Dec 3 Hanging Rock State Park - Orrell Rd

This is my 4th visit to this area, recently added to Hanging Rock State Park. I had hoped to find a route from Orrell Road to Hanging Rock itself or somewhere along the Wolf Rock trail. After viewing the property lines and the topography, it was apparent there was no good route.

Our attention was redirected to exploring the end of Orrell Rd area and seeking a way to hike to a fairly well worn timber road linking the beginning of Orrell Rd to Sheeprock. Following an old road through an overgrown field we headed toward Mill Creek first. Google Earth had shown a line of rock outcroppings here. Mill Creek formed a tight gorge with a rock face on the State Park side and a steep hill on the other side. We followed the creek downstream along an old road. There were some pretty scenes along here and small cascades. 

Running out of state park, we turned back toward Orrell Road, passing our 3rd tobacco barn. They all appear to be on the verge of collapse. At this point, it becomes clear there is lots of trash and debris on the property. 

Walking along Orrell Road, we see mounds of trash behind every building. Most of what we saw was 1970 and later. No Vade Mecum bottles here.

Open shed on Orrell Rd

A quick walk on the periphery of some old fields, puts us back by the old road next to a chimney. We followed this for quite a distance into the woods. Just about the time the road looked like it would end, we came upon the well worn timber road I mentioned earlier. We followed this toward Mill Creek and explored Mill Creek along another old farm road.  

Pickup cab on top of dump

Following Mill Creek, we reached the state park boundary. This one has been flagged and painted. On the return, we needed to cross Mill Creek twice or not at all. The "not at all" option required a bushwhack on steep terrain but no wet feet. I opted to cross the creek in my sandals. We all ended up at Orrell Rd at the same time going either way.

Dec 2 Lions Mane

You've probably seen this fungus growing on trees. It looks shaggy, like a lion's mane. The spikes are soft and can be broken off easily. When cut, the fungus reminds me of slicing a cauliflower. They will absorb water more than most fungi. This one was sodden and quite heavy. 

Lion's mane has so many health benefits, they are too numerous to list all. Besides being a tasty fungus, it is grown for commercial purposes. Often found in powdered form as a health supplement, lion's mane's is widely used in Asian countries. A couple of compounds found in the fungus promote the growth of brain cells, improving memory. Animal studies have shown some improvement for Alzheimer's disease. Other health claims involve treating heart disease, anxiety, depression, cancer and managing diabetes symptoms. It also boosts the immune system. However, all these benefits disappear when supplements are stopped. 

I decided not to cook this one since it had absorbed so much water from recent rains.