SGl 57 once again
Dec 29, 2014 14:22:10 GMT -5
Post by hoosier on Dec 29, 2014 14:22:10 GMT -5
Saturday December 27, 2014
State Game Lands 57, Forkston Pennsylvania
Saturday morning. And I once again found myself within the confines of SGL 57. Decided to try a second attempt of bush whacking to two drainages west of Becker Brook that I figure may have some nice waterfalls, based on the topographic maps and aerial views that I have seen.
My first trip up. I abandoned my hike over to the drainages due to lack of water in Becker Brook. I figured as dry as Becker Brook was the two drainages would have most probably been void of any water.
Unlike my last trip. I decided not to park up on top of the plateau, and have an 800 foot climb back to my car at the end of the hike. But parked at a SGL parking area right around the 1500 foot contour along Windy Valley Road. And just to the east of it’s crossing of an unnamed drainage. Giving me a longer walk to the drainages, but a much smaller climb at the end of the day.
Crossed Windy Valley road and headed west into the woods. Shortly thereafter coming upon the unnamed drainage. Which was flowing very nicely. And was an omen of things to come later. Found remnants of an old woods road which I followed easily in a westerly direction. And downhill till it ran along the Mehoopany Creek. Eventually the woods road seemed to disappear. But the woods were nice and open along the creek.
After approximately 1.25 miles I arrived at Becker Creek. Unlike my last trip here a few weeks ago. Becker Creek was not a tame little creek, but more like a raging river, with all the heavy rains earlier in the week. Looked upstream and downstream for a safe crossing for almost 15to 20 minutes. Before deciding it was much smarter to turn back, than to drown in the woods alone. Found one spot near where the creek drained into the Mehoopany, at which I could have removed my boots and forded the knee deep water. But looking at the ice on nearby rocks, led me to believe it would not have been a pleasant experience (ie damn cold).
So I turned back. Enjoying my walk along the sun drenched Mehoopany Creek. And figure maybe the third time will be the charm for getting to the drainages.
Unnamed drainage flowing good
State Game Lands 57, Forkston Pennsylvania
Saturday morning. And I once again found myself within the confines of SGL 57. Decided to try a second attempt of bush whacking to two drainages west of Becker Brook that I figure may have some nice waterfalls, based on the topographic maps and aerial views that I have seen.
My first trip up. I abandoned my hike over to the drainages due to lack of water in Becker Brook. I figured as dry as Becker Brook was the two drainages would have most probably been void of any water.
Unlike my last trip. I decided not to park up on top of the plateau, and have an 800 foot climb back to my car at the end of the hike. But parked at a SGL parking area right around the 1500 foot contour along Windy Valley Road. And just to the east of it’s crossing of an unnamed drainage. Giving me a longer walk to the drainages, but a much smaller climb at the end of the day.
Crossed Windy Valley road and headed west into the woods. Shortly thereafter coming upon the unnamed drainage. Which was flowing very nicely. And was an omen of things to come later. Found remnants of an old woods road which I followed easily in a westerly direction. And downhill till it ran along the Mehoopany Creek. Eventually the woods road seemed to disappear. But the woods were nice and open along the creek.
After approximately 1.25 miles I arrived at Becker Creek. Unlike my last trip here a few weeks ago. Becker Creek was not a tame little creek, but more like a raging river, with all the heavy rains earlier in the week. Looked upstream and downstream for a safe crossing for almost 15to 20 minutes. Before deciding it was much smarter to turn back, than to drown in the woods alone. Found one spot near where the creek drained into the Mehoopany, at which I could have removed my boots and forded the knee deep water. But looking at the ice on nearby rocks, led me to believe it would not have been a pleasant experience (ie damn cold).
So I turned back. Enjoying my walk along the sun drenched Mehoopany Creek. And figure maybe the third time will be the charm for getting to the drainages.
Unnamed drainage flowing good
