Enjoy the rest of your week :)
21 March 2012
Along the Trail
Just a quick post to show off one of the most scenic views from Saturday's hike...it's a little inspiration to get me to this weekend, and hopefully, good enough weather to get out and hike again.
Enjoy the rest of your week :)
Enjoy the rest of your week :)
18 March 2012
Forest Cathedral Hike 3.17.12
Cook Forest State Park is beautiful, one of the crown jewels in Pennsylvania's State Park System. It is great for camping, hiking, picnicking, canoeing, and enjoying nature. There are multiple areas in the park that contain virgin forest, and the hike that husband and I did on Saturday is probably the most popular of these areas.
The Forest Cathedral contains trees that are well over 300 years old. It is crisscrossed by hiking trails that take hikers past old growth forest, up a mountain side, and past massive boulders.
The hike started at the park office on River Road. We hiked up the fairly difficult Indian Trail. The steepest part of this trail is the very beginning, but there are some stairs build onto the hillside to help on the way up. Following a switch back, the trail continues to rise up the side of the mountain. At times, you notice only a slight incline. Other times, the climb is much steeper. This would not be a good trail to hike with younger children, as it was steep enough to be a challenge for adults. About half way up, you begin to notice large boulders along the trail. They are huge, some moss covered, some with trees growing out of solid rock. This particular boulder was directly beside the trail, others are farther off into the woods.
There are plenty of big old trees along the Indian Trail. Most noticeably were two large Beech trees that stand like guards on either side of the trail. Beech Trees have a smoother bark than some other trees in the forest and thus are the trees that people are most likely to carve their names into. I really don't like to see it, as it damages the trees and takes away from their natural beauty. This huge beech tree is so big around that I can't fit my arms around it.
At the top of the Indian Trail is the intersection with Longfellow Trail. Longfellow is probably one of the most popular trails in the park. It is one of very first trails that I ever hiked on as a child. I can remember hiking it to the Forest Cathedral with my grandma, my mom, my grandpa...it is a good hike for all ages. The intersection with Indian trail is the top of the mountain on this hike. Turning on to Longfellow begins the downward portion of the hike, through the old growth section of the Forest Cathedral. A plaque on a tree near the intersection of the two trails marks the Forest Cathedral as a Natural Landmark. A sign near the end of Longfellow trail tells of the old growth trees, and teaches of the signs of old growth forest.
Longfellow winds downhill past towering white pine and hemlock. This is true old growth forest. Even though there are no leaves on the trees, the sun still does not reach all parts of the forest floor, as there are many evergreen trees here. Moss covers downed trees in the area creating a carpet of green. Where the sun peeks through, the greens almost seem to glow. This part of the forest is truly magical.
We turn off of Longfellow Trail and onto the Ancient Forest Trail, which continues through the oldest parts of the forest. You can't help but look up at the huge old trees all around you. There is a slight downward slope here, as you are continuing down the mountain.
The trails are all well marked, and it is easy to find your way through the Forest Cathedral area. You shouldn't have to worry about getting lost in this area so long as you keep on the trails and carry a park map with you. Parts of the Longfellow trail are blazed, as they are part of the North Country Trail, but the other trails are not blazed through this area.
That said, there is one section of the Ancient Forest trail where you will come to a T. You could go right and up the hill, or left and continue down. The section of trail to the right really doesn't look much like trail, even though it is marked on the park map as part of Woodland Trail. Go left and stay on the Ancient Forest trail. Again, a short while later the trail comes to a T. We chose to go left. I think we should have went to the right. While there was a trail to the left, it more or less dead ended at some downed trees. You could see where there had been some foot traffic, looking back it was likely a deer trail though the forest. We followed the deer trail down the hill and connected with the Red Eft trail at the bottom. We turned right on Red Eft trail and headed toward a picnic area, where we picked up the Tom's Run trail.
This trail is flat, running along side, and at times crosses over, Tom's Run. This is an excellent trail for people of all ages. The stream and its surroundings make for amazing scenery. During fishing season, it is not uncommon for fishermen to be spotted fly fishing in the stream. This trail is worth discovering, even if you don't want to complete the entire hike up and down the mountain. It can be accessed at a few different points in the park, one of which involves crossing a fun swinging bridge across the stream.
When we reached the swinging bridge, we did not cross it, but headed toward the Rhododendron Trail and went to the right, continuing along Tom's Run. Eventually, we ended up in the Indian Cabins area of the park. Walking back toward the park office we passed the trail head to the Indian Trail, where our adventure started.
All in all, the hike took us about 1 hour and 45 minutes. We did manage to take a wrong turn though, and never did find the portion of Woodland Trail that would have taken us down the hill the correct way. I imagine that had we went right on the Ancient Forest trail, instead of the left that we made, we would have found the portion of Woodland Trail that we needed to find. The park map was a bit confusing in that particular area.
I would call the hike moderate in difficulty. The beginning section, up the Indian Trail is difficult, as sections are steep and there are portions where there are some exposed roots. Once you intersect with the Longfellow Trail, the hike becomes easy, as it is downhill. The Tom's Run section is good for anyone.
The Forest Cathedral can also be accessed by hiking the entirety of the Longfellow trail, which is easier than the Indian Trail. The climb up the mountain is more gradual, but could still be a challenge if you are out of shape. This trail head for the Longfellow Trail can be found near the Log Cabin visitor center near one of the Picnic Areas. A park map will make it easy to find.
If you love the outdoors, this is a hike that you won't want to miss. It is beautiful and the scenery is unique and varied, from old growth forest to stream side wetlands. Both my husband and I were extremely happy with this hike and will do it again in the near future. It is well worth your time.
There are other wonderful hikes in Cook Forest State Park, as well as a top notch campground. The Clarion River makes for a great place to canoe, kayak, or swim. There are a lot of picnic areas scattered through out the park. The Fire Tower and Seneca Point are worth seeing as well. This is a place that I have been visiting literally all my life, and I have always loved it.
If you are visiting Pennsylvania or if you have lived here all your life, make it a priority to visit Cook Forest State Park and stay for a while. There is a lot to do and a lot to explore.
Take only pictures~Leave only footprints.
The Forest Cathedral contains trees that are well over 300 years old. It is crisscrossed by hiking trails that take hikers past old growth forest, up a mountain side, and past massive boulders.
The hike started at the park office on River Road. We hiked up the fairly difficult Indian Trail. The steepest part of this trail is the very beginning, but there are some stairs build onto the hillside to help on the way up. Following a switch back, the trail continues to rise up the side of the mountain. At times, you notice only a slight incline. Other times, the climb is much steeper. This would not be a good trail to hike with younger children, as it was steep enough to be a challenge for adults. About half way up, you begin to notice large boulders along the trail. They are huge, some moss covered, some with trees growing out of solid rock. This particular boulder was directly beside the trail, others are farther off into the woods.
There are plenty of big old trees along the Indian Trail. Most noticeably were two large Beech trees that stand like guards on either side of the trail. Beech Trees have a smoother bark than some other trees in the forest and thus are the trees that people are most likely to carve their names into. I really don't like to see it, as it damages the trees and takes away from their natural beauty. This huge beech tree is so big around that I can't fit my arms around it.
At the top of the Indian Trail is the intersection with Longfellow Trail. Longfellow is probably one of the most popular trails in the park. It is one of very first trails that I ever hiked on as a child. I can remember hiking it to the Forest Cathedral with my grandma, my mom, my grandpa...it is a good hike for all ages. The intersection with Indian trail is the top of the mountain on this hike. Turning on to Longfellow begins the downward portion of the hike, through the old growth section of the Forest Cathedral. A plaque on a tree near the intersection of the two trails marks the Forest Cathedral as a Natural Landmark. A sign near the end of Longfellow trail tells of the old growth trees, and teaches of the signs of old growth forest.
Longfellow winds downhill past towering white pine and hemlock. This is true old growth forest. Even though there are no leaves on the trees, the sun still does not reach all parts of the forest floor, as there are many evergreen trees here. Moss covers downed trees in the area creating a carpet of green. Where the sun peeks through, the greens almost seem to glow. This part of the forest is truly magical.
We turn off of Longfellow Trail and onto the Ancient Forest Trail, which continues through the oldest parts of the forest. You can't help but look up at the huge old trees all around you. There is a slight downward slope here, as you are continuing down the mountain.
That said, there is one section of the Ancient Forest trail where you will come to a T. You could go right and up the hill, or left and continue down. The section of trail to the right really doesn't look much like trail, even though it is marked on the park map as part of Woodland Trail. Go left and stay on the Ancient Forest trail. Again, a short while later the trail comes to a T. We chose to go left. I think we should have went to the right. While there was a trail to the left, it more or less dead ended at some downed trees. You could see where there had been some foot traffic, looking back it was likely a deer trail though the forest. We followed the deer trail down the hill and connected with the Red Eft trail at the bottom. We turned right on Red Eft trail and headed toward a picnic area, where we picked up the Tom's Run trail.
When we reached the swinging bridge, we did not cross it, but headed toward the Rhododendron Trail and went to the right, continuing along Tom's Run. Eventually, we ended up in the Indian Cabins area of the park. Walking back toward the park office we passed the trail head to the Indian Trail, where our adventure started.
All in all, the hike took us about 1 hour and 45 minutes. We did manage to take a wrong turn though, and never did find the portion of Woodland Trail that would have taken us down the hill the correct way. I imagine that had we went right on the Ancient Forest trail, instead of the left that we made, we would have found the portion of Woodland Trail that we needed to find. The park map was a bit confusing in that particular area.
I would call the hike moderate in difficulty. The beginning section, up the Indian Trail is difficult, as sections are steep and there are portions where there are some exposed roots. Once you intersect with the Longfellow Trail, the hike becomes easy, as it is downhill. The Tom's Run section is good for anyone.
The Forest Cathedral can also be accessed by hiking the entirety of the Longfellow trail, which is easier than the Indian Trail. The climb up the mountain is more gradual, but could still be a challenge if you are out of shape. This trail head for the Longfellow Trail can be found near the Log Cabin visitor center near one of the Picnic Areas. A park map will make it easy to find.
If you love the outdoors, this is a hike that you won't want to miss. It is beautiful and the scenery is unique and varied, from old growth forest to stream side wetlands. Both my husband and I were extremely happy with this hike and will do it again in the near future. It is well worth your time.
There are other wonderful hikes in Cook Forest State Park, as well as a top notch campground. The Clarion River makes for a great place to canoe, kayak, or swim. There are a lot of picnic areas scattered through out the park. The Fire Tower and Seneca Point are worth seeing as well. This is a place that I have been visiting literally all my life, and I have always loved it.
If you are visiting Pennsylvania or if you have lived here all your life, make it a priority to visit Cook Forest State Park and stay for a while. There is a lot to do and a lot to explore.
Take only pictures~Leave only footprints.
09 March 2012
Rabbit Behavior
This is simply too amusing to not share...
We have a 6 month old rabbit named Otis. He lives in our house and has free range as long as we are home to keep an eye on him. Otis does all sorts of entertaining things that make us laugh. His newest thing is running, or should I say hopping, circles around our feet.
Every time I sit on the floor Otis will hop circles around me. According to The San Diego Chapter of the House Rabbit Society circling is part of a rabbit's courting behavior. So, I guess this is more or less a rabbit's version of "Hey baby, I seem to have lost my number, can I have yours?". The only exception is that in nature this actually works for the bunny. I thought it was sweet that my bunny would love me so much. I didn't think anything else of it.
Last night, the rabbit started to hop circles around my husband's feet as husband was in the kitchen...Now, to preface this bit of information...I have been telling my husband for months that the rabbit was trying to establish himself as the Alpha Male in our home. There have been times when Otis was hiding under the couch and husband was trying to flush him out, that Otis would start grunting (a sign of disapproval) and then literally charge at my husband. The rabbit has never charged at me. Ever. I laughingly told husband that the rabbit was just trying to show his dominance and show that he was the Alpha. Since then, from time to time, husband will look at Otis, thump his chest, and say "Alpha male. Right here." We always thought it was a bit of a joke.
Last night, I think the rabbit got the best of my husband. Another rabbit owner said that sometimes her male will circle the females and lower ranking males as a sign of dominance. Apparently, a 5 pound lop eared rabbit named Otis is currently the dominant male in our household.
But not to worry...I still love my husband more. :)
and...before anyone can say anything...Yes, we will be getting the rabbit neutered as soon as we can find a vet in our area who is familiar enough with rabbits to safely perform the surgery.
We have a 6 month old rabbit named Otis. He lives in our house and has free range as long as we are home to keep an eye on him. Otis does all sorts of entertaining things that make us laugh. His newest thing is running, or should I say hopping, circles around our feet.
Every time I sit on the floor Otis will hop circles around me. According to The San Diego Chapter of the House Rabbit Society circling is part of a rabbit's courting behavior. So, I guess this is more or less a rabbit's version of "Hey baby, I seem to have lost my number, can I have yours?". The only exception is that in nature this actually works for the bunny. I thought it was sweet that my bunny would love me so much. I didn't think anything else of it.
Last night, the rabbit started to hop circles around my husband's feet as husband was in the kitchen...Now, to preface this bit of information...I have been telling my husband for months that the rabbit was trying to establish himself as the Alpha Male in our home. There have been times when Otis was hiding under the couch and husband was trying to flush him out, that Otis would start grunting (a sign of disapproval) and then literally charge at my husband. The rabbit has never charged at me. Ever. I laughingly told husband that the rabbit was just trying to show his dominance and show that he was the Alpha. Since then, from time to time, husband will look at Otis, thump his chest, and say "Alpha male. Right here." We always thought it was a bit of a joke.
Last night, I think the rabbit got the best of my husband. Another rabbit owner said that sometimes her male will circle the females and lower ranking males as a sign of dominance. Apparently, a 5 pound lop eared rabbit named Otis is currently the dominant male in our household.
But not to worry...I still love my husband more. :)
and...before anyone can say anything...Yes, we will be getting the rabbit neutered as soon as we can find a vet in our area who is familiar enough with rabbits to safely perform the surgery.
07 March 2012
I've been thinking about doing a blog for a while. I think I have a lot to say and there are nights where I will just lay in bed thinking of stuff that I could be blogging. Of course, I forget it all in the morning.
I'm 31. I live in a small town. I'm married, no children (yet) and none on the way (yet). I like to cook, and I like to eat, which has led me to a point where if I don't learn to like Spin Class, I am going to need larger pants. I have chosen Spin Class over the larger pants. So far, it has been good. I like to camp and hike, but seeing as it has been winter, have yet to go hiking this year. I am fortunate to have a husband who also likes these things and is more than happy to do them with me.
I am going to try to blog about my outdoor adventures in camping and hiking, posting some pictures to give you all an idea of what I am talking about. I'm sure that I will have to include more than just camping and hiking stuff, because hey, I live in Pennsylvania and it can be difficult to hike some of my favorite trails when there is 32 feet of snow on the ground. :)
Should be interesting, and more comprehensive than the 140 characters of Twitter. Also, this blog will feature less annoying FarmVille spam than Facebook, which, as a reformed farmer, is likely a good thing.
Enjoy!
I'm 31. I live in a small town. I'm married, no children (yet) and none on the way (yet). I like to cook, and I like to eat, which has led me to a point where if I don't learn to like Spin Class, I am going to need larger pants. I have chosen Spin Class over the larger pants. So far, it has been good. I like to camp and hike, but seeing as it has been winter, have yet to go hiking this year. I am fortunate to have a husband who also likes these things and is more than happy to do them with me.
I am going to try to blog about my outdoor adventures in camping and hiking, posting some pictures to give you all an idea of what I am talking about. I'm sure that I will have to include more than just camping and hiking stuff, because hey, I live in Pennsylvania and it can be difficult to hike some of my favorite trails when there is 32 feet of snow on the ground. :)
Should be interesting, and more comprehensive than the 140 characters of Twitter. Also, this blog will feature less annoying FarmVille spam than Facebook, which, as a reformed farmer, is likely a good thing.
Enjoy!
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