It was purely a coincidence when I read Gary Charpentier’s post on Rush Hour Rambling referencing the differences between my fog and his fog just minutes before departing to ride in some of that charming atmospheric effect. And I can’t agree more with the fog differential between us.
I took the day off and when I saw fog on Tussey Mountain I figured it would be a good day to explore the forest roads in Rothrock State Forest. All gravel and dirt but I’m much more adept with the scooter on these surfaces now and besides—there was fog!
Before going further I have to express how different it is to ride in the fog here versus what Gary has to deal with. While I have to pay close attention to the road the shear lack of volume of other vehicles where I ride creates a completely different environment. I saw one other vehicle the entire time I was in the fog. One. I suspect Gary came near to thousands on his commute to work. In my mind heavy fog with heavy traffic is right up there with snowstorms. He is “One rugged sumbitch!.
Riding towards the mountain I could see clouds shrouding the upper two-thirds promising some magical scenery. Starting up the road to Little Flat takes me through a tunnel of trees all the way to the top of the ridge.
The fog becomes heavier as I cross over the ridge and up the next one on Bear Gap Road. The trees are even closer to the edge of the road and the sides of the road are much steeper and rock covered.
While most of the rocks are limestone there are occasional outcroppings of white sandstone that glow in the fog. About this time I notice I am dripping wet in part because of the fog but mostly I think because it is hot outside even at 7 AM. And it just got worse as the day went on though being a smart man I spent it at home in air-conditioned comfort with a good book. But I digress…
I stopped a lot to look at things, probably even more times than I normally do because of the fog and what it does to a place. I suspect on a sunny morning I would never have noticed the spider web on these thistles.
Riding further I come to the edge of one of the many wilderness areas in Pennsylvania and a place that is especially rich for reptiles and amphibians—read that rattlesnakes and turtles.
While padding around a bit I noticed a red newt crossing the road. Again, something you won’t see riding or driving. The drogue I call a camera affords many special views.
My stomach got the better of me and caused the Vespa to turn towards home even as the fog seemed to get heavier. I could not help but think of the battle Gary has to endure to travel on two-wheels through this stuff. There is no rambling in that kind of environment. Fog is what the place makes of it. It’s dumb luck I find myself where I am.
What a neat picture of the Newt! The contrast between its color and the rock is striking.
Why is it your fog looks like an enchanted forest and ours looks like Transylvania?
Rambling is quite possible with our heavy fog. That’s because you can’t see a thing so have no idea where you’re going!
Another fine post and pics Steve! You have reminded me of some similar rides I’ve had on back country roads in the fog. I’d forgotten how nice it is. I suppose most people would say, not good riding weather, but I loved it.
Thanks for the reminder and the next time fog is in my area, I will make it a point to take a slow fog ride in the country.
If it comes to a vote, I’ll choose your foggy environment over the type that Gary has to thread through. Your “Sticks” have a wonderful charm in every type of weather.
Have fun,
Bill
Hmm, I blasted through the fog the other day on my trip across the border. You seem much better dressed than I was (Jacket, t-shirt and shorts).
That said, your photography has made the fog look mysterious and, might I say, almost inviting!
irondad: Not sure why the fog would be different. Perhaps it is a difference in the viewer? Or more likely you are commuting in it in a much more serious manner than I am at speeds and distances that transform it into Transylvania.
kano: Thanks for your kind words. slow and backroads are a key ingredient I think in enjoying fog.
bill: If I had to ride Gary’s fog ride my post would be titled something like FOG EVIL FOG!
Dave: I always am fully geared up when riding beyond a local errand. Even then I always have long pants, boots, helmet, gloves and an armored jacket. That’s the bare minimum and when I am on an extended ride on come the armored pants.
You know, Steve, they say most accidents happen within 25 miles of home. My answer to that is it must be a dangerous place and I should move!
Great shots Steve
I like the compostition in these pics
jayd