Parkers Ford

[brittsnbirds]

This question is for anyone but I bet Gene K knows the answer. Just below the gps coordinates that Gene gave me in a previous thread for Parkers Ford there is a large bend in the river, big bluff and a large boulder in the middle of the pool (at least there was). Does that location have a name? It is a beautiful spot with the bluff and stream snaking to the south. Also there is a little stream/creek feeding into it from the north. Any ideas what the stream name is? I would love to learn that area better but have not had the time to really get down there and hike around. Finally picked up GPS so that I can mark things like this and find them again.

Also I remember on my way down to Parkers' from Montauk I stumbled onto an old homestead named "Nichols farm". Gene if you by chance have the coordinates to that I would appreciate it. I don't know why but I could not find it last summer. Thought is was on the CR that went to Parkers.

That area has to be rich with history with all the old places, old school house and the river. I love just nosing around and wondering about how life was back in the day down there. If anyone has an opportunity take the hike back they might enjoy reading some of the plaques that are at the home site about the Nichols family and look at their old place. I think the State if not County have taken it over and trying to keep it up some what.

Pat

[Gene K]

Does that location have a name?

Gene's swimming hole.

Also there is a little stream/creek feeding into it from the north. Any ideas what the stream name is?

It is the creek that comes from Schafer Spring. It is also fed from a small spring and creek that run through my property, as well as run-off from the hills surrounding the hollow. I suppose it should be called Schafer Creek...

I would love to learn that area better but have not had the time to really get down there and hike around.

I could give you a Google Earth map of some good hikes should you want to learn the area. Some that you would never find otherwise. Some interesting stuff to see.

Also I remember on my way down to Parkers' from Montauk I stumbled onto an old homestead named "Nichols farm". Gene if you by chance have the coordinates to that I would appreciate it.

It fairly easy to find. Just drive down to Parker Ford and turn left at the bottom of the hill. Cross Schafer creek and there will be a sign on your left just a few yards past the creek that designates Nichols. Just follow the path. If you want to see another old homestead, you can go past Nichols and continue on into the field. Take the right fork in the path and head almost due east. As you begin walking through a hollow you will see the old Schafer homestead on your right.

The coordinates for the entrance to Nichols is 37.43833 -91.62111. The coordinates for Schafer spring are 37.45306 -91.61944.

That area has to be rich with history with all the old places, old school house and the river. I love just nosing around and wondering about how life was back in the day down there.

Indeed. I have actually spent some time with Kenny Nichols, who is now in his 90's. He did some dozing work for me a few years ago. Learned a lot from him. Turns out he told me he was the one who cut the timbers for my barn many years ago. He has all sorts of stories. The other families from that area are the Medlock's and Schafer's, and I have spent some time with them as well. Interesting stuff.

[brittsnbirds]

I would love to take you up on your offer. A google map would be great I could try and convert it to my DeLorme map 2007 for my GPS.

Thanks

Pat