Exploring Raystown Lake
We set out for Raystown Lake around 5:45pm. With over 3 hours drive ahead of us we knew we’d be lucky to make it with any daylight left. Placing our headlamps in close reach we took off.
The ride was easy, but long after a strenuous week at work.
Setting up in the dark was not what we wanted to do but the days have grown shorter and left us with little choice.
We arrived at Susquehannock Campground around 9:15 and realized the site was down a steep hill. Roots and rocks made the initial journey a bit cumbersome. Head lamps atop our heads we scouted a spot for the tent and set up. Not knowing the campsite at all was a difficulty. The hill to the car proved to be a pain in the pitch black. I looked forward to getting a lay of the land in the day light. Lighting a fire, we poured some wine and relaxed as we listened to the lake and the summer bugs around us.
The next morning I woke up to the sound of fishermen on the lake. The noise of their rods casting into the water was what drew me out of the tent for a fresh look at our surrounding. The stunning sunrise occurring directly in front of us was what kept me up.
I always aim to shoot at sunrise and sunset and this location turned out to be perfect for both. The pink and orange streaks of light showed their rays first, followed by the magical intense sun itself.
I sat at the edge of the lake and watched as the sleepy world around me woke from its quiet slumber.
Small wave after wave began to creep towards the shoreline at my feet as boats began emerging from their docks. I followed the sunrise as it filled all of the dark spaces around our campsite with its warm glow.
All of the sites around us were spacious and we felt a sense of privacy with such a large lake in front of us. We watched the boats racing along the water as we happily shared coffee and breakfast along the water’s edge.
We had planned to kayak but the enormity of the lake convinced us to rent a boat. We explored the 8300 acre man made lake for hours. There are so many small coves and islands to explore we vowed to come back soon.
We found a place to tie in at a small island near our campground. Tom insisted on cliff jumping and I nervously stood at the top staring down into the water. Flashbacks of a bad experience cliff jumping in Jamaica flooded my senses and I slinked back away from the edge.
Climbing back down to the boats resting area we both dove into the lake for a swim.
I lay motionless in the cool dark water and stared up at the sky. I watched the clouds pass over the sun for what felt like a long time and realized I’d completely cleared my mind. Nothing but the sky was in my head. I was totally at ease and lay, drifting and floating with the rocking tide.
There were many miles of trails to explore and we walked peacefully along the lake in the afternoon sun.
We returned to our camp site, tan lined and content from the day on the water. We built a small fire and made a quick dinner of hot dogs and noodles.
The night set around us and left everything with a crisp blue shadow behind it.
Falling asleep was easy with the sound of the lake and crackling fire so near.
Morning comes with the sound of water lapping at the shoreline. The lake, stiff and groggy from the stillness of the night, sends waves haphazardly crashing into the rocks in front of our tent. This wakes me and I see the first of the days light dancing on the mesmerizing ripples. There’s an enchanting pattern of light moving over each small ripple in the surface. Strong morning light reflected in equal lines against the dark valleys.
Eventually the wake slows again, and the lake sits peaceful. The distant hum of the first fishermen breaks the morning silence and waves gain power breaking at the shoreline once again.
I packed up some breakfast and headed for a short solo hike. I came to Old Loggers Trail and walked towards Sheep Rocks Trail. The trail was still cast in shadow and very peaceful.
After a few miles of solitude, I turned around to return to camp and join my husband for a last cup of coffee before we set off. I was sad to leave as we packed the car. I absolutely loved this lake.
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