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2.03.2015

Snowy Drive: Moraine State Park and Slippery Rock Creek Part 1

Being the adventurous type, if I get a day off I have to be out doing something. On Saturday I went for a drive throughout the Beaver Valley. The first stop was at Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park. This was not the primary destination so my stay was brief. 

Thankfully I have snow tires!
Lake Arthur seemed to be completely frozen over. I would still be careful on the ice considering some of the warm spells earlier in the week.
Cat tails! I always remember standing with my Uncle when he would actually light one up and we would hang out and chat around it. It is funny how one little thing can remind you of so many things. In New York State these plants are actually considered to be an endangered species. They are a majestic plant.
 Here is the 422 bridge across Lake Arthur. The rugged topography of the region lends towards this lake having six distinct wings, with what looks to be more than two dozen little inlets. This makes Lake Arthur an excellent place for quiet recreational opportunities.
In the summer the lake is popular with boaters, fisherman, picnickers, and swimmers. There is even a sandy beach that is great for a lazy and free afternoon. In the winter the lake is popular with ice fisherman such as these folks. Be careful with this on this lake for it does not get as cold in this region as other lakes in higher elevations.
 Moraine State Park was created as the result of a mine reclamation project. 
 A beautiful church just outside of the state park. I did not happen to catch the name. With the snow it almost looks like it should be in some miniature train display.
The next stop was to seek out Muddy Creek Falls. This was the 422 bridge before it was rerouted, presumably to replace this bridge, but it is also a possibility that some landowners refused to budge. It is with regret to to inform you that Muddy Creek Falls is on private property. I refuse to trespass, even as someone who loves to explore, so I was unable to view the falls. This is a tremendous waste of a beautiful resource that should be available for the public to see. Natural landmarks and resources like this should not be held back from public viewing. On creeks and waterways of this nature there should be a five to ten foot right-of-way that allows all to view the beauty of the land. Not all was lost though in getting to see this cool old bridge. 
 The falls are somewhere down this hemlock strewn cliffside.
Here is the dam from the former Kennedy Mill. This was another grist mill from the era of McConnell's Mill, the next place that we will be visiting. The mill was torn down way back in the 1930s, but the dam remains. 
I noticed this funky brown stuff floating on the water. Any ideas on what it is?
 Zoomed in more. Whatever it was, it looked gross.
Anyways, over the next few days we will continue our little journey.

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