A trip to Chambers Lake looking for some Trumpeter Swans didn’t yield any birds, but an assemblage of photographs (as usual). I did get to see some sections of Hibernia County Park that I don’t normally get a chance to visit.
-
A Drive Around Hibernia County Park and Chambers Lake
A nice father and son scene at the Lake but no swans. The back of the barn near the mansion. A view from the Lake Campground out onto Chambers Lake. A great stand of oaks in the Lake Campground. Some interesting fallen branches with last Autumn’s leaves near Fiddlers Campground. -
The Goshenville Wetlands
Adjacent to the Goshenville Blacksmith Shop is the Goshenville Wetlands, a nice place for a short walk and a dog friendly area. It is located in East Goshen Township, which lies in northeastern Chester County. Here are some early Spring photos of the wetlands and the nearby historic structures.
The first thing you notice from the parking area is the honey bee project. The Bees by the Blacksmith Shop is a public-private partnership that brought honey producing hives to this open space. The Watermark at Bellingham Senior Living sponsored the hives, and Carmen B’s Honey, a Township-based small business, manages and maintain the bees. The Watermark will introduce apiary education to its residents and begin using the honey in its recipes and cooking classes. The Township was also set to begin a youth apiary program. In 2022, a kids program complete with youth-sized beekeeper outfits so they can safely get close and see the inner workings of the hives will be started.
The walk provides open views over the wetland with a dry walkway and elevated platforms and walks over potentially damp areas. There is a nice view of Ridley Creek which runs along side the property.
The historic structures are adjacent to this area and are connected via the walking path. The Goshenville Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. The Blacksmith Shop was built in 1840 and is open to the public two days a week from April through October. An image of the shop is a symbol of East Goshen Township.
The Milton/Hickman Plank House in the foreground and the Blacksmith Shop beyond. 
The front of the Blacksmith Shop … 
and the back. -
Lancaster County Whimsy
I think this photo an extra large figure of an Amish farmer speaks for itself. It can be found at the Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn in Ronks. This place is one of my favorite smorgasbord restaurants and one of the few open on Sunday.
-
Spring Has Sprung
My recently untimely absence has been due to a short vacation and an adjustment to a new job situation. After a fairly mild winter, Spring is making an appearance here in eastern Chester County.
Forsythia are some of the earliest flowering shrubs and are great in flower arrangements. 
I think almost everyone loves daffodils. 
Because you can’t have too many. 
The lovely magnolia. 
I believe this is also a magnolia variety. 
Early azaleas at Jenkins Arboretum. 
Winter is still hanging on at Jenkins … -
A Northern Visitor
The presence of a snowy owl in the area causes great excitement. Even the local news take notice. A bird in eastern Lancaster County recently created the expected onslaught of birders. I set out one Saturday to have a look as well. Note to self: don’t go looking for an owl without your “good” camera.
The bird was close to the road but not in front of the most photogenic backdrop. The online consensus is that it is a “she,” but I’m not sure how you tell juveniles from females.
On a porch roof. 
Grainy close up courtesy of phone camera. 
Is the bird thinking “There are so many, but are they edible?” 
One of the benefits of an owl on your porch roof is that everyone can see your laundry drying. 
The farm across the road. 
The area is full of lovely farms. 
The hay obsession continues. This is quite a pile. 
Horses had clearly been using this hitching post at Hayloft Ice Cream. 
The Willows Covered Bridge along busy Route 30. Probably one of the saddest covered bridges in the state. -
Looking Back at Fall at Valley Forge
A November trip to Valley Forge National Historical Park produced better shots than expected due to some late fall color. The hay, culled from the park’s extensive meadows, had just been baled. The park was showing a lot of beautiful gold tones in the trees at this time.
-
Happy Holidays
I will be taking a break for a couple weeks to celebrate Christmas and my birthday. Here is a look back at some Christmas pasts.
I think this says it all. 
This neighbor is really in the Christmas spirit. 
The Nativity at a local church. 
My town makes a great collective effort with the Christmas lights. -
A Little Bit of Christmas This and That
Here is a look at some of the Christmas season scenes around my neck of the woods.
This enormous wreath was at Jenkins Arboretum. 
Where these leaves were still looking especially colorful. 
The door display over a local business. 
The local bakery is in the Christmas spirit. 
Devon Station was looking good in the afternoon golden hour. -
A Sugartown Christmas
Historic Sugartown in Chester County has been featured on my blog before if you would like more information about this location. They usually do seasonal decorations. This Christmas did not disappoint.
.
The William Garrett House of 1805. 
The Book Bindery. 
Behind the Sharpless Worrell House … 
along with a close up of these wreaths. 
A reflection on the Carriage Museum. 
Nearby Sugartown Farm 
This lovely display was in front of the General Store. -
It’s Still Fall, Folks!
The Autumn color seemed to arrive late this year, even extending well into November in the southern tier of Pennsylvania. Valley Forge National Historical Park was still wearing its Autumn color when I visited. The Park had recently cut back some its extensive meadows. Valley Forge has one of the most extensive meadow habitats along the Northeast Corridor. In additional to occasional mowing, the Park also uses prescribed burns to rejuvenate the habitat from time to time. Let’s let Christmas wait a few more weeks.
Red and orange … 
and yellow. 
Some of the expansive meadows ready for winter. 
Pop of color against the evergreens. 
The mowing lines are clearly visible here on the hill. 
One of the workhorses responsible with part of its haul.