January 2020

So much time has passed since my last blog in 2017 and so much has transpired.  There were many ups and downs emotionally.  I retired January 5, 2018- a big event for me after working 26 years for Kutztown University.  I was very relieved and glad to retire, it was a stressful environment and one I was ready to leave behind.  I was adamant about moving to Pittsburgh to be close to Becky, our only child, and her family.  So 2018 and 2019 were transition years. 

Soon after I retired my Dad became ill.  I made constant trips from Shoey to Corfu or Pittsburgh to Corfu as his health and my Mom's emotional state grew worse. It was a rocky Spring with my Dad not doing well, searching for a house to buy, preparing a house to sell.  My Dad passed away on June 1st 2018.  I never knew what emotions I would feel in losing a parent, it was hard to separate everything that was changing so fast in my life. 

We had just closed on our Irwin house in mid-May and we were trying to prepare for the work ahead.  There were so many unknowns.
I think the process of going through major renovations, and selling a house kept me so busy that it covered up the grieving for a while.   This renovation was a major undertaking that involved moving the kitchen, redoing plumbing and electrical, siding, landscaping, new bathroom, new furnace and the list seemed to go on.  At the same time I was preparing our Shoemakersville house for sale- painting, stripping wall paper, doing some outside maintenance, etc.

 Our house  in Shoey sold in July of 2018 and we officially moved into our Pittsburgh home in October of 2018.  July 2018 was also the month that we had our memorial for Dad.  So many highs and lows seemed to collide, I don't really know how I got through that - it had to be the grace of God. 

We have never regretted our move.  Our neighbors are wonderful and people are so much friendlier than what we experienced in Berks county.  Becky is only 8 miles away and we live on a dead end street that seems like we are in the country, but in reality we are only 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.  The backyard deck provides a woodland view with turkeys, deer, birds and even coyotes!


We have joined a local chapter ofAARP and have gone on many fun trips with them.  We even went to Dollywood area in September 2019.  This spring we will be going to Virginia Beach, and then have some local trips planned in the Fall.  This year of 2020 seems to be quit different.  Our house projects are really small ones now and both Dave and I are working again to keep ourselves busy and have some extra spending money. I get to watch the grand kids, especially Eddie who is only 6 as much as Becky needs me.  It was so nice to have them during the summer for 2-3 days each week. We have been in our new home a little over a year, the time has flown by.  I take trips to Corfu as much as possible to be with Mom.  She is physically well, but emotionally not the same since Dad passed away.  Mike and his wife bought the house sort of, and moved in with her in late August of 2018 which was a really hard transition for Mom.  I wish I could have been up there more with her to oversee things, I feel bad that she is not happy with her living environment.  She no longer feels like the women of the house and really misses taking care of Dad, even though he was a very difficult man to live with.  I can't believe it will be two years this June since his passing.  Mom turned 88 on December 19 2019, and I was happy to be with her for that.  I think of her every day, and even though the trip is now 4 hours instead of 5 1/2, it seems like it is physically harder for me to do the trip, but I know I will as long as the Lord is willing.  I ask the Lords blessing for the year ahead, for our family and our community.  I'm sure new experiences will occur, and as always look forward to meeting any challenges with an open spirit of gratitude for everything that we have in our lives.

2017

Its time to catch up with our adventures (not hiking though) from this past year.  In 2016 Dave got his core health issues turned around after many close calls.  2017 allowed us to put our focus on finishing the remodeling work on our New York family home.  I never thought it would be finished, especially since Dave did so much more than I expected.  After a new kitchen, bathroom, electrical, plumbing, heating, wall boarding, painting, siding, windows, and the list kept going on, but our goal was completed.  It was a biter sweet ending to a long number of years working on a home that was a 5+ hour drive away from our home base while working jobs ourselves.  From April through June one or both of us made the drive every weekend.  After a while it became a normal routine, so when it finally ended in July it was almost surreal.  Our house went on the market shortly after July 4th and we had a solid offer in less than a week.

 This house was home for my husband and his family during the last 68 years.  Jesse and Leonard, his parents moved in July of 1949 when Dave was only a year old.

We have many memories of family gatherings

d

Its been a long time since my last blog.  This year has been a celebration of Dave's improved health after finally figuring out what has caused his high blood pressure and low potassium issues of the last few years.  Thanks to doctors at Lehigh Valley Health Network, he found that one of his adrenal glands was causing the issue, and had it removed; of course that's the long story short, but we are so happy with the results that we are happy to move forward with activities we have always enjoyed doing. 


June 19th was our 40th wedding anniversary, and this year we decided to go back to where we had our honeymoon 40 years ago at Lake George NY and to continue on to Vermont which is the last state in the New England states that we had left to visit.   We were blessed with a wonderful sunny day, blue skies and low humidity on Sunday morning, June 19th (THE day) when we started out on what would be a 950 mile 'road trip'.  Taking 81 N to Binghamton, then on the Rt 88.  We used 30A and 29 to take us to in Sarasota Springs.  By the way, that was our first time in Sarasota Springs, and we couldn't believe what a hub of activity we found on its main drag (RT 50).  Glad to get out of there and away from the throngs of people and cars, it was a fairly short jaunt once on RT 87 to Lake George (RT 9). 

After 330 miles we finally made it to Lake George around 3:30 pm.  We were bushed!  We discovered a much more touristy village with unlimited motels, hotels, cottages, camp grounds.  A village full of restaurants, and tourist shops which seemed much different than what we remember 4 decades ago.  After a quick look around we decided to settle in at Motel 6 which was right in town and grab a bite to eat at a local pub (fish n chips was okay but not great).  We relaxed and walked the board walk that evening with plans to take a boat ride on the lake the next morning.  Unfortunately, we didn't know until the next morning that the ship had been cancelled to the public as it was taking a school group out that day.  Back in 1976 we would have surrounded our time going to small amusement parks (like 1960s Boulder Park in Indian Falls NY for those Westner NY readers), but today's parks are the mega amusement parks.  So, we decided to move on down the road and head to Fort Ticonderoga.  Heading up 9N we stopped at Bolton Landing, another little tourist town where I

couldn't resist going to a gift shop.... a short time later out I came with my Dad's father's day present; a hummingbird shaped bird feeder that I thought Dad would get a hoot out of. 

By noon we were at Fort Ticonderoga.  We really enjoyed our time there and learned a lot about the history of the fort from the French and Indians days to American revolution, and Civil War.  We also visited Mount Defiance where the Brittish conducted a surprise attack on the Fort, leading to the Americans abandoning it. 

Iroquois Wildlife Refuge

March 30th was a Sunny but windy day in Western New York to visit the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge.  Me and my Dad took a ride to the Eagle lookout.  The eggs had not hatched yet, if you look closely you can see the top of the white head of the mama sitting on the nest. 
You can see the male sitting on the lower limb.  This camera shot was taken from about a half mile away.
Hope this nest is successful and eaglets hatch soon.  WNY has an every inceasing number of Eagles.  What a contrast to the 70s; thank goodness for the ban on DDT.  Hopefully we see them for many generations to come, and that future generations don't take them for granted.

Large flocks of canadian geese filled the marsh, along with swans and ducks of all kinds.

If you ever get out to WNY, the Iroquois Refuge is a good spot to check out.

March 1st is here, and so is the flu.  Waiting for Spring to begin and lead us on some new paths.  Hope to get to Jim Thorpe area later this month and hit a few trails in that area.  The snow geese and canadian geese have been echoing their haunting language and remind us of the changing season, of the renewal of life to come.  How appropriate as I await the birth of our second grandchild, a boy, a grandson to join his sister Shelby.  As the lengthening of days continues, and the sun soaks its rays a little more penetrating to the fresh ground of March, we have hope of many things to be thankful for.  My sweet sis, I have faith for brighter days ahead, and release from daily struggles that have hung on for so long.  It is time for the brighter days of Spring to lighten our hearts, for the many lit candles in the darkness to give way to sunshine, and for the simple joy of the new season to come make our souls feel happy.

Hiking the Pinnacle

Sunday, September 23rd presented itself as a great fall day.  With a 66 degree high temp for the day and slight breeze, our hike to the Pinnacle on the Adirondack Trail in Hamburg was a good choice.  You can park at the Hamburg Reservoir parking lot located on Reservoir Rd. off Old Rt. 22 north of Hamburg.

We  took the white blaze trail to blue leading us to the Pulpit Rock.  If you have never tried this trail you should add this to your list of must dos; you won't be disappointed, as the views are amazing.  Bring binoculars, a walking stick, camera and lunch (don't forget the water).  From the lookout point on the Adirondack trail you can see the layers of quaint farm country dotted with little villages, rolling hills and the Lehigh Valley in the background.  The Turkey Vultures love the updrafts they catch off the mountainside and they spend hours circling so closely that you feel you can reach out and touch them.  Many times you are above them, and it seems strange watching them glide so close from that angle.

The white trail is a very steady incline up to 1200 ft.  A stream will follow you up most of the way up this path and creates a very peaceful sound that lures you to view its interesting movements. You are constantly maneuvering through rocks until you reach the blue trail.

The blue trail is easier to walk and runs on top of the ridge.  It crosses some small pockets of wetlands which seem to be nice little areas for wildlife. 

You know you are close to the lookout when you see the pile of rocks.  We just had to get a self-portrait...

Please give yourself enough time to sit on the rocks and enjoy the view.  Note that there are copper-head snakes in this area.  They are poisonous so take care not to be too curious.  Last year when we did this hike a family was up there with their kids poking sticks into the rock crevices at some copper-head hiding below... don't do that!

 

My hubby taking a nap on the rocks after eating lunch.



This hike was a great one to celebrate the Fall equinox. 

At about 8+ miles round-trip, make sure if you want to spend time relaxing mid-way that you start out earlier enough to beat the sunset.

Happy hiking!



The Reservoir



Ricketts Glen, Worlds End and Tuscarora State Park

Our cottage at Sweet Valley, #4

The second week of September brought wonderful Fall weather with it, and the chance for a last minute camping trip to explore some more state parks.  September has always been a favorite month of mine for hiking, and we have had a very prosperous month so far of trail exploration.  Since we both had several days off, we decided to head a little farther away from home.  We thought we would head towards the Delaware gap area, but our plans led us instead to very pleasant Sweet Valley Cottages, which was conveniently located near Ricketts Glen State Park.  Some things are just meant to be, and this reservation provided us with a relaxing little cottage next to a pond.  Upon arriving at the cottage we were greeted by a pair of swans and two ducks that we later nick-named Fred and Ethel. Fred and Ethel greeted us every night and every morning at our door. They followed us faithfully thinking we would provide them with food.  We were one of only two couples camping that week, so it was extremely quiet outside of the antics of the ducks and swans.  I don't think the male swan liked me very much, and admittedly I was a little afraid of him strutting around me since he was almost as tall as me with his neck stretched out.    



Big Daddy Swan

 

Dave by the pond with Fred and Ethel in the back.





Adams Falls on the Evergreen Trail



We arrived at the cottage around 10 am, and by noon we were out on a trail at Ricketts Glen State Park.  This was actually our second visit.  During the first trip about 10 years ago, we took the Falls Trail, a very challenging hike.  This time we started at the south end of the park and took the Evergreen trail where we saw Adams Falls, this was an easy mile long trail.  





This was a nice trail to start, and it boosted our confidence to continue on to the next.  Traveling up to the visitor center at the north end, we got our sixth stamp in the passport book. We crossed the Lake Jean bridge, also part of the dam; and parked at the Lake Rose parking lot.  We started at the Bear Walk Trail, 1 mile of easy walking; hooking onto a portion of Glen Leigh and then headed towards the Highland Trail. 

The Onondaga Falls is situated on the Glen Leigh, this was the farthest point south that we hiked, from here we turned to the Highland Trail.



Onondaga Falls just before heading onto the Highland Falls





These trails weaved through thick woods and outcrops of boulders.  The midway crevasse was an interesting formation; some of the boulders seemed to be a fragile teetering puzzle waiting for a little movement to shift them into a different formation.





These trails were well worth taking, and gave us a little different view of Ricketts Glen.  We only passed two other couples on the trail- both were walking without water, a big mistake for the many miles of trails located at this park.  We strongly suggest that you carry water and a first-aid kit minimally.  We also use a walking stick, especially if the trails are classified as difficult.  I would also suggest that before staring any trail, you take the time to pick up a trail map.  On this particular hike, the couples we met were without a map and had lost track of where they were on the trail- not a good thing when walking many miles, especially with the daylight getting shorter this time of year and when walking during the week when there are not as many people on the trail.  We always carry a backpack water bladder, mosquito repellent, and a snake bite kit when doing shorter hikes.  We prepare more for days when the hikes are longer or more difficult and hubby also carries our large backpack. 

**************************************************************************************


Are we Yankees fans??? You bet!

 September 13th was spend exploring the beautiful Endless Mountains in Sullivan County's World's End State Park.  Here is some trivia about this park name. Early in its history it was known by some as Whirl's End because of the whirl pool that used to exist in the Loyalsock Creek.  Some referred to it as Whirl's Glen, but today it is know as World's End.  Amazing views of the convergence of these 5 mountains really does make you feel like you are at the end of the world.  There were so many trails to decide on.  After checking in at the visitors center for a map and stamp #7 we decided on starting at the World's End Trail.  The visitors center is really nice; the ranger said the building was 10 years old, but it looks brand new and has some really interesting information about the wild life.  Its the first time I've seen a cinammon colored Black Bear, which I didn't know existed, but apparently 2% of Black Bears have the cinammon shade.

The World's End trail was very challenging and we really needed our walking stick to help us manage the steep inclines.  I have to tell you I have a "High Anxiety" and it took a lot for me to treck on the edge of these straight up trails that didn't give any protection from the feeling that you were going to drop off the edge into the thick timbers below; but I still loved the challenge and really felt like I accomplished something when we finally reached the the cross roads at 1600 ft where we turned onto the Loyalsock Trail aka Pioneer Road.  Loyalsock is the longest of the World's End trails, running 59.21 miles, but we were on this trail for less than 3 miles when we connected to the Double Run Nature Trail.  The point before we got on Double Run  led us to the cool valley of the west bank of the Double Run creek.   We actually had a pair of rugged stairways to help us traverse the steep slope at the start of Double Run. We were on Double Run for a while, descending finally to foot bridges that took us closer to the Loyalsock Creek.

This was a very relaxing part of the hike and allowed us to catch our breath



The last leg of the trail was longer than we expected and we found ourselves weaving in and out of huge piles of debris which we found out was created by the tropical storm that blew through the area in Sept. of 2011 when the area flooded causing roads to collapse and the creek trail path to be diverted.

The warm sun was soothing, and the edge of the creek beckoned us to spend some time on the rocks.. I even soaked my feet in the cool water. 

Mid-week off-season is a great time to hike, but some of the drawbacks are the typical summer businesses (like ice cream shops, etc.) are closed.  No matter- we treated ourselves to an awesome pizza dinner at a local joint on the intersection of Rts 118 and Sweet Valley- yum, just what the doc ordered to energize us and get us ready to start a camp fire and toast marshmellows.  You are never too old for the traditions, and we enjoyed the cool night air as we rested by the fire.  We felt pretty good about ourselves for the amont of hiking we accomplished today- we hope you have a chance to visit this park and take in some of the vistas. 

***************************************************************************************


Tuscarora State Park

 We packed up on Friday morning from our cottage  and headed to our final state park of the week at Tuscarora State Park in Schuylkill County.  Deciduous forest and meadows by Locust Mountain provided a very relaxing environment.  Our hike took in a 1.2 mile on the Laurel, Edge and Log trails ( easy), 4.5 miles on the more difficult Spirit Trail.  Spirit Trail was not near as difficult as our the World's End Trail.

After Thursday's more strenuous trails, this park felt a little simpler which I appreciated.  The park is said to be popular for fishing, and there were a couple people fishing on this day.

We saw lots of tiny little toads, but thankfully no snakes.

Locust Creek was a very pleasant babbling brook

The Locust Creek meanders along a portion of this trail and offers a freshing coolness to the hike


We saw some interesting fungus and lichen.  Hope you are enjoying the pics...

 Beautiful meadows full of wild flowers and butterflies filled our view from easy walking mowed paths that came at the end of our walk.  The day was very sunny and the high 70s temp made for a perfect ending to our hikes this week.  Each of the state parks has its own personality.  Tuscarora is laid back and easy feeling, so if that is what you are looking for you should try this park.  It became our 8th park to check-off in our passport book. 

To finish up this blog, I have to admit that we got Locust Lake State Park stamped in our book, but missed finding the park (signage didn't seem to be to good, and the roads were very windy making it difficult to pay attention to signs).  Too tired to back-track and search again we headed home. It is fairly close by, so we will pick it up later when when we only have a few hours to kill for traveling/hiking. The Tuscarora office just got their stamps in, so we were the first to get 'stamped'.  Note that Tuscarora and Locust are in fairly close proximity and I think coordinate with one another; Locust Lake has only a small satelite office.   So we headed back to Rts. 54 and 61 taking us into Frackville and back into our neck-of-the-woods.