Fun on Lake Erie!

Location: Geneva State Park, OH

We continued our trek across Pennsylvania on Highway 6 deciding to take in the wonderful world of Erie, PA. What a better way than biking Presque Isle.

This pic was taken on Presque Isle looking back across the bay toward Erie.

 

 

But wait, before we left Pennsylvania we lunched at a diner, as promised. So many of the signs now make sense. We didn't get the "booth service" signs. Ah, many diners are just stools at the counter and don't have booths. Oh we westerners.

The diner we chose had booth service and the menu was mainly burgers, hot dogs and good ol' American food. I didn't see anything particularly regional (like Moxie soda in Maine, or hush puppies in the South, or hoagies in NJ).

 

Ned enjoying a chocolate milk shake. Ironically, he was wearing his Route 66 shirt today. Ned's covering up one of the 6's...as in Route 6 across Pennsylvania.

 

We really enjoyed stopping by the Allegheny Dam. Here's Ned on the lake side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was gushing out on the lower side. Quite a sight to see!

 

Biking around Presque Isle we got a little bit of everything. Views of the city (as in the first picture) as well as several lighthouses.

Presque has miles and miles of paved bike lanes that take you next to beaches, lagoons, fishing piers and amusement attractions.

(Kathy, we're thinking of you as we're visiting your hometown. They said they missed you...)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most of the paths were tree lined.

 

 

 

 

Ned, dipping his toes in Lake Erie. It was a bit too cool for us to swim, around the high 60's.

 

 

Not too many swimmers, but a couple of kites flying!

 

 

Apparently, one of the iconic places to visit here is Sara's, a diner and hot dog stand. They have tons of goofy signs and 50's memorabilia.

Oh no, beware of the sharks in Lake Erie Ned!!

 

 

 

 

I preferred the slower pace of driving a 57 Chevy...Fred Flinstone style.

 

We were going to stay another night in Pennsylvania, but we were having so much fun goofing around Lake Erie we decided to just keep driving...right into Ohio. Tonight we're camped at Geneva Lake State Park. The town reminds me of a Jersey Shore crazy summer scene. Lots of arcades, pizza places, miniature golf and family fun stuff.

The campground is awesome...both laundry & a good cell connection - oh and it's beautiful too.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Pennsylvania Grand Canyon - Allegheny Mountains

Location: Lyman Run State Park, PA

So raise your hand if you ever heard of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Yeah, me neither. Nonetheless it was our destination for the day. You can view the PA Grand Canyon from the east or west rim. Here's Ned looking from the east side.

The road to the right of the river is the Pine Creek Rail Trail. That was our biking destination this afternoon.

 

We met a fellow biker on the trail telling us to be sure we didn't miss the Bald Eagle that had a nest in the area. He even rode with us to where we could spot it. Turns out someone else had a high powered telescope set up for viewing. It was awesome to watch the eagle just hanging out in the tree. Here's Ned taking a peek.

 

We rode for about 20 miles all along the river. Such a lush green area. This area is in the Allegheny Mountains and you can certainly tell they get plenty of snow in the winter. It felt a lot like spring here with the myriad of wildflowers and cooler temperatures.

In the winter these trails are used for cross country skiing.

 

 

We rode to the site of a former town called Tiadaghton. This was a former logging area and the town was built around a sawmill. At it's height it had 2 stores, a post office, a hotel, a one-room school house and 20 homes. The sawmill burnt down in 1906 and the post office closed in 1936, sealing the fate of the town. When the post office left 6 families remained. Now, all you see is a grassy field in the bend of the river.

 

 

We are traveling across Pennsylvania on Route 6. It's a scenic byway almost across the entire state. Between mountain areas (the Poconos yesterday and the Alleghenys today) are miles and miles of rolling green hills and picture perfect bucolic farms.

 

"I'm on top of the world looking down on creation"

 

When we do pass through a small town, it seems the one staple is the diner. They are all unique in design. This one dates back to the 1920's. Over the door it says, "Ladies Invited".

 

 

This diner was in one of biggest towns, Wellsboro. I suppose we should eat at one before we leave Pennsylvania. I'll report back what you can expect from one of their menus.

As we drove through Wellsboro, we had just missed the Flag Day Parade, marching bands and all. All we saw was the aftermath of straggling band members wandering around and the entire street lined with flags.

 

After a couple of bike riding days we're ready to call it a night. Really enjoying Lyman Run State Park - it's very quiet on a Sunday night.

 

Posted with Blogsy