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.

The Whitehaven Ferry

On Friday we headed home. And of course we opted for the roundabout route. In all it took us almost 8 hours to get home (compare that to two hours getting there). We traveled east on route 50 figuring to head north on route 113. We did that eventually but not before heading a little farther south toward Chiconteague. On the way we crossed the Wicomico River using the Whitehaven Ferry. There are two ferrys that cross the Wicomico River. The Upper Ferry and the Whitehaven Ferry. Allegedly the Whitehaven Ferry is the larger of the two claiming to hold three cars - one more than the Upper Ferry. I can to tell you that the capacity is probably more like two cars and a volkswagen beetle. The ferry (ramp with an operator's hut attached to it) runs on a motorized cable across the river from Whitehaven County to Somerset County. The ride is free but the sign says travel at your own risk. I guess that means if the ferry goes down you better be able to swim.

We continued south into Chincoteague, VA. We drove through town, turned around and drove back out. The whole ride home was pleasant. It was a perfect last day of summer.

Ocean City, MD

Today was a total road trip. Barely got out of the car except for gas, water/coffee, rest stop and dinner! Traveled south on Route 1 and 13 in Delaware to Salisbury Maryland (just over the border), crossed over on 50 east to Ocean City, MD and took the 'scenic' route back home. Really expected to see more coastline (i.e. beach) but the road really didn't get close enough to see.

I can honestly say now, though, that I prefer MY Ocean City in New Jersey better. :)