Todd n Natalie
OverCamper
That looked like a really fun trail. And the scenery must've been amazing!
2021 RAM 3500 Tradesman | AEV Prospector | FWC Grandby
- Thread starter ramblinChet
- Start date
ramblinChet
Well-known member
Everywhere I travel is beautiful in it's own way - I just love exploring and seeing the variation and natural beauty up close every day.
ramblinChet
Well-known member
Continuing on along the 400+ mile Allegheny Discovery Route you will cross a very interesting private toll bridge which spans the North Branch Potomac River. On one side is West Virginia and the other is Maryland with the nearest town being Old Town, MD.
On one end you have a small brick structure where your toll is collected. Years ago while adventuring along the 1,080-mile Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route, I crossed this same bridge. It's a fun part of any trip and if you are anywhere nearby. The C&O Canal is within walking distance and the Lock 70 School House Inn is also.
Here is the sun setting on my final night on the Allegheny Discovery Route. In total, it took me six days and covered 400-miles of 4x4 trails, forest service roads, and country roads. It begins in Virginia, you will cross a mountain trail into West Virginia where you will spend most of your time, and you will eventually end in western Maryland. My combined drive time was 23-hours and I averaged 10.1 MPG.
My next overland trail is the Laurel Highlands 200 which is located in south-west Pennsylvania with the northern section encircling Latrobe, PA. This is an absolutely beautiful time of the year to be in the forests of Pennsylvania!
I began the Laurel Highlands 200 in Normalville, Pennsylvania, and proceeded anti-clockwise. Although most of the roads were easy to pass through there were sections that were on the tight side appearing somewhat overgrown and lightly used. It's actually nice to have sections which require you to slowly move through at 3-5 MPH for several miles balanced with smooth sections where you can easily travel 10-15 MPH for extended periods.
Here is a campsite I found in Forbes State Forest which I consider one of the most perfectly open and level campsite I have ever camped at. Well done PA-DCNR.
This is just one of the natural water slides in Ohiopyle State Park. It's actually much longer and while there I watched several adventurous children and adults enjoy this natural water slide. I experimented with video and will try to upload them at a later date when I have better cellular service.
While on the trail I came upon a section where a fallen log had been cut open enough for a motorcycle to pass through but not a vehicle. Maybe I am wrong but many of the dual-sport and adventure motorcycle riders I come across while traveling act rude and snobby. When I see riders approaching I pull aside and leave plenty of room, smile and wave as they pass, and drive away without receiving a gentlemanly smile, or nod of the head, or wave of the hand. When I came to this fallen tree I wondered why the person clearing didn't cut a bit more to clear that path for a vehicle.
No problem for me though - I pulled out my Silky BIGBOY 2000mm folding saw and went to work. Of course, it began to rain while I labored on my knees so I smiled and continued cutting. My buddy has convinced me that an electric saw is in my future and my stubborn self agrees. After cutting I deployed my AEV Full-Size Recovery Gear Kit and rigged up to pull the heavy section of log off parallel to the trail. It's always comforting to have the correct tools for the job.
Let's take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the Allegheny Discovery Route one more time. While nearing the end of the trail in western Maryland, I had so much fun in the Green Ridge State Forest with three water crossings on Town Creek within an hour. It was a fun and playful closing to a long and exciting trail spanning three states and hundreds of miles.
On one end you have a small brick structure where your toll is collected. Years ago while adventuring along the 1,080-mile Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route, I crossed this same bridge. It's a fun part of any trip and if you are anywhere nearby. The C&O Canal is within walking distance and the Lock 70 School House Inn is also.
Here is the sun setting on my final night on the Allegheny Discovery Route. In total, it took me six days and covered 400-miles of 4x4 trails, forest service roads, and country roads. It begins in Virginia, you will cross a mountain trail into West Virginia where you will spend most of your time, and you will eventually end in western Maryland. My combined drive time was 23-hours and I averaged 10.1 MPG.
My next overland trail is the Laurel Highlands 200 which is located in south-west Pennsylvania with the northern section encircling Latrobe, PA. This is an absolutely beautiful time of the year to be in the forests of Pennsylvania!
I began the Laurel Highlands 200 in Normalville, Pennsylvania, and proceeded anti-clockwise. Although most of the roads were easy to pass through there were sections that were on the tight side appearing somewhat overgrown and lightly used. It's actually nice to have sections which require you to slowly move through at 3-5 MPH for several miles balanced with smooth sections where you can easily travel 10-15 MPH for extended periods.
Here is a campsite I found in Forbes State Forest which I consider one of the most perfectly open and level campsite I have ever camped at. Well done PA-DCNR.
This is just one of the natural water slides in Ohiopyle State Park. It's actually much longer and while there I watched several adventurous children and adults enjoy this natural water slide. I experimented with video and will try to upload them at a later date when I have better cellular service.
While on the trail I came upon a section where a fallen log had been cut open enough for a motorcycle to pass through but not a vehicle. Maybe I am wrong but many of the dual-sport and adventure motorcycle riders I come across while traveling act rude and snobby. When I see riders approaching I pull aside and leave plenty of room, smile and wave as they pass, and drive away without receiving a gentlemanly smile, or nod of the head, or wave of the hand. When I came to this fallen tree I wondered why the person clearing didn't cut a bit more to clear that path for a vehicle.
No problem for me though - I pulled out my Silky BIGBOY 2000mm folding saw and went to work. Of course, it began to rain while I labored on my knees so I smiled and continued cutting. My buddy has convinced me that an electric saw is in my future and my stubborn self agrees. After cutting I deployed my AEV Full-Size Recovery Gear Kit and rigged up to pull the heavy section of log off parallel to the trail. It's always comforting to have the correct tools for the job.
Let's take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the Allegheny Discovery Route one more time. While nearing the end of the trail in western Maryland, I had so much fun in the Green Ridge State Forest with three water crossings on Town Creek within an hour. It was a fun and playful closing to a long and exciting trail spanning three states and hundreds of miles.
ramblinChet
Well-known member
Here are my first attempts at posting videos:
Kingsize24
Well-known member
Subbed homie!
ramblinChet
Well-known member
Here is a typical forest service road along the Laurel Highlands 200. In total, it took me four days and covered 252-miles of 4x4 trails, forest service roads, and country roads. My combined drive time was 13-hours and I averaged 10.7 MPG. This was a beautiful trip and it was a great time of the year to explore here in Pennsylvania. Maybe one year I will return and complete the same route in the winter time for comparison.
Along the trail I came upon two road closures. It was easy enough to zoom out my map to identify a short go-around which frequently results in an additional 05-10 miles. If you are lucky, a go-around may take you into a nearby small town around lunch or dinner time. Remapping a route is part of the adventure so I always smile when I come upon an obstacle such as this.
This is Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park which is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Pennsylvania. Although this is not along the Laurel Highlands 200 route it is just a few miles away so if you are in the area make sure to stop by and enjoy.
In a previous post covering the Allegheny Discovery Route I mentioned three water crossings in the Greenridge State Forest that were all within a few miles of each other - here are some additional photos I took during those water crossings.
On a warm day it feels good to jump out into a cool stream and walk around for a few minutes taking an occasional picture.
If you visit this area make sure to jump in the water and chase some crawfish - they are easy to find in these rivers and shoot out from under rocks as you wade through the water.
The interesting things you find along the side of the road in Pennsylvania...I love to travel and explore.
Along the trail I came upon two road closures. It was easy enough to zoom out my map to identify a short go-around which frequently results in an additional 05-10 miles. If you are lucky, a go-around may take you into a nearby small town around lunch or dinner time. Remapping a route is part of the adventure so I always smile when I come upon an obstacle such as this.
This is Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park which is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Pennsylvania. Although this is not along the Laurel Highlands 200 route it is just a few miles away so if you are in the area make sure to stop by and enjoy.
In a previous post covering the Allegheny Discovery Route I mentioned three water crossings in the Greenridge State Forest that were all within a few miles of each other - here are some additional photos I took during those water crossings.
On a warm day it feels good to jump out into a cool stream and walk around for a few minutes taking an occasional picture.
If you visit this area make sure to jump in the water and chase some crawfish - they are easy to find in these rivers and shoot out from under rocks as you wade through the water.
The interesting things you find along the side of the road in Pennsylvania...I love to travel and explore.
Todd n Natalie
OverCamper
Man, those backroads look like a fun time!
ramblinChet
Well-known member
Since I have been back in the Great Lakes Region I have slowed down my travels to catch up with friends and family I have not been able to spend time with for a very long time. Here is a shot of my niece preparing to drive my AEV Prospector around her neighborhood. I always enjoy other people driving my vehicle and being amazed at how well it handles despite being lifted, large, and loaded.
Since I was near Mars, Pennsylvania, and I am a bit of a space-geek, it was not a surprise that I stopped into town for a tour. Unfortunately I missed the recent Mar's New Years celebration which takes place once every 687 Earth days, or 669.6 sols.
This abandoned neighborhood may look like trash but it is a National Historic Site. These neighborhoods were built by Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company following a labor strike in 1916. The most interesting fact is that this is the first concrete pre-fabricated estate in the world created between 1918 and 1920. It's really sad to visit locations like this knowing that 50-100 years ago there was so much life and liberty in these exact location.
Pymatuning Reservoir rests on the state line and is split between Ohio and Pennsylvania. When I was younger I can recall my father bringing me here along with our Sportspal Canoe to fish and have fun on the water. As the sun was setting and I was fixing dinner a Park Ranger stopped to make sure I was not going to illegally "camp" in the deserted parking lot adjacent to the reservoir. I made sure to let him know that I was going to take my time to eat dinner, relax for an undetermined amount of time, and might do some astrophotography depending on the weather.
I can now claim that I have spent time in Center of the World. I guess the visionary who named this town also moved west and began a grocery named End of the World. Maybe I will visit there someday, lol.
When you travel full time you develop a sixth-sense for things such as places to camp, other adventurers, etc. While visiting Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania, I noticed this European adventure vehicle so I stopped to say hello. Andreas has a site named daily4x4.de where he has a ton of pictures documenting his travel in these United States.
A few days later I revisited Presque Isle State Park and spent the entire day there. This is a very interesting peninsula on Lake Erie with so much to do and see. At the entrance to the park is Waldameer Park & Water World along with family owned places to eat such as Sara's Restaurant. This picture is of Graveyard Pond just off Misery Bay where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry cut holes in the ice during the War of 1812 to bury sailors wrapped in chains who died due to smallpox.
This is a view of lower State Street in Erie referred to locally as the Public Dock. In the background you can see the shoreline of the sandy peninsula also known as Presque Isle State Park.
The beaches on Presque Isle are nice and the best thing is they are freshwater. As the locals say, no salt, no sharks, no problems. Everything is simple around here so here was an example of me backing up to the beach and relaxing in my camper. If I wanted to be in the sand or the water, both were just a few feet away. It would be nice if they had a beach where you could pat a small fee to drive on and camp. The sunsets here are second to none!
Sometimes I come upon strange things and I enjoy stopping to observe and learn more. Someone obviously took a great amount of time to plan this out and then to paint it and they deserve recognition for their efforts. Maybe I will stop back sometime to try and find out who the artist was.
Since I was near Mars, Pennsylvania, and I am a bit of a space-geek, it was not a surprise that I stopped into town for a tour. Unfortunately I missed the recent Mar's New Years celebration which takes place once every 687 Earth days, or 669.6 sols.
This abandoned neighborhood may look like trash but it is a National Historic Site. These neighborhoods were built by Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company following a labor strike in 1916. The most interesting fact is that this is the first concrete pre-fabricated estate in the world created between 1918 and 1920. It's really sad to visit locations like this knowing that 50-100 years ago there was so much life and liberty in these exact location.
Pymatuning Reservoir rests on the state line and is split between Ohio and Pennsylvania. When I was younger I can recall my father bringing me here along with our Sportspal Canoe to fish and have fun on the water. As the sun was setting and I was fixing dinner a Park Ranger stopped to make sure I was not going to illegally "camp" in the deserted parking lot adjacent to the reservoir. I made sure to let him know that I was going to take my time to eat dinner, relax for an undetermined amount of time, and might do some astrophotography depending on the weather.
I can now claim that I have spent time in Center of the World. I guess the visionary who named this town also moved west and began a grocery named End of the World. Maybe I will visit there someday, lol.
When you travel full time you develop a sixth-sense for things such as places to camp, other adventurers, etc. While visiting Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania, I noticed this European adventure vehicle so I stopped to say hello. Andreas has a site named daily4x4.de where he has a ton of pictures documenting his travel in these United States.
A few days later I revisited Presque Isle State Park and spent the entire day there. This is a very interesting peninsula on Lake Erie with so much to do and see. At the entrance to the park is Waldameer Park & Water World along with family owned places to eat such as Sara's Restaurant. This picture is of Graveyard Pond just off Misery Bay where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry cut holes in the ice during the War of 1812 to bury sailors wrapped in chains who died due to smallpox.
This is a view of lower State Street in Erie referred to locally as the Public Dock. In the background you can see the shoreline of the sandy peninsula also known as Presque Isle State Park.
The beaches on Presque Isle are nice and the best thing is they are freshwater. As the locals say, no salt, no sharks, no problems. Everything is simple around here so here was an example of me backing up to the beach and relaxing in my camper. If I wanted to be in the sand or the water, both were just a few feet away. It would be nice if they had a beach where you could pat a small fee to drive on and camp. The sunsets here are second to none!
Sometimes I come upon strange things and I enjoy stopping to observe and learn more. Someone obviously took a great amount of time to plan this out and then to paint it and they deserve recognition for their efforts. Maybe I will stop back sometime to try and find out who the artist was.
ramblinChet
Well-known member
This is a picture of a small section of my brother-in-laws adult playground basement. I grew up during the Golden Age of Arcade Games which peaked between 1978 and 1983 and can remember cashing my check from work and walking over to the Putt-Putt Golf and Arcade a few miles from home and spending hours playing Asteroids, Galaxian, Berzerk, Missile Command, Pac-Man, Defender, etc. My brother-in-law is a similar age and outfitted his finished basement with a few dozen full-size arcade games along with a wet bar, pool table, and audio/video theater that is just amazing. It's a really cool area and he deserves all the credit for transforming an otherwise normal basement into a really fun place.
Here is a random shot of the sunset over Presque Isle Bay looking west towards the peninsula. Many of the sunsets at this location are so much more colorful and naturally beautiful. If you are ever in the area pay particular attention to the sunsets on the bay - it's so nice to relax and watch the sun go down as the colors dance in the sky while listening to the waves break.
Just across the Pennsylvania and New York state line is Panama Rocks Scenic Park near Chautauqua Lake, New York. The last time I visited was around one-half-century ago and the rocks still look huge. It's a family owned park that has very unique geological formations surrounded by a one-mile looped trail. What I loved most about my visit is I watched children and adults all acting like children. All are free to climb and explore at your own risk the "towering rocks, deep crevices, passageways, and small caves hidden in an ancient, moss-covered forest."
This is a 20-foot high series of tree roots growing on a vertical wall between Fat Man's Misery and Eriez Fireplace. There are many narrow slots between the tall rock formations where you can squeeze through and penetrate back 50-100 feet into another chamber or open area. Some of the spaces were so tight I was pinching my beard between the rock and my chest. Of course many of these slots were deep in the earth and naturally very cool which is awesome on a hot summer day.
This area is believed to be sacred land of the Eriez People who were members of the Iroquoian nation which spread from the Saint Lawrence River to modern day North Carolina. Sometimes when I come upon natural formations such as these I stop to wonder who else stood and studies them hundreds or even thousands of years ago. What were they here for and more importantly, what were they thinking?
This is Shorewood Beach in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania. This is a fun little area where you can sit and gaze out across Lake Erie, swim in the lake, search for sea-glass along the shore, or fish in 12-mile creek which is the eastern border of the beach. I grew up nearby and still love visiting this area - so many wonderful memories with my family around here.
Since the winter weather is so harsh in the area everyone really takes advantage of the summertime to get outside and play. In the center of town, down near the lake, is Perry Square. On a warm weekend night you will find free concerts such as this, children playing in a lighted water fountain, food, drinks, etc. I will be saying goodbye to family and friends tomorrow as I begin a new adventure. Check back later in the week for updates from the trails of northern Pennsylvania - this is going to be a fun!
Here is a random shot of the sunset over Presque Isle Bay looking west towards the peninsula. Many of the sunsets at this location are so much more colorful and naturally beautiful. If you are ever in the area pay particular attention to the sunsets on the bay - it's so nice to relax and watch the sun go down as the colors dance in the sky while listening to the waves break.
Just across the Pennsylvania and New York state line is Panama Rocks Scenic Park near Chautauqua Lake, New York. The last time I visited was around one-half-century ago and the rocks still look huge. It's a family owned park that has very unique geological formations surrounded by a one-mile looped trail. What I loved most about my visit is I watched children and adults all acting like children. All are free to climb and explore at your own risk the "towering rocks, deep crevices, passageways, and small caves hidden in an ancient, moss-covered forest."
This is a 20-foot high series of tree roots growing on a vertical wall between Fat Man's Misery and Eriez Fireplace. There are many narrow slots between the tall rock formations where you can squeeze through and penetrate back 50-100 feet into another chamber or open area. Some of the spaces were so tight I was pinching my beard between the rock and my chest. Of course many of these slots were deep in the earth and naturally very cool which is awesome on a hot summer day.
This area is believed to be sacred land of the Eriez People who were members of the Iroquoian nation which spread from the Saint Lawrence River to modern day North Carolina. Sometimes when I come upon natural formations such as these I stop to wonder who else stood and studies them hundreds or even thousands of years ago. What were they here for and more importantly, what were they thinking?
This is Shorewood Beach in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania. This is a fun little area where you can sit and gaze out across Lake Erie, swim in the lake, search for sea-glass along the shore, or fish in 12-mile creek which is the eastern border of the beach. I grew up nearby and still love visiting this area - so many wonderful memories with my family around here.
Since the winter weather is so harsh in the area everyone really takes advantage of the summertime to get outside and play. In the center of town, down near the lake, is Perry Square. On a warm weekend night you will find free concerts such as this, children playing in a lighted water fountain, food, drinks, etc. I will be saying goodbye to family and friends tomorrow as I begin a new adventure. Check back later in the week for updates from the trails of northern Pennsylvania - this is going to be a fun!
ramblinChet
Well-known member
This week I began the Cross Pennsylvania Adventure Trail (623 mi) which is an estimated 1,053 miles long when you include the three optional loops: Allegheny National Forest (169 mi), Grand Canyon (101 mi), and Buckhorn (160). Other adventurers have estimated the trail at 80% off-road and 20% on although I believe a more accurate measure would be time off-road and on. Consider the fact that speeds off-road are 25-30 mph at best and 3-5 mph at worst with the average being 10-20 mph whereas on-road varies from 35-55 mph.
Here is a screen-shot of the complete trail from Gaia GPS which displays on my Uconnect 4 with 8.4" touchscreen via Android Auto and a Google Pixel 7.
My adventure began on in Erie, Pennsylvania, on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle State Park. The initial miles of the trip were a mix of paved and dirt farm roads traveling though Waterford, Pennsylvania, on down to the Titusville and Oil City areas. Here is a beautiful old bridge in Oil Creek State Park. Can you guess why the park is named as such?
The park includes Drake Well, which became the first commercial oil well in these Unites Stated when oil was struck in 1859. We can all thank oil, coal, and other fossil fuels for the amazing lives we live today. I doubt that many of us can touch a single object nearby that was not mined, transported, manufactured, etc. without the use of fossil fuels. The museum was closed during my visit so make sure to check the hours if you are in the area.
Turning east I dove into the 514,029 acres of the Allegheny National Forest and began the optional Allegheny Loop. As I approached Warren, Pennsylvania, a concerned family member advised me that a murder suspect had escaped a nearby jail and most likely would be in the nearby Allegheny National Forest since he was a former member of the military with survival training. The truth is we all encounter violent felons each day so we should all be prepared to deal with the unexpected. I slept especially well that night near Warren.
While viewing my map of the forest I noticed a large perfectly round body of water so of course I decided to investigate. What I found was the Seneca Pumped Storage Generating Station which is adjacent to Kinzua Dam. Essentially, a pumped storage station is like a large battery for storing energy - here is a great video by Practical Engineering.
Here is the Allegheny River upstream from the dam as viewed from Jake's Rocks. The entire area of north-west Pennsylvania is beautiful and has so much to see and do. If you are into outdoors adventure and exploration this area is a hidden gem.
Here is a shot of my cockpit and more importantly, Gaia GPS running on my factory display. I see many overland vehicles with electronic gear sticking out from all over the place and maybe that works for others but I like to keep my ride neat and orderly. A handheld GMRS is stored in my center console and my nav-aid is displayed on my dash. It's simple, and it works.
Kinzua Dam is a monster! Just standing nearby and listening to the energy and feeling the wind is very cool.
The beautiful Cross Pennsylvania Adventure Trails takes you right through the middle of the Pennsylvania Wilds which is one of the largest expanses of green between NYC and Chicago. There is so much to see and do here and even though I am just passing through, I will return, again and again...
Here is a screen-shot of the complete trail from Gaia GPS which displays on my Uconnect 4 with 8.4" touchscreen via Android Auto and a Google Pixel 7.
My adventure began on in Erie, Pennsylvania, on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle State Park. The initial miles of the trip were a mix of paved and dirt farm roads traveling though Waterford, Pennsylvania, on down to the Titusville and Oil City areas. Here is a beautiful old bridge in Oil Creek State Park. Can you guess why the park is named as such?
The park includes Drake Well, which became the first commercial oil well in these Unites Stated when oil was struck in 1859. We can all thank oil, coal, and other fossil fuels for the amazing lives we live today. I doubt that many of us can touch a single object nearby that was not mined, transported, manufactured, etc. without the use of fossil fuels. The museum was closed during my visit so make sure to check the hours if you are in the area.
Turning east I dove into the 514,029 acres of the Allegheny National Forest and began the optional Allegheny Loop. As I approached Warren, Pennsylvania, a concerned family member advised me that a murder suspect had escaped a nearby jail and most likely would be in the nearby Allegheny National Forest since he was a former member of the military with survival training. The truth is we all encounter violent felons each day so we should all be prepared to deal with the unexpected. I slept especially well that night near Warren.
While viewing my map of the forest I noticed a large perfectly round body of water so of course I decided to investigate. What I found was the Seneca Pumped Storage Generating Station which is adjacent to Kinzua Dam. Essentially, a pumped storage station is like a large battery for storing energy - here is a great video by Practical Engineering.
Here is the Allegheny River upstream from the dam as viewed from Jake's Rocks. The entire area of north-west Pennsylvania is beautiful and has so much to see and do. If you are into outdoors adventure and exploration this area is a hidden gem.
Here is a shot of my cockpit and more importantly, Gaia GPS running on my factory display. I see many overland vehicles with electronic gear sticking out from all over the place and maybe that works for others but I like to keep my ride neat and orderly. A handheld GMRS is stored in my center console and my nav-aid is displayed on my dash. It's simple, and it works.
Kinzua Dam is a monster! Just standing nearby and listening to the energy and feeling the wind is very cool.
The beautiful Cross Pennsylvania Adventure Trails takes you right through the middle of the Pennsylvania Wilds which is one of the largest expanses of green between NYC and Chicago. There is so much to see and do here and even though I am just passing through, I will return, again and again...
ramblinChet
Well-known member
Here are a few short videos I shot during my Cross Pennsylvania Adventure Trail.
The first is of a dual sport water crossing Babb Creek near Colton Point State Park. I hung out with the guys and shared trail stories for a bit after they crossed.
Here is my AEV Prospector and Four Wheel Camper crossing the same crick.
And an alternate shot of the same - the ending is my favorite.
Use coordinates 41.573025, -77.335399 if navigating by GPS.
The first is of a dual sport water crossing Babb Creek near Colton Point State Park. I hung out with the guys and shared trail stories for a bit after they crossed.
Here is my AEV Prospector and Four Wheel Camper crossing the same crick.
And an alternate shot of the same - the ending is my favorite.
Use coordinates 41.573025, -77.335399 if navigating by GPS.
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Todd n Natalie
OverCamper
When I was a kid, that basement is what I dreamed my future basement would look like.
My basement is unfinished and is used for storage.
My basement is unfinished and is used for storage.
ramblinChet
Well-known member
While pushing east on the Cross PA Adventure Trail just outside the Allegheny National Forest the trail began to parallel Tionesta Creek. I noticed a spur dropping off the trail and dropping down to creek level so I decided to explore for just a bit. It was a steep drop but once I was at the bottom it was amazing how lush and overgrown the entire area was with plants. Everything was thick, heavy, and healthy - it was like a mini-jungle down in this remote area.
Next up was a stop to the Kinzua Bridge State Park to finally observe the Kinzua Viaduct which was destroyed by a tornado just a few decades ago. When it was completed in 1882, it was the longest (2,053') and tallest (301') railroad viaduct in the world and considered by many to be the "eighth wonder of the world." Keep in mind it took only 94 days to build. It is really fun to walk on on the remaining section of bridge and look down at the destruction. No matter what man creates - nature seeks to destroy and break down to the simplest of elements.
The next day I stopped into the beautiful small town of Smethport, Pennsylvania, for lunch and a quick tour. One thing is for sure - many of the small towns in the northern section of Pennsylvania remind me of what life was like a half-century ago. Climbing back into the mountains of the Allegheny Plateau was wonderful even following a brief, but heavy, rain storm.
This was along the north-west perimeter road of Hammersley Wild Area in the Susquehannock State Forest. The forest service road was nice in many areas but there were signs of ongoing work. Most of the trail had a good bed of gravel whereas some areas were dirt with a mixture of mud and slick clay. Despite all of that, my BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires did not disappoint. After three decades of running MTs on all of my 4x4 and adventure vehicles I am really happy I finally made the switch.
In a previous post I had mentioned that I was planning to complete all three optional loops along the trail. This was the beginning of the second loop that encircled the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon which is in the Tioga State Forest. Are you beginning to sense the Pennsylvania has an abundance of state forests? If so, you are correct - they have twenty as of right now. This picture was taken from an overlook in Colton State Park on the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge. You can also view the PA Grand Canyon from the east rim at Leonard Harrison State Park.
Something very beautiful and special happened during my adventure. Late at night, I happened upon a section of the trail that appeared to be guarded by boulders intentionally placed there. Interestingly enough, there was just enough room for my full-size rig to squeeze through. It was pitch black, raining, and I now found myself on a very narrow and slightly overgrown shelf-road on the side of a steep valley. A few hundred meters later it all made sense, this section had been "closed" since a large area had been washed out. I had a decision to make, go for it or chicken out. I decided not to select either choice.
When I am on the trail I utilize a "three strikes you are out" rule. If I come to an area where I have a question on how to proceed I do my best to consider all available options as pragmatically as possible. This takes time which is a good thing - when I encounter a situation I generally slow the process down and resist rushing into another poor decision which only makes matters worse. I would slowly back up to a safe area and rest for the night. Strike on was the fact that I was alone. Strike two was the fact that I was in an unfamiliar area. Strike three was the fact that it was at night. Strike four was because it was raining. And strike five was because a large section of the trail was washed out. Do I need to push it to prove something to myself or anyone else. Nope, I am here to have fun.
The next morning I awoke and walked the next half-mile of trail. What a wreck! If I would have successfully cleared the first obstacle there were several more hiding in the dark just up the trail. It went from bad to worse and I was happy I decided to set my pride aside and sleep it off. While back in my camper eating breakfast I noticed the forest was dead silent. No wind, no birds or animals, nothing. Maybe they were all sleeping in late due to the storm. Then it happened...I listened to a tree being laid to rest.
In the midst of the silence I heard something I never had expected to hear - a single tree falling. There was no storm to blow it down, nor was there a man with a machine cutting it down. It came crashing down in the middle of a silent forest and with that one final gasp, gave everything it had left. For decades it had been a tall and strong tree, it provided so much to so many. Now it had fallen to the earth to be consumed. I took a moment to think about all of humanity and how we are only here for a very short amount of time. “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return” - Genesis 3:19
Later that day I came upon a man training mini-horses for a mini-horse pulling contest. During my travels on the backroads of these United States I happen upon all sorts of interesting things - I never knew competitions like this existed but I will be looking to attend one in the future. Those are some tough little horses!
Oh gosh, yet another stream crossing, lol. Do you know why I often stop to take a picture at a stream crossing? For one reason I think stream crossing are cool. It's kind of like being a kid and standing next to a mud puddle. Yep, I am going to do it even though it makes no sense to others - I am just being me; a grown man who plays like a youngster at times because it's fun. And I always enjoy jumping out into the cool water and walking around for a bit. Cool mountain water, slippery rocks, crayfish, etc.
My gosh - there is so much to be had in Pennsylvania I suspect I could spend a year or more exploring the Commonwealth and still never see the majority of places. This picture was taken at World's End State Park which is in the Loyalsock State Forest. World's End and everything around it are supremely beautiful. Previously, I visited this same area along with nearby Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania. This is literally a romantic place where time has stood still...
Here I am parked on the side of a country road, long hair blowing in the wind and partially obscuring my view. I don't really need to see what it going on though - I can hear and feel it. A storm is brewing and the trees are screaming - I can see the silvery underside of every single leaf since the wind blows so hard. The clouds are playing and celebrating - there is so much energy in the air. This is nature. This is where we were born and where we will return. This is where life has been and always will be.
Next up was a stop to the Kinzua Bridge State Park to finally observe the Kinzua Viaduct which was destroyed by a tornado just a few decades ago. When it was completed in 1882, it was the longest (2,053') and tallest (301') railroad viaduct in the world and considered by many to be the "eighth wonder of the world." Keep in mind it took only 94 days to build. It is really fun to walk on on the remaining section of bridge and look down at the destruction. No matter what man creates - nature seeks to destroy and break down to the simplest of elements.
The next day I stopped into the beautiful small town of Smethport, Pennsylvania, for lunch and a quick tour. One thing is for sure - many of the small towns in the northern section of Pennsylvania remind me of what life was like a half-century ago. Climbing back into the mountains of the Allegheny Plateau was wonderful even following a brief, but heavy, rain storm.
This was along the north-west perimeter road of Hammersley Wild Area in the Susquehannock State Forest. The forest service road was nice in many areas but there were signs of ongoing work. Most of the trail had a good bed of gravel whereas some areas were dirt with a mixture of mud and slick clay. Despite all of that, my BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires did not disappoint. After three decades of running MTs on all of my 4x4 and adventure vehicles I am really happy I finally made the switch.
In a previous post I had mentioned that I was planning to complete all three optional loops along the trail. This was the beginning of the second loop that encircled the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon which is in the Tioga State Forest. Are you beginning to sense the Pennsylvania has an abundance of state forests? If so, you are correct - they have twenty as of right now. This picture was taken from an overlook in Colton State Park on the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge. You can also view the PA Grand Canyon from the east rim at Leonard Harrison State Park.
Something very beautiful and special happened during my adventure. Late at night, I happened upon a section of the trail that appeared to be guarded by boulders intentionally placed there. Interestingly enough, there was just enough room for my full-size rig to squeeze through. It was pitch black, raining, and I now found myself on a very narrow and slightly overgrown shelf-road on the side of a steep valley. A few hundred meters later it all made sense, this section had been "closed" since a large area had been washed out. I had a decision to make, go for it or chicken out. I decided not to select either choice.
When I am on the trail I utilize a "three strikes you are out" rule. If I come to an area where I have a question on how to proceed I do my best to consider all available options as pragmatically as possible. This takes time which is a good thing - when I encounter a situation I generally slow the process down and resist rushing into another poor decision which only makes matters worse. I would slowly back up to a safe area and rest for the night. Strike on was the fact that I was alone. Strike two was the fact that I was in an unfamiliar area. Strike three was the fact that it was at night. Strike four was because it was raining. And strike five was because a large section of the trail was washed out. Do I need to push it to prove something to myself or anyone else. Nope, I am here to have fun.
The next morning I awoke and walked the next half-mile of trail. What a wreck! If I would have successfully cleared the first obstacle there were several more hiding in the dark just up the trail. It went from bad to worse and I was happy I decided to set my pride aside and sleep it off. While back in my camper eating breakfast I noticed the forest was dead silent. No wind, no birds or animals, nothing. Maybe they were all sleeping in late due to the storm. Then it happened...I listened to a tree being laid to rest.
In the midst of the silence I heard something I never had expected to hear - a single tree falling. There was no storm to blow it down, nor was there a man with a machine cutting it down. It came crashing down in the middle of a silent forest and with that one final gasp, gave everything it had left. For decades it had been a tall and strong tree, it provided so much to so many. Now it had fallen to the earth to be consumed. I took a moment to think about all of humanity and how we are only here for a very short amount of time. “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return” - Genesis 3:19
Later that day I came upon a man training mini-horses for a mini-horse pulling contest. During my travels on the backroads of these United States I happen upon all sorts of interesting things - I never knew competitions like this existed but I will be looking to attend one in the future. Those are some tough little horses!
Oh gosh, yet another stream crossing, lol. Do you know why I often stop to take a picture at a stream crossing? For one reason I think stream crossing are cool. It's kind of like being a kid and standing next to a mud puddle. Yep, I am going to do it even though it makes no sense to others - I am just being me; a grown man who plays like a youngster at times because it's fun. And I always enjoy jumping out into the cool water and walking around for a bit. Cool mountain water, slippery rocks, crayfish, etc.
My gosh - there is so much to be had in Pennsylvania I suspect I could spend a year or more exploring the Commonwealth and still never see the majority of places. This picture was taken at World's End State Park which is in the Loyalsock State Forest. World's End and everything around it are supremely beautiful. Previously, I visited this same area along with nearby Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania. This is literally a romantic place where time has stood still...
Here I am parked on the side of a country road, long hair blowing in the wind and partially obscuring my view. I don't really need to see what it going on though - I can hear and feel it. A storm is brewing and the trees are screaming - I can see the silvery underside of every single leaf since the wind blows so hard. The clouds are playing and celebrating - there is so much energy in the air. This is nature. This is where we were born and where we will return. This is where life has been and always will be.
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ramblinChet
Well-known member
I have completed the Cross Pennsylvania Adventure Trail (623 mi) including all three additional loops: Allegheny National Forest (169), Grand Canyon (101), and Buckhorn (160). In total, it took me seven days and covered 1,123-miles of 4x4 trails, forest service roads, and country roads. My combined drive time was 47-hours and I averaged 12.8 mpg. This was a beautiful but demanding adventure since 90% of your time is spent on dirt or gravel roads in the forests and mountains. There is so much to do and see between Presque Isle State Park and the Damascus Forest, this could easily turn into a ten to thirty day adventure provided you have a good navigator and planner.
Many times we discuss the pros and cons of pop-up tents versus hard shell, trailers, etc. There have been so many times where I was just able to squeeze through a trail since my Four Wheel Camper provided just enough clearance. If I was spending less time in the forest and more on the open road or out west, maybe a hard shell with better insulation would be better. For right now, I enjoy my pop-up camper and not ever having to worry about backing up on a narrow trail with a trailer.
Just another magnificent view in Loyalsock State Forest. Honestly, I could take ten times as many pictures and share them but it would be so much better for you to stand in the forest and feel the mountain air, listen to the leaves, and see this for real. Here is a list for you of the eight most scenic overlooks near Worlds End State Park, in Pennsylvania.
While passing through north-eastern Pennsylvania I spent a day at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton. There was a full cutaway of a steam locomotive which finally helped me understand how a steam locomotive works. I understood the basics although there were some minor details I never took the time to fully understand.
Here is an example of the largest steam locomotive ever manufactured - a Union Pacific "Big Boy" 4-8-8-4 number 4012. This locomotive is an absolute monster and here is a great video sharing additional details. I tried to take picture from many different angles but the damn thing was so big and long I was not able to photograph it well. If you enjoy mechanical monsters, this is a must see!
Just another place I stopped and relaxed for a few hours. What has surprised me the past several months is that more women are approaching me when I stop and asking questions related to adventure and exploration. Over the years it seemed like mostly men would walk up but now there are more women. Like I have been telling men for decades, don't ask your girl what she wants to do over the weekend - make plans, tell her to pack her bags, don't share all the details with her, and go create some memories. If she pushes back just give her that look - women like to test men and are disappointed when guys give in so easily.
During my travels I often enjoy stopping for a relaxing lunch at beautiful remote locations such as this. Full time travel is wonderful since I am never really in a rush so my schedule is very flexible. Being able to break away from a rigid work schedule, deadlines for projects, lunch at this time, vacation here, etc. has reduced my stress level to something so low I don't even recognize it. My belief is that our bodies were designed for short periods of stress but not long and never-ending as we have experienced for the past several hundred years. We must ask ourselves, what is the impact of stress in our own lives and can it be changed to improve our overall health?
Near the end of my adventure I rode into Chetsville and since it was dinner time, stopped at Chet's Place to enjoy some pierogi prepared in butter and onions. Let me close by saying the folks there were some of the friendliest I have met. While walking in heads turned and I was immediately invited to join a table of others. When they asked my name and I replied Chet, the laughter and smiles never stopped. Adventure and exploration is so much fun because most all of it is unknown.
Maybe this short film helps to diagnose our desire...
Many times we discuss the pros and cons of pop-up tents versus hard shell, trailers, etc. There have been so many times where I was just able to squeeze through a trail since my Four Wheel Camper provided just enough clearance. If I was spending less time in the forest and more on the open road or out west, maybe a hard shell with better insulation would be better. For right now, I enjoy my pop-up camper and not ever having to worry about backing up on a narrow trail with a trailer.
Just another magnificent view in Loyalsock State Forest. Honestly, I could take ten times as many pictures and share them but it would be so much better for you to stand in the forest and feel the mountain air, listen to the leaves, and see this for real. Here is a list for you of the eight most scenic overlooks near Worlds End State Park, in Pennsylvania.
While passing through north-eastern Pennsylvania I spent a day at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton. There was a full cutaway of a steam locomotive which finally helped me understand how a steam locomotive works. I understood the basics although there were some minor details I never took the time to fully understand.
Here is an example of the largest steam locomotive ever manufactured - a Union Pacific "Big Boy" 4-8-8-4 number 4012. This locomotive is an absolute monster and here is a great video sharing additional details. I tried to take picture from many different angles but the damn thing was so big and long I was not able to photograph it well. If you enjoy mechanical monsters, this is a must see!
Just another place I stopped and relaxed for a few hours. What has surprised me the past several months is that more women are approaching me when I stop and asking questions related to adventure and exploration. Over the years it seemed like mostly men would walk up but now there are more women. Like I have been telling men for decades, don't ask your girl what she wants to do over the weekend - make plans, tell her to pack her bags, don't share all the details with her, and go create some memories. If she pushes back just give her that look - women like to test men and are disappointed when guys give in so easily.
During my travels I often enjoy stopping for a relaxing lunch at beautiful remote locations such as this. Full time travel is wonderful since I am never really in a rush so my schedule is very flexible. Being able to break away from a rigid work schedule, deadlines for projects, lunch at this time, vacation here, etc. has reduced my stress level to something so low I don't even recognize it. My belief is that our bodies were designed for short periods of stress but not long and never-ending as we have experienced for the past several hundred years. We must ask ourselves, what is the impact of stress in our own lives and can it be changed to improve our overall health?
Near the end of my adventure I rode into Chetsville and since it was dinner time, stopped at Chet's Place to enjoy some pierogi prepared in butter and onions. Let me close by saying the folks there were some of the friendliest I have met. While walking in heads turned and I was immediately invited to join a table of others. When they asked my name and I replied Chet, the laughter and smiles never stopped. Adventure and exploration is so much fun because most all of it is unknown.
Maybe this short film helps to diagnose our desire...
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ramblinChet
Well-known member
Next I begin the Trans New Jersey Trail which is "a 450+ mile route that spans from High Point, NJ to Cape May, NJ. The trail consist of asphalt, gravel, sand, dirt, and some mud. The trail is 100% legal for all street legal vehicles. This means you must be registered, insured, and compliant with all DOT regulations (headlights, taillights, seat belts, turn signals, and so on)."
I had never really considered the possibility of an off-road adventure route in New Jersey so I was excited to begin my track in High Point and point my ship south towards my final destination in Cape May. While researching I discovered that nearly one-quarter of all land in New Jersey is referred to as the Pine Barrens, or Pinelands, which are 1.1 million acres of open land available for public recreation! Here is a shot of the route as viewed in Gaia GPS which displays on my Uconnect 4 with 8.4" touchscreen via Android Auto and a Google Pixel 7.
Since my recent Cross Pennsylvania Adventure Trail concluded in the north-east corner of Pennsylvania on the New York border, the beginning of the Trans New Jersey Trail was just a few minutes of a drive to the south. What a perfect combination! The northern terminus of the TNJT was at High Point, New Jersey, and was named so because it is the highest point in New Jersey at 1,803 feet above mean sea level.
The initial few hours of driving amounted to two-lane paved roads through mostly country, but some residential areas. I was very excited as I pulled off onto the first dirt and gravel section but that changed as I began to sense that the trail had not been traveled on a regular basis. I checked my instruments to confirm that I was on the correct track and proceeded with caution.
The first dirt section was a tease and after only a few miles I was back on pavement for what seemed like several more hours. It was a pretty ride but nothing special so once again I was overjoyed to pull off onto another off-road section of Jenny Jump State Forest. Just prior to this picture there was actually a rocky climb which required me to shift into four-wheel-drive so things we becoming fun now. Soon thereafter, I came upon this washed out section of trail, stopped to check for recent tracks, and seeing none checked my navigation instruments again. Everything checks good on deck so let's roll...and then the trail became so tight and overgrown I was unable to see anything in front of me. While looking up and inching forward, I noticed a utility line that had fallen and was crossing the trail so low that in another ten feet the top of my pop-up camper would contact the downed line. Time to gracefully back out and find a go-around.
Just a mile or so past Buttermilk Falls, I came upon a heavy duty tow truck on a forest road. The driver pulled over and I we both jumped out for a quick discussion. He asked if I was familiar with the area since he had never been here and was going to rescue an 18-wheeler stuck in the mud. I asked if it was a logging truck and he stated that it was a flatbed from a big-box retailer performing a home delivery. I jumped into the lead and we drive a few more miles and found the truck which had been trying to turn around due to a bridge closure when it became stuck. The driver only had intermittent service and even if the bridge was open, it has a 10-ton weight limit.g
I offered to act as a spotter and together we pulled the truck back up onto the forest road but facing the wrong way towards the closed bridge. I recommended that the young female driving the truck call her office to ask for a senior driver to be brought out to assist her but she was the only driver and the general manager placed it all on her. Maybe she should not have been there in the first place although she reviewed the route with another driver in the store and that driver said all was fine. The tow truck driver was done and he left immediately. The poor inner-city girl was not familiar with the forest and there was no damn way she was going to back that 18-wheeler down the trail for several miles.
I let her know I was going to stay and offer the little support that I could so I walked back on the trail and found an abandoned and closed spur which was a straight shot back. It took a solid hour but together we backed the truck up to the spur and eventually got her turned around. I jumped in front of her and lead hear out. It felt good to be able to have the time and above-average knowledge of the forest roads to help her and the tow-truck driver out. What an interesting day!
Yet another closed road which provided me with an opportunity to research my map and identify a go-around. Gaia GPS has a great feature which allows you to download areas of a map prior to beginning your adventure so in case you are without cellular service, you still have the map area loaded and available.
Much of northern half of the TNJT has been two-lane blacktop with only a few miles of dirt or gravel here or there. Again, not a bad track but nothing exciting to report with the exception of a few sections here or there. This short stretch ran between two beautiful neighborhoods and pretty and short, just like most of the MILFs smiling at me here in NJ. Seriously, there are a surplus of good-looking healthy girls here and I smile back each and every time.
Some of the highlights so far included driving through the middle of the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. While driving though I slowed down to try and figure out what all the excitement was about - I was able to notice unique vehicles and personnel who were really paying extra special attention to my AEV Prospector with my Four Wheel Camper on the back. I pulled over and pulled out my Zeiss Conquest HD binoculars and confirmed that we were all checking each other out. I smiled and rolled only finding out the next day that President Trump arranged a private screening at Bedminster for the summer blockbuster: Sound of Freedom.
When I awoke in the morning I heard a man walking towards my vehicle - I could hear his was and was able to conclude that he was old and weak, even before I could see him. Minutes later he came around the corner and we greeted each other and ended up talking for the better part of an hour. What is most interesting is that this man was blind and exploring the forest by himself - what a brave man. After talking for a bit and covering a range of subjects he continued on his way and had to search for that rut in the road to guide him. I smiled and said many prayers for the man and was so happy to see him out in the forest, alone, and living life. He's not a quitter and that's the simple secret to success. Never. Ever. Quit.
I had never really considered the possibility of an off-road adventure route in New Jersey so I was excited to begin my track in High Point and point my ship south towards my final destination in Cape May. While researching I discovered that nearly one-quarter of all land in New Jersey is referred to as the Pine Barrens, or Pinelands, which are 1.1 million acres of open land available for public recreation! Here is a shot of the route as viewed in Gaia GPS which displays on my Uconnect 4 with 8.4" touchscreen via Android Auto and a Google Pixel 7.
Since my recent Cross Pennsylvania Adventure Trail concluded in the north-east corner of Pennsylvania on the New York border, the beginning of the Trans New Jersey Trail was just a few minutes of a drive to the south. What a perfect combination! The northern terminus of the TNJT was at High Point, New Jersey, and was named so because it is the highest point in New Jersey at 1,803 feet above mean sea level.
The initial few hours of driving amounted to two-lane paved roads through mostly country, but some residential areas. I was very excited as I pulled off onto the first dirt and gravel section but that changed as I began to sense that the trail had not been traveled on a regular basis. I checked my instruments to confirm that I was on the correct track and proceeded with caution.
The first dirt section was a tease and after only a few miles I was back on pavement for what seemed like several more hours. It was a pretty ride but nothing special so once again I was overjoyed to pull off onto another off-road section of Jenny Jump State Forest. Just prior to this picture there was actually a rocky climb which required me to shift into four-wheel-drive so things we becoming fun now. Soon thereafter, I came upon this washed out section of trail, stopped to check for recent tracks, and seeing none checked my navigation instruments again. Everything checks good on deck so let's roll...and then the trail became so tight and overgrown I was unable to see anything in front of me. While looking up and inching forward, I noticed a utility line that had fallen and was crossing the trail so low that in another ten feet the top of my pop-up camper would contact the downed line. Time to gracefully back out and find a go-around.
Just a mile or so past Buttermilk Falls, I came upon a heavy duty tow truck on a forest road. The driver pulled over and I we both jumped out for a quick discussion. He asked if I was familiar with the area since he had never been here and was going to rescue an 18-wheeler stuck in the mud. I asked if it was a logging truck and he stated that it was a flatbed from a big-box retailer performing a home delivery. I jumped into the lead and we drive a few more miles and found the truck which had been trying to turn around due to a bridge closure when it became stuck. The driver only had intermittent service and even if the bridge was open, it has a 10-ton weight limit.g
I offered to act as a spotter and together we pulled the truck back up onto the forest road but facing the wrong way towards the closed bridge. I recommended that the young female driving the truck call her office to ask for a senior driver to be brought out to assist her but she was the only driver and the general manager placed it all on her. Maybe she should not have been there in the first place although she reviewed the route with another driver in the store and that driver said all was fine. The tow truck driver was done and he left immediately. The poor inner-city girl was not familiar with the forest and there was no damn way she was going to back that 18-wheeler down the trail for several miles.
I let her know I was going to stay and offer the little support that I could so I walked back on the trail and found an abandoned and closed spur which was a straight shot back. It took a solid hour but together we backed the truck up to the spur and eventually got her turned around. I jumped in front of her and lead hear out. It felt good to be able to have the time and above-average knowledge of the forest roads to help her and the tow-truck driver out. What an interesting day!
Yet another closed road which provided me with an opportunity to research my map and identify a go-around. Gaia GPS has a great feature which allows you to download areas of a map prior to beginning your adventure so in case you are without cellular service, you still have the map area loaded and available.
Much of northern half of the TNJT has been two-lane blacktop with only a few miles of dirt or gravel here or there. Again, not a bad track but nothing exciting to report with the exception of a few sections here or there. This short stretch ran between two beautiful neighborhoods and pretty and short, just like most of the MILFs smiling at me here in NJ. Seriously, there are a surplus of good-looking healthy girls here and I smile back each and every time.
Some of the highlights so far included driving through the middle of the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. While driving though I slowed down to try and figure out what all the excitement was about - I was able to notice unique vehicles and personnel who were really paying extra special attention to my AEV Prospector with my Four Wheel Camper on the back. I pulled over and pulled out my Zeiss Conquest HD binoculars and confirmed that we were all checking each other out. I smiled and rolled only finding out the next day that President Trump arranged a private screening at Bedminster for the summer blockbuster: Sound of Freedom.
When I awoke in the morning I heard a man walking towards my vehicle - I could hear his was and was able to conclude that he was old and weak, even before I could see him. Minutes later he came around the corner and we greeted each other and ended up talking for the better part of an hour. What is most interesting is that this man was blind and exploring the forest by himself - what a brave man. After talking for a bit and covering a range of subjects he continued on his way and had to search for that rut in the road to guide him. I smiled and said many prayers for the man and was so happy to see him out in the forest, alone, and living life. He's not a quitter and that's the simple secret to success. Never. Ever. Quit.
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