3-17-13

Tate and I hiked today in the 7 Tubs Natural area near Wilkes Barre, PA. There is a cool and popular area there with tumbling mountain streams and glacial remnants, but we went to the more isolated natural area west of the main attraction. 2 1/2 hours of hard walking with numerous climbs including a couple of scrambles. Fresh snow made the tracking possibilities interesting. Coyote track and sign everywhere. Saw one ruffed grouse. Also stumbled onto what looks like a survivalist shack deep in the forest with fresh ATV tracks leading up to it. Happily the resident didn't seem to be there. Also, came upon remnants of an old Wilkes Barre city park, called Mountain Park. Stone foundations are about all that's left of a major park from the halcyon days of WB and the PA anthracite industry. Felt good. We both took naps this afternoon.