April 19, 2014

Traveled to West Newton today traveling through beautiful forests on a path that followed the Youghiogheny River. Beauty knows no bounds. In West Newton contacted Youghiogheny Canoe Outfitters to see if they offered camping. They did and a more gracious people would be hard to find. Offered camping, family hospitality, and a welcoming spirit. They do not sell beer but offered one to show their hospitality.  Their wares consist of canoeing, bait, tackle, rentals, and a great welcoming spirit. Not only do they work the river but have received civic recognition for river cleanup and community services. When biking the GAP and traveling through West Newton do not pass up the YOUGHIOGHENY CANOE OUTFITTERS.  Thank you Cuffy (Orlando Dolash) and Dominic Berarducci for your generous spirit and kind hospitality.

Stopped to help a cyclist change a flat tire:

Watch out world, Michelle knows how to patch tires now

I'm falling in love with America again... After Vietnam I had a beef with Uncle Sam, politicians, and our whole approach to foreign interventions. But what I have discovered so far is that America remains beautiful, the people resilient and loaded with optimism in spite of hard financial times.  Passing through Pennsylvania coal country, there are whole towns impacted by mine closings. Even so, they dust off, proceed with life, and find a way to make ends meet. They ask for nothing yet are some of the most giving and generous people that this Great Land possesses.  Chesapeake and Ohio and the great Allegheny Passage offer a source of income and unbounded beauty.  These people are finding their way, and if they can I certainly can too.