There’s an old saying that good or bad
things often come in threes. The cell
phone was one. The car overheating was
two. For number three, remember that
brand new Garmin GPS I bought for this trip?
I’ve had it for about a month.
When I tried turning it on later in the day, all I got was an error
message saying, “system software missing.”
So, basically, it was now just a paperweight. I tried calling the Garmin folks, but the
wait for a person was way too long.
But, the day started better. I did check into that trail and decided a
five mile hike was just the right thing to start the day.
The trailhead is just a few miles north
of the inn. It was 8:30A and thirty-four
degrees when I left the car in the parking lot. The name Loyalsock comes from the Native American word Lawi-Saquick, which translates out to middle creek.
The guidebook listed this one as easy. Other than the first stretch down the hill, I
would agree with them. A few minutes
later, I was standing on the old rail bed from the Williamsport and North
Branch Railroad. Other than the
stretches of mud, the level trail was welcome.
Eventually, the trail curves off to the
right, towards the river.
This is where the trail gets
interesting.
It’s up and down over rocks and roots to a place they used to call the Haystacks. Back in the day, the lumber companies would float logs downstream. When they got to these rocks, logjams were a regular occurrence. They tried blowing up the rocks with dynamite, but had little luck.
It’s up and down over rocks and roots to a place they used to call the Haystacks. Back in the day, the lumber companies would float logs downstream. When they got to these rocks, logjams were a regular occurrence. They tried blowing up the rocks with dynamite, but had little luck.
According to the note at the trailhead, geologists aren’t completely sure how these rocks came to be here. They're much harder than the native sandstone and their makeup doesn't match anything within hundreds of miles.
The return trail is still fairly
easy. Of course since you hiked down,
you have to hike back up again out of the gorge. All things considered, it still wasn’t too
bad.
When you get back to the rail bed, you
can either climb out to the parking lot, or walk a little further. There’s another easy trail part
way back into the gorge to Dutchman Falls.
All in all, a great way to start the day.
There was still plenty of time to get to
Hawley, so I pulled out one of those free local tourism magazines and quickly found some interesting things. Less than a half hour away is the town of Forksville, named for the prominent fork in the river. Their covered bridge was originally built in 1850. It's been renovated and strengthened over the years and is still the only way to cross the river for miles.
On the other side is a small general
store with a restaurant.
It was still a little early for lunch. But, I could pick up a sandwich for later. Based on the smells wafting from the kitchen, I had made the right choice. I even met Big Mike, the owner. He looked and sounded a lot like the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. He's a real italian guy who makes real italian subs. They even wrap them in white waxed paper before handing it to you.
It was still a little early for lunch. But, I could pick up a sandwich for later. Based on the smells wafting from the kitchen, I had made the right choice. I even met Big Mike, the owner. He looked and sounded a lot like the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. He's a real italian guy who makes real italian subs. They even wrap them in white waxed paper before handing it to you.
The sub went on the passenger seat while
I drove out to Hwy 97 and Hwy 6 to the town of Nicholson.
When I was a kid in Jersey, we had an
italian deli up the street from the house called Brigantis. The moment you walk in, the smell of the place hit you. It’s something I’ll never forget. My car was developing that smell. It was like a little piece of heaven. I just wanted to pull over and devour the sandwich.
I had to wait until I pulled into the town of Nicholson. By then my car had the full on italian deli smell. My mouth watering, I dove in. As far as sandwiches go...culinary nirvana. But, I digress.
The real reason I came to Nicholson was to see the Tunkhannock Viaduct. Construction began in 1912 by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. At 240 feet, it was the largest cement structure in the world. To reach the bedrock, they had to dig, some places as deep as 130 feet. And yes, it's still in use today.
I had to wait until I pulled into the town of Nicholson. By then my car had the full on italian deli smell. My mouth watering, I dove in. As far as sandwiches go...culinary nirvana. But, I digress.
The real reason I came to Nicholson was to see the Tunkhannock Viaduct. Construction began in 1912 by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. At 240 feet, it was the largest cement structure in the world. To reach the bedrock, they had to dig, some places as deep as 130 feet. And yes, it's still in use today.
I was still on schedule when I pulled
into the outskirts of Hawley. I had the
address where my sister had booked. My AAA map had Hwy 590 only goes west. So, when I came to the Dollar General, I turned right following the signs. After driving through downtown, the road peeled off again and started heading up into the hills. I had driven for a while when I started thinking I had gone way too far. So, I turned around and drove back into downtown Hawley. With no GPS and just a flip phone, I gave up and texted my sister for help.
Though it's not on the map, Hwy 590 does indeed go east. A few miles down the road is Woodloch Resort. This is where my nephew's wedding would be the next day. My sister had rented a house and I finally made it, just in time for rehearsal dinner.
Coming Up,
Carlos and Becca's Wedding
Though it's not on the map, Hwy 590 does indeed go east. A few miles down the road is Woodloch Resort. This is where my nephew's wedding would be the next day. My sister had rented a house and I finally made it, just in time for rehearsal dinner.
Coming Up,
Carlos and Becca's Wedding
No comments:
Post a Comment