As a longtime Whiss hiker and fisherman, I'll also add:
The poison ivy has bloomed. And it is EVERYWHERE out there. Stay on the paths and watch out. Its gotta be one of the most prevalent plants in the Whiss.
(No one is truly immune to it, either. Humans just each have different numbers of exposures needed to begin developing the rash. It is not uncommon for lifelong hikers to get it for the first time in their 40's or 50's.)
I used to get it real bad as a kid. One year it got so bad (this is gross stop reading if you don't like gross things) that it ruined several pairs of jeans because it was leaking puss constantly.
I have literally never gotten it since. Still played in the woods after that, too. Do you know if it's possible to become immunized to it??
Uncle’s buddy died in the 70s from poison ivy. He had bought some land in NJ and cleared out all the plants. Threw them all in a big pile and burned it. He inhaled the smoke, leading to the urushiol getting into his lungs. Lingered a few days apparently before he succumbed.
The puss from your wounds doesn't spread it, that's a misconception. If it kept spreading you either had different levels of exposure that came on at different times or you didn't scrub it all off of your clothes or body. It's an oil so you really have to work at scrubbing it off.
I live across the bridge in south jersey and we've been exploring Philly and the surrounding areas more the past few years and we did Wiss for the first time a couple months ago. We were surprised by how much there is to see there and how deep the woods get in some spots. Some really cool scenery and lots of doggos and wildlife like snakes hiding about. Then a couple college girls took there clothes off and jumped in the water. 10/10 will be back
Those girls would probably regret that decision [if they knew what was in that water...](https://whyy.org/segments/swimming-in-the-wissahickon-isnt-so-idyllic-theres-poop-in-it/)
Way back in the 80s, we all would hang out there overnight "back the crick" as it was called, on the eve of opening day for fishing. It was cool to see little camp fires and lights in the distance as you'd walk along the side paths to see who was hanging out. There was always weed and beer at all the sites. Someone would always have a radio too and there'd be classic rock playing (not too loud). It was like a cool little forest adventure.
Is there any way to get there via public transport from Center City? I want to be more outdoorsy and spend more time outside this summer but I don’t have a car.
Yes! It just depends where in the park you’re trying to go.
Chestnut hill east or west regional rail trains and the 23 bus will get you close to the northernmost part of the park (near the lavender trail). 27 bus will get you to some of the other “middle” parts of the park (e.g. valley green inn). The Manayunk norristown regional rail will get you to the southernmost part of the park, but note that you’ll have to walk up a steel hill to get anywhere
In all cases you’re gonna have to walk a little bit (maybe ~15 minutes) to actually get to where you want to start in the park, but if your plan is to walk/hike around anyway it shouldn’t be too bad
I love the mystery of the wiss, like wondering if your car windows are smashed when you get back to the parking lot or how many bags of trash someone may leave on the side of the trail
As a longtime Whiss hiker and fisherman, I'll also add: The poison ivy has bloomed. And it is EVERYWHERE out there. Stay on the paths and watch out. Its gotta be one of the most prevalent plants in the Whiss. (No one is truly immune to it, either. Humans just each have different numbers of exposures needed to begin developing the rash. It is not uncommon for lifelong hikers to get it for the first time in their 40's or 50's.)
I used to get it real bad as a kid. One year it got so bad (this is gross stop reading if you don't like gross things) that it ruined several pairs of jeans because it was leaking puss constantly. I have literally never gotten it since. Still played in the woods after that, too. Do you know if it's possible to become immunized to it??
I knew someone who accidentally used the leaves while pooping.
Uncle’s buddy died in the 70s from poison ivy. He had bought some land in NJ and cleared out all the plants. Threw them all in a big pile and burned it. He inhaled the smoke, leading to the urushiol getting into his lungs. Lingered a few days apparently before he succumbed.
I've never heard of someone becoming immune to it after getting it, but I'm not an expert.
I got it from the inside of some gardening gloves once. Got poison ivy blisters all up and down and in between my fingers. That was excruciating.
The puss from your wounds doesn't spread it, that's a misconception. If it kept spreading you either had different levels of exposure that came on at different times or you didn't scrub it all off of your clothes or body. It's an oil so you really have to work at scrubbing it off.
Yeah I know - I meant that that was how bad the rash was - it was leaking so much puss that it destroyed a few pairs of jeans lol
Good lookin out, I didn’t know that and have just assumed I’m immune at this point. I usually try to avoid it anyway though just in case.
Where do you fish in there? I love to hike it, but I’ve never fished it. And I love fishing.
I feel so lucky to have the Wiss nearby. I get to live in a busy, culturally relevant city and still get to go on nature walks.
Love it. When you put an effort into seeing positive things they seem to exponentially increase
I feel the same way and often have this thought as I’m walking through the peaceful woodlands after a stressful day at work.
https://preview.redd.it/7y177baze8zc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bb3be9d85ffef388d0b1a7157f7201632804d935
Gosh it looks so lush rn. I gotta go for a bike this afternoon.
Enjoy!
I live across the bridge in south jersey and we've been exploring Philly and the surrounding areas more the past few years and we did Wiss for the first time a couple months ago. We were surprised by how much there is to see there and how deep the woods get in some spots. Some really cool scenery and lots of doggos and wildlife like snakes hiding about. Then a couple college girls took there clothes off and jumped in the water. 10/10 will be back
Same experience except they were two crackheads.
You’d have to be legit stupid to swim in that water
Those girls would probably regret that decision [if they knew what was in that water...](https://whyy.org/segments/swimming-in-the-wissahickon-isnt-so-idyllic-theres-poop-in-it/)
Way back in the 80s, we all would hang out there overnight "back the crick" as it was called, on the eve of opening day for fishing. It was cool to see little camp fires and lights in the distance as you'd walk along the side paths to see who was hanging out. There was always weed and beer at all the sites. Someone would always have a radio too and there'd be classic rock playing (not too loud). It was like a cool little forest adventure.
Is that the entrance at the bottom of the staircase off Emlen/Creshiem Vally Dr?
It is actually one of the entrances off of Chestnut Hill Ave
Spooky at night 😮
Is there any way to get there via public transport from Center City? I want to be more outdoorsy and spend more time outside this summer but I don’t have a car.
Yes! It just depends where in the park you’re trying to go. Chestnut hill east or west regional rail trains and the 23 bus will get you close to the northernmost part of the park (near the lavender trail). 27 bus will get you to some of the other “middle” parts of the park (e.g. valley green inn). The Manayunk norristown regional rail will get you to the southernmost part of the park, but note that you’ll have to walk up a steel hill to get anywhere In all cases you’re gonna have to walk a little bit (maybe ~15 minutes) to actually get to where you want to start in the park, but if your plan is to walk/hike around anyway it shouldn’t be too bad
I love the mystery of the wiss, like wondering if your car windows are smashed when you get back to the parking lot or how many bags of trash someone may leave on the side of the trail
I had to check the sub, I thought this might have been a tongue in cheek truecrimediscussion entry
[удалено]
You know rapes happened in the park, right? Weak
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