“Pennsylvania perfect” indeed brother. Love that catch phrase and very apropos for this video and the scenery captured. Every choice made in the editing, shots, and scoring down to the thumbnail used was pitch perfect Walter. And the running theme of peace from the overlooks, beautiful cemetery, and dark skies intentionally or unintentionally was beautifully done. Love visiting old country cemetery’s with their simple but beautiful headstones and paying respects to those laid to rest within their boundaries. Really appreciated that part and honor paid. You can’t visit a Kettle Creek or Cherry Springs night sky without walking away profoundly changed at the realization of what we are missing in our night sky’s and the disconnect light pollution has forced upon us all. After experiencing PA’s dark skies parks and dark sky programs personally I’ve been an evangelist to my friends and family to go and experience it. Videos like yours and others highlighting these days sky parks are doing the important work to open more eyes to what we all are missing and could have again through conservation and the simple act of turning off unnecessary lights. Keep hitting that trail and hope to see you out there on it one day!
I agree it's of fundamental importance to create awareness about the plague of light pollution, it doesn't mean no lights at night, just use the right fixtures and direct the light down and that will solve a big chunk of the problem. Your comments are so eloquent it's hard to really add to them, I appreciate your support and engagement with the channel I really do. One thing I was thinking about at the cemetery was if those civil war veterans were members of the famed PA bucktails 42nd Pennsylvania reserves who all came from that region and earned distinction during the war, that would have been neat.
❤😊❤my favorite video you have made!!! But I am partial to this area. The sights and your choice of music is out of this world! Thank you walter. We have seen elk on some of those back roads and pipelines!❤❤❤❤
I would love to spend more time in that region, but it is quite a haul for me to get there. Late in the evening as I was sitting by the lake I heard a loud noise echoing across the lake and off the mountains. At first I thought it was young kids yelling or screaming, but I'm now wondering in the back of my mind was it an elk bugling? And yes seeing the elk herd is another item on the to do list!
I may be headed to Cross Fork sometimes soon. I want to an overnight backpacking trip into the Hammersly Fork Wilderness, and I believe the trail head is located right in Cross Fork!
Absolutely stunning b-roll footage Walter. Your videos are real little masterpieces! The composition here of each shot speaks a thousand words. Bravo maestro 👏👏👏
This was so nice. I loved the state park with so many different environments, all beautiful. The vistas you featured were gorgeous, but my favorite spot was the 'butter' one with the moss and the babbling water. Thanks for capturing all of it so exquisitly. Peace & Prayers.
Thank you Carol. My personal favorite was the first vista on the way up or actually just sitting out at night in the field after the night sky program and just looking up at the stars and seeing all of that.
@@WALTERZOLNA I want to see the night sky like that! Its far, but not too far, and with great camping I see why it's a favorite. I have it earmarked. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping and recognizing the cemetery. I can't imagine what the job was like to relocate but an essential one. Another beautiful adventure in your beautiful state. I am glad you let us know about your interview. I look forward to seeing it.
Thanks again Cathy for your support of the channel. Yes the moving of the gravestones and remains, not the job I would want. So many of the man made reservoirs in Pennsylvania have a similiar story of buildings, structures, and other signs of human habitation being submerged, its rather interesting but also a bit sad.
Thanks my friend, I definitely strive for that relaxing vibe, getting out into nature helps me relax and unwind from the daily grind. The PA Wilds are definitely a special location.
Thank you for featuring my home area so beautifully. My Grandparents farmhouse was situated to the left of the boat ramp. My parents ,grandparents ,great grandparents and so many loved ones are buried at the New Maple Grove cemetery. Walked and hunted those hills many times over the years. I've laid out and watched the night skies and shooting stars and am always amazed by the beauty.
It's a different level of nature out there in the wilds, it's a real sense of remoteness, you really feel it when you drive around and pass nothing but mountains and trees - just how I like it🙂
It is fascinating but also somewhat tragic I feel.The night sky is such a beautiful site to behold, if more people only knew the magic that was up there but is sadly hidden by all the artificial light. Thanks for the comments, and yes beautiful area indeed.
That's awesome thanks for checking out the channel, I haven't explored much of southwestern PA but I hope to soon, appreciate your comments @themesmith
Great video. You do such a great job of capturing scenery photographically. Love that area. One winter, the day after a snowfall, I hiked up the Butler Hollow Trail to Kettle Creek Vista. The road wasn't drivable, so I had the place to myself. It was great.
Spectacular view and the clouds so stunning.Driving in peaceful place going to a great hiking trail adventure.Large forest really green,butterfly,flowers,cemetery,lake and mountain view is awesome.Such a beautiful scenic of Pensalvinia.A day of great adventure video must shared.Stay safe and have a blessed day.
Oh yea, the night sky is such a special thing to behold many folks go there entire life without ever seeing a really dark sky. And truthfully even Cherry Springs and Kettle Creek don't really compare to the locations out west, but they are still awesome compared to living anywhere near a developed area. This is really a big problem for society and one that could be fixed alot if better methods of lighting were implemented.
I especially enjoyed the night sky portion and information on light pollution. I had no idea we had such amazing stargazing here in Pennsylvania - really incredible looking.
Light pollution is really one of my biggest pet peeves, it's something I would like to raise more awareness about. The saddest part of the issue is that most people are completely unaware of the problem and don't know what they are losing, it's heartbreaking to me.
@@WALTERZOLNA I see it in my local neighborhood how many lights people leave on at night outside, like flood lights. I think you are right that people don't realize the impact it has on light pollution and also wildlife. Glad you are raising awareness about the issue.
I have been to many of PA's parks but still have many more to see. I am a huge advocate for the Pennsylvania State Park system. Thanks for checking out the video @glennmorrell4907
Co Worker Was Just At Cherry Springs Park-On A Apparently The Best Night Of The Month in July For Viewing. This Iconic Area-He Indicated Too Me-Simply Breathtaking & a Must Do Adventure. Great Choice Walt!!
One of my favorite aspects of camping is being able to sit back and look up at the night sky and ponder on our existence and what else must be out there. That region of Pennsylvania is as good as it gets for the east coast until you get up to the Adirondacks or the most remote parts of west Virginia. Thanks for the comments Ken.
Nice video, as always. It's a really pretty area. We camped there 3 years ago and explored the area on our motorcycle. I have some awesome photos on my facebook page that just popped up and reminded me.
I can imagine cruising around that area on a motorcycle is a blast! On my return home I was taking the scenic route and there were stretches for miles without any real signs of human presence, just beautiful nature...
Excellent video. So many cinematic moments. I like the butterfly shots. I also filmed one recently, but didn’t like the footage so I had to scrap it. I’ll have to look for that podcast too. So many great moments here. The views. The narrating at specific moments. The music that fit so well just to name a few. I also like what you did at the end with the stars. Thumbs up. 👍
Appreciate that buddy, I know you have a very critical eye and I value your feedback. I recently filmed two videos and scrapped both of them because upon viewing the footage I just felt they weren't up to snuff. Quality over quantity is the way to go - just my opinion.
Great video of my favorite state park! I should’ve told you where to find the elk, they’re almost always there. That place has a certain ambiance, you just won’t find anywhere else. Great place to relax!
Yes, you should have told me!!! I was led to believe that Kettle Creek was the eastern edge of there range and they weren't very common there, but that was about 15 years ago. I heard a really loud high pitched noise around 7pm down by the lake. At first I thought it was kids yelling or screaming, but now I'm wondering if it was an elk bugling maybe?🤷♂️
@@WALTERZOLNA I would imagine the noise was the eagles. They make a really high pitched scream. It’s a bit early yet for elk bugling. It is very close to the eastern most place in their range, but Kettle has a decent sized heard. I’ve seen them up near the route 144 bridge over kettle creeks. That grassy path you were on is a good spot to see elk in the evening. They seem to be gravitating towards private land, which is really irritating the land owners. There’s a place back on Proctor Road, where I always see elk, but if that guy sees people watching the elk, he’ll chase the elk away on a 4 wheeler. I can’t remember if I filmed the elk for my videos last year. It’s crazy, I can’t even remember what’s on my own channel at this point…
Being a closer astronomy buff with a limited amount of knowledge, I was in awe of the night time sky that you presented. I am sure that I will seek a place, such as this, to get back in touch with what our maker has created. Absolutely stunning views from trail to sky! Thanks for sharing.
Definitely one of my favorite aspects of camping is looking up at the stars at night, here in eastern Montgomery County the ligt pollution is horrendous. Perseid meteor shower next weekend - if the skies are clear there will be very little moonlight- should be spectacular!
That's super kind of you thanks so much. I'm trying to make a horror themed video for Halloween based on my love of hiking history and the strange and unusual and I see you have a lot of that type content so I will def be checking through your back catalog, you have so much great looking content!
Hi. I began watching this video on my phone. Then I said, "I must watch this on TV". Wow, I did. Fantastic content. My evening entertainment. BTW, My subscriptions have reached 100. Doubled since the Meet. Thanks so much.
Pennsylvania perfect or PAradise! I enjoy and look forward to watching your videos. I especially enjoyed the information on light pollution. I’ve recently gone done the rabbit hole of light and noise pollution. Some interesting research if you’re interested. I look forward to watching your next video. 🥾🎒
Yes I am very interested in these topics Kevin. Light pollution is something that I have been focusing on for quite awhile, it really frustrates me." PAradise" I like that one, i never heard that one before, and thanks so much for sticking with me and the channel.
Wonderful footage as always! What stands out to me is the star and milky way footage. I tried to do this in Montana, but botched the settings... My Insta360 can do it, but "user error", lol. Kettle Creek is still on my list of state parks to do, so a very descriptive and informative video like this will help. I'm pretty sure the Bucktail road is also technically a state park, even though it's a road. Cheers, bro!
Im still working on the astrophotography settings myself. Kettle Creek is a good one for sure, so is nearby Sinnamahoning. I thought about combining both into one video but there is just too much to cover and each deserves there own. Can't wait for your epic road trip videos to start coming out, it must have been spectacular out there!
Thanks Brian. I didn't really check out the other campsites too well, so I can't really comment on that. Just on what my gut is telling me the sights weren't the biggest or best. But it is an amazing park, one of my favorites in Pennsylvania.
The stars are sadly disappearing more every year. When I first moved to SC we could see them so vividly. A few thousand new homes later, and they are not as noticeable anymore.
Yes I have heard that about Kettle Creek. When I visited there the first time about 25 years ago I distinctly remember the park ranger warning me about the rattlers especially up on the mountains...
“Pennsylvania perfect” indeed brother. Love that catch phrase and very apropos for this video and the scenery captured. Every choice made in the editing, shots, and scoring down to the thumbnail used was pitch perfect Walter. And the running theme of peace from the overlooks, beautiful cemetery, and dark skies intentionally or unintentionally was beautifully done. Love visiting old country cemetery’s with their simple but beautiful headstones and paying respects to those laid to rest within their boundaries. Really appreciated that part and honor paid. You can’t visit a Kettle Creek or Cherry Springs night sky without walking away profoundly changed at the realization of what we are missing in our night sky’s and the disconnect light pollution has forced upon us all. After experiencing PA’s dark skies parks and dark sky programs personally I’ve been an evangelist to my friends and family to go and experience it. Videos like yours and others highlighting these days sky parks are doing the important work to open more eyes to what we all are missing and could have again through conservation and the simple act of turning off unnecessary lights. Keep hitting that trail and hope to see you out there on it one day!
I agree it's of fundamental importance to create awareness about the plague of light pollution, it doesn't mean no lights at night, just use the right fixtures and direct the light down and that will solve a big chunk of the problem. Your comments are so eloquent it's hard to really add to them, I appreciate your support and engagement with the channel I really do. One thing I was thinking about at the cemetery was if those civil war veterans were members of the famed PA bucktails 42nd Pennsylvania reserves who all came from that region and earned distinction during the war, that would have been neat.
❤😊❤my favorite video you have made!!! But I am partial to this area. The sights and your choice of music is out of this world!
Thank you walter. We have seen elk on some of those back roads and pipelines!❤❤❤❤
I would love to spend more time in that region, but it is quite a haul for me to get there. Late in the evening as I was sitting by the lake I heard a loud noise echoing across the lake and off the mountains. At first I thought it was young kids yelling or screaming, but I'm now wondering in the back of my mind was it an elk bugling? And yes seeing the elk herd is another item on the to do list!
❤love it! My old stomping areas!!! Thanks walter! I will be at my son's camp in cross fork for labor day weekend!🎉😊❤❤❤❤❤❤😊
I may be headed to Cross Fork sometimes soon. I want to an overnight backpacking trip into the Hammersly Fork Wilderness, and I believe the trail head is located right in Cross Fork!
Absolutely stunning b-roll footage Walter. Your videos are real little masterpieces! The composition here of each shot speaks a thousand words. Bravo maestro 👏👏👏
Thanks my friend, I'm just trying my best to make the best content I can, and trying to reach your standard of excellence!
So glad to see a new video!! You are so inspiring and what a stunning place to visit! Adding it to my list!
Thanks Darcy, all of the PA Wilds are full of wonders, an amazing place, hope you are able to get up there sometime.
truly beautiful!
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you.
This was so nice. I loved the state park with so many different environments, all beautiful. The vistas you featured were gorgeous, but my favorite spot was the 'butter' one with the moss and the babbling water. Thanks for capturing all of it so exquisitly. Peace & Prayers.
Thank you Carol. My personal favorite was the first vista on the way up or actually just sitting out at night in the field after the night sky program and just looking up at the stars and seeing all of that.
@@WALTERZOLNA I want to see the night sky like that! Its far, but not too far, and with great camping I see why it's a favorite. I have it earmarked. Thanks for sharing!
So enjoyable! Such great content! Thanks for another video that showcases how special Pennsylvania really is.
Thanks Jeff, I really appreciate that buddy!
Oh Walter, you are Pennsylvania’s greatest ambassador! You showcase the very best of our wonderful state. Thank you.
Thanks so much for that @rbpat52 I do my best. Great to hear from you, so much to see in Pennsylvania it helps make my job easier!
Thanks for stopping and recognizing the cemetery. I can't imagine what the job was like to relocate but an essential one. Another beautiful adventure in your beautiful state. I am glad you let us know about your interview. I look forward to seeing it.
Thanks again Cathy for your support of the channel. Yes the moving of the gravestones and remains, not the job I would want. So many of the man made reservoirs in Pennsylvania have a similiar story of buildings, structures, and other signs of human habitation being submerged, its rather interesting but also a bit sad.
Awesome, great views . Its is amazing how green everything is and no sounds of cars zooming past. Just relaxing to watch .👍👍
Thanks my friend, I definitely strive for that relaxing vibe, getting out into nature helps me relax and unwind from the daily grind. The PA Wilds are definitely a special location.
Kettle Creek is an amazing place. One of my favorite state parks. Thank you for visiting here.
I truly love Kettle Creek, this part of Pennsylvania has a special place in my heart.
Thanks!
Again, just thanks so much Debbie I'm truly speechless I appreciate you so much!🤗
Always welcome 🙏 walter. I appreciate all your hard work. Hope someday you can quit your job and do this fulltime!!!
@@debbiehills2928 that would be a dream come true...
Thank you for featuring my home area so beautifully. My Grandparents farmhouse was situated to the left of the boat ramp. My parents ,grandparents ,great grandparents and so many loved ones are buried at the New Maple Grove cemetery. Walked and hunted those hills many times over the years. I've laid out and watched the night skies and shooting stars and am always amazed by the beauty.
Thanks for the comments David. It is beautiful country up there for sure, a very special place....
Great work Walter. Go Birds
Thanks for checking out the video my friend, and go birds, season is right around the corner!
Right on brother! Great park. We did see a few elk when we was there! Enjoyed the video.
It is an awesome park, wish I would have seen some elk, thanks for checking out the vid buddy!
Pennsylvania perfect is correct!
Thanks, I was right there with you 🙂Keep on adventuring!
👍🙂🥾🌲🙏
It's a different level of nature out there in the wilds, it's a real sense of remoteness, you really feel it when you drive around and pass nothing but mountains and trees - just how I like it🙂
@@WALTERZOLNA 😁👍
Great video Walter. Beautiful place.
Thanks my friend, it sure is an awesome spot, I really love it up there.
Such a beautiful area! The light pollution map was fascinating. Great video!
It is fascinating but also somewhat tragic I feel.The night sky is such a beautiful site to behold, if more people only knew the magic that was up there but is sadly hidden by all the artificial light. Thanks for the comments, and yes beautiful area indeed.
@@WALTERZOLNA I agree. We’re going to Alaska soon and we hope to see some areas with little to no light pollution.
@@GlennaRedcliffe that's awesome, sounds exciting, maybe you will get lucky and see the northern lights too!
So happy to have found you through Frank. I grew up in the woods of Southwestern PA and it was Peace.
That's awesome thanks for checking out the channel, I haven't explored much of southwestern PA but I hope to soon, appreciate your comments @themesmith
Great video. You do such a great job of capturing scenery photographically. Love that area. One winter, the day after a snowfall, I hiked up the Butler Hollow Trail to Kettle Creek Vista. The road wasn't drivable, so I had the place to myself. It was great.
Now that sounds awesome, must have been a wonderfully peaceful time. That's really one of my favorites PA state parks!
Spectacular view and the clouds so stunning.Driving in peaceful place going to a great hiking trail adventure.Large forest really green,butterfly,flowers,cemetery,lake and mountain view is awesome.Such a beautiful scenic of Pensalvinia.A day of great adventure video must shared.Stay safe and have a blessed day.
Thank you so much for watching and your kind words my friend, blessings to you as well.
I'd never heard of Dark Sky Preserves. As always a great video.
Oh yea, the night sky is such a special thing to behold many folks go there entire life without ever seeing a really dark sky. And truthfully even Cherry Springs and Kettle Creek don't really compare to the locations out west, but they are still awesome compared to living anywhere near a developed area. This is really a big problem for society and one that could be fixed alot if better methods of lighting were implemented.
I especially enjoyed the night sky portion and information on light pollution. I had no idea we had such amazing stargazing here in Pennsylvania - really incredible looking.
Light pollution is really one of my biggest pet peeves, it's something I would like to raise more awareness about. The saddest part of the issue is that most people are completely unaware of the problem and don't know what they are losing, it's heartbreaking to me.
@@WALTERZOLNA I see it in my local neighborhood how many lights people leave on at night outside, like flood lights. I think you are right that people don't realize the impact it has on light pollution and also wildlife. Glad you are raising awareness about the issue.
@@hikingoutdoorfamily in my neighborhood there is so much light at night it doesn't even feel like its nightime, smh...
Glad this video appeared on my feed. CCSP is truly a special place. Hope you visit other scenic state parks in PA…
I have been to many of PA's parks but still have many more to see. I am a huge advocate for the Pennsylvania State Park system. Thanks for checking out the video @glennmorrell4907
Co Worker Was Just At Cherry Springs Park-On A Apparently The Best Night Of The Month in July For Viewing. This Iconic Area-He Indicated Too Me-Simply Breathtaking & a Must Do Adventure. Great Choice Walt!!
One of my favorite aspects of camping is being able to sit back and look up at the night sky and ponder on our existence and what else must be out there. That region of Pennsylvania is as good as it gets for the east coast until you get up to the Adirondacks or the most remote parts of west Virginia. Thanks for the comments Ken.
Nice video, as always. It's a really pretty area. We camped there 3 years ago and explored the area on our motorcycle. I have some awesome photos on my facebook page that just popped up and reminded me.
I can imagine cruising around that area on a motorcycle is a blast! On my return home I was taking the scenic route and there were stretches for miles without any real signs of human presence, just beautiful nature...
Outstanding presentation as always. This is a great informative video!
Thanks alot Jeremy, that's greatly appreciated, wish I could spend more time in that part of the state!
Excellent video. So many cinematic moments. I like the butterfly shots. I also filmed one recently, but didn’t like the footage so I had to scrap it. I’ll have to look for that podcast too. So many great moments here. The views. The narrating at specific moments. The music that fit so well just to name a few. I also like what you did at the end with the stars. Thumbs up. 👍
Appreciate that buddy, I know you have a very critical eye and I value your feedback. I recently filmed two videos and scrapped both of them because upon viewing the footage I just felt they weren't up to snuff. Quality over quantity is the way to go - just my opinion.
Wonderful area to explore. Thanks for explaining the GAR! Bruce and Otis
Thanks for being part of the community Bruce. And Otis as well, lol
Great video of my favorite state park! I should’ve told you where to find the elk, they’re almost always there. That place has a certain ambiance, you just won’t find anywhere else. Great place to relax!
Yes, you should have told me!!! I was led to believe that Kettle Creek was the eastern edge of there range and they weren't very common there, but that was about 15 years ago. I heard a really loud high pitched noise around 7pm down by the lake. At first I thought it was kids yelling or screaming, but now I'm wondering if it was an elk bugling maybe?🤷♂️
@@WALTERZOLNA I would imagine the noise was the eagles. They make a really high pitched scream. It’s a bit early yet for elk bugling.
It is very close to the eastern most place in their range, but Kettle has a decent sized heard. I’ve seen them up near the route 144 bridge over kettle creeks. That grassy path you were on is a good spot to see elk in the evening.
They seem to be gravitating towards private land, which is really irritating the land owners. There’s a place back on Proctor Road, where I always see elk, but if that guy sees people watching the elk, he’ll chase the elk away on a 4 wheeler.
I can’t remember if I filmed the elk for my videos last year. It’s crazy, I can’t even remember what’s on my own channel at this point…
Being a closer astronomy buff with a limited amount of knowledge, I was in awe of the night time sky that you presented. I am sure that I will seek a place, such as this, to get back in touch with what our maker has created. Absolutely stunning views from trail to sky! Thanks for sharing.
Definitely one of my favorite aspects of camping is looking up at the stars at night, here in eastern Montgomery County the ligt pollution is horrendous. Perseid meteor shower next weekend - if the skies are clear there will be very little moonlight- should be spectacular!
Hey man great work! I just subscribed.
That's super kind of you thanks so much. I'm trying to make a horror themed video for Halloween based on my love of hiking history and the strange and unusual and I see you have a lot of that type content so I will def be checking through your back catalog, you have so much great looking content!
@@WALTERZOLNA thanks man I like your style too. Halloween is definitely my favorite time of the year.
Hi. I began watching this video on my phone. Then I said, "I must watch this on TV". Wow, I did. Fantastic content. My evening entertainment. BTW, My subscriptions have reached 100. Doubled since the Meet. Thanks so much.
Im so happy to hear that your subscribers has grown! Im glad you liked the video, thanks so much Quietjohn.
Pennsylvania perfect or PAradise! I enjoy and look forward to watching your videos. I especially enjoyed the information on light pollution. I’ve recently gone done the rabbit hole of light and noise pollution. Some interesting research if you’re interested. I look forward to watching your next video. 🥾🎒
Yes I am very interested in these topics Kevin. Light pollution is something that I have been focusing on for quite awhile, it really frustrates me." PAradise" I like that one, i never heard that one before, and thanks so much for sticking with me and the channel.
Wonderful footage as always! What stands out to me is the star and milky way footage. I tried to do this in Montana, but botched the settings... My Insta360 can do it, but "user error", lol. Kettle Creek is still on my list of state parks to do, so a very descriptive and informative video like this will help. I'm pretty sure the Bucktail road is also technically a state park, even though it's a road. Cheers, bro!
Im still working on the astrophotography settings myself. Kettle Creek is a good one for sure, so is nearby Sinnamahoning. I thought about combining both into one video but there is just too much to cover and each deserves there own. Can't wait for your epic road trip videos to start coming out, it must have been spectacular out there!
@@WALTERZOLNA they started yesterday... 18 videos, Tuesdays and Saturdays through the end of September!
Another great video. We love the PA Wilds🌲🌲🌲
How were the campsites? We have a pretty big ⛺️ so it needs a decent level area.
Thanks Brian. I didn't really check out the other campsites too well, so I can't really comment on that. Just on what my gut is telling me the sights weren't the biggest or best. But it is an amazing park, one of my favorites in Pennsylvania.
We have a camp 10 minutes away from here. This is truly a great place. Check out the Donut Hole Trail sometime
I've heard Donut Hole is one of the hardest and least used trails in PA.
Very remote
It is a very special place. Look in to Round Island Run Falls.
I hope to get there some day, I think I saw your video from there, wish I was able to get into that region more often.
Been camping there for 66 years ran into about 15 elk at the end of beaver dam last year
It's one of those places people return to year after year. Like I said in the video it's "Pennsylvania Perfect"
No naps!
The stars are sadly disappearing more every year. When I first moved to SC we could see them so vividly. A few thousand new homes later, and they are not as noticeable anymore.
I worked 12 hours the day before then got up at 3 and drove 4 hours to get to the park, so I needed a bit of beauty sleep😁
Lots of snakes too, poisonous ones too!!!
Yes I have heard that about Kettle Creek. When I visited there the first time about 25 years ago I distinctly remember the park ranger warning me about the rattlers especially up on the mountains...