2018 04 22-25 Shawnee State Park, 04 26-29 Shady Grove Campground

Shawnee State Park - Bedford, Pennsylvania, 22 April 2018

Finally, a nice enough day that we could sit outside without winter coats, scarves and gloves. We really enjoyed this State Park. It was beautiful, well maintained and had lots of walking space around several lakes. 

Some treacherous walking conditions due to the downed trees and limbs just barely hanging over the trail. 

23 April 2018

Omni Bedford Springs Resort has about seven different springs on its properties. We made one effort, foolishly, on Saturday to visit the springs. Duh. Ever hear of banquet venues? Well, this is a big one. Maybe that is what retirement does to your brain. You just completely forget that weekends are dedicated to weddings, anniversaries and other gatherings. We could barely get our giant truck through the "Valet Only" driveway to get turned around.

But we returned during the week to a more accessible area. The Bridal Spring is used frequently for small, outdoor weddings. All seven of the springs are about 50 degrees mineral springs.  

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania - 26 April 2018

We returned to the lake at French Creek State Park where we had stayed last month during that nor'easter. We met Kristen and Dave with their new German Shepherd puppy, Kilo. Dakota had never learned to swim so we thought this would be a great opportunity for her to see another dog that absolutely loves to play in the water. She stood ankle deep for quite awhile watching Kilo until Kristen scooped her up and took her out into the lake lowering her until she started paddling. Bob waded out and she went with him. 

Soaked but happy to play in the water. 

Dinner was at a local steak house the Black Angus which had been recommended by a couple we had met in South Dakota who use to live in Pennsylvania. Really tender, juicy, flavorful filet mignon. 

The restaurant also has a brewing company which Bob sampled. Behind the restaurant is the creamery where multiple kinds of cheeses are made for a sample plate on the appetizer menu. 

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 29 April 2018

On our way into the ballpark for a contest between the Phillies and Atlanta Braves. The Phillies did not have an especially good day, losing 10-1. The weather was mostly cloudy when we arrived but had completely driven the sun away by the time we left.

Of all the games we have attended in our lives we have never been to one where the batters were introduced as they came up to bat and no other commentary, play-by-play, color or otherwise, was made. There was no audience games, organ blaring out ditties or shouts for clapping your hands. It was GLORIOUS. The visitors were not shouting their conversations, trying to be heard over the "official" game entertainment. The game was the entertainment. We really enjoyed the quiet.