Running for Ryan

 

The inaugural ROAR 5K Run/Walk, benefiting the Ryan O'Malley '99 memorial scholarship fund, kicked off Sunday, May 19, inside Scranton, Pennsylvania's scenic Nay Aug Park. You couldn't have asked for a better start, than seeing all those who turned out in support of this newly formed annual event, let me tell you. Participants numbering 275 + strong, gathered together at the starting line for the 3.1 mile distance event in very high spirits. Local residents, as well as others from surrounding communities, excitingly lined up in the final moments before the sounding of the air horn. What a wonderful sight it was in seeing the camaraderie happening amongst all those taking part, truly uplifting!

With Ryan's parents Dr. John '64, and wife Helene, as well as the surviving O'Malley siblings all present, this fund raising event proved to be hugely successful in its opening debut. The friendly two-loop course, twisted and turned throughout the parks interior and past several of its most notable offerings, both past and present. Lined with volunteers almost entirely along the course, runners and walkers couldn't help but feel extremely motivated in the abundance of vocal support they found offered. Endless amounts of kind words, and cheerful praise elevated the spirits of all those as they moved along. Smiles you ask? There were smiles everywhere! Man, woman, and children all of various age, and yes even some pets too, happily made their way along the prescribed route. All, feeling extremely moved from the overwhelming volume of reinforcement being given. Judging by the facial expressions viewed not only during, but in the festivities following afterwards, one couldn't help but see the firsthand the effects emerging from the O'Malley family's vested interest here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 From top to bottom, many many thanks must be given to all the volunteers whom all gave so much of their own free time, in helping make this initial event launching such a huge success. Weather giving insightful direction, working aid stations, the manning of registration, running of the raffles, or providing post race food and refreshments, their hard work shown brightly during this days event. Sponsors, who donated said resources both behind the scenes and on the actual site, kicked in and rolled up their own sleeves as well in lending support. It is because the unselfishness nature of all those aforementioned, that an event such as this one couldn't have asked for a more successful kick-off. Each and everyone of you, should be applauded for your individual contributions in this effort. Bravo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though I didn't know Ryan O'Malley personally, I couldn't help but think of him solely while taking part in this event myself. I couldn't help but think over the laughter and excitement of hearing my own grandchildren, as well as the many others surrounding me on the race course, how Ryan himself must have enjoyed this same exact location. You must see it to believe it, you must see just how beautiful Nay Aug Park really is. Being an avid runner and cyclist himself, I'm am sure that Ryan must have spent plenty of his own time here exercising within the parks trail system being so local. In essence to some extent, on this very day we were all following in his very own footsteps once left. The beauty of all the surrounds though, was sort of twofold for me in a way. Despite the wealth of nature and past history I found so much abound, I also couldn't help but think as well of the weighty issues battled when one suffers from severe depression. I'm talking about the type of depression that can rob ones soul and person of the loving people, places, and things that so make up the woven fabric of our own inner beings. Severe depression can be an ugly monster. Its tight grasp not knowing any boundaries when it comes to race, creed, color, or religion for that matter.

 

There must always be some good though, that derives from something bad. Something positive, instead of something so negative. There simply must be I believe! In Ryan's specific case, a fond and loving memory that will live on and thrive through the continued success of the annual Ryan O'Malley Annual Run 5K Run/Walk event. The establishment of the scholarship which will now be given annually by the University of Scranton, will in its own right continue to offer change for the betterment of the overall community too. Think about it for a moment? Each year, a selected student will receive a little assistance in furthering his/her own education and studies while at the university. A gift that can actually keep on giving I feel. What I mean by that is, just think of the prospect of what these specific future professionals possibly can bring to the world once graduated. It very well could be life-changing for not only the said individual themselves, but any and all that might come into future contact with them. The possibilities could very well be endless. That my friends, is a most wonderful, loving and powerful thought to envision now isn't it?

the "Stagecoach, Smithtown Rd" loop

Another side trek of mine recently here in Bucks County, has been the "Stagecoach, Smithtown Rd" loop. The starting point found right off of Lock No. 17, on the Delaware Canal path, looks rather fairly nondescript as any other local road nearby. Its short little beginning section of tree lined, paved road offers no hint as to the challenge and beauty that awaits amidst its impending travels. Once committed upon, a turn left soon reveals the path taken will be that of an upward journey. Because of the initial sharp toughness in elevation gain, ascension is the favored chosen route for me over descending each time. With the ending of pavement, comes the transfer onto compressed gravel and into scenic surrounds, which makes roads like this such an enjoyable route of travel.

 

Past the fields of tall grass, over the long-viewed horizon of countryside, and between the weathered looking farms the road takes. The structure of your gravel endlessly sounding under the roll of my knobby tires, the only thing heard as I wheel on through. Your view in beauty continuing to blossom as though that of a spring floral bloom. Muscles just previously tired in exhaustion, vibrantly come alive and refresh again. refreshed again as though they themselves, have been rewarded personally in their efforts of getting us both here.

 

Whatever adjoining roads that are taken, my exit always remains the same. A sharp turn onto Smithtown Road, soon will connect my bike and I back to our main artery of travel waiting below. Here is where the fun begins! The short times spent maneuvering Smithtown Road has been fulfilling each and every time cycled thus far. Dropping in as I cross the wooded one lane bridge, gives notice as to what speed of which I can proceed with. Nine times out of ten, I have found my travel to be unimpeded by that of approaching motor vehicle. When visibly clear, it's time to fly!

 

Let me bring you songs from the woods:

to make you feel much better than you could know.

Dust you down from tip to toe.

Hold you steady as you go.

join the chorus if you can:
it'll make of you an honest man.
Let me bring you all things refined:
galliards and lute songs served in chilling ale.
Greetings well met fellow, hail!
I am the wind to fill your sail.
I am the cross to take your nail:
a singer of these ageless times.
With kitchen prose and gutter rhymes.
Songs from the woods make you feel much better

 

With Smithtown Creek twisting and streaming atop its layers of shale, I cycle the road which follows in exact suit. As the creek sweeps, so does the road and I. I weave and navigate the roads surface, careful in avoiding the pitfalls of divots and loose gravel when taken at speed. Your own travel itself not obscured by rock or fallen obstacle, continues. It is strange that in my mind that I can hear the sounds of the water which flows beside me, even when listening to my personal mp3 player? Even amidst the rush of air, and wash of scenery as I plow on through. In the past I have cycled this same route with, and without music many times. Is it my vision of that what is seen, only correlating in my minds comprehension of both sight and sound combining as one? Maybe perhaps, my inner thoughts them self in not wanting to relinquish, or go without the wonderful and relaxing sounds that cascading water can make? Fear not my freely flowing friend, for I take notice of you each and every time I pass on by. In a sense proper travel, your directional pour guides and takes me back to where I started originally on this days journey.

 

 

 

 



The Common Snapping Turtle

Cycling the Delaware Canal State Park path over the past several months, has provided many incredible scenes worthy of photographic capture. Never really quite sure as to what amazing thing I will see next in my travels, makes me be sure to always have my digital FUJIFILM finepix camera with me at all times. You just never know? Just the other day, I happened to stumble upon one of those exact times I eluded too. I found this very large snapping turtle just sitting on the pathway, as I was cycling by. Now, I have seen plenty of various turtles in and around the canal path in recent months, including snappers too. This lone one though, was the biggest that I have ever personally come across. In trying to reference its overall size, I removed and placed my size 13 mountain bike shoe just beside it. Now that is a pretty good sized snapping turtle I'd say!

 

Known to have nasty dispositions when provoked, I found this specific one to be quite docile. In fact, I did happen to mention in conversation with it while sitting there, that it was the most photogenic snapping turtle that I'd have ever come across. Respectful in not wanting to cause alarm to this creature, I made sure to leave ample distance between myself, and its rather large head. As though semi-curious in myself, the snapper just sat and watched me without barely moving an inch. I'm guessing that in feeling no threat, the snapper didn't even try to flinch and retract into its shell. I was able to get a really good close look as you can see from the pictures taken, of the design and shape of its carapace, head and face, claws, and prehistorical looking tail. Known scientifically as Chelydra Serpentina, this individual garners its name because of its ability to "snap" with its jaws. Mainly because of this, and its ability to stretch its long head around to either side of its shell, makes coming in close contact with its head a real no-no! I learned afterwards, that the proper way to grasp/move a snapping turtle, is to grab onto the carapace just above its head, and place your other hand under its plastron. Though it can easily stretch its head around to either side, it can't lift straight up and over. Grabbing a hold on the tail is not recommended, in that it could actually damage the vertebra inside. Speaking of the tail, isn't that something? Doesn't that look like the closest thing you could ever come too in regards to an actual dinosaur tail or what? Totally fascinating!    

 

Always and forever amazed in getting the chance to see, and study actual living breathing creatures close up, opens my eyes and mind to further education regarding said object. Of course afterwards, I couldn't wait to get home and look up information online regarding the common snapping turtle found locally. Hopefully by looking at these photos I have posted, perhaps you'll do the same.       

 

the "Old Carversville, Cuttalossa Rd" loop

 

Over the past several months, generous amounts of two-wheeled training for the upcoming Tour Divide race, has allowed me the opportunity to cycle along some of the best back country roads found in this local region. Generally, I try and stick with the non-populated automobile routes, and opt for the kind which are considered that of being "roads less traveled." This specific decision, has brought forth some of the most enjoyable sights and sounds found close to me, both near and far. Usually these kinds of favored roads often start out with a short little paved section of macadam, then quickly switches over to a more fitting surface of loose dirt and gravel. This surface found, fits most wonderfully amidst all the accompanying tall wooded surrounds, and resplendent housing structures to be found. Regardless of what road is used for entry, whether it be "Old Carversville, or Cuttalossa Rd," they are but simply to be used as scenic avenues with the sole purpose of connecting one to thee other. Branching off of the historical Delaware Canal Path, I have managed to incorporate their usage daily in logging many additional cycled miles. Shown, are just a few samples of scenes which I experience daily while out on my rides -        

 

Varying degrees of elevation gain, would best be described in my book as being minimal on these roads. Cycle for up to 11+ hours, add an additional 20-30 lbs. of carried weight in gear, and now your having some fun. These hills sure feel much different having worked up a serious base of muscle fatigue. There are many old stone houses found in these parts, some in more livable condition than others. Collectively though, they all add a little bit of flavor and character to this one section of looped travel. When the road turns rough, it is as though you take a small little step back in time. Time when it was not uncommon perhaps to see horse and carriage travel, taking place through these same parts. On your way out, don't forget to stop and patronize the local mercantile too as well okay?  

"Wake hard in the morning,

see the young girl milking

Sleepy stream with it's head on a bed of stone

Old goats and sandstone cracking,

all containing

Squeezing that river like it squeeze your bones"

Traveling through, the swirl of passing scenery doesn't go unnoticed to me. I seem to be able to take it all in regardless of how fast I might be speeding by it. The impression of loose gravel under my tread, has a most unique feel. Fast, dusty and soft when desert dry, tight, muddy, and slick when wet. Shadowed or sun-light speckled, it is just perfect for mountain bike traverse. As I move along the winding road, I can't help but be relieved of all the worries of which the surrounding world carries. Away from all that unpleasantness which seems to go on quite frequently. Most of the time, I don't see another soul whilst out there. It's just you and nature. When traveling through, thoughts pertaining to future trails of navigation which will soon shortly take place vividly come to mind. Yes this is only Bucks County, Pennsylvania, but it sure does wonders in evoking visions of what lies ahead for me. Personally, I love these types of roads when out cycling. They just seem to be endless in a way, but fully safe in containing the knowledge of knowing that they will lead someway, somehow, and somewhere in time. 

 

Portable Housing for the Tour Divide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, this is pretty much it. Photographed, are the 3 basic elements enlisted for portable housing for when I ride off on my adventurous journey, which begins in just a months time now. Plumbing and electric not included! During the 2013 Tour Divide, I will be using a Sierra Designs Stash 1 solo tent for sleeping shelter. When deciding whether or not I should use just a standard bivy sack, or perhaps something more protective as in a tent, I opted for the latter. The lengthy time expected, and the overwhelmingly possibility in which I would experience some sort of inclement weather, made the tent an easy decision for me. As a rookie in this event, it just seemed like the smart thing for me to do. The thought of being exposed to harsh conditions overnight after being out in it all day, didn't bode well for obtaining a proper rest part of my thinking was. The additional weight of which a tent would bring, just didn't seem to matter or over come the feeling of comfort and protection of which it offered either. At 2 pounds and 13 ounces packed, that really isn't a big deal I think. To watch a really cool, and informative short little video production about the Sierra Designs Stash 1 solo tent, click here.

Rounding out the inside of my traveling sleeping quarters, you see pictured a widely popular THERMAREST NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad, and a GO-Lite Adrenaline 1 series sleeping bag, both in a size long. Each item, is extremely packable and does not require much storage space at all. Specs for the air mattress can be found by clicking on the link above, and the specs for the sleeping bag are as follows -

The SPECS for Long
Fits To: up to 6'6" / up to 1.98 m
Shoulder Girth: 60 in / 152 cm
Hip Girth: 47 in / 119 cm
Foot Girth: 39 in / 99 cm
Total Weight: 1 lb 10 oz / 740 g
Fill Weight: 360 g

The EN testing is as follows -

EN Tested:

Comfort Rating: 46° F
Comfort Limit: 39° F
Extreme Rating: 12° F

Comfort Rating: Lower limit of comfort range. The temperature at which the person in the sleeping bag is in thermal equilibrium; not feeling cold throughout the entire body. (reference: standard woman in relaxed posture, such as lying on back)

Comfort Limit: Lower limit of comfort range. The temperature at which the person in the sleeping bag is in thermal equilibrium; not feeling cold throughout the entire body. (reference: standard man in curled up body posture)

Extreme Rating: Lower temperature extreme where the risk of hypothermia occurs. Situation of high cold stress, which can be maintained for a limited duration of six hours. (reference: standard woman curled up in the bag to minimise thermal loss through the sleeping bag)

the Giving Pond Recreation Area

Procure a former sand and gravel quarry, then reclaim it as a developing natural habitat, and now you have the Giving Pond Recreational Area. Located in Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania, the GPRA seeks to restore and rejuvenate this once operative industrial site, into something now more consistent with that being a thriving place to see Mother Nature due her thing. Situated just between the nearby Delaware River, and the Delaware Canal Tow-Path, the GPRA offers visitors a most picturesque place to observe and enjoy so many different types of plant and living specie.

 

Now part of the Delaware Canal State Park system, this natural jewel offers up the perfect place to kind of side-step off the canal tow-path a bit, for a little quiet reflection and outdoor peaceful enjoyment. Walk, jog, or cycle around the trails there and you'll see exactly what I mean. This place is so absolutely beautiful, that it has become a favored spot of mine to stop and rest while out cycling. Other activities offered on site are, paddling, fishing, boating - electric motors only, birding, archery in season, and much more.

 

The Giving Pond, just a little slice of heaven that is found locally here.  

 

The Old Quarry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is just something about an old quarry. Mysterious and forbidden in the way they often be, which seems to evoke our curiosities about them even further. For many, they hold a special place amongst memories retained back when growing up locally to one. An interesting place to hang out and swim, skip school, or perhaps party, most likely the main reasons for such interest being held. Usually, old quarries always are associated with some sort of storied legend, or urban tale which is conjured up and passed from one generation to the next. Generally, they are tales told of which combine a precipitating level of fear, coupled with a want and desire of our own to see firsthand. Mention of objects, and or persons said to be submerged deep within the pit, have been circulated around for years. The demise of one, or perhaps possibly two persons said to have unexpectedly stumbled off the high cliffs during nighttime strolls, has been told as well. Regardless of fact or fiction, such tales have cultivated many themselves in wanting to explore further on their own. The dangers within, clearly prevalent in the posting of weathered looking warning signs strewn about, visibly at least give merit to the conditions found lurking inside. Show me an old quarry, and I'll bet you there is some story to be told, and or heard.

 

Inside, thing's are very quiet. A little too quiet. The scene depicted, very reminiscent of a run down ghost town. Left isolated and grown barren over time, the entire location is in dilapidation. Items and structures, lay dormant and  left resting in place. Large pieces of heavy equipment once used to transport mined material, now sit prolifically idle. Discarded and left behind with no intent of collection, they are now left to rust and decay amongst the tall growing grass. Large diesel engines, once loudly straining under a heavy load carried, make not a sound no more. Exhaust pipes which at one point in time, forcefully bellowed thick black clouds of smoke rising from its stack, have seen nothing emit forth in ages. Once a most important tool used daily in activity, now but a solid reference and viable proof to the strenuous work that once used to go on here.  Sitting, now fossilizing like previously lived dinosaurs in their own unique way and manner.  A sad sight to see when standing there looking at them in such a state of abandonment. 

 

Processing plants once assigned the laborious duties of crushing and pulverising the course aggregate, sit peacefully unmanned. The turning of stone into pebble, and pebble into sand concluded. Void, of the once highly skilled men whom worked and cared for her. Conveyor belts which endlessly ran full carrying material from one spot to the next, have long since quit. Movement has ceased a long time ago when its thriving, living heartbeat stopped. The only sounds of activity heard inside now, come from the swirling winds that eerily flow through its hulking inner steel cavity. Ominous in size, and darkened within, thoughts now lean more towards the frightful and spooky unknowns possibly contained inside. 

Old quarries have a certain character, and yes personally I feel as well, a certain charm about them too. In their aging state and declining conditions, they posses a wealth of historical information worthy of being passed on. At one point in time, these specific locations are where many hard-working people made their entire living. Each, helping play a significant role in the growth of a growing community. Product wrought forth from the working pit, undeniably helped play an immense role in the development in, and around the surrounding local area it supported. Newer quarries still very much alive and active today in production, don't carry the same lore that old ones do. They have yet to still earn it. To me, I think It must have something to do with the full life cycle of a quarry. The circle which fully involves its very own death in regards to a once fruitful life lived. Older quarries are a most beautiful thing you see. They are more than just a hole left vacant. In some cases they can be reclaimed, and turned yet once again into something still worthy of valued use to the same community it once helped build. Yes they still must be respected for all the dangers of which they can truly contain, and yes as well in the fact that trespassing in them is highly frowned upon. Still though, you do have to wonder. The next time you drive by, or find yourself around an old abandoned quarry, that you don't feel like sneaking in and taking a look around. C'mon now, don't ya?   

 

SEA TO SUMMIT eVent Compression Dry Sacks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the upcoming Tour Divide race this June, I will be using SEA TO SUMMIT eVent Compression Dry Sacks, for all my storage needs. I looked at several other models, as well as brands before choosing to settle in on this specific one. These sacks are designed to take whatever you shove in there, and dutifully protect it from all the inclement weather found outside.
 

The eVent compression sack, features a unique design which regardless of size, allows for the height of the bag to be literally compressed down and still be used accordingly. The compression dry sack comes in five different sizes - XS, S, M, L, and XL. Diameter dimensions range from starting at 6in, and increasing to 10.5in, with height extending 14 in, to 23 in. Weight and total volume begin with the lightest coming in at 3.7oz/6L, to the XL registering in at 7.4oz/30L max. Though waterproof, the bottom of the bag offers an air permeable fabric base which allows air to escape out, yet keep moisture from coming in. To read more about this specific dry sack, or any other product of which SEA TO SUMMIT offers, click here.