I made a quick run to Sica Hollow yesterday as we had one more warm day in the 60's.  It feels odd for November, but I know winter isn't far away. I needed to resolve a few work issues before I could go and as these things often go, it took a lot longer than planned. So, I made it to the state park with only about 90 minutes of daylight left. It was overcast, compounding the situation.

I spent most of this trip on the Trail of Spirits, which was a nice way to end I think. Most of the year, I spent deep in the park on trails that aren't used as often as the very accessible Trail of Spirits. However, this trail is where I first fell in love with the park. It is a beautiful walk, although it often frustrates me due to the ignorance and carelessness of people. Plenty of beer cans, cigarette wrappers and plastic bottles all taking away from the beauty of the forest and in places that will damage the fragile water system.

However, I tried to remain upbeat and enjoy the forest for one last trip. It was damp and there was plenty of water flowing in Roy Creek in this part of the park. A few remaining hardy green and red plants along the ground were around to break the monotony of the brown fallen leaves from the oaks and dogwoods. I couldn't find any blooms at all. Looks like I'll need to wait until spring to see the early blooms of the Pasque flowers and the Bloodroot.

I paused after driving over the hill leaving the park for a look back. The setting sun was lighting up some of the gloomy clouds and the light was sort of neat. I took this photo as I was saying goodbye for the season.

Leaving Sica Hollow 2015View back toward the setting sun

I started this year with the intention to visit the park every two weeks from snow melt to snow fall. I did reasonably well on that intention, however, other responsibilities did pull me away for a bit. I'll be summarizing my year in a longer post later. Looking to the future, I'll most like attempt to make at least the same number of trips next season. I might also pop in during the winter months to see what I see.

Until next time,

PJ