attacked by a ruffed grouse, the second in two weeks. These little birds are brave little creatures! After the scare and subsequent laugh we climbed back up the hill and back down to where I parked. For future reference I would recommend parking at the Moose Mountains parking lot on New Portsmouth Rd. and take the route up this road, take your first right onto North trail, the next right onto Piper Mt. trail which brings you by Bowser Pond and then at the road junction take a right and at the top of the hill another right onto the spur trail to Piper Mt. I will hike this route soon so I can get better info. for this trip.

Moose Mountain Reservation 5/25/11

"Tigers and Leopards and Wildflowers Oh, Yah!" (pictures)
(Moose Mountains Facebook Group)

Difficulty: Easy

Directions: From downtown Farmington, NH take Rt. 153 North into Middleton about 5 miles. Continue onto King's Highway for .9 miles. Turn right at the police station onto Ridge Road. At 1.6 miles turn left onto New Portsmouth Road. Bear left onto New Portsmouth Road Exd. The trail head and kiosk will be seen ahead. You can park at the kiosk or continue 400 feet on an unmaintained road to an upper parking area just past the river.

Report: I returned to Moose Mountains Reservation Wednesday to do some work in the access road culverts and to attach a cable to the gate. It was such a beautiful day! I drove my truck up to the point where a stream crosses the road and parked. I did a quick walk up to the Burrows Farm area to make sure no one was up here in a 4x4 or ATV. Such a wonderful spot. Mountains all around, new leaves on trees a bright green, apple trees flowering and blue sky with white wispy clouds. Ahhhh, so lovely!

I then noticed a bug flying ground level across the dirt. It was an Eastern 6 Spotted Tiger Beetle! I love these florescent green beetles! I returned to the main trail heading back and spotted a couple Northern Leopard Frogs. They are so darn quick and blend right in with the ground cover. I did manage to coax one back out of the leaves for a photo op! Wild Flowers caught my attention again as I traveled along. Yellow Downy Violets and Pink Moccasin flowers where the choice today. Surprisingly after having so many ticks on us the day before I did not have a single one today! Must be they come out later in the day. Or because I was staying away from tall grass, mud and trees!

After getting my hiking, photo fix I then got back to my truck and stopped at each culvert to clean the leaves out and get water flowing again. Black flies began to attack as I affixed a cable over the gate and put up "No Wheeled Vehicle" signage. I kind-of felt bad about blocking this 4x4/ATV paradise, not my thing but every one is different and if that's what they like they should be able to have a place to "play"! But it's not allowed, and even if it was, the property is being abused. I can only hope this doesn't end up being a never ending battle! I don't give up easily and this is a beautiful property needing some TLC, so I am in it for the long haul!

Moose Mountain Reservation 5/24/11

"Wildflowers, Mud, Ruts and Ticks" (pictures)
(Moose Mountains Facebook Group)

Difficulty: Easy

Directions: From downtown Farmington, NH take Rt. 153 North into Middleton about 5 miles. Continue onto King's Highway for .9 miles. Turn right at the police station onto Ridge Road. At 1.6 miles turn left onto New Portsmouth Road. Bear left onto New Portsmouth Road Exd. The trail head and kiosk will be seen ahead. You can park at the kiosk or continue 400 feet on an unmaintained road to an upper parking area just past the river.

Report: Recently completing our Land Steward training with the SPNHF I thought we would check on the Moose Mountains Reservation property when Scott got home from work Tuesday. A quick 15 minute drive and we pulled into the parking lot. Someone had put the gate back in place but is still in need of a lock. Wildflowers were out in full force as we walked the road. Black flies were a little bothersome but not all that bad. As we walked the road signs of ATV use was evident worse than when we were here exactly a month ago. Muddy ruts were numerous. As we reached the Cemetery section that passes through private property we noticed the cable had been re-attached and locked across the bridge. Again ATV users had dug up the road along the cemetery and up the field entering the Burrows Farm area.

Once up at the Burrows Farm fields of wild strawberry and grasses were torn up by mud tire tread. It was rather upsetting to see so much disregard to this scenic, historic area. We walked up to what we determined to be the home site and found a boulder with a plaque on it. The apple trees were in bloom and it was such a nice spot. Someone had done target practice on the farm site itself filling some old tin pales up with bullet holes. The over shots had nicked the pine tree that marks one of the corners to the Burrows 1800's cemetery. This got me on a vendetta to do everything in my power to stop the illegal use of this property. To add to all this dismay ticks were racing up our clothing and backs quicker than anything I've ever seen!

Past the field we made our way through muddy ruts and up the RV trail. I rolled a large rock into the large pool of water here for easier crossing and to discourage ATV use across it. We continued to the junction below Phoebes Nable Mt. From here we headed back down the main trail where we erected an old gate across the road that had been thrown in the woods. More ticks and black flies we headed back out and to the truck. We have a lot of work on our hands here. Once we can stop the ATV use on this reservation, trails need to be repaired, foot bridges built, blazing needed and culverts cleaned out! All told Scott had 12 ticks on him in just an hour of hiking and I had 6 on me. YUCK!

SPNHF Moose Mountains Land Steward

MMR Trailhead Sign

(Moose Mountains Facebook Group)
Scott and I just finished taking a two day SPNHF core training coarse to be land stewards of the very large Moose Mountains Reservation in Middleton and Brookfield, NH! Comprising of 2,325 acres and three mountain ranges Moose Mountains Reservation is one of the largest non-developed forests in Southern New Hampshire! It is a crucial tract of land, harboring important headwaters of the Salmon Falls River.  For directions to MMR see my trip report HERE.

Phoebes Nable Spur Trail

The forests and hills contain a host of native wildlife such as black bear, moose and a heron rookery. Hiking, bird watching, hunting, snowmobiling and other low impact outdoor recreation can be enjoyed on the property. With more than 8 miles of woods roads and foot paths, several ponds and marshes, open summit peaks and ledges, early 1800's cemeteries an farmland there is plenty to explore! The Forest Society will work to retain public use for recreation and to protect the properties water shed and natural resources including sustainable forestry or harvesting.

Since the term harvesting and the sheer thought or even sight of logging makes you quiver, as it did us. It is important to understand what SUSTAINABLE Forestry is! It is defined as such: "The stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way, and at a rate, that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfill, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions, at local, national, and global levels, and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems." Thus our States economic value in it's vast and lush forests are an important piece of our way of life, as is the pride we have of our natural and untouched woods, mountains and ponds. These aspects are all kept in balance for the future generations to benefit and enjoy from! You can learn more by joining the Forest Society on a tour of an active timber harvest. Meet logging contractors and Consulting Foresters; learn about sustainable forest management in relation to improving timber quality, wildlife habitat, and recreation; and get the latest news about logging practices, equipment, wood products, and the timber markets where products are shipped and sold. Check there field trip page for these tours.

Phoebes Nable Summit

Where do we come into play? It is our job as volunteer land stewards to be the caretakers and ambassadors of this forest. Our responsibilities are numerous from picking up trash, monitoring property lines, marking/building/maintaining hiking trails, watching for illegal uses, assisting in sustainable tree harvesting and speaking to land abuttors. Trails on this property are in need of signs and marking and that will be our main focus over the next two years as we explore the vast forest ourselves, learning the features and finding the best suitable paths to those features. We look forward to be able to care for such a large tract of land so close to home! While sustainable tree harvesting is an important part of these forests for our economy and the future, it is our primary goal to retain and improve the recreational, scenic and natural benefits of this Reservation. These aspects of SPNHF land are all weighed in harmony as necessary parts on a balanced scale.

New Portsmouth Road Trail

Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests "envisions a living landscape where managed woodlands, farms and wild lands are woven into the fabric of community life. We envision people caring for lands that sustain dynamic communities with clean water and air, forest and agricultural products, habitat for native plants and animals, scenic beauty, good jobs, and recreational opportunities."

Check the SPNHF Blog for a post on the 2011 Land Steward Class!

Ticks to be worse in NH this season!

Check-it or Tick-et!

Ticks...they quietly sneak up your leg and back. They crawl across your skin, climbing your clothing and finding their way to your head and digging in to make your scalp there family home! Gross huh!? These tiny, flat bodied creeps don't just give you the itchy, creepy crawly's but also cause Lyme disease. Lyme is a serious disease causing a host of brain/head disorders and muscle/joint problems.

Prevent it! Be SURE to check yourself during and after hiking or walking in the woods, grass areas or really whenever you step outside for any activity. A quick check by a friend is best but at the very least do a self visual check and feel around your back, neck and head for those areas you can't see. Something so simple and quick can help you prevent a tick bite. Bug spray is always important as well as long clothing. Be sure to visit the links in this post to inform yourself about ticks and the symptoms of Lyme. It is very important to identify Lyme sooner than later to begin treatment of the disease.

http://www.wmur.com/health/27830397/detail.html

Ellis R. Hatch Wildlife Management Area 4/24/11

"Yet Another Woods Road" (pictures)

Difficulty: Easy (gravel/dirt road)

Directions: From North Main Street in Farmington, NH take 153 North. Continue onto Kings Highway in Middleton and follow for 4 miles. Entrance road sign is on the right set back. Follow road for a short distance to the gated trail head and sign.

Report: After spending the morning at the Moose Mountains Reservation we decided to look around for other trail heads in the area. I was trying to find Jones Road so we could walk the Horn Brook trail but somehow missed it. So I got back onto Kings Highway and looked for other signs of a trail. Shortly I spotted a sign in the woods for Ellin R. Hatch WMA. I backed up and drove down the short road to the gate. We walked a gravel and dirt road for approximately a mile passing a marsh and taking a right at a road junction and followed the road 100 feet to a kiosk and what appeared to be a half dried up pond. Upon looking on my Flickr satellite map I could see that it was once a large pond. Google map has there's updated as it is now. If you check this out it is the marsh area that is shaped like a tall boot. Not sure if a dam was removed or what happened to cause the water to recede so much but it looks to have been that way a while. Not sure where the road continued to and the weather changing from warm and sunny to cool and windy, we decided to call it a day and head home. Total time 30 minutes.

Moose Mountain Reservation & Phoebes Nable Mt. 4/24/11

"An Introduction to Moose Mountain Reservation" (pictures)

Difficulty: Easy - Moderate (steep/loose/rocky up Phoebes Nable Mt.)

Directions: From downtown Farmington, NH take Rt. 153 North into Middleton about 5 miles. Continue onto King's Highway for .9 miles. Turn right at the police station onto Ridge Road. At 1.6 miles turn left onto New Portsmouth Road. Bear left onto New Portsmouth Road Exd. The trail head and kiosk will be seen ahead. You can park at the kiosk or continue 400 feet on an unmaintained road to an upper parking area just past the river.

Report: Scott and I are set to go on Land Steward training with the NH Forest Society in May. We had chosen Moose Mountains as the area we would be responsible for. We wanted to get somewhat acquainted with this vast 2, 325 acre area before our class but had no idea as to any trail head whereabouts. Scott did some online searches during the week and found all the information we needed including a basic MAP. And so we planned our visit to the Moose Mountain Reservation for the weekend.

Unfortunately the weather called for rain showers on Saturday and Sunday was not looking the greatest. Saturday Mother Nature figured she hadn't had enough of tormenting us and threw snow showers at us accumulating to an inch! So as we got our weekend work done today we hoped for a half decent day Easter Sunday. The morning rolled around and the sun was shining and it was already warm outside! This had us excited and awake, ready to take advantage of the nice weather! Since we had no concrete knowledge of what to expect we simply planned on checking out the kiosk at the end of New Portsmouth Road and check out some of the woods roads and the old Burrows Farm site.

We found the kiosk no problem and parked here. At 8:45am we headed down the road which wasn't gated at the time following ATV tracks. Black flies were already buzzing but not yet swarming or biting. We soon came to a river and found a truck in an upper parking area. We continued on uphill past another road on the left which crosses the river again. Past this a little ways the road bears left. A trail leaves right here on North Trail. Continuing on the road you climb to a field and the Burrows cemetery under some pine trees. Just a handful of stones, with age-at-death sadly averaging in the 40's. ATV or 4x4 tracks were all through the field along with beer cans which were also along the roads. Another sad reminder that not everyone respects the land they are out enjoying.

Continuing uphill on the road you pass a trail visible at the tree line which we passed by and up to the next road junction. Here we passed a pair of hikers with a dog. They looked shocked to see us other hikers here and we said our quick hello's. Keeping straight and bearing left at this junction you pass the Burrow's Farm site on the left, now a birch and blueberry glade. We followed the road until it began do descend, then we decided to turn back and head back to the previous road junction to climb Phoebes Nable Mountain.

Climbing got steep and ruff in spots. The wet conditions from melting snow making the climb up slippery rock a little more difficult. Soon at 10:00am we reached the ledgy summit, overgrown and not revealing too much of a view. But a nice spot just the same! Notable mountains in view through the trees were Blue Job and Hussey Mts. in Farmington and Prospect Mt. in Alton, all with radio towers barely visible.

We descended back down to the field and cemetery and headed down another road past the larger Stevens Cemetery visible from the Burrows Cemetery. This road then connects back to the main road we began on. We called it a day here and decided to look for other trail heads around the area. We got back to the truck at 10:45am or so and headed out.

Goodwill Conservation Area 3/26/11

"Mossicles" (pictures)

Directions: Barrington, NH head West on Rt. 9 past Calef's Country Store and the Pine Grove Cemetery. You will pass Province Rd. on the left and on the corner to the left is the pine tree hidden entrance to the parking area. The sign is set back from the road and you will see the marsh.

Yet another cold, windy weekend was really getting on our nerves! The forecast for below average temperatures hovering around 30 with strong winds had us bummed out Friday night. So we decided on just waking up whenever and hiking something small and close by. We headed out in the morning, winter jackets in hand...blah! I was undecided on heading to nearby Blue Job Mt., Little Niagra Falls or Stonehouse Pond. Instead I set my sights on something I visited back in October 2010, Goodwill Conservation Area. Scott had not yet been here and it was raining last I visited. It was an easy logging road walk and sheltered somewhat from the winds. So this was a good  choice!

The parking lot was still partially plowed in, but nothing four-wheel-drive couldn't handle! We threw our jackets on already cold just from stepping out of the truck! The time was 11am. The marsh was still frozen over as we made our way over the small bridge over the outlet stream. Then right at the fork to follow the trail along the marsh. The trail makes a small loop, but Scott noticed a barely visible trail at the loops corner that continues to follow the marsh! This trail basically follows the bank along the shore of the marsh until it joins the main logging road (left at the before mentioned fork).

From here we followed the road beyond the marsh and slightly uphill past some small quarry sites. A lone track of fresh footprints were noticed in the snow patches in one direction. We were apparently not along in these woods! Sure enough a man came into view headed back out. He looked surprised to see anyone here and was happy to tell us the logging road goes all the way over to Beauty Hill Rd. We soon reached the ledges rising on either side of us sporting green moss, lichen and melting ice. It was very pretty. You can take a left before the ledge and follow a trail that breaks left to an open area with a tree top view across the valley. Back on the ledge a fire pit was left with a broken liquor bottle and beer cans. Once again I should have brought a trash bag with me. It's just so upsetting to always have to take a trash bag with you to pick up after those who don't respect nature and the law for that matter!

 We now followed the mans tracks trying to figure out which direction he went. Scott took off hot on his trail as I slacked behind still at the ledge taking pictures of icicles poking out from the moss which I call "Mossicles" :p>LOL! I caught up and we walked the road which made a loop to another part of the marsh where we explored the woods and shore in this area. Then the road loops back to the ledge again. Perfect! We now made our way back towards the parking lot making note of some of the pretty rocks laying around near the quarry areas. We finished  this fine figure eight loop at 12pm. An hour well spent! This is a family friendly walk, easy for all ages! Views are not what this area boasts of. But the marsh, forest and ledges are pretty and in the summer your sure to see a wood chuck, otter or beaver!

Presque Isle State Park 5/29/10

"A Great Lake!" (pictures) http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/presqueisle.aspx

Again, something I never got around to reporting on until now. This was a vacation in Pennsylvania. With plans to possibly re-visit this aea I figured I would get this up on my blog! I was very excited to visit this area and it did not dissapoint!

We made our way down the long road that follows the shore of the Pennynsula that reaches into Lake Erie. I had always wanted to see a Great Lake! The side of the road and grass was covered in white! It almost looked like snow! Turned out to be cotton trees, how awesome!

We parked in the empty parking lot, again having the park pretty much to ourselves as with Pymatuning! The trail we took was Gull Point which brings you to the gull nesting area.

Along the way we saw beautiful tall grass,

turtles,

birds at the Gull Point Natural Area where there is a small viewing platform.

And beaches with beautiful, smooth, little stones along the shoreline.

Yet another perfect day! Beautiful weather and so quite! As we arrived back at the car there was a Massachusettes car parking next to us, "hey neighbors!" We continued down the road making a stop for a short walk to a lighthouse. I can't wait to return here and walk the extensive inland trail system!

Then it was off to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the entrance to the park.This contained exhibits, an eatery and gift store. And a wonderful tower view of the park.