12-Jun-2004 -- I saw this website and immediately started searching for a confluence that would be interesting to visit. This one sounded good. So, Friday morning, I got into my car with my dog, Cisco, and drove off. I've always liked Pennsylvania, and a nice drive through the state sounded like a great way to spend a weekend.

I arrived in Slippery Rock just as the sun was about to set. The whole 6 hour drive was rain, but it broke just as I arrived. I was tempted for a try before the sun set, but didn't think I could make it out of the woods before dark.

Anyways, I decided to scout out the site. There was a fresh road dug out right at the 41N line. It looked like heavy machinery had been there recently. The road was wet and muddy. I wasn't sure I'd be able to drive my car up. To the left of the road was a farm. In back of the farmhouse, on the edge of the crop, near the dirt road, there was a trailer that somebody might live in. There was a truck next to it, but I didn't see anybody. I left, because it was starting to get dark.

I spent the night in Slippery Rock, home of Slippery Rock University. It was a nice town, but the evening was cold. The next morning, around 6am, I decided to go to the confluence.

I did manage to drive my car up the dirt road, and found out what they were doing up there. It looks like a house is being built. Further up the dirt road, off to the side, there was a trailer. I still didn't see anybody around.

I crossed over to the field in back of the farmhouse, and followed it to the rear, where the forest started. The underbrush was thick. There were lots of nettles and possibly poison ivy. I guess I'll find out later... Nearby, I found a large stick I could use as a make-shift machete, and started into the woods. The going was slow. I had to slowly go the last 100-200 feet, hacking at vegetation and dodging obstacles. Eventually, I came to a moderately steep down slope. I followed it crosswise, to the north. At the bottom, I saw water. I don't know if it was permanent, or a result of the previous day's rain. Luckily, I didn't have to descend the slop much. I was right at 80W and just had to inch northward a bit to find the convergence.

Once there, I took my pictures. The way out was a lot faster, because I had already made a path. I reunited with my dog in the car, and drove off. I imagine that next time someone visits, there will be a house there. Though, I saw nobody this visit.

This was my first degree confluence attempt. I hope to visit many more. This was a fun experience, though I'm sure I'll pay for it on the way home, as I discover all of the places I was poked and scratched while pushing through the woods.