Once again, I have had an experience that demonstrates the inherent goodness in people. We spent our holiday weekend enjoying some of the natural treasures here in our area. On Saturday we traveled about 14 miles on the Pine Creek Rail Trail on our bicycles. What a wonderful outing! The weather was perfect and we had a great time, enjoying the scenery as we traveled along the creek at the bottom of Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon. There were several herons or cranes feeding in the creek and we saw turtles and trout in the clear stream. We had a perfect ride, but then our problem developed. We had parked one vehicle at Waterville, then drove the truck with the bicycles up to the Slate Run area where we embarked on the trail. As we completed the ride, we suddenly realized that the key to the car at Waterville was securely locked inside the vehicle that was parked in Slate Run! First, we all looked at each other, then had a good laugh, then began brainstorming about a solution.

This is where I was reminded that despite today’s political climate and pervasive distrust of “strangers,” most people are helpful and generous. Several folks offered to go out of their way to take us north 15 miles. Then a woman who lives in New Jersey, who was visiting in the area, recognized one of our party as a family friend and insisted on taking care of us. She was a true blessing and proved to us that “there are angels among us!”

Sunday afternoon we tackled another nearby natural delight, the High Rocks Trail at World’s End State Park. This was a vastly different excursion, with a significant part of the trail being nearly vertical. If you haven’t tried this hike, it’s quite a challenge! While the map says it is only one mile long, my knees felt like the elevation change of 450 feet up , then back down to the creek, adds up to about 10 miles! I hope to do some other trails this fall, but I don’t think I will repeat this one for a long while. Even if you don’t like strenuous hiking, I encourage everyone to take advantage of this local natural treasure. The peacefulness of the campground and cabins, the picnic area, miles of hiking paths, and the swimming area at the horseshoe bend of Loyalsock Creek, all add up to a great place to enjoy yourself.

Hughesville High School Spartan athletes and band members are off to a great start for the fall season! Last Friday the Central Mountain band was unable to attend the football game, so after performing their marching show pre-game, the Spartan Marching Band went back on the field at halftime and played a series of “pep band” tunes, delighting the spectators and demonstrating some great musical skills. It was great entertainment and the HHS team continued the positive swing by earning a victory over a highly rated Central Mountain team. Hurrah, Spartans!

Hughesville Events:

Fri. Sept. 9 Busy Bee Art Club at Hughesville Public Library for ages 18 mo. to 31/2 yrs. from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 584-3762.

Sat. Sept. 10 all together Saturday morning storytime with songs and stories from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Something for everyone!

Sundays in September: Bethany and Christ United Methodist Churches (the Hughesville Charge) will hold joint services at Bethany U. M. Church, 111 South Second Street, Hughesville, at 9:30 a.m.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, September 16 18, PA Bowhunters Festival at the Sullivan County Fairgrounds in Forksville. This event, first held in 1957, is the world’s largest archery event, and includes exhibits, competitions, vendors, and food. For more info see their website at www.pabowhunters.com.