Catchin' Spring Rays

Spring has sprung in Philadelphia and I'm taking full advantage. I made a promise this year to myself to learn something new, again - then never let myself lose it. In walks Skateboarding. And there limps Vanessa.  So here's a few shots from the last two weekends of taking in the sites, being adventurous, and catching a sunset. 

Hope you all are well

Hawk Mountain | Hamburg, PA

If you're a Raptor enthusiast and you're into tracking Hawks, this is the place to be.  If you're just looking for a great hike and you happen upon the wonders of the mountain - Hawks, snakes, foliage, and other wildlife, consider yourself #blessed #yass.

Hawk Mountain was a nice day hike located along the Appalachian Trail near Hamburg, PA.  Bring snacks and watch the Hawks swoop all day.

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, NY

Here's a picture of Curtiss on the bike.  1907, was a very busy time for Curtiss. In January, for example, he rode the world’s first V-8 motorcycle to a speed of 136 miles per hour in Ormond Beach, Florida. Having driven the cycle faster than even the typical locomotive of the day, he became known as “the fastest man on earth.”  Full here.

The June Bug was designed by Glenn Curtiss and powered by a Curtiss engine.

So his wife could come along.

Shaft-driven bicycle!

Could be handy going downhill in Philly on the fixed gear!

1934 Zündapp flat twin K500 shaft-drive motorcycle.

I had the opportunity to visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum yesterday after a long drive back to Philadelphia from Buffalo, NY.  The museum is located in Hammondsport, NY near Keuka Lake.  Keuka means "canoe landing" in the Iroquois language and "lake with an elbow" in the Seneca language.

Glenn Curtiss was an innovator in aviation, bicycles, and motorcycles.  He was a talented motorcycle builder and racer and built engines for airships in the early 1900s.  He worked with the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA), a group founded by Alexander Graham Bell.  Early on he had an interest in bicycles and started his own business building and maintaining them in Hammondsport.  Curtiss began assembling engines and attaching them to the frame of bicycles.  His desire to go fast was born.  Breaking records in 1907 riding his V-8 motorcycle, building countless engines for famous aircraft, and innovating transportation and inspiring many thinkers for years to come.  

If you are ever passing through or on a wine tour near the finger lakes, add this to your itinerary!

I'm Back From the Adirondack Camping Getaway!

Sorry for the dead air over here, I've been away on vacation!  I spent some time exploring the Adirondack mountains, specifically Lower St. Regis Lake, Lake Placid and the general area.  Lots of fishing, paddling, rain and a bit of sunshine.  Despite the rain, I think it's safe to say we all had a blast being outside and enjoying one another's company.  I'll have a full post coming soon.  For now, here is a panorama of the night sky after a storm.  Just lovely!

Weekend in Northeast Pennsylvania: Pond Fishing

Mother Nature is remarkable.  She deserved a Mother's Day nod this weekend.  I ventured north for the weekend and spent time with family outdoors.  An elderly couple own a beautiful piece of property that we've been fishing on for years.  Though getting to the pond is a little bit of  a hike through fields, brush and uneven paths, it's worth the trouble.

The wildlife was out and about in full force around 9:00 AM when we reached the pond.  Even before my first cast out I saw a few fish jump and birds swoop in for the kill.  To the north of the pond in the forest we heard woodpeckers looking for breakfast and squirrels chasing each other in the trees.

Everyone had some sort of success fishing.  I caught a few pickerel and perch.  It was a "catch and release" kind of morning, but now that we know there are a bunch of keepers in there, we'll be back.

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Thrills and Spills

 

I'm writing this post with a fat lip and an elevated leg while resting on my couch.  I took a little tumble in the woods this morning.  Dammit. Hopefully nothing too bad that a little ice and time wont heal.

Otherwise, the trails were wonderful.  Flowers are in full bloom, birds singing in the trees, and just a nice calm morning.  I even saw a Ruffed Grouse while I took a little water break.  The RockBros Bike Bicycle Pedals were a new addition to my bike(old faithful Giant Yukon) this season and they were great!  Super grippy, lightweight and really fun to ride on platforms rather than cages or clip ins.  Next time I hope to report only thrills.  Have a great weekend!!

Blue Skies and Park Visits

It's been a little slow here on the blog.  Things have been busy for me, but I should be back regularly and with a lot more new stuff to share.

We took advantage of the great weather and strolled around the city.  Muffin the dog was so tired, we had to keep resting in the shade.  I hope you had a great weekend and stay tuned!

Spring Weekend Getaway

Mornings are still crisp here in Philadelphia.  Despite the weather, trees are now in full bloom and my allergies are acting up!  It's Spring for sure.  New adventures await and more places to explore on the horizon.  Though it may be too early for me to graduate from the foam surfboard, I still have my eyes on the Pinwheel.  Hard to justify, especially living in a landlocked state, but the "shore" as we say, is not too far away.  Anyway, here are a couple of things that would be perfect for a weekend getaway to the beach (of course with your dog in tow).  Make a campfire.  Have a beer (or two).  I command you.

List of goods after the jump...

Thanksgiving Weekend Photos

I'm sitting here sifting through pictures from last weekend taken in north east Pennsylvania.  Despite the sort of treacherous drive in on Wednesday evening (and the car sliding down the hill backwards), the snow was absolutely beautiful.  We strolled around back roads and checked to see if the lake was freezing up.  The annual Christmas tree shopping was a success too.


Lots of good food and great company.  Muffin loved being out in the snow and I did too!  I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday!