Day 20

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Day 20 - September 24 

Yesterday, there were no parking lots to find, no traffic to deal with, and no crowds to work through. Yet, we have plenty to share with you. Taking the road less traveled presented us with some wonderful photo opportunities.

As we left the quiet town of Warren, Pennsylvania, we enjoyed the cool morning and a great breakfast at a locally owned restaurant—the Peppermill Restaurant. We also had dinner there the night before.

Our first stop, just outside Warren, was Chapman State Park. We saw a sign indicating the park was only a few miles away, so we took an unplanned excursion a little out of our way. It was worth the time.

We were pleasantly surprised by the small, well-maintained park and its picturesque view of a beautiful lake nestled among the surrounding woods. The grounds were as well maintained as any golf course I have ever played on.

The lake had an overflow wall that allowed water to cascade into a stream below. The waterfall drew your attention to an entrancing view of the lake beyond it. The waterfall and lake weren’t grand, spectacular, or mesmerizing—they were simply beautiful.

We left Chapman State Park with a parting gift from Mother Nature—a deer jumped across the road in front of us, giving us just enough time to smile but not enough time to take a picture.

Our journey continued through the Allegheny National Forest. It was a fun drive with all the twists and turns of the road as we traveled through the forest.

After about thirty minutes, we drove out of the forest and continued toward our next destination—Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Yes, I had to cut and paste Punxsutawney. I couldn’t spell it.

We saw Punxsutawney Phil, and I walked the public square where Groundhog Day is celebrated. Next to the square is a library where Punxsutawney Phil lives in an area called Phil’s Burrow.

After eating at McDonald’s in downtown Punxsutawney, we continued our trip to Pittsburgh, where we spent the night.

Today, we plan to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial, where Flight 93 crashed into the Pennsylvania countryside on September 11, 2001.

Below are more photos from yesterday’s travels as we made our way from Warren to Pittsburgh.

Until next time…we’re traveling on.