Enjoying Summer and Family in Pennsylvania

It is hard to believe that it is August already and summer is almost over. Before we start getting ready to head south for the winter, I thought I would update everyone on our summer this year. So far, it is much better than last year - at least no falls and broken bones! We have still had quite a few medical appointments mostly for annual checks and tests although Tim had cataract surgery on both eyes. Those appointments and the daily eye drop regimen has been keeping us fairly busy.

We have found that we are not spending as much time at the Fifth wheel as we thought we would. We were there for a couple of weeks and most weekends and have gotten out and enjoy the area a bit. Since the campground is near Pymatuning Lake, it is a very pretty area although it is a bit remote. You have to drive at least 30 minutes to get to a Walmart or larger grocery store. The area is also not too far from Lake Erie and the wine region around the lake. I was able to make a one day trip with my sister in law, Carol, to a few of the wineries. We had a very nice drive up there and enjoyed the day sampling the wines. Tim and I have also done a few drives around Pymatuning Lake and checked out Tuttle Campground at Pymatuning State Park where we used to camp when the girls were young. They had it closed for about 15 years and recently reopened it. They updated all the sites to full hook up and it looks like a great campground. In the state park and on the Ohio side of the lake there are some great spots to watch the boaters on the lake and to catch a pretty sunset. And of course, the best thing that Pymatuning is known for are the carp at the spillway. These fish are piled on top of each other trying to get at the bread thrown to them from the tourists. It seems that the ducks and geese walk on top of the carp fighting for the bread too.

interesting sunset with the cloud layer so close to the lake

i think visiting a winery is more fun than feeding the fish

In early July, we spent a week at Baker Run Hunting and Fishing Club which is the hunting camp where Tim is a member. This year, Katie, Jon, Rosie, Kim and Greg with their dogs Teddy and Freddy, were able to join us there. We all had a great time enjoying camp, taking walks, relaxing around a campfire, watching the stars and playing cards. We made a few trips into the nearest town, Coudersport, where we found a good coffee and ice cream shop.

Kim, greg, rosie, tim, trent and freddy enjoying camp life

Rosie enjoyed exercising with me and kim

The kids visited a nearby state park, Lyming Run, for a hike one day while Tim and I stayed at camp. I think they enjoyed the scenery but the bugs were too bad so they didn’t hike very far. On another day, I went with Katie, Jon and Rosie to a Deer Park where she really enjoyed feeding the deer. We also stopped at the Lumber Museum which was really interesting. Surprisingly, we all enjoyed it, even Rosie. They had some interactive displays that kept her entertained. I think they built the new museum a couple of years ago and it is really well done.

rosie learning about the train at the lumber museum

i loved that they had some interactive displays

The other town that isn’t too far from camp is Austin, PA. This was a big town in the early 1900s when it had a very active paper mill. Unfortunately, there was a dam failure and flood that destroyed much of the town and the factory and it was never rebuilt. Katie, Jon, Rosie and I visited the Austin Dam Memorial Park to see the remnants of the dam and learn more about the history. There is a very interesting story about a woman who ran a brothel who heard the dam break and sent out a warning to others in the town. Due to her, many lives were saved.

Other than that trip, we have just been spending our time either at the campground or Katie’s house in Pittsburgh. Since we seem to have many appointments during the week, we typically come into the city on Monday and head back to the campground for the weekend. I have a feeling the rest of the summer will be pretty much the same.

While in Pittsburgh, we try to get together with friends and family although with everyone’s schedules it is difficult. This week, for example, we have appointments every day. Of course, the best days are spent with our grandchildren. We have enjoyed a few local festivals and parks with them. I will end this post with more pictures of these precious ones. Aren’t they adorable!

Blog

Enjoying Summer and Family in Pennsylvania

Exploring Tomorrows

Welcome!