WHISKEY REBELLION CELEBRATION - Berlin, PA

Doctor's Implements - The Whiskey Rebellion occurred during the late 1700s when the cash poor US government decided to impose a tax on whiskey to raise revenue. Now the thing is, the folks that sold whiskey were way out there in Pennsylvania. These folks had fought for our country's independence and were rewarded with land that was hilly, rocky,
poor soil in Pennsylvania. When these farmers found a way of making money from the whiskey they made from one of only a few crops that was successful, Congress thought taxing them would be a good idea because the farmer's vote didn't matter to them and the farmers were so spread out that how could they possibly raise any resistance forces. Well, ultimately the whiskey tax was repealed.

Now, if you were shot during this time, your doctor was able to use one of these great implements to get that bullet out. Since there was no anesthesia, whiskey was a great help during these operations. Surgery anyone?

Making Maple Syrup - Berlin is a town of 2,000 people, and the gentleman on the right was demonstrating the process of gathering and making maple syrup. He said that he had lived in Berlin all his life and in fact, knew all the other craftspeople since they were all small boys and girls. Folks from this area have a very resourceful mentality. He said that he has land outside of town and for most of his winter heating needs, gets the wood himself from his land. This way he is not depending on energy companies for his needs nor does he have to pay their high prices. It was very refreshing talking to this very talented individual.

Historical Society's Parade Float - This was a great country parade, and we were fortunate to sit next to a woman whose children and grandchildren were with her at the parade, and who told us some much about the town and its community minded folks.

Handmade Rifle - The gentleman on the right makes these rifles that are made like they were in the late 1700s. (Double click on any picture for a larger view.) The rifles have elaborate scroll work and inlaid metal designs. He works on making these rifles as a hobby and it can take 6 or more months to make just one rifle. They were really beautiful.

Dinner is Served - I don't know what they were cooking, but it smelled so good.

Flight 93 National Memorial - September 11, 2001

Flight 93 Crash Site - It is windy with overcast skies that mirror the somber mood of those visiting the memorial site. It is a quiet rolling hill that once was a strip coal mine. The hills are gently sloping with a border of Hemlock trees. It is eerily silent.

The site volunteer lives in the small village of Shanksville, two miles away. She tells us the firemen were at the site within 10 minutes of the crash which they were alerted to as the plane was being followed on radar. A farmer and his wife who live only 1/2 mile from the site were first there. Both the farmer and his wife and later the fireman saw the black smoke billowing up to the stratosphere, but they did not see an airplane.

At impact, the plane was going 550 miles per hour and dug a crater of over 40 feet deep into the ground. There were only small unrecognizable debris in the area and later it was discovered that the debris covered an area of 9 miles.

The surrounding dirt had been removed to find whatever information could be found, and later the crater was filled in with fresh dirt and the area reseeded to grass. DNA was ultimately found for over 80% of the victims. Only a bible that belonged to Toshiya Kuge, a 12 year Japanese boy, and a backpack were found intact. Over time some belongings were found and returned to the families.

Temporary Memorial to Crew and Passengers - The volunteer told us that on September 11, she was at home in Shanksville, two miles away, working at her computer and watching the news on television of the attacks on the World Trade Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington. She heard what sounded like a screeching engine in reverse and the sounds were so loud, she had to cover her ears. She didn't know what was happening and then her home began to rumble from the ground up. She ran out of her house fearful as she had no idea of what could be happening. When she got outside, there was only silence.

Two miles in the other direction of the crash site, her husband, a teacher, at the local school that housed K - 12 said that it was a warm September day and the windows of most classrooms were open. Suddenly, they also heard a loud sound and children on the top floor of the building saw the plane going down. From the impact, windows slammed down and doors blew open and the building also began to shake. Had the plane crashed 2 seconds earlier, the school would have been in its path. The plane was 20 minutes from Washington, D.C.

The temporary memorial has an area where people leave personal items or write notes in remembrance of those souls who make an incredibly brave decision to try and overtake the terrorist so others would not become victims. Benches with the names of the crew and passengers is another memorial to them. There is a small building that has photos and stories about the event, and a book that has a picture and small biography of each crew member and passenger. Reading the biographies makes you realize even more that these people were no different than your family and your neighbors and your friends--just going about there daily business.

Being at the site is a profound experience and it is heartbreaking all over again.

Renaissance Festival of Greater Pittsburgh

The Enchanted Forest - The setting is England at the end of the War of the Roses through the culmination of the reign of Elizabeth 1 (1455-1603). It was a relatively peaceful time of recreation and enjoyment. It was the time of Shakespeare. (Double click to enlarge any picture)

The Wicked Wenches - Humorous antics about attracking men with audience participation--for a few unfortunate souls. This was a festival of humor on the period with folks in period dress walking throughout the grounds talking, arguing, and joking with each other.

Scottish Bagpipes - Throughout the Enchanted Forest there were singers, folks playing instruments, jugglers, and craftmakers. There was wonderful food to be had at places like the Cotswald Kitchens, Queen's Pantry, Royal Kitchens, 3 Creeks Tavern and the Guinness Pub.

Joust of Morelandshire - Queen's Squire. The Squire announces the Queen and King to the audience. As the queen gives us the wave, the audience cheers, long live the queen. Part of the audience is selected to cheer the knight in red, and part of the audience is asked to join in booing the black knight. Guess who was the bad knight??

Joust of Morelandshire - Knights Clash. After showing their skills in accuracy and strength, it is time for the lance. The Queen's squire announces to the crowds lining the end of the rink, that if a horse comes at full gallop towards them, do not stand in amazement, but step aside. The horses at full gallop traveling toward each other, knight's lances poised for battle, and CRASH, both knight's armor are pierced by the lances that are then torn from their grip. Does the red knight win. Of course the red knight wins; this is the Enchanted Forest!

Malarky and Poppycock - Originals from Ireland singing those Irish pub songs.

Spiraldanse - Celtic ballads and blarney and there was plenty of both!

Sak Theatre - This was a spoof on Romeo and Juliet with audience members "volunteered" to play the part of Romeo and Juliet. Just regular folks, and they really got into their parts with great fun.

Golden Hill State Park NY - Lake Ontario

Double click to enlarge picture - This is the view of Lake Ontario out our living room window. Lake Ontario is amazing. At first, it seems like you are looking at the ocean because, in every direction, land cannot be sighted. There are differences though as there is no smell of saltwater or feel of saltwater. There are tides of sort. When the wind is blowing towards shore, a foot higher lake level can be noticed, and when the wind blows away from shore, a foot or so lower level can be noticed. There are white caps when the wind is stronger and seagulls are well represented here.

On the banks of Lake Ontario - Our campsite side yard with our cat, Wubie doing a little exploring. Lake Ontario is 53 miles at its widest point, 193 miles long, average depth is 203 feet, deepest at over 800 feet. At the West end, it receives water from Lake Erie via Niagara Falls and the Welland Canal and locks in Ontario Canada. At the East end, it empties into the St. Lawrence Seaway towards Quebec. Relaxing by the banks to the sound of the swells rolling over the rocky shore is so soothing.

The most spectacular sunset occurs here. The red sun is a huge ball sitting on the horizon of the lake and slowly sinks into the lake. Once the sun has set, the sky puts on a brilliant show of color with ribbons of red, pink, mauve, lavender, and many shades of blue spreading across the last moments of the day and bringing you gently into the night sky.

Top of the Table View - Wubie wanted a closer look at the water, but had to settle for a table top view. Large container ships, ferries, and cruise ships can be seen on the horizon throughout the day, and closer to shore a sailboat or kayak can be seen drifting by. The sailboats and kayaks are mesmerizing as they pass quietly by with only a slight lapping of water against their bow.

Our Campsite at Golden Hill State Park - This is a campground with only 65 site of which all have a view of Lake Ontario. It is a peaceful charming place and has been rated as one of the top 100 state campgrounds in the U.S. It has a few trails, but what is has most, is the arresting beauty of Lake Ontario that inspires your soul and refreshes your inner self. It is a tonic of nature!

30-Mile Lighthouse - This lighthouse is in the campground and is one of the most beautiful lighthouses with keeper quarters attached that I have seen so far. It was built in 1875 and has saved many of ships from the rocky shoals and shifting sandbars. In 1995, the lighthouse was pictured on 32 cent stamps. This is one lighthouse that feels like someone's home and there is a sense of tender loving care that has been given to the lighthouse. From our campsite, we could see the flash from the automated light once the sun went down bringing us a feeling of being out in the waters with this beacon of safety.