Wellsboro

We have been staying in Wellsboro for the past four nights. We've found that it is easier to go ahead of where we are walking to plan the eight mile segments better.

When we were in English Center we had an interesting chat with a highways superintendent. We were commenting on how good the roads are - no potholes. He said that truck drivers complained that Pennsylvania roads are the worst in the country. (They obviously haven't been over Rupert or Elm in Stouffville recently!) The gentleman indicated that they don't get the frost upheaval that we do but that there is a lot of erosion on road edges often near guard rails. Maintenance would be difficult.

The walk has been mostly downhill from a major drop of 6 kilometres before English Center to more 'flat' portions. Although we are in very hilly country we are also in the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The canyon is just to the west of Wellesboro. When we visited the observation point in the Grand Canyon Park we were at a height of 1833 ft and looked down 1000 feet to the river below. Apparently at some points one can see for 100 miles. The view really was spectacular. We got some close up sightings of either turkey vultures or osprey eagles. The park is also a habitat for bald eagles. The lookout points were built during the Great Depression as a make-work project and were very well done. There are extensive hiking trails taking one to the bottom of the valley. Somehow the thought of all those stairs didn't appeal to Ron or me.

Wellsboro itself is a pretty town of about 3400. It was a major regional centre for shipping and trade. The houses in the centre of town reflect that heritage. There are attractive gas lamps all down the main street and interesting sculptures in the town park. These days the town is still the county seat for justice but the focus of commerce has shifted more to tourism, hunting and fishing. We actually had to change motels after two nights because our first place was filled for the weekend. Fishing season and wild turkey season for adolescents opened on Saturday. People on the street have asked us if we are here for the fishing. Um, is that the Ron or Margaret you know??

Ron had a little treat on Saturday night. He's been hoping to find some local musicians doing bluegrass. At an establishment ten miles west of town Hemlock Project - banjo, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and bass viol, cranked out an evening of honest-to-goodness down home bluegrass music (every song in the key of Bb, by the way!)

We have passed beyond Wellsboro now headed out on Rte 6 west. Ron is walking. I'm taking a couple of days off with swollen feet - no not cellulites but I'm not taking any chances. We may be out of internet range again soon but - good news! We have checked the original plan and we appear to be about four days ahead of schedule.

Pictures:

Reflection north of Morris

The PA Grand Canyon

Thumptown??

Bluegrass night