Wifey took the rugrat to a birthday party today, so I actually had a day to myself. Since the day before was a beautiful sunny fall day, I decided to take advantage of it and get out into the woods before everything gets covered in snow. But where to go?
I've been doing a bit of research on fossil locations in the area (GSharks posts seem to do that to me) and had found mention of a nearby site first discovered in the 1950's. A second brief mention from the early 90's, and that's about it. Area was undeveloped, and looked like a bit of a hike to get there. Sounded promising.
Arrived at the trailhead at around 10am. Weather was overcast and dreary, but no rain as of yet. Temps hovering just above freezing. Started following an old ATV trail. Wish I could say it was a pleasant walk in the woods, but in reality it was a sloppy muddy mess. All the leaves had fallen already, adding to the slipperiness. At least the dog kept himself busy chasing grouse and squirrels.
At the trailhead:
Blurry treed grouse:
Lotsa tinder in the forest, I filled my pockets as I hiked.
Chaga? Not sure, never seen it in person. It crumbled when I tried prying it off, and was only left with tiny pieces.
Lotsa other fungi around.
Finally came to a small plateau overlooking the river. I can see it'd be a beautiful place in the summer.
From here the trail forked; the main trail went left and a faint trail veered right. I ignored my inner Frost, and instead listened to my own mantra, "when in doubt, turn left". About that time the rain started up; or more correctly a nice mixture of rain and sleet. Busted out the goretex and trudged on.
Came upon one of two creeks that cross the area. Seemed to be the logical place to start prospecting. Poked around looking for rocks, but it soon became apparent that this was not the location I was looking for. Damn inner voice, you failed me again! Backtracked to the fork and took the road less travelled.
Beaver dam:
Made it to the second creek and started prospecting around.
Unfortunately the rain really started to come down, and I was forced to climb back up and seek shelter under a large pine. Was about time for a lunch break anyways. Busted out my new Bahco saw to grab some sticks - so happy with that purchase, cuts waaay better than my bendy Gerber ever did. Then set up my ghetto stove to heat some water.
After a dozen strikes, fire!
Soup's on!
Now time for some tea.
After lunch, did some more prospecting around the area. Wasn't able to get too far down the river bank - mud was so deep I was in danger of losing a shoe, and possibly my dog. Did sight a nice outcrop that was too slippery to get to. Too bad. I did however find a couple of leaf and fern(?) impressions:
Wasn't a total bust; did find some cool fossils. My daughter was amazed (she's easily impressed) at what I had found, and was excited to add it to "her" rock collection. Vowed to go with me next year if/when I go back. Fine with me. Thanks for looking!
I've been doing a bit of research on fossil locations in the area (GSharks posts seem to do that to me) and had found mention of a nearby site first discovered in the 1950's. A second brief mention from the early 90's, and that's about it. Area was undeveloped, and looked like a bit of a hike to get there. Sounded promising.
Arrived at the trailhead at around 10am. Weather was overcast and dreary, but no rain as of yet. Temps hovering just above freezing. Started following an old ATV trail. Wish I could say it was a pleasant walk in the woods, but in reality it was a sloppy muddy mess. All the leaves had fallen already, adding to the slipperiness. At least the dog kept himself busy chasing grouse and squirrels.
At the trailhead:
Blurry treed grouse:
Lotsa tinder in the forest, I filled my pockets as I hiked.
Chaga? Not sure, never seen it in person. It crumbled when I tried prying it off, and was only left with tiny pieces.
Lotsa other fungi around.
Finally came to a small plateau overlooking the river. I can see it'd be a beautiful place in the summer.
From here the trail forked; the main trail went left and a faint trail veered right. I ignored my inner Frost, and instead listened to my own mantra, "when in doubt, turn left". About that time the rain started up; or more correctly a nice mixture of rain and sleet. Busted out the goretex and trudged on.
Came upon one of two creeks that cross the area. Seemed to be the logical place to start prospecting. Poked around looking for rocks, but it soon became apparent that this was not the location I was looking for. Damn inner voice, you failed me again! Backtracked to the fork and took the road less travelled.
Beaver dam:
Made it to the second creek and started prospecting around.
Unfortunately the rain really started to come down, and I was forced to climb back up and seek shelter under a large pine. Was about time for a lunch break anyways. Busted out my new Bahco saw to grab some sticks - so happy with that purchase, cuts waaay better than my bendy Gerber ever did. Then set up my ghetto stove to heat some water.
After a dozen strikes, fire!
Soup's on!
Now time for some tea.
After lunch, did some more prospecting around the area. Wasn't able to get too far down the river bank - mud was so deep I was in danger of losing a shoe, and possibly my dog. Did sight a nice outcrop that was too slippery to get to. Too bad. I did however find a couple of leaf and fern(?) impressions:
Wasn't a total bust; did find some cool fossils. My daughter was amazed (she's easily impressed) at what I had found, and was excited to add it to "her" rock collection. Vowed to go with me next year if/when I go back. Fine with me. Thanks for looking!
