This weekend my son Tommy, my friend Andy and I went hiking on familiar ground at the Hamburg reservoir and watershed. It had been a while since I last went there. The most recent prior occasion had been in January two years ago. Whenever I go, either with friends or alone, the serenity of the surroundings give me peace and relieve, even if just for a little while, whatever troubles me.
About half a mile or a bit more from the parking lot the path skirts the reservoir.
Many a hiker, including Tommy, finds this a spot for a momentary stop and reflection.
Further up on the hill along one of the steep trails there is a spring, and during those times of year when rain is plentiful its flow is ample.
At the top the path levels out and follows the ridge, gently meandering.
Along the ridge, the path comes to a clearing. At times helicopters use this clearing, perhaps for evacuating injured hikers.
Continuing on the path, some trees along the way had already started to turn. Their autumn colors glowing in the mid day sun.
Strangely enough atop the ridge there were a few unexpected spots with small stagnant ponds. Maybe well hidden frogs and other amphibians live there.
As the path gets closer to the end of the ridge, the foliage changes. Ferns abound.
At the end of the path the forest cover gives way and reveals astounding view of the surrounding countryside.
Atop the rocks about a thousand feet above the farms and houses below, the Pinnacle astounds. Whenever here, I tarry as long as I can.
On a fortunate day, raptors and other large birds show themselves and circle lazily on thermals and ridge effect updrafts.
We were all happy when we arrived here, and a bit pleased with ourselves for making the hike. It was well worth the effort. Tommy thought so.
So did my friend Andy.
As did I.
The circling birds were more numerous than other times of year. This is the beginning the seasonal migration along the Appalachian ridge for many raptors and large birds. As usual, the most common were the Turkey Vultures.
A few Red Tailed Hawks flew past.
As well as a couple of birds that none of us, or any others at the Pinnacle, could identify.
As enchanting as the spot is, necessity cut our visit short. Along the way out, there is a cairn, piled high by passing hikers.
We returned on a different path. It is more narrow, rocky and uneven than the one we arrived on.
Further along the path the trees thinned a bit and the forest floor was overgrown with grass.
The day's sights gave all of us much to think about. At times each of us was lost in deep thought, even Tommy.
The ridge along this southern side of the small valley is littered with rocks and in one spot there is even a natural boulder field.
Eventually the winding rocky path leads to another overlook named Pulpit Rock. From here there is another spectacular view of the surrounding country side.
This includes a glacial boulder field,
The small town of Lenhartsville is also visible.
A sharp and discerning eye can even glimpse Kutztown University.
Closer among the rocks, potentially dangerous snakes lounged. No one disturbed them, and they harmed no one.
From here the path was more a road, easy to follow and walk on.
Though tired, we picked up our pace. Tommy's tiredness seemed to melt away as he drew on his last reserves of energy.
Finally at the car, the day's effort finally caught up with Tommy and sleep overtook him.
Andy was overjoyed at the sight of the car, knowing he could finally get off his feet and sit.
I was so thirsty I drank what we had left of the water.
The whole circuit was perhaps eight miles long and took us about six hours complete. We all agreed it was time well spent, and we all look forward to the next time we go.
