EASTER WEEKEND ROADTRIP – Part III

HAPPY EASTER! Today we headed back home. We had breakfast in Towanda and then followed 220, 405, 147 and 61 into Reading where we picked up 10 and 322 home. We did not get to see the Nova game – it was an early one – but as soon as we could tune in KYW we got the score and of course were very happy!

Most of today was spent driving through many towns; some very small; some bigger than we thought they'd be and one that really doesn't exist anymore. Route 61 took us through Centralia, PA. Actually Route 61 used to go through Centralia but now it is diverted around what's left of it. We did not plan this but when we realized where we were we decided to check it out. For those not familiar with the story of Centralia, PA here is a summary. This is coal mining region. A trash fire in the early 1960's spread into a coal vein nearby. Efforts to put it out failed and by the mid-1980's many homes had to be evacuated. When we were there on March 23, 2008 we saw one home, a fire house and the cemetary. You could see the abandoned road grid of what was once the town. Conspiracy theories are plentiful. Regardless, the sight is something out of the Twilight Zone. Smoke comes out of the ground and despite a 40 degree day the ground was warm nearby.

The things you can see when you take scenic route!

EASTER WEEKEND ROADTRIP – Part I

Three days, two nights, no reservations, minimal destination planning, and mostly on the scenic route (i.e as little main highway as possible). THIS is my kind of road trip. The original ‘plan’ called for heading south into Maryland, then west to Route 15 then following Route 15 south to north through Pennsylvania into New York. Stopping whenever or wherever the mood struck. A newspaper article the weekend before about the Bedford Springs Resort, newly renovated and full of history prompted us to change our plans and head for there on the first day.

As is our custom we headed out Friday morning for breakfast. The Trolley Stop is closed - it is now a Mrs. Marty’s Deli as mentioned in an earlier blog entry – so we settled on the Koffee Korner on Jackson Street in Media. It’s not the Trolley Stop, but it was good.
From there we headed south on Route 1 to 695 around the top of Baltimore to 26 West to Frederick where we picked up and 40 and followed 40 and 144 west to Cumberland MD and then north on 220 to Bedford Springs and the Resort.

It was much bigger than either of us imagined. We decided to park and go exploring. FIRST we had to find a bathroom. It had been several hours since breakfast and well… you know. Normally, I wouldn’t spend even this much time on telling anyone about the bathroom but you HAD to see this place. I took this picture from inside the hallway looking back at the entry door. It was lined with benches and mirrors. I guess if there was a long line (which there no doubt would be since there were only two stalls) you could sit, rest and use the mirror to fix something.

The hotel staff was very friendly. They seemed to expect lookers and so we did. The history of the place was evident in pictures and written history in each room. Due to the number of natural springs in the area people came here to rest, relax and recuperate. The building was designed – inside and out – for residents to see and be seen and to take full advantage of the mountain air. Each room opens to a balcony. The sound of the water and the clean air would have put me to sleep easily. We walked on of the trails which lead to the springs and a wedding grotto before getting back in the car. It has an interesting history, including being the summer white house for James Buchanan, the only US President born in PA (until Emma decides to run that is)

From here we followed Route 30 east to Chambersburg to pick up route 11. In Chambersburg we ate dinner at a local restaurant called the Lighthouse. They had a seafood buffet which was ok but the whole place smelled really ‘fishy’ which started to get to me after awhile. We followed route 11 toward Harrisburg where it joins with route 15. We found a Quality Inn in Enola just north of Harrisburg on route 15 for the night. Just before we stopped for the night we were treated to a gorgeous full moon. It was huge and orange. Unfortunately the picture didn’t turn out. (We need to learn more about how the camera works best) We also had a very nice view of the Harrisburg skyline at night across the river – again the photo didn’t turn out. You’ll have to trust me.

Stopping at this point had two benefits. One, it was getting dark and we could start out again in daylight so we wouldn’t miss anything. Two, Villanova was playing Clemson in the first round of the NCAA tournament starting around 10:00 p.m. More on that in my next entry.

Christmas in Bethlehem

Yesterday, Boxing Day, we travelled to Bethlehem (PA). It seemed like a neat thing to do at the holidays. As usual we took side/back routes mostly. We left our house just around noon and with only a little bit of misdirection from incomplete maps we arrived in Bethlehem around 2:30. It was raining/sleeting and every so often a snow flake appeared. The tours were all booked so we walked around on our own and when we couldn't stand the wet weather anymore we got in the car and returned home.

We saw the Sisters' House from the outside. In Moravian society the people lived in groups based on gender, age and marital status. Single males and females lived in different houses performing tasks for the community. The segregation was so strict that even their outdoor activities were planned so as not to run in to the brothers. Interesting concept! I can think of a few siblings who may have found such segregation welcome for part of their growing up anyway! Fortunately, eventually they all come around.

As we waked we saw evidence of earlier snow falls. *Sigh*

And the toy store had the extra large version of the K'nex Ferris Wheel. Jimmy put together a smaller version once.

On the way home we stopped for dinner at the Bethlehem Diner which is between Bethlehem and Allentown just off route 22. We had eaten there several times before when I traveled with Dave to some summer softball tournaments. You can't go wrong with Diner food.

Thanksgiving Day Parade 2007 - Philadelphia

Let's set the record straight right from the get go. The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade is the oldest continuously running parade in the nation. I will give in to "the parade you watch is the one you grew up with", but there are plenty of people out there who didn't grow up with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade but they watch anyway because it has better PR people. As far as I'm concerned Philadelphia's is THE Thanksgiving Day Parade.

This year, Dave and I volunteered to work in the parade. I saw an 'ad' for it on Action News one night and decided it would be fun. And Dave is the world's best sport when it comes to things like this! So I emailed the address given on their website, we completed the applications, went to balloon lessons on November 10 and on Thanksgiving Day we were two of about 45 people escorting Barney - the purple dinosaur - down Market Street and up the Parkway.

We arrived at the Crown Plaza Hotel (18 and Market) at 6 am to pick up costumes and gloves. Then it was down to Market Street to 'help' set up the balloon. You get to see plenty of strange things behind the scenes at this hour. This guy was inside making sure the balloon stablizers were in the right place. My first clue that he was in there was when he threw a sandbag out onto the street. This is Barney's foot by the way.

Slowly but surely Barney made his way off his back on Market Street into the air. On the left is my view of Barney. The rope coming off his thigh (?) was my responsibility all day. In this picture he is straight upright, but in reality he spent most of the day leaning forward a bit.

Other balloons lined Market Street slowly making their way skyward and waiting for their turn to step off behind other elements of the parade (bands, floats, dancers etc) which lined up on 20th Street. In front of us was the Christmas Bell and Oscar the Grouch and his green haired handlers. Behind us was the Penquin gang!

The Penquin and Oscar had their own troubles getting vertical. Some have said that our costumes were joke worthy. The Penquin Gang had to wear Penquins on their head. So I think all in all we made out ok! Our yellow jumpsuits were all the same size. I was one of the shortest handlers and my cuffs at all extremities were rolled up at least six times and the pant legs were pinned to make sure I didn't trip.

The early hour, the long waiting (we spent 6 hours on a less than 2 mile route), and the warm day couldn't spoil the fun of working this event. The children along the route were so much fun to see and hear. Their laughter and cheers were contagious. Being that this IS Philadelphia we did get booed on one block because we didn't spin the balloon as 'requested'. Oh well. We are in good company seeing as how legend has it that Philly fans have booed Santa Claus!

All good things must come to an end however and we finished the day helping to deflate the balloon and then a somewhat stinky ride back to the hotel (70 degrees, warm costumes and hats figure it out!LOL).

I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

MS Walk Day Two

Day two started with a buffet breakfast. Then it was on to 8 school buses to head to the park where we would start the day and walk through Kennett Square to Longwood Gardens.

This day had more rolling hills than day one. The weather was still gorgeous. We walked about 12.5 miles on day two plus the 16.5 on day one brought us to a total of 29 miles. The walk was billed as 30 miles. Somewhere along they way we lost a mile unless you count the walking around the hotel on Saturday night; made easier by the way with the flip flops that each walker was given as they arrived. Once you take the sneakers off they aren't ready to go back on for a while.

Some had to be tapped, wrapped and band aided to make it on day two but as far as I know everyone made it. The MS Society had scooters available for assistance or you could call for a SAG (safety and gear) wagon to drive you a mile, to the next rest stop or to the end if you really needed it. I don't know of anyone that used that service. The last person to leave the start site each day put a red bandana flag in their pocket. If they passed someone they passed the flag as well so that the last walker was easily identified. At the end of the day the first walkers arrived at the tent in Longwood Gardens around 1:00 p.m (we started about 9:30 a.m.) and the last walker arrived about 2:15. At Longwood we were greeted once again by cheering volunteers, crew and -this time- by family members who arrived early for the closing ceremony. Dave was in that line up! :)

While we waited they fed us (you could NOT starve on this weekend) and some of us danced. There is a high that comes from all that exercise and the loud music helped keep everyone' spirits up. I'm sure - as I did - many of us crashed early that night though.

All in all it a was a fantastic two days. I'm glad I was part of it. I may do it again next year. If I do, I want to have a team. So if you are interested let me know. The walking part is easy, it's the fundraising that's tough!

Thanks to all who supported me in so many different ways! You helped me be part of something really rewarding and fun. I could not have done it without you.

Ride for the kids

Today I went to Longwood Gardens for the Celebration of Life Ceremony which takes place at the end of the Ride For The Kids a fundraiser for The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

My friend Tina has a daughter, 11 years old, who is a brain tumor survivor. Lea is a beatiful, shy 7th grader. She plays outfied, mostly right field, on her community softball team and says that she likes science best in school. About three years ago she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Lea's tumor was intertwined with blood vessels making removal dangerous. So despite the doctor's best efforts, part of the tumor remains in her brain. With devotion from her mom and the care of her doctors, she is doing well and helps her mom look after her 7 year old brother, Michael.

Lea and 6 other children, ranging in age from 4 to 15, were the 'stars' of today's ride which raised over $158,000 for pediatric brain tumor research. I learned today that the expense of the research is so high and the number of people that need it is considered so low (about 2000 annually) that public funding is not readily available so doctors at hospitals like CHOP rely on private foundations such as the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. I heard today from a doctor (who also happened to be Lea's surgeon) that it wasn't that long ago that the words cure and malignant brain tumor were unheard of in the same sentence. Through the efforts of the motorcycle riders today and the friends and families of the kids, these kids have hope for a future.

Second Saturday and Super Sunday

Media was a buzz of activity this weekend. We began the weekend (after Saturday chores and stuff) with dinner at Quotations Restaurant on State Street in Media. Saturday was Second Saturday so after dinner we strolled State Street visiting the shops that stay open. This month the highlight of Second Saturday was Appalachain Clogging featuring the Fiddlekicks. Dave commented that he thought we were back at Kutztown watching the Hhedown. There were differences though. First, these woman were not all related to the fiddle player (I kid you not. In Kutztown he introduced every participant by name and his relationships to them.) The Fiddlekicks performance was entertaining. The children watching were especially into it. But of course, I forgot the camera so you will have to take my word for it.


Sunday was Super Sunday in Media. The FALL Super Sunday that is. There is a second one in the Spring. State Street is closed to car traffic and open to food and craft booths from the neighborhood and beyond. Yes you can get a deal on packages of tube socks! You can also find clothing, artwork, tools, nick nacks, and the list goes on. You'll just have to come out one time and see for yourself. Dave's Lions Club sells hotdogs at Super Sunday so we spent the day selling hot dogs and cold drinks. The club is also raffling a 42" Plasma TV for $1 a ticket. I'm not sure how those sales went but the hot dogs as always were a hit. And most people can't wait for October food festival on State Street when the club sells crab cake sandwhiches. All proceeds go to their donation fund which is distributed in June of each year. It was a sunny day. A bit humid but not enough to keep people away. The crowd slowed somewhat after 1 PM when the Eagles game started but there was a steady flow of people through 4 PM.


Back to the work week now. Hope you all have a great one!

Media, Everybody's Hometown

Click here to see a video about Media. I don't know how long the site will be active but it's a great video created by a local resident as part of a contest.

I mentioned Second Saturday in an earlier post. We also have two Super Sundays, fall and spring; three music festivals - A Blues Stroll, Jazz Festival and Roots Ramble; one food festival; garage sale day and more. We have a trolley that runs down the main street which also has lots of neat shops and restaurants. My favorite is 10,000 Villages. You can find such interesting gifts there and every time I go they have new stuff! It's fun to just walk through! And that's saying a lot for someone (me ) who doesn't really like to shop!

A favorite place to eat is the Trolley Stop. We have a tradition of going there for breakfast before we start out on a multiple day road trip. Then there's Deals an old fashioned five and dime store. Nothing is five or dime anymore but if you can't find it anywhere else, look in Deals! We have an great ice cream store, O'Malleys and of course not too far away from the main drag is a Rita's and a Starbucks.

The old armory building - where the Bastille Day celebration was staged - is now a Trader Joe's on the second floor and a veterans museum on the first floor. Haven't been to the museum yet and Trader Joe's is too froo-froo for me.

That's enough for now. I'll tell you more as the year goes on and events happen.

Kutztown Folk Festival

I have a list of things and places you should be able to say you did or visited. Kutztown Folk Festival is one of those places. So today I took Dave there. My parents took us there as kids sevral times when we were younger (all six of us).

We followed the directions given by the festival website for the ride up. Blue Route to Northeast Extension and west on 78. It took a little over an hour.

We had the obligatory funnel cake (mine with birch beer; Dave's with coffee). We shared a table with a family from New Jersey, here for the second time. Mom, Dad and three children. They commented that when searching for directions online they came across the Kutztown Fair which should not be confused with the Folk Festival.

The festival seems bigger than I remember but since we are talking more than 30 years ago that's not suprising. My memory was that there were more demonstrations than crafts but that could be because it was better for mom and dad to steer six kids to watch the re-enactment of a hanging than through craft booths. As Dave said, "Six pairs of little hands would have been dangerous". Another memory for me was that it was always at least 90 degrees or more. The picture is of the cooling place. I remember walking through the mist many times as a child. Today, however, was gorgeous!

We did purchase a Christmas gift. For obvious reasons I won't say for whom. Dave managed this very well considering he is a Christmas eve shopper and this is actually the second gift we've purchase this year and it isn't even Labor Day yet! I steadfastly refused to buy any hats or bonnets!

For dinner we had schnitzel. A first for me and it was just as good as Dave said it would be. The woman preparing the sandwiches gave Dave a second piece because the first appeared too small to her!! It looked plenty big enough to us! We passed on French Fries hoping to save room for desert but there wasn't any room.

As is our custom we took a different route home through Lyons and Fleetwood south on 662 to 422.