Life is hectic and oftentimes overwhelming. But if 2020 has taught us anything....it's that sometimes we need to pause and appreciate the good that is all around us. As imperative as it is that we focus our attention on the trail or road in front of us...it is also just as beneficial to slow down and take in the natural world that surrounds us. With all of the challenges that every single one of us have faced this past year, taking a moment to appreciate all that is good on planet Earth can be quite rewarding...mentally, physically, and spiritually. To quote a famous movie..."Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around you might miss it." What follows is a series my favorite pictures that I captured in 2020....each taken at a moment of time when I paused and took time to look around do a little sightseeing. Enjoy!
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| This spectacular view of Michaux State Forest can be found a few hundred yards from the where Blueberry Trail and Dead Woman's Hollow Trail intersect. -- July 28, 2020 |
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| Waterville Bridge is a lenticular truss bridge located near the Appalachian Trail in Swatara State Park. The bridge was constructed in 1890 by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company. The bridge, originally located in Waterville, Pennsylvania was moved to Swatara State Park in 1985. -- November 27, 2020 |
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| Cucumber Falls, located in Ohiopyle State Park, is a must stop for all visitors. It is one of the most picture worthy spots in the park. -- June 16, 2020 |
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| While riding the Capital Area Green Belt in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania I took a detour across the Market Street Bridge to City Island. It was from City Island that I captured this super cool pic of the the skyline of Pennsylvania's capital city. -- November 14, 2020 |
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| This is Gilda the Dog. Gilda took a trip to Michaux State Forest with her owner, Blythe Arnold-Scott (my step-daughter) back in August. Gilda really appreciated the coolness of Tom's Run creek. -- August 8, 2020 |
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| Conewago Creek meanders through York County until it merges with the Susquehanna River in York Haven, Pennsylvania. I took this picture of the creek after a rain storm as I rode through York Haven. The previous night's rainfall made the creek look somewhat like chocolate milk. -- May 1, 2020 |
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| The remains of a structure used as a stable...built in the late 18th or early 18th century...can be found while taking a walking tour of Camp Michaux (a former CCC Camp and WWII Prisoner of War Interrogation Camp) in Michaux State Forest. -- March 26, 2020 |
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| A large section of the Heritage Rail Trail in northern York County, Pennsylvania traces the path of the Codorus Creek. I took this picture of the Pennsylvania fall foliage reflecting in the creek as I rode the rail trail into York City to purchase bacon at York's Central Market. -- November 7, 2020 |
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| Laurel Lake is one of the many features that makes Pine Grove Furnace State Park so beautiful. I love this pic of the early fall foliage reflecting in the peaceful lake. -- September 26, 2020 |
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| To beat the summer humidity and heat I got up early on a few occasions for morning rides before the heat of the day became too obnoxious. On one such occasion, as I crested the top of Starview Road in York County, Pennsylvania, I was greeted with this spectacular sunrise. -- June 10, 2020 |
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| The waterfall trails at Ricketts Glen State Park is, hands down, one of the most picturesque trails you will ever hike on. My wife, Robin, and I hiked it for the very first time this past October during peak Fall foliage. This is just one of dozens of waterfall pictures that I took that day. -- October 17, 2020 |
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| I grew up in Bedford, Pennsylvania...but I was born thirty miles south in Cumberland, Maryland. I took this picture of my birth city in July while riding on the C & O Canal Towpath with my wife, Robin. -- July 21, 2020 |
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This picture of the artillery lining Cemetery Ridge in Gettysburg National Military Park was taken while on a December morning hike with Alex. -- December 22, 2020
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Ricketts Glen State Park is known for it's waterfalls...but his amazing view of the the sun rising over Lake Jean was captured just 20 feet from the campsite. -- October 17, 2020
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| As I was finishing up my very first ride on the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail I took this westward looking picture of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge spanning the Susquehanna River...connecting Columbia in Lancaster County with Wrightsville in York County. I believe that this is the best photo that I've taken in all of 2020. -- November 25, 2020 |
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| I LOVE this picture of my niece, Jackie, taken during our summer camping trip to Ohiopyle State Park. The last full day of our trip is always dedicated to just spending some relaxing, peaceful, and quality time exploring the Youghiogheny River. I think this picture does an amazing job capturing the feeling of that particular day. -- June 18, 2020 |
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- December 17, 2020
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| The Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation hosts a photo contest every year. This year I was fortunate enough to have this picture selected as the 2020 winner for the INTER-GENERATIONAL JOY category. I captured this group photo of myself, my son, Alex, my nieces, Jackie and Sophie, and my nephew, Isaac while we were hiking in Michaux State Forest. -- August 13, 2020 |
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Here are the GARMIN maps and data from some of the adventures featured in this post.
#OptOutside
BLACK FRIDAY RIDE IN SWATARA WITH MATT -- NOVEMBER 27, 2020
EARNING MY GREENBELT -- NOVEMBER 14, 2020
HIKING THE AT AND CAMP MICHAUX -- MARCH 26, 2020
WATERFALL HIKE IN RICKETTS GLEN -- OCTOBER 17, 2020
NW LANCASTER COUNTY RIVER TRAIL -- NOVEMBER 25, 2020
FAMILY HIKE IN MICHAUX -- AUGUST 13, 2020
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