The Keystone State

Many will agree Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful states in the union and I agree. Hwy 30 winds into scenic forested Allegheny mountains near by. I am abruptly awakened to the still climbs having been so ever 'spoiled' be the flatter gentler states Indiana and Ohio. Hwy 30 climbs and then climbs some more, my legs are not used to this! The breathtaking vistas of this section of Pennsylvania making it worth the effort to run and enjoy. The coal trucks carrying coal from the local mines leave their 'oily scent' of coal lingering in the mountain air on this 15 mile stretch. It snows one day-though not a heavy snow-it was fun to run through while it shortly lasted. Cabins and well crafted homes of stone dot the forested Hwy 30 (Lincoln Highway). Fortunately I have a wide shoulder to run on which surprised me, a few narrow sections in the beginning which made me uneasy as any runner would attest.





Latrobe, Pa home of legendary pro golpher Mr. Arnold Palmer was a beautiful town and friendly, towns like Irwin, Boswell, Bedford all quaint and with much early American key history, Bedford being one one of my favorites small towns. Also running near the Flight 93 Memorial was quite powerful and moving experience.





Pennsylvania does a great job with marking each historical landmarks all pertinent to our early American history and focal points of events.Temperatures now in the low 30's at night and yet a 'mild Indian summer' exist during the days which is quite a blessing being the weather gods have been kind so far. The last section of the hills awaits me in the busy hub of Breezewood.




To be continued...