Monday, March 14, 2011

Pennsylvania - Land of the Wilds

I never tire of snow. How could anyone? Nothing can be quite as pure, beautiful, serene... with a different appeal in a different time, place.


As we ventured up north, through long frosted highways and snow-topped conifer forests, the weather had palpably grown chillier. We went into Erie, a typical American town serving as a stopover destination for road trips to or from Canada, New York, Chicago etc. Lake Erie was beautiful, and it was a fun place to get into the snowy mood and start throwing some snowballs :)

"Why are we standing out in the cold, dude!"



We began on Route 6 -
Named by National Geographic as "One of America's most scenic drives", US Route 6 in Pennsylvania is the heart of the American Dream. This magical and tranquil highway along Pennsylvania's northern tier is 400 plus miles of history and heritage, linking small towns, generations of people and wondrous sights often forgotten.

Farms and ranches dotted the landscape, with yellowish stalks buried under the snow; it won't be till Spring arrives before the melts fertilize the land and give life to the greenery again.




The best part of road trips are spontaneous, off-the-beaten-track detours that lead us into new places and adventures! One of our favourite ones was to stop by (illegally?) Kinzua Dam, a restricted dam that gave spectacular views of the river and the Allegheny reservoir. All the guards were off for their winter vacations, woohoo!






And then, descending upon frozen Treasure Lake the next day, trudging through the snowy ice carefully, making snow angels, and praying not to fall into the deep, icy waters underneath! There was never a more beautiful moment when the snow flakes trickled, no, floated down on us like a silver misting, or a sugary coat.

Summer homes lay deserted on the shores beyond... we crossed the lake and explored them in the full excitement of trespassing haha.








Kudos to ZY for being such a fun driver with a great sense of intuition and bringing us to lovely spots. He drove so well, too, that we couldn't help but fall asleep in the car! Anyway, will add more later.

Returning back to Pittsburgh, i joined in a party with ZY's housemate Tracy, then had my last supper with the Lost Skies, and bid everyone goodbye. It was a wonderful, different second leg in my journey, one that forged new friendships and beautiful memories.

Farewell...Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.


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