The Spirit of Tuscarora Trail - I Found Something Truly Inspiring Here...

Welcome to the Spirit of Tuscarora Trail, a pathway created by Dennis "Pap" Knauss in 1989, in Tuscarora State Park. Experience a pristine forest trail at first morning light. Watch and listen as the Pennsylvania forest comes alive and shows its alluring beauty. It was set to be a blazing hot and humid, Pennsylvania summer day when i touched down on The Spirit of Tuscarora Trail. I was looking to capture the rhododendron bloom and document this diverse trail located in the coal country region of Schuylkill County Pennsylvania, just outside of the town of Tamaqua. The park was nearly empty as the morning light filtered through the trees in that perfect way that only happens in the golden hours of the day. I moved slowly - observing the trees, plants, and animals of the woods - soaking in the scenery and trying to keep from overheating. I passed through a dense rhododendron thicket - the bloom had largely faded here - and I soon reached Locust Creek. I continued along the creek and the deeply shaded forest began to give way to herbaceous meadow openings with song birds, butterflies, and moths flitting about. I heard the distinct buzzing sound of a weed whacker - " there are no houses back here I thought"- then I came upon the true "spirit" of the Spirit of Tuscarora Trail. Directly in front of me was Pap - dutifully maintaining the trail just as he has done for the last 35 years of his life. This was one of those rare moments where I as a hiker got to meet the creator of the trail I was walking and documenting. I was a bit awe struck, and my shy nature nudged me to scurry along but I resisted that fleeting thought and stopped to say hello. I had to say "thank you" to Pap, for all his work and efforts over the years. I have dedicated myself to filming and documenting the scenic beauty of Pennsylvania with this channel, and here was a man who has dedicated his life to creating, maintaining, and showcasing that same Pennsylvania beauty as a gift - free of charge - for others to enjoy. I was inspired, emotional, and grateful all at once, it was a beautiful day.
#natureadventurediscovery #scenicpennsylvania