Bourbon, Flies, and Lies: June 2022

I set up to go to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. I did not even know this place existed until last year. I got all my mapping done during the week. I set way points for points of interest. I wanted to front load areas for my trip for some photography opportunities. This weekend I also thought would have been not as busy like in July.

I looked at the weather forecast for the areas of Tioga County Pennsylvania. The overnight lows were going to be in the mid-forties. I thought to myself that's perfect sleeping weather. Now, I can't lie the winds being 18-28 mph had me a little nervous. I had chosen to stay at Leonard Harrison State Park and it’s across the Canyon from Colton Pointe State Park. When I chose my camp site, I made sure it was a spot with an East-West wind break. This was a good choice because like right now the winds are still howling, and I'm totally sheltered from the winds.

The facilities at the park are great. You have three bathrooms Men’s, Woman’s, and a Family bathroom. Now, this is a nice touch by the state and came in handy. Let me digress for a moment. All of us here would have done this differently, but just incase you would not here is a helpful tip!

Lol If you’re camping in your back yard, please by all means take the longest shower of your life. If you’re not at home and you’re a state park limit your shower time. Unless you have a heard of water buffalo in there with you then by all means it will take you longer.

In this case the dude (I did not see any other hooves other than his) he was so mindless about letting the water run while he was in there. I waited so long that I went to check out the family bathroom. Well to my surprise no one was using it. I locked the door and took my 5-minute shower. Then at that exact moment I finished my shower all the hot water was gone. I laughed so loud I am sure the obese squirrel near my camp site heard me. That squirrel is as large as a small cat!

Folks, remember it is a state park not just for you, but for everyone don’t be mindless!

I choose to first hike the Leonard Harrison Turkey trail side. The trail is advertised correctly. It is a medium easy trail providing you don't wear sandals or flip-flops. There are a lot of exposed root systems here, but all in all a good hike.

I will attach my Garmin GPDMAP 64sx hike data when I get home.

These images are from the Leonard Harrison side

Start Elevation was 1868.6 Feet

End Elevation 1295.8 Feet

3 Miles Round Trip

The scenic views are breath taking and this would be an amazing place to see when the leaves are their peak color. Unfortunately, the people would also be at their peak as well.

On the Leonard side of the trail there are plenty of vistas to see. A lot of the flora is from the Mountain Laurel. They are in full bloom and so fragrant that at one time I thought I was walking behind someone who was wearing this perfume, but I never saw anyone, so it was the flowers.

Going down on this side you will see a few waterfalls. The waterfalls will give you a couple of good photography opportunities. I don't recommend or condone you leaving the trail to take a better photograph. On this side of the trail, they are having bank erosion issues naturally and the humans who disregard the signs are making it worse.

The trail on this side is closed due to a washout and they do not know when it will be opened to the bottom where Pine Creek is.

On Sunday I traveled to the Westerly sister park called Colton Point State Park. Before my long hike I decided to go into the town of Wellsboro, Pa and look for some breakfast or brunch! Well, I found it a family style restaurant called Harland’s found here https://harlands.tripod.com when you visit and you leave hungry it’s not their fault its all yours my friend! The cooking and attention to detail is awesome. They will cook to order and then some. I ordered what they call the “Monster” I added a cup of chip-beef gravy and one biscuit on the bottom. It comes with bacon, sausage, ham, five eggs, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions. I ate eighty percent of it and then I felt that pre food coma and stopped! I would still be at the bottom of the hike if I finished it. Then I almost needed a tow motor to pull myself out of the booth and headed to Colton Point State Park. Thank goodness there was a detour that added and extra twenty minutes to digestion time!

I arrived at Colton, and you needed to look for the Turkey Trail. It was about a mile from the main road, and I could have parked closer, but I was not going to get my car.

This trail has its challenges. The ground is so fertile and damp that it has an amazing number of stinging nettles. I recommend you wear pants. The Trail is chest wide at a lot of places and with nettles just begging you to touch them. My knuckles did graze the ma few times and I washed them in dirt to neutralize a little of the stinging. This trick was picked up by washing with dirt from a long hike when I was with my ole fishing pals Joe and Jim (thanks Joe). There are a few places where springs are discharging water across the ground and making the shale slick. This could be an issue for a person who does not have a pair of boots on. This trail in both parks are 90% in the shade, but you still must keep your self-hydrated!

The other point I need to bring up is the abundant of exposed root networks that are on this trail. These networks are on 30-40% of the trail. You need to be always mindful of your footing. I made it to the bottom and good old Pine Creek was teaming with life. I cut my teeth on her a long time ago fly fishing.

These images are from the Colton Point side

Start Elevation was 1773.4 Feet

End Elevation 971.8 Feet

4.2 Miles Round Trip

(Their roadway hiking in my route)

I would swing olive Woolley buggers and bottom bounce nymphs. I was watching a Size 12 yellow stone fly hatch. This was fun to watch. I watch some pro Cedar Waxwings get their feed on. I did some bug hunting of my own. I found a beautiful cripple yellow stone fly. I did find some huge golden stone fly nymphs. This is one of them. I found some other bugs to like this free-swimming caddis. I also found some old case caddis homes.

I have attached a photo of them. It had been a long time since I have spent any amount of time up here in this part of Pennsylvania. I forgot about the amount of Birch trees they have up here. When these trees are healthy, they are beautiful. It's a shame they are so susceptible to disease and other things. Unlike Oaks, Maples, and Hemlock trees they have their issues too. But, after seeing these Birch trees in their current state it's just a shame that's all. I generally do not see these threes in the abundance like I have on this camping trip.

The winds did subside overnight, and the bugs figured it out quickly.

The birds become like feathered chatty Kathie’s and then I proceeded to breakdown camp and do the asphalt ballet on my way home. Lastly on the way home I met this frugal couple!