The Circle Unbroken
Swatara River from the Appalachian Trail bridge, looking north.
I met Angel Croll one cold, late winter day in 2010 in her office at Memorial Lake State Park. Originally from Texas, she was now superintendent of both Memorial Lake and Swatara State Parks.
I was looking for volunteer work in the outdoors. Angel welcomed me as a walk-in and we talked for nearly three hours (and I am not a talker). I left with pages of notes, Swatara's historic master plan, and great enthusiasm.
Angel was instrumental in starting Friends of Swatara State Park, coordinating among different groups: hunters, horseback-riders, Swatara Water Trail volunteers, canoe and kayak enthusiasts, mountain bikers, hikers, and history buffs.
Park projects had long been planned but never developed. Then last fall Tropical Storm Lee destroyed sections of the rail trail. But since then work has progressed.
I was looking for volunteer work in the outdoors. Angel welcomed me as a walk-in and we talked for nearly three hours (and I am not a talker). I left with pages of notes, Swatara's historic master plan, and great enthusiasm.
Angel was instrumental in starting Friends of Swatara State Park, coordinating among different groups: hunters, horseback-riders, Swatara Water Trail volunteers, canoe and kayak enthusiasts, mountain bikers, hikers, and history buffs.
Park projects had long been planned but never developed. Then last fall Tropical Storm Lee destroyed sections of the rail trail. But since then work has progressed.
A new guard rail where none existed before! And triple-wide and smooth. This is getting way civilized!
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This new bridge restores the rail crossing over Mill Creek. Now people can connect with Swopes Valley Road and complete a circuit without having to use State Route 443.
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This is a new parking area for the planned boat launch near the famous fossil pit.
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Imprint of an ancient sea shell. Almost every rock you pick up here contains fossils.
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View of the Appalachian Trail bridge looking south.
Last spring Angel wrote a letter to the Friends group telling everybody she and her family had decided to return to Texas:
"It has been my pleasure to witness the creation of Friends of Swatara State Park," she wrote. "I believe parks are for people to enjoy -- relax or be active, to be social or solitary, to learn and observe nature. I am proud of the work you've accomplished in a relatively short period of time. Continue to share your knowledge and passion so others will appreciate Swatara State Park as much as you do."
One note of caution: This ain't your suburban park. It's always been hunting country. Be mindful of that, and wear blaze orange, both on you and your pets.
"It has been my pleasure to witness the creation of Friends of Swatara State Park," she wrote. "I believe parks are for people to enjoy -- relax or be active, to be social or solitary, to learn and observe nature. I am proud of the work you've accomplished in a relatively short period of time. Continue to share your knowledge and passion so others will appreciate Swatara State Park as much as you do."
One note of caution: This ain't your suburban park. It's always been hunting country. Be mindful of that, and wear blaze orange, both on you and your pets.
My trusty bike stands guard against bears at the fossil pit.
