York County Ramble

We had a glorious New Year’s Eve hike.  We crossed the Susquehanna River and drove on increasingly narrow roads to a spot near Cuffs Run.  The weather was mild for December, into the low 50’s (F), the wind was gusty, and the sky was blue.

Our goal was a rigorous scramble over rocks and through ravines, but the fallen leaves and wet ground made the going treacherous.  Discretion being the better part of valor, we retreated to ramble a series of dirt and paved roads through the woods and the countryside.  Wonders abounded, like this tree covered in burls:

There were many hawks, or perhaps eagles, riding the currents aloft:

We passed a vineyard in stasis:

A farm gate with a reminder of our mortality:


And a spectacular dry stone wall:

That stretched off into the horizon:

We came upon a weathered barn with cool gothic shutters:

And the road seemed to roll out before us endlessly:

When it was time to retrace our steps I spied a fallen branch sporting the dried husks of tulip poplar flowers:

On our drive home we stopped at the John Wright Restaurant in Wrightsville for a late lunch. 

The food was good and the ambiance pleasant, but best of all was the view of the river and the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge.

Just as I never tire of the river, I always admire the beautiful form and proportions of this bridge.

Several years ago I made a small art quilt depicting it:


Nearby there are some historic lime kilns:

The stonework and masonry are fabulous:

May the New Year bring us all peace, good health, and prosperity, and may our travels, near and far, take us to places of beauty and wonder.