Long Weekend – The Pre-Vacation Vacation

We leave on our next EPIC vacation next week, but this weekend is Mountain Craft Days at the Somerset Historical Center.

Saturday

I wasn’t sure we were going to go – it was raining, raining, raining on our way out. Getting off of the Turnpike it was raining harder, and suddenly it wasn’t! We decided to chance it and by the time we left, the sun was shining.

There were so many neat artisans showing their crafts and entertainment. I enjoyed the walk through the woods seeing all of the different booths. I always surprised at just how big it is.

After that we did a little driving around to see the old area. We stopped by the Quecreek Miner’s rescue site. I am still amazed, and thankful that they all made it out alive.

And the area still holds surprises for me. I didn’t realize that there was a Mailpouch Barn outside of Jennerstown!

Tomorrow will be a couple of National Park Service sites – the Johnstown Flood Memorial and the Flight 93 Memorial.

Sunday

We started at the Flight 93 Memorial. I’ve been here a number of times, but not since they built the visitors center (which is incredibly impressive). Even 24 years later, it is still emotional. I know I’m a softy to begin with, but I was tearing up just walking to the overlook.

And we can find out tribe just about anyplace. One of the cool things about the National Park Service is the passport program they have. I had my small passport book, Mary Ann had her medium sized one. As we were looking at one of the displays, a man saw Mary Ann’s book and made a comment about his wife – who had the bigger binder version.

Meet Sue from Utah! We now have a new friend.

After Shanksville, we were on our way to the Johnstown Flood Memorial, but before, I had to do a drive by of my old home. I’m sure they were wondering who the heck was taking pictures of their home – yeah, ok, but I lived there first!!

The Johnstown Flood Memorial was established in 1964 to remember the 1889 Flood. They did a nice job, but I was a little disappointed it wasn’t updated to talk about the 1936 and 1977 floods. I guess I would need to go to the Flood Museum for that – Unfortunately it is closed until the end of September due to – wait for it – a flood. No, I am not kidding.

After that – we headed home and made it home in time for the NASCAR race. I am now in practice for the real vacation. Watch this space – it starts on Friday!