Gettysburg

PA Pics

Paddling The Yough

Back on the water as I kayak the Youghiogheny River from Confluence, PA to Ohiopyle. Actually had some Class II rapids on this paddle, and the good news - I managed to stay in the kayak for the entire 10 miles.

Remember

Great Allegheny Passage

Yesterday I settled in at the Youghiogheny River Lake Campground, in Confluence, PA - and while talking to a ranger he mentioned that the Great Allegheny Passage (a rail to trails project) had a trailhead just across the road from the campground. Sounded like a good reason to stay a couple of nights.

Today I peddled the Youghiogheny River Trail Section of the GAP from Confluence to Ohiople, PA, a round trip total of 22 miles. The full GAP experience lets you bike (or walk) from Pittsburgh and then via the C&O Towpath Trail all the way to Washington DC, a total of 335 miles, I'll leave that for another day.

Whittler To Master

Just finished a tour, plus some exploring on my own, at the Warther Museum and workshop in Dover, Ohio. I remember a visit here, back in the old days, but it was still impressive the second time around. Ernest "Mooney" Warther was a self-taught woodcarver, who started out just whittling things and became a master at his craft.

An example of his "whittlin' days" - His "Plier Tree," on display at the museum, has 511 interconnected pliers carved from a single block of wood.

Then he went on to his amazing history of the steam locomotive in wood, with bone (and later ivory) - but never any paint or dyes.

And then he did some in ivory.

Also, some carvings of his day job in the mills. Carving was a hobby, and he apparently never sold a carving (gave some away) although he did have a small knife business that is still making high quality knives today.

Just Some Pics

Taking it easy at my sister's over the holiday (avoiding the crowds).