19 May 2024 A Spring Day in the Allegheny National Forest

As the years fly past, the beauty of each day in the woods takes a special meaning.

2 April 2024 Spring Awakens

The stream was running. Bluebells were near to opening. Trout lily leaves were plentiful as spring arrived in Pennsylvania.

4 November 2023 Walking a Stream Near Union City

Even grey, rainy days can provide beauty and peace.

14 October 2023 Closer to Home

We were winding down vacation with a few short hikes while geocaching in the Allegheny National Forest. It was a gentle fall day.

8 October 2023 Heading East

Our goal was the Corning area. We planned to make a number of stops on a relatively short driving day. The New England asters were from an early stop. These are among the last of the wildflowers at summer's end. These were splendid despite fall having arrived.

A stop in the ANF gave some of fall's colors.

We made time for a hike along the North Country Trail.

The day was fun and loaded with adventures, but the reality of shorter days can't be avoided.

A relaxing meal together...

15 September 2023 Albion Fair Time

The Albion Fair is an annual tradition for us. This year the weather cooperated fully for a perfect day. The local kids were in fine form for dress your pet competition.

When the adults take to the arena, the dust kicks up with spirited riding displays.

This old Ford farm tractor was gleaming with a fresh coat of paint.

We always ride the grand old carousel at this fair.

Ali is the goat whisperer.

27 August 2023 Summer Passes

A pair of common mergansers were out for a swim.

An orb spider closing a web in the yard.

Broadleaf helleborine is called a "weedy” orchid by most botanists. The same group will also say it is become a "problem". It was introduced in 1891 so it hasn't exactly been a problem for over 100 years. We have a small number on out property. They aren't showy, but do add late season color.

26 August 2023 Visiting a Quadripoint

We were out for the afternoon to continue seeking geocaches placed to celebrate the Allegheny National Forest Centennial. This afternoon included a visit to McKean County after a walk in our woods.

A tiny toad sitting on a small leaf...

Our trail to start the journey

Great Spangled Fritilary on Joe Pye Weed

Following the powerlines to the quadripoint

The Warren County side of the marker... The other three sides are McKean, Elk, and Forest Counties on this marker from 1902.

Unknown Remains from a Different Time

4 July 2023 Geocaching in the ANF

 It was a perfect holiday for continuing to visit historical sites in the Allegheny National Forest.  It was also time for deptford pinks to be blooming.  The flower is non-native and considered invasive, but has not made huge gains in our time visiting the ANF.  The flowers add a bit of color to fields.

We spotted this tiny salamander on a trail.

A fritillary on our journey

One of our stops included a visit to this wetland with a large area of open water and a very active osprey nest.  

Two of the young are visible.

It's a crowded house...