The past few days have been a whirlwind. Plans have been made pretty much at the last minute. But we have done some really cool things.
Saturday was a slow starter. We were recovering from the long drive from Lexington.
I did volunteer to mow the lawn for Alison's dad, as he threw his back out over a week ago, and was still in a lot of pain. That was an adventure. The front yard is a hill. A very steep hill. I wore blisters on my hands trying to keep the mower from sliding down that hill as I mowed across it.
That evening, Alison and I went out on a date. We had a really great time. I'll let her tell you all about it.
On Sunday, we had plans to meet her sister and her family at Lake Erie to picnic and spend the day on the beach, but we had to resort to Plan B after the beaches were closed due to bacterial contamination of the water there.
So we met them at McConnells Mill State Park, a 90 minute drive north of Pittsburgh. After our lunch at the playground, we hiked down the hill to see the Mill and dam on Slippery Rock Creek. This creek is more of a river, the valley reminding me of Red River Gorge in Kentucky. There are a lot of rapids on the creek, and some brave people actually pilot kayaks down it.
We hiked a mile or two down the creek and back during the course of the afternoon, stopping occasionally to teach the kids how to skip stones on the water, and allow them to explore.
When we got back to our cars, we drove a few more miles to Meadville, PA to visit with, and have dinner with Alison's brother Aaron and his family.
Aaron is the coolest Dead Head United Methodist Minister I have ever met, not that I have ever met one before. But he is still a really cool guy.
We are heading back there today to spend a couple of nights.
Yesterday was a lot more laid back. We shopped at the mall all afternoon. It was a nice way to stay out of the heat and rain.
Our next stop after Meadville will be Pasadena, California, where we will attend a weekend gathering of friends from all over the country at Reinstock 05. Details to follow.
Okay, Allan, is McConnell's Mill really that far, or did it just SEEM that far, due to the presence of two kids who don't like traveling in a car? LOL.
Posted by: Alison | July 26, 2005 at 09:49
You're absolutley right - Ali's family (and mine, by extension) are in fact among the coolest people anyone will ever meet. I can't wait to see them all over Labor Day!
Posted by: Bonnie | July 26, 2005 at 14:20
Contaminated water? How gross! When I was a kid I got a nasty ear infection from swimming in Lake Erie. What a shame...
Alison's post was great. Thanks for linking it.
I don't imagine there are too many Deadhead United Methodist ministers.
Posted by: J. Star | July 26, 2005 at 23:30
Sounds like you're having a lovely vacation :) Thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted by: Carrie | July 27, 2005 at 11:05
Hey Allan, it's me again. My nephew turns 16 tomorrow. I'm asking my fav bloggers (and anyone else who wants to share) to leave comments with life advice for him. If you have time and would like to share some wisdom for him, please stop in ok? :) No pressure though.
Posted by: Carrie | July 27, 2005 at 11:47