More on Pennsylvania

I've really grown fond of Central Pennsylvania.  It is a mecca of places to see and explore.  John had previously sent me some pictures of a place called Bilger's Rock and I thought it would be fun to go explore it since neither one of us had seen it.  Also, the fact that John's grandfather had carved his initials in some obscure rock added purpose to the visit, that and the fact that Sadie needed to get out and run.  The pictures I had seen reminded me of the slot canyons in Utah, even though Bilger's Rock is all granite. So we jumped in the car for a quick excursion before the day got away from us.  The rocks were mossy and wet indicating that they rarely dry out.  It's very interesting geological formation and the pictures don't do the area justice.  We wandered around exploring the various crevices and slots/openings between rocks commenting what a great place this was  for kids to explore. The deserted bottles and trash indicated that many a party had been held in some of the common areas.  We actually found the rock that John's grandfather had carved, although part had split off.  With a little pushing and shoving we were able to put the broken piece back. 

Note how green and mossy the rocks are.

Huge boulders dwarf me.

Sadie finally got a chance to get out and run. 

Through and through slot.

Huge slot. This would be pretty tricky in the winter.

If you look closely you can see John's grandfather's carving: Chas C. Logan.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Clearfield has lots of places to eat.  Many small cafes provide lunch and dinners and there are some fancy restaurants.  I had the pleasure of joining John and his parents at their favorite Italian restaurant, Molinare (sp).  I had a delicious shrimp and scallop linguine which I highly recommend.  We also went to Dennys.  No this is not the chain of Denny's restaurants, its real hamburger joint and serves local beer.  You can order a 6# hamburger and if you eat the whole thing in one hour or less you get all kinds of accolades.. pictures and a certificate, but I think you still have to pay for the meal.   I didn't attempt that but did order one of their specialities.  Yummmmm. John's nephew owns a small cafe on a side street just off the main drag  that caters to lunch and early dinner clientele.  Its a great place for a quick, home made, meal.  Their raspberry tea is wonderful as are the sandwiches and salads.  Its a very popular place and you can get take out too.  I ate there several times and really enjoyed the food. 

The sponsor (Dave McCracken) of the local kayaking/canoe club called earlier in the week asking if we would volunteer to help supervise special athletes (as in Special Olympics) as they were going to be introduced to kayaking.  Dave was going to bring kayaks and gear down to the Susquehanna River (just a few blocks from John's parking pad) and introduce about nine special kids to the sport.  He needed folks to be in the river paddling to corral the kids so they wouldn't go down river in the current or go too far in the deep part of the river.  So we formed a barrier of sorts with kayaks and paddlers  and then a few of us kayaked with those kids that could paddle on their own. One child was in a wheel chair so she kayaked in a tandem with one of the volunteers and was thrilled.  One of my charges insisted on paddling up to the bridge and back(maybe 1/2 mile one way) and became so good at paddling I had a hard time keeping up with her.  Another didn't want to stop and let someone else have a turn.  The expressions  and smiles on the kids faces made our volunteer time very worth while. Dave was extremely pleased and hopes to continue with the project. 

Volunteers and participates..Special Athletes getting ready to put in on the Susquehanna

  Special Athlete Tommy and volunteer

Special Athlete Airiana and volunteer. Airiana is wheel chair bound and this was very special for her. 

Volunteer and Brown Dog, Brownie. Brownie runs the rapids and is constant kayak companion. 

Happy Kayaker volunteer. 

Alas, my time in Clearfield has come to an end.  The past 12 days have flown by and there is still so much to see and do in the area, so I know I'll be back. Goodbyes are hard, so they were brief. John will be staying with family for a little longer to complete his cancer treatments and will be enjoying all that Clearfield has to offer, I'm sure. 

One of many beautiful old churches in the town.  

Type street corner with business on the lower level and apartments above.  

The parking place.  Do you think we could get another RV in.  NOT!

My next stop will be in Humboldt, Iowa to attend a Bornfree Homecoming at the factory. Apparently  Bornfree owners from all over the country gather and exchange ideas and celebrate the owner's birthday.  It ought to be interesting and I've never been to Iowa.