Early Spring Day in PA
The idea came to me as I fell asleep the prior evening...I should take off and go riding tomorrow. So that is what I did.
I woke up an hour earlier than I usually do for work. Riding is much more important to my soul. :norton The blossoms were out on the tree in front of the house:
I slabbed it through 495 and 270 traffic up to Frederick. Pulling the reverse commute afforded me a wave at all those motorists trapped inside on such a beautiful spring day. Escaping the gravitational pull never felt more right. My first location of exploration was Gambrill State Park just NW of Frederick, MD.
A view from the park looking West. I think this is Hagerstown?
Walking back to the bike, the morning sunlight streamed through the pines making for some warm lighting.
Dedicated to the men who cut down all the trees? Didn't stop and check.
From the park I proceeded N until I wound up on some Dirt Roads. I came across a variety of deer, racoon and bear tracks in a mudboggin' pit
So I made sure to leave my own tracks
There were a number of cabins built in the traditional dovetail ends and chinked logs just down from the Frederick Reservoir. I made a U-turn to snap this front door framed by the old bushes. The owner stared disapprovingly from a side window. Take only pictures, leave only exhaust notes...
Shortly thereafter, I came across this large fish cultivation center. This pic doesn't really do the scale justice.
I rarely travel N on 15 without hitting Catoctin Hollow Rd
From here the directions become fuzzy...but roughly N and W
To this intersection I guess. Kept humming "Afternoon delight" for a bit
I came around a bend and saw some radio/microwave towers and the remnants of an old Army base. The buildings suggested construction around the teens/twenties but had a much more gothic castle vibe to it than most bases I've seen.
I took a break along the lake for a banana and some water. These lakes were created in the 19th century for ice cultivation.
Feeling refueled, I beat feet down the road.
It's me!
And on up the road...
Up through Michaux. I was hauling ass when I passed the "Now Entering" sign so figured this one would do :lol3
I have only briefly ridden in Michaux. I only hit a few roads and there is much more left to explore.
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I look foward to hiking the AT through there as well. A big thanks goes out to JaxObsessed for introducing me to it.
Life is rough...
On Ridge Rd I eventually caught up to a logging truck throwing up a plume of dust. Fortunately the wind was strong enough to blow it away. I was in no hurry so held back for a minute to let the dust settle...literally.
Another method of fish hatchery
I began down this road until I spotted the PRIVATE: NO TRESPASSING sign. Fitting road name then asshole...
There is a 50% chance that this is a prison for reformed Amish commandos. Prove me wrong.
Just. Wow. Rt 274 Mt. Pleasant Rd and Germantown up ahead.
I noticed a gravel road running up the ridge by the name of Old Germantown Rd. Just what I needed to get outta the hot valley and check out the view and some breeze.
At the crest of the hill I spotted this sign and took a minute to have lunch and imagine the cold winter up there which feels sooo recent.
I took action to rebuild this carin after I took this photo. It felt like the right thing to do.
Coming down off Germantown Rd, I spotted some old CCC bridgeworks and the confluence of two streams. This seems like a great place for a photo op.
Dat fish cray!
And down on Shade Valley Rd I spotted this neat old cabin (originally circa 1850s?) A spring emitted from beneath the foundation.
OMNOM NOM NOM
Anyone know what this is? Pheasant? It was standing in the trail with feathers splayed until I got VERY close. I managed this shot just before nearly hitting it. Darwin was nearly at work. I would have cooked it up too :tb
Sliding Hill Creek
I wound down this gravel road and came bombing around a corner when I spotted this obstacle ahead. No wonder the lady tending her garden gave me an inquisitive nod when I passed and waved. She returned the wave on my exit as well :lol2
The roads just suck you in.
Roadside rolling shot of the Historic Riddlesburg COke Ovens (1913) used in the iron making industry around the turn of the century. http://www.saxtonpa.com/tourism.html
Next thing I know I'm back in my element: lost on a mountaintop ATV trail
The mountaintop to the left in this image to be exact.
It was getting hot and around 5PM so I thought I'd get something cold. This was the first thing I saw and cheap. Frozen Dairy(?) Product. Whatever. The ice water was free :deal
Still meandering in the general direction of home and disobeying my GPS unit, I stumbled across Saunderosa (similar to my last name) Campground.
No SHIT! I was lost here before...in November
Spring has Sprung
Coming down into Hagerstown. I was up on that ridge earlier this morning.
GAS IT!
The sun was fading fast so I beat feet for home
With a stop at Point of Rocks for a shot of the old train station and flowers
Lighting was all wrong so I made do...
Daily stats:
After a well deserved shower and some grub, my roomate and I brewed up a Bourbon Barrel Porter. This should be ready in 4-6 weeks depending on how things go.
Thanks for tagging along! Till next time :evil LAUREL FORK IS AROUND THE CORNER
