finally found the trail head

 I didn't have plans to walk Saturday, but the aftermath of Friday's storm was everywhere -- downed trees, downed powerlines lines, blackouts, and icy sidewalks. But it was sunny and beautiful. The 70 MPH winds had died down to about 30-40 MPH. The streets were clean. And the Girl Scout event I was to be chaperoning was canceled.

I decided I would just walk in the neighborhood. I'd take the dog, then drop him off and continue for an hour or so. It was pretty out. No such luck.  Between the fallen trees and butt holes who don't shovel, it was dangerous. We both came home.

Sunday I had to go to AC Moore for Pat. I decided to go to the Hanover Township (Lehigh County)  trailhead of the D&L. It's about a mile and a half until you get to Catty. It would be muddy, but there shouldn't be issues with powerlines. I decided that if I arrived at a tree issue I'd just turn around.

I came down Irving Street and turned right. I went the wrong way. I ended up in Catty. The trail sign, above, points to railroad tracks--not a trail. It's always puzzled me. I turned up Front Street to see if I could find a Canal Street. I made the first left, and I could see the towpath. But where to park? I turned onto Canal and saw a lot.

The entrance was filled with water, but the above signs were there. Clearly it was public parking. At the far end, where it looked to be more historic buildings, was a no trespassing sign. I would have gone to the museums. (Open at 8 Race Street on Sunday from May - September. Bet the No Trespassing sign is down then.) You know how I love a little museum. And a handmade sign.

I also saw this bridge over the canal and there was a path on the other side. I was optimistic.

When I saw the quinessential D&L Historic Marker I knew I found the trailhead. In an alley, behind historic buildings with absolutely no directions.  (As I walked I was designing wayfinding markers. This is not the first time that I've needed them!)

My first question was "what is Deily Coal Yards"? So I looked on the Catasauqua Historical Society web page.  It's huge. Who knew? And they having walking tours ... of Catty! Here are a couple tidbits from the page about the parking lot signs:

"The coal yard here was first operated by Edwin V. Swartz from 1876 to 1882 and taken over by Deily in 1884. Three huge mounds of coal, one each of pea, chestnut, and stove dominated the yard.  Sanborn maps show an expansion of the mule barn between 1902 and 1908 and addition of the derricks to unload coal from the canal boars between 1908 and 1913."

"Frederick Biery was a farmer and also operated the (silk) mill from 1800-1850. He had five sons and three daughters. All three of these stone structures at the corner of Lehigh and Race were built using native stone."

I crossed the bridge and all I see ion either side is a canal filled with trash. The canal is dry at portions, over grown with weeds at other points. A little water or full at other places.  And I know why. Part of it I'm sure is liter. But along the canal are giant storm sewer outlets. The overflow must drain into what's left of the canal. And it brings the street trash with it.

It's not a pretty section of the trail.  There is a thin line of scrub trees on either side. The railroad tracks were on my left, and a polluted canal on the right. Graffiti is everywhere. At one point another trail breaks off and turns left under the railroad tracks. I don't know where that trail goes, but it made a cool picture.

I'm not sure what these markings are either. I never learned them in Girl Scouts or saw them in hiking books. I think they mean the trail makes a sharp turn don't hit this tree. There are a lot of AVs on the trail. I jumped out of the way of a few. And at one place there is a path made thru the canal. Needless to say it is dry there.

I walked 30 minutes one way, and then came back. It was cold and windy. And muddy.

52 week hike challenge:  7/52 
Miles/Steps:                     3 miles
Bathrooms:                      none
Wildlife:                            none 
Weather:                          Low 40°, sunny 30 MPH wind.