Allegheny Mountains and Western Maryland: November 2 and 3, 2009

It was exactly two months ago that Bill stopped here
on the PA Turnpike to have me take this picture. Now you
can see the change of the seasons.

I just had to take an "artsy fartsy" picture on the way
to Horseshoe Curve.

I liked the gnarly tree in the midst.

A typical hilly street in Altoona, PA.

Surprised to see an alpaca on the side of the road.

Here you see a hybrid of an alpaca and vicuna.

Upstream from the Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889,
you can see the broken dam. Thousands of lives
were lost due to the influence of the very wealthy.

This little Conemaugh River looks so benign, but when it
was dammed up, it was the heartache of many when
it broke.

I have wanted for years since the 9-11 tragedy to make
a visit to the site of the Flight 93 Memorial near Shanksville, PA.

I was truly overwhelmed with the site once I laid
my eyes on this. A park ranger was describing the cell phone
messages to loved ones, a vote taken by those on board, etc.
I was captivated and sincerely wondered if I could have voted to
crash a plane and lose my life in the process to save others
in our nation's Capitol.

Bill pointed this out to me in light of a very difficult time
in my life as I have resigned from Holy Cross. I loved it!

Being from New Jersey, I had to include this.

The American flag represents where Flight 93 actually
crashed in the field. On Saturday, November 7, 2009, ground breaking
will take place for a permanent memorial to those
brave individuals who sacrificed their lives to
save many.

A long distance shot of the Flight 93 Memorial.

I was quite insistent we find the highest point in PA.
We did! Don't you like the fact that signs become
part of target practice!?

On our way to the Rocks as Bill poses for us!

Massive Rocks!

Contemplating the wild rhododendrons
that were all over this moutain.

Welcome to Western Maryland!

It was pretty, even if it was past the colorful season.

Enjoying the view!

I saw this massive cut in Sideling Mountain years ago
on Route 68 and so wanted to see it again.

Not a bad picture as this and the one above was
taken out the front window of the Subaru.

This was as close as we could get. The exhibit center was
closed, but the view we saw was wonderful. Next stop is NJ.