On Sunday, October 16, Christi was feeling back to normal. Eric and Keith were not. Christi stayed onboard and cooked for most of the day. After lunch, Eric and Keith went to shore for the playdate with the family. They … Continue reading →
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Oct. 21 – Shades of Death Trail
“Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.” ―Elizabeth Lawrence
Today we hiked the Shades of Death Trail. The name is a little gruesome, but it’s the most popular and picturesque trail in Hickory Run State Park, and I can understand why. While it might sound scary, the trail is actually among the most fun trails to hike in Pennsylvania. The trail is an out and back hike about 2.5 miles that follows the Sand Spring Run and meanders through rhododendron thickets and unique rock formations. Along the trail, the creek cascades over two beautiful man-made dam waterfalls and a series of small riffles and waterfalls as it drops 300 feet to Hickory Run. There are also remains of logging mills. The ruins and dams date back to the early 1800s.
The first colonists chose this sinister name for the area that had rocky soil, numerous swamps and dark forests.
Remains of an old lumber mill.
The Stametz Dam was built 150 years ago.
Small falls along the trail.
The rock formations are so much fun to see and hike through.
This dam was built by the CCC during the Great Depression.
This beautiful lake was formed when the dam was built.
Shades of fall.
Saylorville Dam and Falls along Sand Spring Road.
Bridge crossing Hickory Run on Sand Spring Road.
Playa Santispac, Day 4
Sunrise on Saturday, October 15 Unfortunately, we weren’t feeling any better. Our not feeling good may have been exacerbated by the fact that it was very pitchy and uncomfortable all morning. In good news, the wind began to die down … Continue reading →
Oct. 20 – Appalachian Trail in the DWG
“Great things never came from comfort zones.” ―Anonymous
A water gap is formed when water carves its way through a mountain range. The Delaware Water Gap is known for its depth, width, and scenic beauty. It’s more than 1,200 feet from mountaintop to the river surface, nearly a quarter mile wide at river level and about a mile wide from the top of Mt. Tammany to the top of Mt. Minsi. Our first hike in the DWG was along part of the Appalachian Trail that took us to the top of Mount Minsi. The four mile hike gave us dramatic views of the Delaware Water Gap and Mount Tammany and wound through rhododendron tunnels and past a few small waterfalls. It was a bit chilly when we started the hike, but it felt exhilarating to be in such a beautiful place on such a beautiful day. One of the most beautiful areas in the Pocono Mountains is the Delaware Water Gap, where 40 miles of the Delaware River run between high bluffs and forested shores. It has beckoned visitors to the Pocono Mountains for centuries and is known as the Gateway to the Poconos. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a wonderful place to canoe, kayak, camp, fish and hike. It’s full of beautiful waterfalls and stunning vistas to enjoy. The DWG is situated within the most densely populated region of the United States and provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes. Interstate 80 runs through the gap and has to be the most beautiful view from any highway I’ve seen.
The first part of the trail was very easy and relaxing…a stroll in the woods.
Part of the rhododendron forest we went through. It must be beautiful here in July when they bloom.
We took a break at Lookout Rock…what an incredible view.
From the lookout we had a great view of I80. We knew the kids would be coming by soon on their way to NYC, so we waited to see them go by.
That’s their car circled in red. It’s also in view in the above photo…just harder to make out.
More pictures of the trail.
The second great lookout over the Delaware Water Gap.
Part of the trail up to Mount Minsi. It gave us a good workout.
Looking at Mount Tammany from the top of Mount Minsi.
We are loving the beautiful color…but they will soon be gone.
The Appalachian Trail goes through fourteen states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian Mountain Range. It starts in Georgia and ends in Maine. The trail is marked by white “blazes”, which are most often found on trees. The trail is almost 2200 miles long. This small portion of the trail was beautiful.
Looking up to Mount Minsi from the scenic drive that goes along the Delaware River. (RT611)
Looking towards Mount Tammany from the overlook on the RT611.
Playa Santispac, Day 3
On Friday, October 14, we weren’t feeling much better. This time we didn’t emerge until the early evening. We went to shore and had dinner at Ana’s. The nachos were pretty. Here is Kosmos framed by one of the camping … Continue reading →
Oct. 18 – Hawks Fall Trail
“Take only memories, leave only footprints” ―Chief Seattle
The house we are staying at in Lake Harmony is on the eastern edge of Hickory Run State Park. The park offers over 40 miles of beautiful hiking trails. Many of the trails were old roads from the towns of Hickory Run and Saylorsville that flourished in the area between 1830 and 1900.
Our first hike in the park was to Hawks Fall. It was a fairly easy out and back hike through a forest of towering trees and rhododendrons. We’ve never seen so many rhododendrons. It must be amazing here when they bloom, but the beauty here in October is the wonderful shades of gold, orange and red of the leaves. Everything has a glow about it. It’s truly a beautiful sight.
The trail…what a beautiful fall day.
Hawk Run (creek)
Mud Run
At the bottom of Hawk Falls. It’s a 25-foot, natural waterfall along Hawk Run.
This hike was an out and back hike. On the way back to our car we took a short trail to the top of the falls.
Playa Santispac, Day 2
On Thursday, October 13, the birds were chatty during the sunrise The almost full moon was also still high in the sky after the sun rose None of us were feeling particularly good; we weren’t sick per se, but feeling … Continue reading →
Oct. 18 – Hickory Run Boulder Field
“Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember and remember more than I have seen.” ~Benjamin Disraeli
After getting settled into our rental, which will be home for the next four weeks, we did a little exploring close to home. Hickory Run State Park is literally at our doorstep and has 40 miles of trails to explore. The most unique place in the park is the boulder field. Hickory Run Boulder Field is a product of glaciation, believed to have formed 20,000 years ago. The boulder field is about 16 acres in size and measures approximately 400 feet by 1,800 feet and 10-12 feet deep. It’s said to be the largest boulder field of its kind in all of the Appalachian Mountains.
The Poconos
“Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable…the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street…by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese.” –Hal Borland
We decided this year we would spend some transitional time in Pennsylvania after putting up The Pearl and returning to Texas. The Pocono Mountains are about an hour east of our son Kyle and full of waterfalls, hiking and interesting little towns to explore. We hope to enjoy the fall watching the leaves change and exploring another beautiful part of our country.
Santa Rosalia to Playa Santispac in Bahia Concepcion
We left for Bahia Concepcion at 0815 on Wednesday, October 12 . The trip took 8.5 hours. The seas were mostly calm and it was a smooth ride. We are pleased to report that we rolled up 40,0000 miles on this … Continue reading →
