I’ve gotten accustomed to going on “Denny Day Trips” that take me and those with me to far away places. On Wednesday afternoon, we packed the car and headed north or east or somewhere. Now that I think about it, when I’m in PA, I just let him and his wife Joy plan the day. This is the view of  the Allegheny River Trail. We have been to this river before in winter with snow falling down around us. This photo is of the Belmar Bridge—a railway bridge that was built to span the Allegheny River for the Jamestown, Franklin and Clearfield Railroad. It is 1,361 feet long, weighs 38,000 tons, and took more than a year to complete. The first train crossed this bridge on February 5, 1907.

We were in a different area but it doesn’t matter. Each view is beautiful and each one exposes the vast wilderness surrounding me. On the way back to his car, a fisherman stopped us and said, “Oh, you are going to like this trail.” I was relaxed with the sun and the wind washing down over me. Then I heard the following, “I saw a bear track down by where I was fishing,” he smiled just like the people do in Toccoa when they insist on telling me some wild tale that usually ends with me being frightened out of my wits.

The bridge that is a part of the trail was once a working railroad bridge with a double track. The steel, of course, was from Pittsburgh, PA. I thought this was an interesting photo of a guy on a jet ski floating down the river. It’s passenger was fishing off the side of the boat. No worries right?

This is a striking area and the day was awesome. A gentle wind was blowing and the temperatures were just right. I have to admit that I have fallen in love with northwestern Pennsylvania. I love the idea that we can drive to Lake Erie or even Canada in a day if our DDTs take us there. But I don’t think I’m tough enough to live there in the winter. And I don’t think Cocoa or Chip would make it either. But then there’s the bear track and the fact that this area probably does contain wolves . . . and who knows what else lurks in those woods.

I wish I had purchased this little guy for Chip. It’s Jack London through and through.

I won’t even try to explain where I am. But I will tell you that as I was traveling down the road in a state known for horse racing, I spotted this guy chewing hay and watching passing traffic! I just had to take his photo. Does he look like he is smiling for the camera?

Just a sweet photo for this morning. Georgia is having to endure a heatwave but forecasters say it won’t last. Thank goodness! There is a lot of summer before us.

Because I live here, I can mess around half the day and then jump in the car and head north and quickly be in the mountains where I can grill out under the trees with the dogs and friends. Sounds like fun unless it is really hot outside, and you are a little dog that needs lots of water and grilled hot dogs. Did I say “hot dogs?!”

Yep, if you grill out under the tree you had better have “hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and Coca Cola!

And if you are a little dog, you can ‘t help but wonder how “your people” can just hang out reading and sleeping the afternoon away while  other people grilling all around you. In fact, how can anyone relax when your own grill is hot and food is cooking?!

Here are some snap shots from Saturday’s venture down the Tugaloo River. Last year was a lot of fun but this year was even better. Several people from the college joined the group and a good many from the community. In this photo, Jim and Sharon Morden enjoy a fun moment before we put the boats into the river at Walker Creek.

Dale Garside (rear of this canoe) told me that he was glad I had brought my camera. I always have to take the risk because you can’t see this view from the side of a road. You have to be in the river to catch the reflections of the clouds and awesome blue sky on the water.

Donna Good is a proud owner of one slick kayak. I can’t decide: new camera or new kayak? It’s a hard decision now that all of us are enjoying being outside.

Kelly gives facts about the area and the Cherokee Indian towns that once dotted the edge of the river.

We even pull up together at a couple of points so he can give greater details. This is where his stories come to life.

In the background, Kelly is talking about the Jarrett Plantation and the old covered bridge (Prather Bridge) that was at this location. All that remains of this structure is three support columns. One is in the background of this photo. In the foreground, Sharon is having lots of fun taking photos of church members.

Our view for most of the day. Just beautiful again this year. Guess you can understand how my neck got sunburned.

Finally, we entered a really quiet stream that led to Longnose Falls where we stopped for lunch.

After resting, talking, and having lunch, we head back out on the water. In all, we spend about five hours paddling and listening to Indian stories.

Here is this year’s group shot via Kelly’s camera. It just keeps growing!