Trip out West

Wednesday May 13 

Leave Seven Valleys

8:30 am

We left Seven Valleys after waiting for Mom to come for a final goodbye. The last clean out of the fridge brought forth more than expected but Mom graciously took everything off of our hands. The houseplants were divided between Rose-Anna and Mom, I sure hope Mr. Miyagi is fairing well. Started our route on 30 to Chambersburg then onto 81 through Maryland. Sideling Hill Visitor Center offers a panoramic view of South Mountain and so much more. A woman graciously offered a suggestion: “You might want to cover up that beer in the backseat.” Ha Ha. Next stop, Morgantown.

10:30 am

My first audio report from the road: The first interesting site is a girl made of hay outside of Gettysburg. Eric sees the bike tire spinning. 

12:30 pm

We met Aaron Barkhurst at our traditional Sheetz meetingplace and decided on Black Bear burrito restaurant for some lunch. I called the Ungers to meet us there, Barry agreed to be there after feeding the turkey. Wait a minute, did he say turkey? 

Fakin bacon with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and honey mayo makes for a bangin burrito. It is always nice to catch up with Aaron. Although he and Eric worked together for such a short time, it seems like we have been chums for years. He seems to have similar ideals of outdoor stewardship and adventure as we do, and is even competing in an Ironman competition this summer! Whoa, that’s intense. Barry and Leanne are great, had great stories to share and just seem to naturally go with the flow. I’m excited of the possibilities of our continued friendship and look forward to seeing them back in their Ohio home on our return trip in August.

8:48 pm

Got some Merrills at Cabelas in Wheeling. Can’t wait to wear those puppies. Rain prevented camping somewhere in Ohio. Ohio takes a long time to get through, but it didn’t seem so bad this time. Staying at a super cheap Motel 6 in Englewood, OH. The Hamvention is in town!!! We were jokingly convinced by the front desk clerk that the convention was for rednecks with pigs. Swine flu jokes and all, we were sold. Cannot wait to sleep.