Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for presque isle state park
Pennsylvania’s Only Seashore
By Linda Tancs
From its shoreline to the climax forest, Presque Isle State Park is dubbed Pennsylvania’s only seashore. A French word, “presque” means “almost an island.” The park’s coastline is formed by a migrating, recurved sand spit, created 11,000 years ago from moraine deposits of retreating glaciers. A National Natural Landmark, Presque Isle is a favorite spot for migrating birds (particularly waterfowl this time of year) as well as monarch butterflies. Check with the park office for seasonal beach opening hours.
Share this:
Ice Boating in Erie
By Linda Tancs
Winter play abounds at Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania. Presque Isle is French for “almost an island.” Well…almost. Presque Isle actually has been an island many times over its 11,000-year history as storm waves broke through the neck to isolate the main section of the recurving sand spit. Jutting into Lake Erie, this migrating peninsula (still growing eastward at Gull Point) delights visitors during winter. For instance, the ice dunes are pretty formidable, built by the combination of lake ice, wave surge and freezing spray. And then there’s the ice boating with ice boats provided by the local yacht club. Ice skating? Sure thing. Got a kite? Then add wind skating to the list. And cross-country skiing, hiking and ice fishing, too. Now bundle up and get going.
