Blue Mountain...

Since we were staying in PA for a couple weeks, I decided to do a little exploring.  A friend had told me about some trails on Blue Mountain, and I wanted to check them out. 

North Northkill Road took me to the base of the mountain, where it turned into a dirt/stone old logging trail. It was steep at points, but since my bike wasn't loaded, I had little trouble.

 Once, when I stopped for a drink, I noticed some wintergreen growing beside the trail...it tasted nice...

 At one point, as I was working my way up the mountain, I suddenly thought I could hear a semi-truck behind me.  Since all traffic sounds from local highways were muffled by the forest around me, I was rather mystified.  It didn't take long for the mystery to become clear...an empty logging truck was lumbering its way up the one-lane road.  I thought of holding the lane, but since there was nowhere for the truck to go, except over me...I decided to pull off onto the shoulder, and give him plenty of room to pass.

At the top of the mountain I could have continued straight, where the surface became large rocks; or turned left, where the road was still rideable gravel.  I turned.

The road along the top was a few miles of flat, secluded riding. 

Here is a picture of an exceptionally long flat stretch...

The gravel on the surface varied greatly, but was all rideable.

I greatly appreciate the tires on my bike, and the fact that she's a hybrid...she handled all the surfaces like a champ!

I rode out into a grassy field to take a look at the view from the top.  My camera wouldn't focus, so the picture REALLY doesn't do it justice.

Occasional hiking trails turned off the road, and I stopped to explore some of one.  It was surrounded with blueberries!  Yummy!!

 Here's a photo of that trail...

I passed some wild turkeys, but that was all the wildlife I spotted.  Unless you count the lone elderly hiker....

Near the end, the Appalaichan Trail crossed the little road.  I stopped to walk the trail,,,but only went about 100 feet along it...

It surprised me by how insignificant it appeared.  Somehow, I had though it would look a little more important.  It was definitely well used, though...

The road emptied out onto Route 183.  There was a steep descent to the highway, and I managed to stay upright despite all the loose gravel!

I stopped to take a scenic shot on the way down 183...and the camera co-operated this time!

All - in - all, it was a very enjoyable ride...