There’s this moment in each day where I find myself unable to be indoors any longer. I get a little impatient, and I look towards the nearest window yearning for a breath of fresh air, a moment to stretch my legs, the feeling of grass under my bare feet… It’s moments like these that brought me to Seven Tubs several weeks ago. I found myself in the dead center of finals week, and I was overwhelmed (to say the least) with the pile of notes I had to memorize for the next impending final. I had just studied for 4 hours and knew that if I attempted to cram any more Philosophers’ names into my head, I would most definitely implode. I decided it was time to go exploring… I called my friend Amy, demanded that she come to my apartment immediately, and from there we took off.

Windows rolled down, wind in our hair, lungs filled with fresh air, I felt instantly better. The short 10 minute ride to Seven Tubs from Wilkes-Barre was already clearing my head. Arriving at Seven Tubs, we park in the parking lot and walk towards sounds of rushing water. We soon found out that Seven Tubs received it’s name due to tub-like rock structures that are filled with crystal clear water… In fact, there’s supposedly seven of them. I wish I could say that I had taken the time to count the tubs, but to be honest, I was just too enthralled with the fresh smell, the breeze, and the look of the tubs. Water, over a long period of time, has hewn out the rocks, creating tubs and slides alike - it is picturesque beyond belief. I was reminded of the canyons in Utah that I explored several summers ago, and found myself getting nostalgic. My favorite part was the water in the tubs…. Incredibly clear, you can see to the bottom of an eight foot tub, and you can almost forget that human life has tampered so much with mother nature. Walk a few steps away from the tubs, however, and you will be instantly reminded of the other homo sapiens who have frequented this hiking trail. Littering is a popular past-time of some of the hikers at the tubs, and I try to keep a plastic bag with me to pick up some leftover wrappers and plastic bottles. The hike at the tubs is short - if you focus on just the hiking aspect, you’ll complete the hike (hiking up and back down) in 30 minutes or so… However, if you like to do some exploring, the area is ideal for that as well. There are signs at the tubs that remind you that swimming is not allowed, and I have heard rumors of police stopping by to ensure that these rules are enforced. I have never seen the police frequenting the tubs, and I won’t say that I haven’t dipped my toes in the water at the edge of a particularly inviting tub, but it’s something to be aware of should you decide to take the day to explore. Amy and I waded through some of the more shallow waters to get to the other side of the bank several times, which was a nice way to stay cool in the hot weather and explore the area.

Taking a few hours to hang out at the tubs was the best idea I had thought of all week (sadly, my final grades reflected this as well), and I really recommend anyone to drive up to the tubs and do some exploring. It was a perfect way to get away for the day without really having to go “away”. However, you might want to cover up those legs and arms on your hike, because, as I found out several days later… the outdoors has a nasty side.

More to come on that in my next post.

Directions to the tubs:

Travel on 309 South until 309 South turns into 115 South. Signs will alert you that the expressway (309) has ended. You will continue up 115, going straight through a light… After proceeding through the light, there should be a median (a couple feet high) on your left….You’ll be driving on a two-lane curvy highway… As soon as the median ends, the road to the tubs is located on your Right… Turn right onto that road, proceed through the gate, down that road and follow signs for parking. If anyone should need alternate directions, please comment and I’ll get them for you ASAP.