Backcountry Camping

When I was much younger I had a passion for taking backcountry day hikes. Be it winter or summer, I would explore the forests looking for sign of old farms and towns that sprung up and then died away when the lumber camps left the area. I loved scouting each place found until finding the old garbage heaps. Finding old crocks or bottles, many with lettering on them describing the type of medicine or food it used to contain was interesting to do. I had several good collections of old bottles and old dishes.
At that time I carried in my knapsack a notebook and my camera, something for lunch and a snack. A bottle of water and a map of the area with a compass. I usually had a good idea of area I wanted to cover, and tried to stick to that plan. Most importantly I always let someone know where I was going and when I planned to be back.

Following game trails and streams, was always a way to see wildlife. I often came across baby fawns, nestled under a tree awaiting their mother's return. Often walked into flocks of wild turkeys or grouse. I also loved seeing and hearing the red-shouldered hawks as they swooped and soared in the sky above me. Many times I would mimic their cries and call them down to fly over me. these are good memories.

I truly miss those days of long walks and freedom in the wilds of Pennsylvania.