OHIOPYLE STATE PARK - Pennsylvania                    July 6-8

With temperatures forecasted in the mid to high 90's, compounded by oppressive humidity,  it was time to head for the mountains.  So we loaded up the truck, filled the cooler and hitched up the Aliner to escape the heat for a few days at Ohiopyle State Park.

After a pleasant 3-1/2 drive we checked in at the Ranger Station, filled the water tank, and set up at  campsite #125 on the Ginko Loop.  It took less than 15 minutes to level the unit, set up the screen shelter, open the lounge chairs, plug in the electric (for A/C and microwave) and open a cool adult beverage.  We were officially "off the grid" with no TV, no Internet and NO WORRIES.

Cool, Quiet, Peaceful

After a nice dinner we managed to perfect the art of relaxing with some music, reading and a good cigar.  The neighbors were quiet and the only thing we heard was the sound of birds... sweet!  we turned in at 10 when a refreshing rain storm came through, and we fell asleep (snug and dry) to the sound of rain on the camper top.  NO LEAKS.....

Ohiopyle has some beautiful hiking trails spread over the 23,000 acre park and we set out Thursday to explore.  We started at the Park Visitor Center and took in the main Falls where the white water rafting trips leave for a day on the Mighty Youghiogheny River.

View of Main Falls at Park HQ

Looking downstream from the Visitor Center.
Rafting trips start here

The most difficult decision of the day is determing which trails to hike!  We started by seeing Cucumber Falls and the natural Water Slide.  The Falls are gorgeous and the Water Slide is amazing... (we passed going down the slide, but lots of youngsters SHOT down the chute)

Partial view of the Natural Water Slide... 

Cucumber Falls

After a quick lunch we hiked the Jonathan Run trail for about 3 miles and never saw another hiker.  It was pretty muddy and I managed to take a pretty good spill on one of the embankments!

feeder stream on Jonathan Run Trail

We then drove to the Meadow Run Trail and hiked a steep 5 mile loop.  While a bit strenuous, the views of the stream were worth the physical investment.

Meadow Run is more difficult hiking but worth the effort/

Back at ole site 125 we managed once again to chill with a nice fire, a few libations and snacks, dinner, and of course a good cigar.  Stayed up until the fire turned to embers and retired to a great nights rest.

The "ART" of relaxation

We re-entered reality Friday on the drive home when we first learned of the BLM related shootings, and realized once again the the unfortunate direction our Country is headed.  Everyone should take a a few days to go off the grid, turn off the news, listen to a waterfall and the birds (instead of the Fox or MSNBC talking heads), and gain some new perspective by sharing what God has given to us to share with no regard for race, political affiliations or economic status.  The "Rivers and Forest" don't care!
Less violence.... more SMORES!

until next time...!