It’s a cool but glorious May day, sun and clouds alternating in the sky, as Jesse and I begin our hike at Ralph Stover/High Rocks State Park in Pipersville.
Parking in a lot at the far end of the park, we walk along the gurgling Tohickon Creek and over an old wooden bridge, greeted by the sweet smell of autumn olive that fills the air. While I know that it’s a highly invasive shrub, I can’t help but appreciate its beauty and scent. Not to mention, it provides cozy niches for nesting sites and produces yummy red berries that the birds love.
To the right is a barely discernible trail through the woods which, of course, we must explore. It continues to follow the creek, swaths of periwinkle blue woodland phlox interspersed with the rounded umbels of golden Alexander (think Queen Anne’s lace, but yellow). A fly fisherman stands in the middle of the stream, his line mesmerizing, fluid and undulating. I watch in awe, admiring his skilled motions, poised yet languid.
As the footing beneath our feet becomes more rocky stream bed than trail, we return to the curving, uphill road that leads to High Rocks Trail. Up ahead walk a father and his young daughter, hand in hand. It’s apparent they’re enjoying their time together, while also admiring the scenery. I have an overwhelming urge to encourage the dad to continue promoting his little one’s love of nature and the outdoors, fostering a kinship with all living things. On second thought, I decide to spare him the advice, as he seems to be doing a fine job without any suggestions from me. As Jesse and I come alongside them, the little girl eyes Jesse admiringly and soundly declares him to be a “nice dog.” She’s obviously a young lady of good judgment.
The trail leading to High Rocks would be an easy one to miss if one is not watching for it, but we find it, a detour off to the right. The trail runs along a 200-foot ledge overlooking the Tohickon, providing spectacular, as well as dizzying, views of the rushing stream below. High Rocks is a popular destination not only for hikers, but also for the brave of heart who enjoy rock climbing.
We head back along the trail and onto the road, once again encountering fellow hikers – a woman, man, and youngster, along with their dog – heading our way. To my surprise, the woman approaches us enthusiastically, calling out greetings to Jesse. Lo and behold, she is the woman who has just completed a marvelous watercolor portrait of Jesse and our dearly-loved (and much missed) Buzzy from a photo I had sent her, taken on one of our many meanders.
The artist, Julia Martseniuk, who recognized Jesse from the photo, has amazing talent as well as a keen ability to see into the heart of an animal and catch their spirit. Her painting of Buzzy and Jesse so clearly depicts the pure joy of the two boys gleefully romping together on a dazzling autumn day. Although we have never met, we are as hail-fellows, well-met. We proceed to chat with gusto, she complimenting me on my wonderful dogs, me praising her outstanding artistic ability.
My serendipitous meeting with Julia has made this outing a particularly special one. Her portrait of Jesse and Buzzy holds significant meaning for me and will always be treasured.
PS – For interested pet lovers, Julia can be contacted at jmartseniuk@yahoo.com.
Cindy Woodall resides in Upper Black Eddy.
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