June 8 – The Pegasus Campground in Elkins, WV did prove to be a very interesting campground.
We parked between two old tour buses from the 60s and 70s and met Mark and Bonnie who have been in traveling bands since they were in their early teens. There were two bandstands built in the middle of the campground with a railroad running right through the middle of the property. The music played well into the night. The road leading into the campground is an old revolutionary war road, as is the cemetery across this road. We enjoyed our Memorial Day cookout here with Bill and Donna.
After getting settled into the camp, we met up with Bill to help pick Donna up at the Pittsburgh airport. We then had a fun time exploring the Strip district of Pittsburgh and eating at a diner called The Primanti Brother's Deli, made famous by a TV show. World famous, according to Bill.
We had one day to explore while Donna was with us and Bill was kind enough to drive us into the Allegheny Mountains to a small coal town called Thomas. This historic coal town town is different from other coal towns in that it was not built and owned by a company but by the people themselves. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. We had a nice lunch at the Purple Fiddle and a walk through town before heading up to Blackwater Falls State Park.
This is a beautiful park to visit. The amber colored water of the Blackwater river, which flows into the Ohio, is darkened by tannic acid and the 52 ft waterfall is picture perfect.
Our next stop was Erie, PA for one night, before heading northeast to Plattsburgh, NY. Routes 11 and 11b run parallel with the St Lawrence river and touch the northern border of the Adirondacks. This whole drive has spectacular views of green rolling hills with many dairy farms, produce stands, busy Amish farmers, and horse drawn buggies sharing the road. We saw an Amish man plowing a field with a two horse plow – something you don't see every day.
After settling into our campsite for the summer with hugs all around for Amy & Connor we packed up for a weekend at the Heggen Camp on Lake Sacandaga for Nate's send off party. We are proud of him for serving our country and wish him well. We do believe this to be the first time the camp has seen a live band and professional hoola-hoopers! It is rare to get so many of the Heggens together at one time. A good time was had by all! see movie
Spending the summer in Plattsburgh with Amy – she has lots of plans for us!
To be continued...