February 26, 2022

Posted on February 26, 2022 by

It was very cold and overcast at 5:45am when I got up. I was seriously questioning my choice of a hike in less than 20* temps and overcast skies. But, who wouldn’t want to go on a George Washington History hike? So I left my house a little before 7:30am and headed to Diane’s, where Shannon caught up with us and we headed towards Butler. The hike was to be at the Jennings Environmental Center in Slippery Rock, and we got there about 9:15am. After a quick freshen up and a few sips of hot drink (Di had tea, I had cider), we walked around the classroom to view the displays. I felt comfortable with the surroundings, seeing that a distant cousin of Mr. Fresh was there, and I also took a picture of Skunk cabbage – the actual reason we are the Skunk Hollow girls!

Next we went outside to stand around the fire pit. It wasn’t as cold as I thought it might be, and I was really bundled up. I was wearing footed tights, then socks. Also thick leggings and lined nylon joggers. On top, a turtle neck and a heavy fleece pullover, plus my winter coat. Two pair of gloves, a knitted headband, and a warm scarf, double wrapped. I was ready! We saw a woodpecker on the tree, and there was a snowy bridge walking trail, where you could see the semi-frozen creek.

The guide took us on a loop by the creek, and we learned about George Washington’s assignment in 1773 to deliver a letter to the French commander. We also learned about his guide, Indian trader Christopher Gist, and how the two of them encountered an Indian, who walked them them a ways and then turned on them! They were able to over-power the Indian, and despite the lateness of the house, they escaped into the dark night toward what would be Ft. Duquesne. It was very interesting, and I learned several new pieces of information, which I always love to do!

Trader Christopher Gist and General George Washington

After the hike, we had our piece of Cherry Pie, then went across the road to tour the Old Stone House. It was a stage coach stop, and was so interesting to see the artifacts and structure of the building. I loved it!

Rules – which is your favorite. How about no more than five to sleep in one bed….
OR – Organ grinders to sleep in the wash house!

Tavern room with huge fireplace – see the steep steps?

Fireplace – Diane checking out the steps

Upstairs bedroom with small fireplace, desk and spinning wheel

Really cool photo through the window – with old bottles in the window ledge. I have that exact lantern!

By now, we needed real food, and Diane wanted to stop at The Hot Dog Shoppe in Butler. The bonus there was that they had French Fries made from real, fresh potatoes! Yum!

I got home about 3pm, and promptly prepared the scones for baking. There is no way to bake fresh scones without having one warm out of the oven, so I waited until after 6pm, baked the scones, and that was supper! So what a healthy food day I had: a hot dog and greasy (yummy) French Fries for lunch, and hot scones for supper!

January 26 – Tell about a favorite ‘hang out’ place for you and your friends in Jr. or Sr. High. “Never had a ‘hang out’.”

Yesterday’s vacation destination was Mr. Grinch’s Mt. Crumpet Cave just outside of Bolder Utah. The multi-level 5,700 square foot cave has been outfitted with a stocked kitchen, master bedroom, guest bedroom, study and a music room that features the Grinch’s organ and Max’s drum set. Additionally, the unique space includes the Grinch’s gadgets, like his furry green armoire, large eccentric machine, a full body brush and more. Here are more photos: