Snapping Turtle Laying Eggs

A few months ago, I was walking on the Bartram Trail in Landingville, PA when I came across a female Snapping Turtle laying eggs. I didn't try to get too close. I didn't want to scare or agitate her, so I kept a decent distance and took these photos of the Snapping Turtle laying her eggs. It looks like she had dug a decent sized area to lay her eggs.

A few weeks after the Snapping Turtle laid her eggs I came across the nest. I don't know if the snapper eggs hatched out or if a predator like a raccoon or an opossum had a great meal.

Another pic of where the snapper nest was and the cracked open snapper turtle eggs laying there.

The Snapper about ready to start covering the nest with dirt after laying her eggs.

Mama Snapper laying her eggs.

The first picture I took of the Snapping Turtle laying eggs as I approached. I didn't want to spook her.

Close look of the Snapper Turtle laying eggs.

Another view of the Snapping Turtle laying eggs.

Mama Snapper doing her business.

Bartram Trail Stony Creek Trail Access Open

The Stony Creek Trail Head which is located by PA State Game Lands 110. The trail can be accessed by following Bear Creek Street in Auburn, which then turns into Bear Creek Road as you travel south.

Once you reach the gate, the road is gravel and care should be taken as some washing out is to be expected. Still, the road can currently be traveled by car at low speeds.

As you reach the bottom of the hill, just before the parking lot, you will cross a small wooden bridge and then park in the parking lot.

From there, you now have access to the 7 mile stretch of the Bartram Trail that currently runs between Auburn and Hamburg.


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Winter on the Bartram Trail

The Bartram Trail near the Stoney Creek Trailhead.

Bartram Trail During the Winter Months

It's that time of the season. Old man winter is here and letting us all know it. With the current weather only being in the teens and twenties since last week, walking or jogging outside isn't on the minds of many. Although, some people are currently out there getting their exercise or enjoying the solace of the outdoors.

I was out last week with the dogs, but it was a short walk - about a 1/2 mile. That was enough for me and I didn't want the dogs to freeze. They seemed like they were enjoying it. Spring will be here soon enough.

Getting out on the Bartram Trail this time of here is refreshing. I personally can only take a couple of days of being indoors all the time before I feel irritated or down. They even have a name for it now, it's called SAD. I know it as the winter blues.

Man just wasn't meant to be stuck inside a building for days at a time.

The winter is showing a break in the temperature next week with two days in the 40s and 50s. Of course, rain is accompanying the day it will be in the 50s. It doesn't matter to me. At least one day next week I will be walking somewhere on the Bartram Trail.

The Pulpit Rock Trail

Over the weekend, I took a nice hike on the Pulpit Rock Trail in Hamburg. The trail is easily accessible and easy to find.

To find it, instead of parking at the Kernsville Dam monument, where you would park to jump on the Bartram Trail or the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail, just keep driving past the parking lot towards the falls of the Kernsville Dam.

Keep going past the falls and the road will eventually end. At one time, you could drive all the way back to the area known as "The Rock" in Hamburg. This trail ends when you come upon the large rock summit that overlooks the Schuylkill River below.

While many continue to jump off the rock for recreation, this isn't recommended as a few people have died over the years after jumping off the summit into the river.

Litter continues to be a problem along this trail. One area especially stands out which is a flat area many use for camping and fishing, especially night fishing. Luckily, volunteers clean up the area about twice a year.

The trail itself is flat and easy to navigate until you get near the rock summit which goes up hill slightly. I took some pictures while there for everyone to see.

Looking at the dam area before entering the actual trail.

An area of the dam before entering the trail. This is the area where you can park. Boats can also be loaded here.

Entering the Rock Pulpit Trail in Hamburg

I think this is a bathroom but wasn't really interested in checking it out. Notice the graffiti all over it.

The camping fishing area. A lot of garbage, but at least its in a pile. Perhaps, there was a recent cleanup.

Another section of the camping fishing area. A bench can be seen to the left.

A totem pole and rope for swinging on and jumping into the water.

The totem pole sends a social message of, "Family & Friends Use Condoms Peace & Love".

Someone's missing their rug.

Somewhat near the end of the level section of the trail.

Looking below to the Schuylkill River.

The small hilly area that leads to the summit area of rock known as The Rock.

Almost there.

A little closer. The bridge in the distance is actually Route 61.

Across the river is the beach area. People oftern park on Port Clinton Ave. and use the path to reach "The Beach". Thieves often target unlocked cars parked on Port Clinton Avenue.

Litter. So bad!!!

Right below the rock. Here is a nice view.

Here it is! The Rock. It is off here many people have jumped below. Not recommended. Some have died due to head injuries.

A good view of Route 61 from The Rock.

Someone forgot their towel.

The path along side the rock where you go down below to the river.

Therman Madeira Switchback Trail Hamburg

Yesterday, I took a hike on the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail in Hamburg, PA. This trail is one mile long and starts directly in front of the parking lot for the Kernsville Dam - Bartram Trail Parking Lot.

While there are many curves in the trail, the trail is flat and easy to navigate. The trail meanders to the Schuylkill River and travels along it for the most part until it ends at Old 22 in Hamburg. Right before you reach the end you can cross a real nice wooden bridge that goes over a creek.

Look below and you will see fish swimming. Here is where the trail also connects to the section of the Bartram Trail that runs through Hamburg and ends currently near the Dollar General store.

Most of the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail is through a wooded area with a lot of shade.This day was great with a constant breeze going the whole time. At one point the trail goes underneath Interstate 78.

A look off to the left of the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail coming from the parking lot area.

A marshy area with a pond to the left of the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail heading into the wooded area.

A section of the trail that runs under Interstate 78 in Hamburg, PA

A pic of the overhead bridge which is Interstate 78 on the Therman Madeira Switchback Trail in Hamburg

The Trail Is Very Busy This Time of Year

The Bartram Trail continues to be a success to those looking to enjoy the outdoors. The number of people using the trail are higher on weekends with many walking and running, along with dog walkers and kayak and canoe users.

People continue to use the Auburn Trailhead off of Rt. 895 to launch kayaks and canoes. The majority of user going down the Schuylkill River and stopping in Port Clinton or Hamburg.

Runners and hikers continue to be the majority of users from Hamburg to Auburn, the small section outside Auburn, and the Landingville section. Dog walkers are often seen too.

A new small section of trail is completed that runs from the parking lot at the Kernsville Dam into Hamburg. This section is about 1 mile long. You can follow this into town and south where it currently ends around where the parking lot for the Dollar General is located.

Happy Trails!