Scenes from the Rail Trail: July 16, 2014

It was a glorious day in central PA yesterday; there was no real summer heat (high of 79? WHAT?) and the humidity was present, but bearable thanks to the lower temperature. When I woke up yesterday morning my first thought was, I am SO riding my bike to work today.Even before I longed for coffee, that's what I thought, so you know it was important.Before too long I packed up my lunch and my change of clothes (because who wants to work in sweaty bike clothes?) and pedaled myself off to the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail and onward to work. It looked a little something like this.The rail trail is currently in high-summer foliage, so most of it is full-on lush greenness.And the birds were keeping it kind of low-key.  I heard the birds a-plenty, but didn't see them. I did, however, get a visit from an inquisitive groundhog.I saw some funky orange fungus doing its thing on a decomposing tree along the trail side. I believe this is Pycnoporous cinnabarinus.A few things: 1) Don't eat it. 2) I'm happy to learn if I'm wrong. 3) Say "Pycnoporus cinnabarinus" three times, fast.Bet you can't.Anyway.There were delicate little wildflowers all over the place.Some flowers in the process of pollination.Some wild raspberries.And a farm that's been plucked straight out of a movie set.Here's a shot looking over one of the out-buildings of the farm. Notice the awesome sky.And the side of part of the farmhouse. Complete with wagon wheel.Location scouts, call me.All in all, it was a surreally pretty day out on the BVRT.And I'm glad to say I took advantage of it.See you on the trail!