Hike #161
On top of Scott's Mountain at Merril Creek
1/16/5
For my next hike, I thought it would be good to do the Merril Creek to Washington hike once again. We parked cars at Roaring Rock this time, then headed to the boat launch parking area. Joining me this time were hike veterans Terry Berntsen and Gerry Martiniak, and newcomers were Gerry’s wife, Beverly Auvil, Steve Sanbeg, and Joel Reger.
Merril Creek Resevoir, north side of the Perimeter Trail
View of Stewartsville from the main dam of Merril Creek Reservoir
Lime kiln at the former Cathers Farm
Farm view on Montana Mountain, NJ
Tree in a cemetery in Montana NJ
One of my grandfather's pins in a road in Harmony Twp.
Along Spring Lane, Washington Twp. NJ
We began on the perimeter trail around the south side of the resevoir, across a dike and the main dam. There was a nice view from the main dam on this occasion, looking over the Stewardstville area. We continued across another set of dikes making our way out to the section of the trail that is aligned on the former route of Fox Farm Road; on the way we saw the largest migration of what were probably Snow Geese we had ever seen. The geese were flying in a line stretching like a black stripe across the sky as far as the eye could see in either direction. We waited around for many minutes looking for an end to this huge migration, but it did’nt come. That thought sticks in my mind, as it was quite amazing. We continued around to the shore line trail, passing along the nice meadown area, through woods and over puncheons, passing the ruins of the Cather Farm, which was easily visible through the weeds due to the lack of vegetation. We made an extended stop at the visitor’s center, looking at exibits before moving on. Joel and Beverly decided to cut out early while I led everyone else on along the Orchard and Eagle Trails past the ruins of the Beers Farm, then along the Creek and Pond Trails out to the road walk we use to Roaring Rock. We visited both cemetaries in Montana as we had previously, and made our way down the dirt Spring Lane to Brass Castle-Montana Road.
Huh? Rainbow Mountain Cucumber? Of course! The Rainbow Mountain Cucumber Farm on Spring Lane!!!
Seasonal view in Roaring Rock Park
Seasonal view in Roaring Rock Park
We followed the same route as we had previously through the Roaring Rock Park, along the resevoir and around the outer loop passing the seasonal view, which was the best I had ever seen it on this date. On our way down below the view, we met another hiker with two aggressive dogs. They were barking and growling, jumping up and down on us in a threatening manner, and Gerry pulled out his pepper spray. The guy, after starting out friendly, became livid and started threatening Gerry! I tried to calm him down, and he backed away. He was still screaming and making threats, telling us to get out of there. Gerry did’nt spray the dogs or anything, only remained ready to protect himself. Terry was behind us at the time, and caught up just as we were leaving the guy. I think Steve was either ahead or behind us as well. He began screaming again that the area ahead was private property, though he was incorrect, the obviously blazed trail led ahead to descend the ridge. We made our way down and along the brook, back to the cars. I took the license plate number of the only other car in the parking lot to report to police later. I was ready to bring Terry and Gerry back to Merril Creek, and we were pulling out when the tailpipe from my car fell out and began dragging. I did’nt know what to do, and fortunitely, Steve was able to return them to their cars. I was able to jam my tailpipe back into place well enough to get home, where I called the police to report the problem. I also reported to Chris Rapacki, who told me I handled the situation well. Other than that the hike was great!
Along Roaring Rock Brook
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