Pine Creek Rail Trail

It's been about a year since I've been home to visit my family. And this time, we decided to take the bikes and go to the Pine Creek Rail Trail. My Mom, Dad, Brother, and his family have all been there, I have not. My Mom just speaks so highly of it, I just needed to go. Living in Cleveland for the past 13 years, I definitely miss the green rolling hills of Central PA. I guess I didn't appreciate it as much growing up there, but move away and go back, and you'll quickly see just how beautiful it is.

It was about a 45 minute drive up into Tioga County, all of which was curvy back roads, most of which I had been on before, but years ago. It had a familiar feel, but new at the same time. It was a bit overcast when we arrived, and started to drizzle a bit. We waited in our vehicles for a few minutes and then it stopped, so we got unpacked and ready to roll.

A mile or so up the trail it started to rain again, luckily we were able to take refuge under the porch at the Hotel Manor in Slate Run. We rode about 15 miles total, there were a few more stops for rain, a turtle spotting, a snake spotting, and some tom foolery here and there whenever we could. My Mom, who just loves to ride a bike, at 71, was having a blast. At one point, she looked around at the scenery and all of us, and said, "there's nothing greater than riding a bike." It was a cool moment right then. We got back to the vehicles and had a light snack picnic lunch.

My wife and kids, my Mom and Dad, my brother and his wife and my niece and nephew had a great time riding together.

To top it off, on the drive home, we stopped at the Waterville Country Store to cool ourselves off with a little ice cream. I ordered up a large chocolate and vanilla twist, and darn it if I didn't take a picture of it, but that sucker was about 10 inches tall!! Hot dang, it was good, and I did not share one bit of it!! (ok, my daughter had a couple licks).

Good times, good times.....