Note to anyone coming in from I-70 (say, from Cumberland, for example): When you take the exit for Rt 15 north, you only go a short distance and you have to turn again. There’s an exit on both the right and left for 15 north, but they both end up in the same place. It’s a bit confusing but just follow the signs for 15 north and you’ll be fine.
Alternate route from Pittsburgh: Take I-79 south to Morgantown, then I-68 East to Hancock, then I-70 east to 15 north. It takes a little longer (add about 20 min. if you’re coming from the southern side of pgh), but you don’t have to mess with the turnpike and is a much more pleasant drive, IMHO. You avoid the trucks and the constant construction, but you do have to go over some rather large mountains, and I really do mean large. When I had a little car with a tiny 4 cyl. engine it was stuck in the slow lane barely chugging 40 mph up a couple of those hills. Sideling Hill scenic overlook (just before you get to Hancock) is a rest area at the top of the last big mountain you’ll cross over. It really does have a nice view. If you’ve never been there it’s worth a stop.
For the evening activities, we had previously discussed going to Gettysbrew Restaurant and Brewery. I have made up direction sheets with a map to hand out at the picnic. It is really easy to get there from the park, and is only about 2.8 miles away. In addition to beer, they also have hand-crafted sodas and root beer, so non-drinkers and those with kids should be able to enjoy it too.
I just started cutting and marinating the chicken. I hope it’s good.
I plan to be there at the earliest opportunity, and I will be available to help set up. I have a green Olds 4-door with Steeler stickers in the windows. (Are you surprised?)
Should I bother to bring my video camera?
The brewery sounds like fun. I can’t drink alcohol, so my wife makes up for it. Why not? She always has a designated driver. Please make sure you ask her to go.
Making reservations seems like a good idea- we can always cancel, but it would be disappointing if we couldn’t get in.
I hate to back out at such a late date, but I’m not going to be able to make it. I’d agreed to bring some beverages, so I hope someone can cover that end.
The pot is simmering, and I just took my first taste of the sauce. Took about 20 seconds for the full flavor to hit. Yee-hah!
I’ll either be coming in my own car - a yellow 87 Volvo POS - or I’ll be in a previously mention Toyota RAV that smells vaguely of skunk. It’ll depend on a few factors.
Have you seen the description of what’s in the back of my car? Trust me, we should have plenty of drinks. Heck, I have enough in there right now for everyone to have about two sodas and one bottle of water each.
The chili is done. It is not for the weak of heart.
I did the potato salad last night. I’ll bring that large styrofoam cooler, tabasco’s in the car already, some bag chairs, and a whiffle ball set for the Dopelets. Do we need extension cords? I could bring a couple if needed. I also have a long power cord (50 ft maybe). I might have a power strip too, if that would help. Let me know. I’m planning on checking the thread before I leave here in the morning, if no one gets a chance to reply this evening while I’m on.
I think I’m ready. Nervous as hell, but ready.
Is someone or are some of the folks who are much more familiar with the area willing to provide their cell phone number upon request (via e-mail, not within the thread) in case some of the less locals get, well, lost?
I am not bringing veggie burgers because no one else said they wanted them, and Dominic and I can do just fine eating other stuff–it really isn’t worth the hassle to make them just for us.
Whole wheat mac n cheese made and in fridge (I checked the ingredients, and it’s Jewish Dietary Law Compliant). I’ll make the fruit salad in the morning, so it’ll be nice and fresh.
Airman is coming. We are not driving the Stinkmobile, we are driving his silver Chevy. We will be bearing saltines and shredded cheese, knives for cutting things, and a borough trash bag.
Anyone want to convince my MiL that week-old picnic trash is NOT a good thing?
