Into the Longwoods...With Brightly Colored Jackets

We hadn't been INTO the Longwoods yet, which is silly, because they are so close. The thing about the Longwoods is that you have to be really careful, use your head, and not end up in a part you shouldn't be in. It's more of a hunting/logging place than a hiking place, but there is great hiking if you know where to look. We had heard tell of a beautiful marked trail that begins at a picnic area and runs along the Pourakino River. Researching the location online, the directions literally said, "Find a local to take you." Challenge on.

We headed out on the one lane logging road that carves into the heart of the Longwoods. It's a slow drive, but the potholes weren't too bad that a standard SUV couldn't navigate them. Road cars need not apply. There are several side roads like this one. This rut was a solid 4 feet deep.

With a good topo, and a serendipitous run in with an old hunter who by the looks of him probably knows every tree there on sight, we actually found it. I have to say, we were feeling pretty proud of ourselves.

After trailing through Sunday-quiet logging roads for almost 30 minutes, we came upon a beautifully mown clearing with picnic tables. It all looked remarkably out of place. There had been a mill here at one time, though no traces of that were left other than the hole in the woods.

My fascination of the day was the abundant variety of mushrooms. 

They were Alice-in-Wonderland like. 



And very clearly, poisonous. Though we've since learned that it's totally safe to eat the white ones that grow in your yard. 

The trail goes along an old rail path, and in places, you can even still see the rails and cobbles.

After a short, easy walk, the path opens up to the water. It's a trout fisherman's dream.

The trees are mostly Birch, especially in the clearing. The ones by the water are very Ent-like and full of personality. 

This section runs along the Granity Stream.

Not sure WHO lives in here, the white rabbit maybe? I wasn't going to stick my hand in to find out, but it sure looked cozy.

The Granity Stream (on the left) joins into the Pourakino River. If you look closely through the trees, you can see an old rail-bridge that has been reclaimed by the forest.

Closer look. I think it's safe to say that this forest is full of hidden treasures.