Thank you to the hikers of Southeastern Pennsylvania!
There are already a handful of hikers who have walked, talked, and explored their environments with sticks from the project. And they were kind enough to share their experiences! Stay tuned as more people share their submissions!
​Hi! I was so excited to find your stick at the trailhead of the Ruth Will Trail in the Tiadaghton State Forest near Clinton County. Your stick has definitely traveled far from its original location, that’s for sure! My friend and I hiked the trail and I was immediately aware of the intense beauty of the forest. The mountain laurel along the trail’s side was so thick that it seemed as if you would get lost if you stepped inside. We soon came upon an interesting small stone structure near a creek that we learned was a pump house from long ago. As we continued our hike, we noticed huckleberry bushes, green ferns and the blue sky above. All of a sudden, though, we heard a very loud rattle and quickly saw a large rattlesnake coiled up in the middle of the trail. Unsure how to get past it, I happened to look down at my feet only to spy a second snake coiled up into a ball! We quickly stepped backward only to hear the loud rattling of a third snake! Unfortunately, we decided to end our hike and go back the way we came from as the first snake was still not moving from the trail and we weren’t sure how many more snakes we would encounter ahead. (We actually thought about using your stick to fling the snakes aside but we’re unsure of the consequences!). We left the stick back at the trailhead and hope that the next person to use it is lucky enough to not come upon any snakes!
Thank you for doing this project. Woodpeckers are some of the coolest birds and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing pileated woodpeckers in my own yard. Your artwork is so beautiful and I really enjoyed taking this walking stick along on our short hike. Thank you again!! --Jami Fisher
Thanks for the walk, stick 10 is waiting here for its next companion!
Chris
A walk in the meadows!
At the Natural Lands Bryn Coed Preserve, I found a walking stick. It was designed with a beetle like bug and gentle greens and yellows. This matched the wonderful fields of the Preserve.
Walking, with my friend, and carrying the stick reminded me to watch for the insects flying, walking or hiding in the field.
It is natural for me to look for the flowers, the birds and the general beauty of the walking area. The spring flowers were still in bloom, the bushes were ready to ripen with berries , the new grasses that had been more recently planted were abundant. There was joy in seeing this area reverting to a natural setting. The birds made a cacophony of sounds all around us. We happened upon a proper bird watcher taking photos of birds.
The difference that the stick prodded us towards was to actually look for the insects that were all around us. We viewed many bees, many butterflies and all sorts of insects that flew over the fields! It was a time to stop and see how important these insects are to the life of the world around us.
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​Thanks for sharing your stick with us!
Lynn Boukalik
We were right by the white covered bridge on Valley Creek Trail at VF park! Feel free to share!
--Matthew
Hi!
Me, my mom, and boyfriend found number ten walkabout talkabout stick! We hiked for awhile with it and looked it over and noticed it was based off of Black Bird by the Beatles and that was the song we played for my dad’s funeral. It felt like a sign from my dad and it was such a coincidence because yesterday was my aunt’s memorial and she loved to sing and it felt good to find it. We really appreciate you doing this and I can’t wait to find more!!
Cecily
We found stick #10 💕my 3 sons posed with it at Valley Forge National Park! -Karen
Hello!
My dog and I found your walking stick at the Central PV Park and took it with us back to the Graterford Trailhead (near PA Live Steamers). On the way, we met a lot of people who said Hi, and one man asked if that was my dog's stick, to which I replied yes, but I had to carry it for him. We actually took the stick down towards the Skippack trail, near the power lines before we got back to our car.
Anyhow, here's some pics from our adventures!
Best,
Karen and Tank ​
Hi there!
I just moved to North Wales about 3 months ago, and this was my first hike in this area. What a fun surprise to have this walking stick sitting at the trail head! And even better that I could take some photos throughout my hike while wearing my KDA shirt as well! I donated my kidney to a friend from college about 6 years ago :)
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Thanks again for this fun project! I'm attaching a few photos from my hike, just trying to pass along some good vibes and an attitude of gratitude!
Thanks again!
Ali