Indian Echo Caverns Pennsylvania

For nineteen years (1802–1821) the caverns were the home of William Wilson, known as the Pennsylvania Hermit. Wilson withdrew from society after his failure to halt the execution of his sister WElizabeth for the murder of her twin sons. Following her death in Chester, Pennsylvania in 1786, William wandered westward across southeastern Pennsylvania, settling in the caverns in 1802. The Sweets of Solitude: Instructions to Mankind How They May Be Happy in a Miserable World, an essay supposedly written by Wilson during his time in the caverns, was published following his death. (Wiki)

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Directly underneath

Indian Echo Caverns 229

A sketch from William's diary, sad that he did not reach his sister with the pardon in time.

A sketch from William’s diary, sad that he did not reach his sister with the pardon in time.

So we learned that the first visitors of the caverns were….wait for it….Indians.  After that it was the French fur-trappers.  They were hanging out in the caves, building fires, staying dry and waiting for animals to be caught in their traps.  That was back in the 17th and 18th Centuries.  In the 19th Century ole William set up camp until from 1802 until 1821, dying a cave resident.  After that, the caves were open to people passing through, perhaps looking to advertise their business cheaply.  The first graffiti was an advertising for pretzels.

Ad Fail: The company went out of business.

Ad Fail: The Lebanon company went out of business.

There were a few other acts of graffiti following the abandonment of the caverns.  In 1929, Mr. John Beiber (no relation to Justin, our guide told us) opened the caverns to the public, with the paths improved and gravel added for safety.  The rooms of mineral deposits were opened for viewing, and handrails, light fixtures, etc. were added to assist in navigating the cavern.  It is dark, chilly, and damp, and often eerie inside, with tales by our guide about dragons and zombies.

Indian Echo Caverns 067

J. Lehner 1858 Andrew

J. Lehner 1858 Andrew

 

HI At least they kept it short.

HI
At least they kept it short.

red graffiti

red graffiti

 

I found this promotional photo from 1970 on the Indian Echo Caverns website and thought it was the bees knees.  😉

Historical photo from 1970

Historical photo from 1970

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Vintage Postcard

Vintage Postcard

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In 1942, Mr. Edward S. Swartz, a Hershey native purchased the caverns and his family still retains ownership.  The color of the caves has not been altered, they really are that colorful!

We also enjoyed the Conestoga Wagon display and the petting zoo.  🙂

Click on the first thumbnail to open the photo gallery. Enjoy and stop back again soon!  ~P.

 

Rail Trail in York, PA

My dear friend from high school, Beth Fike (Lightner) asked if I ever rode my bike on the rail trail.  I had not, so we made half-ass plans last night to go this morning.  Beth was the only one really prepared at 9 am, Dale and I were just winging it.

Some pictures on the way to the trail:

Remember when this was McDonald's?

Beth gets our bikes down.

Beth gets our bikes down.

We started riding just off of Richland Avenue.  There was quite a bit of activity-walkers, joggers and bicyclists.  Ages ranged from babies in strollers to active senior citizens.  Beth, Dale and I were just trying to not wreck our bikes.  Dale’s bike has some serious gear issues, making this 4 mile total trip very difficult.  The trail is shaded and the scenery is over-all, pleasant.  The people we passed said hello, good morning or at least nodded if their ears were plugged with an electronic gadget.  I ran into a musical friend of the family, Lori Yost, and recognized her.  She couldn’t get over that I remembered her and her parents.  Gene and Esther Yost are doing well, still love Bluegrass music.  😉

There are many turns on the trail due to roads.  The weren’t any active trains (the weeds growing through the tracks and the “Derail Ahead” signs gave it away) in the area.  I said to Beth, “If the tracks aren’t being used, why don’t they recycle them?”  Beth’s answer was simple, “then it wouldn’t be a rail trail.”

Good point,

~P

Click on the first thumbnail to see what I discovered on the rail trail in York, PA.

Suskie River Man~Wrightville, PA 4th of July 2013

I love the randomness of my life and the places it takes me.

Dale and I stopped at his parent’s house, Steve and Susie, and surprised them with a visit.  They were preparing to leave for their friend Butch’s house, a Susquehanna river man since 1969.  He broke the rules by tearing down the majority of ratty trees on his property causing the fur of neighbors to rise.  The neighbors got over, moved away or have died.  Butch is a tough old man with a heart of gold and a soft spot for his family.  Within his family are members of no blood relation, just great friends.

We enjoyed a night of fishing, laughing and at some points, annoying the hell out of Dale’s mom.  She gave me a warning (about 5 times) to stop messing with her, but I just couldn’t help myself.  When Dale’s brother Jon showed up with his girlfriend Jill, it was an all out verbal memoir of their childhood that I greatly encouraged.  Susie wasn’t as amused as the rest of us.  Fortunately for her, there was a huge distraction when someone threw a box of fireworks into the bonfire.  Missiles of fire headed right at us with incredible explosions that should never be viewed at close distance.

I yelled for the mom of two kids to run them up the hill.  The little girl Bailey was nearly in tears.  Tempers flared briefly;  it was a stupid move, made by someone drinking cheap beer.  Butch later set off his fireworks (completely legal, I’m sure) and shortly after, Wrightsville began their display.  The fish were biting, the people were happy, the kids were hilarious (I let them take some pictures of me) and the fireworks gave us many ooooo and aaaaaah moments.  The fireworks ended and the sky went dark, minus the moon and some stars.  We heard a voice coming from the river, “Butch, Butch!  We ran out of gas!”

Two men were drifting down a swift Susqhuehanna River in a fishing boat with no fuel for their motor.

“What do you want me to do?” Butch yelled.

“Help!” the unknown boatist yelled.

“There’s nothing I can do.  I can’t reach a rope out to you.”

“They’ll hit the dam.” I stated.

“Yes, they will.” Butch confirmed.

“The current will drag the boat under and drown them.”

“Yes, it will.” He replied.

“Should I call the police?” I asked.

“Probably.”

He yelled out to the boat which was quickly passing and nearly out of sight.  “You want us to call for help?”

Both yelled back, “No!” and Butch said, “they have beer on the boat and don’t want caught.  Not worth dying over.”

I pulled out my phone; it was dead.  The entire group began discussing if 911 should be called.  At one point I thought for sure, someone, anyone who had a charged phone, would call for help.  In less than five minutes, the boat and men were gone.  We couldn’t hear them and they wouldn’t have been able to hear us.  I felt sick, and a little faint to be honest.  I had dread that I would read of a drowning at the dam in the morning news.  (I checked, no drownings last night, thank you Jesus for watching over drunks in boats.)

Butch said they would most likely be able to direct the boat to shore or at least get to one of the islands and call for someone to bring them gas.  No police involved.  Got ya, Butch.  Glad it worked out for them.

Butch said, “I’m a fixture here, a legend.  When I die, I want to be buried in my wall.”

I asked him how long it took him to build that impressive wall in front of his massive home.

“No one’s ever asked me that before.  A long time, like 9 years, and a lotta money.”

I have no doubt about that.  Beautiful living, down by the river.

Enjoy the pictures by clicking on the first and opening the gallery.

~P.

Dear John~Stop contacting my family

Letters he nevers learns from

Dear John,

This is the last straw.  They had to medicate my mother in rehab after your surprise visit.  Or should I call it an attack?  Do not call my parents to take Tesla to them.  They have a daughter (AS IN ME) who will gladly take their granddaughter (TESLA) to see them.

My dad is a drama king, just like you.  It is my mother who suffers.  She doesn’t give a shit if you’re mad at her or not.  What she does give a shit about is you staying out of her physical therapy room, interrupting like you have something important to say.  If my mom talks to Tesla, butt out and let them talk.  You listening in is causing all types of problems.

As far as your refusing to let Tesla and I spend time together over the Thanksgiving break from our schools, you don’t surprise me.  If you feel like it’s a win for you to separate us over extended amounts of time….well that wouldn’t surprise me either.

Stop contacting everyone in my family, including Dale.

Not dearly yours,

~P

Just like riding a bike

I bought a Mongoose mountain bike back when I still lived with the man.  He pitched a fit saying I would spend $7,000 on a bike.  The used bike was $75 at the bike shop in Columbia.  I don’t buy anything new if I can help it because I’m thrifty.

I really never got around to riding the bike back then but I’m making up time for it now.  Tesla, Blaine, the neighbor kids and I love riding our bikes.  I’ve been telling Dale he needs to get a hobby for quite some time now.  Out of the blue he jumped on my 12 speed bike and scared the bejesus out of me.  Despite his paralysis on the left-hand side of his body, he was able to ride the bike with ease.

Tesla and I were very impressed, especially after he told us he hadn’t rode a bike since he was a teenager.  I said, “Honey you need to get a bike too!  That would be awesome if you rode bikes with us, ain’t Tesla?”  She chimed in, “Yes….awesome Dale!”

So Dale is looking for his bike.  That really makes me happy as it’s not only good for Dale’s health, it good for our family.  Now we need to teach his son how to ride a bike!

Exercise is great for the heart and brings a family together.

We will give Dale plenty of room while we ride….lol

~P.

 

Tesla turns 6

Tesla had a great 6th birthday!  It was great to have all my kidlings together.  The weather wasn’t too bad….a little chilly.  😉   Thanks to all who helped make the day special!   ~P.

 

Wanted her hair curled for the party....and make up. 😉

 

exploding balloons 5 short clips

How many way can I find to title a post about balloons?  I’ve decided to start a Balloon Category.  🙂

So what did you think of the YouTube balloon videos?

http://youtu.be/jiBAncGNKpQ 1st one…with little help.  hehe

http://youtu.be/woRLjTmnjXY  2 down…yes, I know I’m goofy

http://youtu.be/2ywK7YbjIEQ   3rd and my favorite!

http://youtu.be/MRIo25VPPRU 4th Waiting for Dale

______________________ 5th Private.  hahaha

~P.

 

 

 

Gravity Hill – Pennsylvania – YouTube

I’ve been here many times.  I get goosebumps everytime.   Optical Illusion?  Gravity Defied?  Ghosts?  ~P.

Gravity Hill – Pennsylvania – YouTube.

“He is whiny”

 

Zip it

 

Dale texted me.  That really did make me “lol!”

I had forwarded the text John sent me to him.  Got that?

**skip if easily distracted**  (It is funny that, in the phone given to me by my sister Suz has John listed as J Hole.  His messages  are from Hole, J.  Very funny Susan 🙂 🙂 😀 😀  Ok, so Suz had no real part in this conversation and is avoiding me right now anyway.)

“Tesla is very sick you gave her your bug”

I read the text a second time, became very annoyed and sent this response back to Hole, J.

“I think she gave it to me after it went through everyone at your house three times.  Have her call and I will comfort her.  Ty.”

I’m still not sure about the call at 8:02 AM.  Was that Tesla calling me? Or was it John, wanting to point his short, pudgy finger?  I called J Hole, not blocking my number and he answered.  Told me Tesla was sleeping and I requested she call when she woke.  I thanked him and hung up.  Will I hear from Tesla?

These are the days of my life,

~P.

**another distraction** (Suz had me listed as Pattio in my new-to-me phone.  A name Uncle Walty made up for me.  Uncle Walty was made up by J Hole.  It’s a twisted, name calling, soap opera.)

P.S.  There will be a quiz.

Dear John~ domestics debacle

Letters he nevers learns from

Dear John,

It wasn’t good to see you this morning.  I’m sure you felt the same way.

I was surprised when you came alone.  No lawyer in tow today?  I wonder why that is…did you feel you had everything under control yourself?  Or your lawyers weren’t available?  Your lawyers quit?  My lawyer sent him a letter back in December and so far, no response.  You know, I had a lawyer quit a couple of years back when this divorce process was started….by you.  He quit shortly after you emptied our entire house of everything and didn’t tell me.  Was I really surprised you did that?  No.  I didn’t have Tesla with me when I went there for the first time.  I thank God I didn’t because I don’t know how I would have explained where everything was.  You took out everything in 24 hours, even Tesla’s belongings.  I have pictures of this pathetic attempt to control things in the house.  Any respect I still had for you vanished that day.

Back to domestics, did you notice this time Carla was actually showing interest in what exactly our marriage situation is?  Perhaps they are going to look a little deeper at our case?  Or, maybe she was just being nosey ya know?  Asking the questions she did.  You have to admit, it is all fascinating.  The only draw back: it’s our life and what’s left of “our life” is just wrapping it up.  It really pisses me off that I am no longer entitled to alimony because I have a man living in my home. What kind of bullshit is that?  I’m not married to Dale, I’m married to YOU.  It’s not even about the money since it wasn’t that much.  It’s just the damn point.

What blows my mind is that you are going to file for child support.  Even Carla seemed surprised that you are insisting on holding me to pay you support.  You really do want it all don’t you?  The business, the house, our child and support payments to boot.  I tried to talk to you about support and you just refuse to even listen.  All you have to do is sign a piece of paper saying you do not request support.  Is that really asking too much?  The amount you would receive will be just as sad as my hourly rate.  It’s ironic that when we met, you told me to tell my son’s father he didn’t have to pay me the $200 a month support for Jarrid and Zeth.  Do you remember?  Saying to me, “$200 dollars a month is nothing.”  When I asked you what you thought I should have to pay you, your response was, “That’s up to the courts to decide.”  Since when do you want a court to decide anything?!

SO,  instead of me  wasting my time “looking for a job” or making a pitiful hourly wage, just realize how this will affect Tesla.    This will take away my availability to see Tesla, to study hard to keep my GPA high, and take care of my home.  Those are my “jobs” and  I have taken school loans out to the tune of $15,000 so far just to pay rent and live.  Oh, since we are still married, you are responsible for half….

Please take a moment and really think this over.  What’s best for Tesla is to spend time with her parents.  What is best for any child is to spend time with their parents and since we are separated we have to split her time.  It should be as equal as we can make it while living in different school districts.  I’ve never kept Tesla from you and ask that you would do the same for me.  She needs her mother to be part of her schedule, not an after-thought, every other weekend.  The more she sees me, the easier it will be for her to accept that she has to live with you.  She said to me that she told you she wanted to live with me and you told her “no.” Yes, legally, she is in your “custody” and you don’t have to share that time with me.   It is just selfish that you don’t want to.  I don’t ask for unreasonable amounts of time to see Tesla or even over night.  That threat you made, “You better drop this or I won’t let you see her except for every other weekend.”  You are threatening me with seeing her less, because I am asking to see her more than every other weekend.  Why would I drive there if she had no interest in going away with me?  She wants to see me.

There is no reason we can’t work out a schedule for Tesla and I to spend time together on a regular basis.

There is no reason I should have to get a part-time job to pay you support when every cent our moving company makes, you keep.

There is no reason Dale should be held responsible for me when I am still fucking married to you.

I am not saying I think you should have to pay child support to me.  What I am saying is: I think you are requesting child support just to be a jerk.  To make my life harder, which seems to make you happy.  I get that you want me to know you are “in control” of Tesla.  The person who doesn’t get it, is Tesla.  Our divorce is causing too much stress on her.

Let’s make a goal for 2012.  All four of us should try to get divorced from our spouses so we can get on with our lives.  Maybe then, Dale and I CAN get married!

I pray every night for this part of our lives to be finalized.  God doesn’t answer my prayers any faster than your lawyer answers letters.

See you tomorrow 🙂

~P.

Tesla and I are looking forward to Wednesday afternoon and spending time together.  Please allow her and I to spend a few hours together before gymnastics.  It really means a lot to her.

P.S.  I just got off the phone with you.  How dare you tell me to get a job and help support our daughter?  The nerve of you to tell me times are tough when you just took a week’s vacation before Christmas.  You haven’t paid any support since November yet I survived.  Now you don’t have to pay support at all and I will survive.   I can not believe you said “all this time you have to volunteer in Tesla’s class, you could be working.”  It’s crystal clear you are limiting my time with Tesla because you have been “granted” power by Judge Dorney.   You said it yourself on the phone, just now, because you don’t want me part of her routine.

It saddens me that you just don’t get that you are hurting Tesla.  What she says is HER words.  I don’t “tell” her what to say nor do I put ideas in her head.  I give her honest answers to her questions and anything I say, she is free to tell you.    I don’t listen in on your conversations, nor limit how long you talk to Tesla.  You on the other hand, do both.    You have given me permission to take Tesla home after gymnastics.  If that’s all the time you will allow me, I guess there is nothing I can do.  It’s Tesla who will be disappointed she can’t go to dinner with her cousin Blaine because she has to eat dinner at home, on schedule, as a family.  In my humble opinion (which I realize means nothing to you) she should have a night during the week when I can pick her up and we can do things with her cousin, brothers, friends, etc.

Like I said at domestics today, in the long run you’ll see the error in your ways.  You should retake the Kids First Class.  http://girlboxer1970.com/2011/07/11/kids-first/  I really don’t think you learned a damn thing.

Also, since you claim not to read my blog, I will email this to you.  That way you, Heather and LaDonna can all have the opportunity to read it together.

~P.

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