Stories from a HUSBAND - FATHER - SON - GRANDFATHER - UNCLE - BROTHER - FRIEND - TEACHER
A SENSATIONAL SPRING
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Spring is, believe it or not, is the most difficult time of the year for me to get out and mountain bike and hike. A lot of factors...the inevitable rainy weather, muddy trail conditions (which end up closing the trails at the local county parks), and the end of the school year activities and field trips that all happen in April and May...are in play here and, especially last year, put a damper on the amount of time I'm able to enjoy the outdoors the way that I would like to. I'm almost embarrassed to say that (for all the reasons previously listed) I didn't ride my mountain bike even once in May of 2018. This Spring, thankfully, has proven to be much more "trail" friendly than last.
Yes...I took a pic of my bike surrounded by wildflowers (Dame's Rockets) at Lake Kain County Park. -- May 18, 2019
My wife, Robin, and I have continued our commitment to at least one hike a week. Rocky Ridge County Park is our default location to hike if we are pressed for time...but this Spring we've spent time hiking on the Gettysburg National Military Park, near the Bedford Springs Hotel, and at Nixon County Park. Family is always welcome on our hikes...Alex has come on a number of them (most recently at Nixon Park)...but now we are able to include our nieces and nephew who, just recently, moved back to Pennsylvania from Arizona. Their energy is high and their imaginations are boundless...making our time together in the woods something extra special.
Hiking at the Bedford Springs with my niece, Sophie. -- April 27, 2019
Hiking (and pretending to be Thor) at the Bedford Springs with my nephew, Isaac. -- April 27, 2019
Hiking at the Bedford Springs with Robin, Jackie, Sophie, and Isaac. -- April 27, 2019
Hiking the top of Big Round Top at the Gettysburg National Military Park with Robin. -- May 4, 2019
Exploring Union fortifications built by Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine at the top of Big Round Top at the Gettysburg National Military Park. -- May 4, 2019
Hiking and exploring the rock outcroppings at Nixon County Park with Alex and Robin. -- May 19, 2019
My mountain bike has made more than a few appearances over the past few months and so have some of my riding partners. Just like for my hikes, Rocky Ridge makes a perfect place for me to ride after school if I'm limited on time (Tim and Chris have met me there for a few rides)...but I've also managed to ride some of my other "not so far away" destinations. Back in April, Jay Zech and I made a trip to Harrisburg so I could introduce him to the super cool single track that makes up the Parkway Trail System. Last week, Chris Keller and I explored the back side of William Kain County Park which includes the two drainage tunnels underneath Interstate 83. I know I'm stating the obvious when I say that I love riding my mountain bike...and it was so refreshing to be able to get out the few times that I could and not have a repeat of last May.
One of the best perks of working at the bike shop is that I've acquired a whole set of friends to ride with. Jay and I have known each other for many years...it's really cool having him as a riding partner. Dave Raymond and Jay Zech enjoying a Spring ride on the Parkway Trails in Harrisburg, PA -- April 19, 2019
Riding Trail #8 at Rocky Ridge County Park. -- May 3, 2019
Exploring a "not so often explored" section of trail at Rocky Ridge County Park with Tim & Adam. -- May 3, 2019
Saturday afternoon ride at Rocky Ridge County Park with Chris, Jay, and our young friend, Josh. -- May 11, 2019
About to enter the northern tunnel under Interstate 83 at William Kain County Park...one of the more unique rides in our neck of the woods. -- May 18, 2019
Chris Keller and I riding William Kain County Park. -- May 18, 2019
With the exception of the mass quantities of pollen that drive everybody around here crazy it has been a great Spring! Everything is green, the wildflowers are in full bloom, and the temperatures are getting warmer and warmer. The conditions alone aren't what has made this Spring so sensational, though...it's the family and friends that I've been able to enjoy it with. Summer time is just around the corner and, if this Spring is any indication of what to expect, with it there are going to be plenty of trails to hike and bike along with plenty of family and friends to explore it with. Here's to wishing for a safe, fun, and adventure filled summer everyone. See you on the trails.
Hiking at Rocky Ridge and enjoying a wonderful dose of Vitamin N with my beautiful wife, Robin. -- April 20, 2019
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- May 30, 2019
One of the numerous school activities that I'm obligated to during the month of May is our annual field trip to the Gettysburg National Military Park. This year was extra special because it was the last I'll organize and plan with my mentor and friend Charlie Lenhart. Charlie and I have been teaching together for the past 24 years. At the end of this school year, Charlie will be retiring after 45 years of teaching. A retirement that is well deserved! I will miss you everyday at school, my friend. You can check out my tribute below. -- David Raymond and Charlie Lenhart -- May 17, 2019
A day off of the bicycle doesn't mean a day spent inside. With the end of summer in view, and the school year encroaching soon, I took my sixteen year old son, Alex, and his buddies (Robby and Austin) to Michaux State Forest for a day of hiking, picnicking, and exploring. Our day today was split into three parts. We planned to hike up through Tumbling Run Game Preserve, have a picnic lunch at the furnace stack in Pine Grove Furnace State Park , and then hike up to the top of Pole Steeple. Although the trail head at Tumbling Run is not marked, it is easy to get to if you know what you are looking for. After passing Pine Grove Furnace State Park on state route 233 (headed South) you will be looking for a obvious gravel parking area located on the right between Woodrow Road and Dead Woman's Hollow Road. It is important to know that the last "nice" bathrooms are located at the furnace stack at Pine Grove Furnace ...
My wife took me to Alaska this year. I had never been to that part of the world, nor have I ever seen such immense natural beauty in my entire life. For our 10th wedding anniversary we took a six day cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to Alaska and back. Along the way, we visited the Alaskan cities of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. We took a train ride into Yukon Territory, Canada. We saw whales, bald eagles, and countless salmon. Robin and I had the opportunity to hike along Bennett Lake, explore Glacier Bay National Park, and sail through Tracy’s Arm Inlet. It truly was one of the “bucket-list” trips that I could only dream of and it was fitting that I got to visit the 49th state during my 49th year on the planet. Thank you, Sweetheart! Robin and David Raymond. Welcome to Alaska! -- July 18, 2023 David and Robin Raymond in Tracy's Arm Inlet -- July 17, 2023 Approaching a glacier in Tracy's Arm Inlet -- July 17, 2023 ...
In the early 1980s my mom and dad began taking my brother, Jake, and I camping at Rocky Gap State Park near Cumberland, Maryland . During the summer months we seemingly went every weekend. I loved it there. Rocky Gap was just a short drive from our home in Bedford, Pennsylvania. We spent our days playing on the beach and fishing in the lake. My mother made incredible meals for us at the campground and each evening my dad would make a campfire. The campfire was my favorite part. My dad made mountain pies, my mom would make popcorn over the fire, and my brother and I would roast marshmallows and hot dogs. Our camping trips ended in the late 80s when both my brother and I reached high school. Our schedules were just too hectic. That was the last I would see of Rocky Gap for 25 years. Rocky Gap State Park and campgrounds sits at the base of Evitts Mountain in western Maryland -- May 30, 2016 When I began dating m...
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