Today's hike is brought to us by the letter F for Flexible and Fall.
Flexible because even the best laid plans may go awry when you forget that you are hiking on a Friday not the weekend. The planned section for today should have picked up where we left off two weeks ago (at Brightside Farm Park) and ended at Collinson, Inc on Route 100. Fortunately, I remembered last night that parking at Collinson is only permitted on weekends and holidays as they have a business to run during the week!! So much for my plan to hike each section in order.
In case you are wondering (and if you're not, skip ahead), I couldn't switch my hike day to tomorrow due to yet another round of heavy rain coming tonight.
After leaving my car at Giegertown Road we travelled in Dave's car to SGL 43 at Harmonyville road and hiked together to Hopewell Furnace (about 2 miles). From here I continued on to my car and Dave went back to his.
The remainder of the hike was in and around the grounds of Hopewell Furnace area and French Creek State Park. Signs informed me I was travelling in and out of permitted hunting areas as well. I was properly dressed for that and felt safe. It was strange, though, during well signed "No hunting" areas to hear the sound of gunshots coming through the trees from the Gun Club not too far away.
I saw a couple, a single hiker and a mountain biker today. The mountain biker was coming up behind and I stepped off the trail to let him pass. He stopped and commented on the condition of the trail. In spots it was very wet with boot sucking mud. He said "I've been coming here for 30 years and have never seen it this bad". I asked where he came in from. He said Harrisburg. I let him know that the snow they got in Harrisburg last week and this past Wednesday was all rain here.
The trail here (as in much of PA) was full of rocks and roots. Many of it camouflaged by leaf cover which brings me to the other word of the day FALL. I'm impressed with myself that it only happened once. But it was a doozy. My sunglasses and Perki went flying. I am fine but suspect I'll be feeling it tomorrow. It was a bone rattler.
The rocks, roots and mud made for slow going to day. 10.25 miles and 4 hours & 43 minutes after leaving Dave's car I was re-united with mine.
Keep Smiling Keep Moving - Paula
Love you and so in awe.
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