Nature Center and Chilly Weather

Silver Lake: Nature Center

Bristol, PA

January has hit us hard. Between the rain and small amount of snow to the bitter cold temperatures plus the persistent cold that has dogged both Max and I on and off since December, we just haven't gotten out much. It is just simply easier to stay home, watch never-ending episodes of Paw Patrol and Youtube videos about cars while trying to stave off cabin fever. At least once a week, I find myself purging toys and clothes or rearranging items or redecorating a room.

We did have some luck at the beginning of the month. Typically when we go to Silver Lake, we tend to only go to the playground and lakeside. Rarely do we explore the Nature Center side which is truly a shame because it is pretty cool. Not to mention there was a lot over that I simply never noticed. I am an absolute sucker for parks that have little libraries. Positioned by the pavilion dedicated to eating, there is a decorated box where you can take books and leave books.

There is a children's play area on the Nature Center side which includes a small stream (during good weather) with a wooden bridge, balancing steps, hills, and a maze. Since the off season makes everything look dull and brown, it was hard to really decipher all that the children's play area had to offer. I cannot wait to come back when the weather is nicer.

We also discovered a giant bird, frog, and turtle wooden statue outside the Nature Center doors which utterly fascinated Max. The bird was legit bigger than him! He gave kisses to the frog and sat with the turtle before skipping around to examine all the unique angles of the carved statue. Once he had his fill, we continued on. We came to this area with a stone flooring and what looked like reminiscent of fencing you'd see in a zen garden.

The zen-like area faced a beautiful pond that still shone in the cold light of winter. Max attempted to throw dried leaves that still littered the ground into the water only to discover they stuck to his gloves. Once he finally got one in, he raced off to walk the stone wall that was positioned to the right of the pond. Back and forth. Back and forth.

It took a lot of convincing to get to him leave. The cold certainly does not bother him! His smiles were worth braving the chilly day.

Our Stats

Pros: Natural play area for kids, short hikes

Cons: 

Max's Recommendation: "The pond because there are fish in there!"

Overall Rating 6/10

Hidden Gem

Del Haas Woods
Bristol, Pa

After our visit to Rancocas State park back in the beginning ish of October, I was really excited to find more abandoned places. So I began to comb the internet for more abandoned places to visit. I was surprised to discover that a park I have been to a thousand times had an old munitions bunker within its depths! Many people in our area have heard of or been to Silver Lake. However it seems many have overlooked Delhaas Woods. Personally, I have seen the sign driving by before. Not sure why I never thought that it was actually woods.  Delhaas Woods is located across the street from Silver Lake Nature Center; which is where we ended up parking.

It isn't too often that we discover a park near us that we haven't explored before so there was something magical about walking through these woods. Leaves were bursting with golds, reds and oranges. Deer traipsed right by us. What made a crazy contrast was the fact that apartments, neighborhoods and an industrial park outlined the edges of this hidden paradise. Now I wish I could give simple directions such as turn left at the big tree and go right here but, honestly, we got a bit lost.  However the trail name that we followed was named Willow Oak.

Bright blue beckoned us from within the trees signaling which direction to follow. We came to the munitions bunker and were in awe of how much was still present. The wall on top of the bunker was huge and covered in colorful graffiti. There are rather large holes in the concrete so please be careful when walking around. There was even this cool old boat slowly decaying away nearby.

Wandering around provided us with the amazing opportunity to see some really neat things. We came across this Are You Afraid of the Dark type set up. Within this clearing surrounded by dirt hills on all sides but one was a camp fire with logs formed into seating. There was even a table by the fire pit. There were pathways to follow that reminded Max of train tracks.

I am super happy with this find and cannot wait to go back!

Our Stats

Pros: Moderate hike

Cons: No bathrooms, the parking lot is across the street

Max's Recommendation: The tree stub fire pit

 My Recommendation: The munitions building rubble

Overall Rating 6/10