We are so fortunate to live where we live. Our area, commonly known as Happy Valley is also called the five finger valleys. We have valleys long and thin that run all through the mountain range. Being the bird nerd that I am, I was drawn last weekend to Greenwood Furnace State Park area along Standing Stone Trail where a hawkwatch platform is located. It's migration season. The wind was perfect for raptor migration so my handsome hiking buddy and I tripped over the rocky ridge trail and spent some time on the platform with the counter. Yes, people actually sit all day long with binoculars and a scope and identify the types of birds they see migrating. I managed to last about an hour but that's as hard core as I am. Maybe a stronger pair of binoculars would have kept me there longer.
I'm a big loon fan but I've never seen one in the wild. The closest I've come is the sound my phone makes when I get a text message. It is a distinctly erie sound and one you might not want to hear when you're sitting in the dark outside of the church in ladies Bible study as I found out when my husband texted me and my studymates were about to run to their cars. And although I've never seen those low riders on the lake, I saw nearly 30 in the air, all making their way south for the winter. We also saw Red Tail hawks, a bald eagle, and at least 50 Canadian geese flying in their classic V-shape formation and announcing to the world how proud they were of their accomplishment. I just tried to remember not to look up with my mouth open. Ha! Having been a huge Woody Woodpecker fan as a child, I was thrilled when a Pileated Woodpecker flew eye level across our view. I believe he was taking a pit stop to fuel up among the deadwood before continuing his trek to warmer climates.
Then we traveled a little further down the trail so Sausser's pile, aptly named because it is literally a very large pile of rocks that form an outcropping on the side of the mountain and as you can see, the view was worth the extra sweat and yes, a few bruises to boot. Can anyone say trekking poles? I think I may need to invest in some.
The forest was filled with the song of the gentle breeze and the leaves as they shook and fluttered to the ground, the gold especially brilliant as the sun hit them as they seesawed to the ground. It was nothing short of magical and although things will not die in heaven, it reminded me of what's in store when I get there. When I survey the splendor of the mountains, the colors of the autumn trees, the grays and blues of the sky, and the majesty of the God's creation, it's hard to believe that there is anywhere that could be more beautiful. But then I remember that even the world is in a fallen state, groaning for His return, and my heart swells with expectation at what the new heavens and the new earth will look like.
After our trek, we ate snacks from my pack-beef jerky and trail mix and traveled further down the mountain...in my truck...to the valley below. What would an outing to the country be without a stop at a gun shop and lunch at one of the local country stores? Homemade ham and cheddar soup, a chef's salad that came in a serving bowl, and an Amish whoppie pie for dessert was on the menu. The whoppie pie was especially yummy but not nearly as good as my mother-in-law's are. Louise, your's just can't be beat!
The leaves are slowly fading around here. The yellows are the last hold outs and are showing up the reds and burgundys. I can't remember a more beautiful or vibrant fall season ever in the 42 years we've lived here. There's just no other place on earth that I would rather be. Soon our Saturday adventures will have to turn to warmer activities but in Pennsylvania, there is no end to fun places to see and things to do.
I'm a big loon fan but I've never seen one in the wild. The closest I've come is the sound my phone makes when I get a text message. It is a distinctly erie sound and one you might not want to hear when you're sitting in the dark outside of the church in ladies Bible study as I found out when my husband texted me and my studymates were about to run to their cars. And although I've never seen those low riders on the lake, I saw nearly 30 in the air, all making their way south for the winter. We also saw Red Tail hawks, a bald eagle, and at least 50 Canadian geese flying in their classic V-shape formation and announcing to the world how proud they were of their accomplishment. I just tried to remember not to look up with my mouth open. Ha! Having been a huge Woody Woodpecker fan as a child, I was thrilled when a Pileated Woodpecker flew eye level across our view. I believe he was taking a pit stop to fuel up among the deadwood before continuing his trek to warmer climates.
Then we traveled a little further down the trail so Sausser's pile, aptly named because it is literally a very large pile of rocks that form an outcropping on the side of the mountain and as you can see, the view was worth the extra sweat and yes, a few bruises to boot. Can anyone say trekking poles? I think I may need to invest in some.
The forest was filled with the song of the gentle breeze and the leaves as they shook and fluttered to the ground, the gold especially brilliant as the sun hit them as they seesawed to the ground. It was nothing short of magical and although things will not die in heaven, it reminded me of what's in store when I get there. When I survey the splendor of the mountains, the colors of the autumn trees, the grays and blues of the sky, and the majesty of the God's creation, it's hard to believe that there is anywhere that could be more beautiful. But then I remember that even the world is in a fallen state, groaning for His return, and my heart swells with expectation at what the new heavens and the new earth will look like.
After our trek, we ate snacks from my pack-beef jerky and trail mix and traveled further down the mountain...in my truck...to the valley below. What would an outing to the country be without a stop at a gun shop and lunch at one of the local country stores? Homemade ham and cheddar soup, a chef's salad that came in a serving bowl, and an Amish whoppie pie for dessert was on the menu. The whoppie pie was especially yummy but not nearly as good as my mother-in-law's are. Louise, your's just can't be beat!
The leaves are slowly fading around here. The yellows are the last hold outs and are showing up the reds and burgundys. I can't remember a more beautiful or vibrant fall season ever in the 42 years we've lived here. There's just no other place on earth that I would rather be. Soon our Saturday adventures will have to turn to warmer activities but in Pennsylvania, there is no end to fun places to see and things to do.
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