Thursday, August 30, 2012

Installing Geocache Sites Along the PA Quilt (And Rug) Trails

Finally everything has come together and it's time to knuckle down and install the first two geocache sites along the PA Quilt (And Rug) Trails. According to Wikipedia, geocaching is,"Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or  mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches""

One style of site indicators that I like is to give localized GPS coordinates and then post several photo clues to get the seeker closer to the cache. This makes the activity more of a treasure hunt than simply looking at a GPS device to find exact placement.

There are several guidelines to follow when selecting a site for a geocache:
1. Permission for placement must be granted by property owner.
2. Geocaches must never be buried.
3. Geocaches must not deface area.
4. Wildlife must not be affected by placement or retrieval of cache.

The cache itself will be placed in a waterproof container. Inside the container will be the following: 
1. A log sheet for geocachers to record their visit.
2. Family friendly contents only.
3. Nothing that will attract wildlife such as food.
4. Nothing that can be damaged by melting, cold.
5. Non liquids

Caches are not to be political, religious, cannot try to sell a product, nor promote a social agenda.

In the next few weeks Beth Miller of Community Partnerships RC&D will be depositing  caches along the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. 


A great activity for all ages-with no hidden costs

Enjoy geocaching along the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

You Gotta Have Friends

Become a friend of the 
PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails 
  • A $35 donation receives as a thank you:
  • 5 notecards featuring scenes from the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails
  • 2 guests passes to exclusive annual PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails party
  • Quarterly PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails enewsletter (covering relevant information, announcements and events.)

To pay either send check to:

Community Partnerships RC&D
23 North Main Street
Lewistown, PA. 17044

or pay via Paypal

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Summer's End

Every August I panic. After months of warm days and still warm evenings, I realize that the fall is about to approach and it is necessary to prepare for cold weather. Do not misunderstand me; I love the cold weather. There is nothing more lovely than cross country skiing through the woods on a day when snow has recently fallen. I love the smell of burning oak in the woodstove. And homemade soups, pumpkins, crisp, tart, juicy apples.

But there is a change of activity and focus from spending all one's time out of doors to the move inside when the weather changes. Summer activities such as swimming and sunbathing become more limited. The PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails, however can be followed year 'round. Autumn leaves add indescribably color to the landscape. The smell of fallen leaves decomposing on the ground is intoxicating.

This fall plan to follow some, if not all of the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. Stop at Hunters Valley winery and pick up a bottle to save for the upcoming winter holidays, hike in the Tuscarora State forest. Have a coffee in Vicksburg and look upclose at a remarkable quilt square. Just like a cup of hot tea on a cold night exploring central Pennsylvania via the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails is warm and inviting.

Send photos and I will post here and on Facebook.

Happy Travels!!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Dinner and a Cupcake

The other day a good friend and I went to a favorite local restaurant for dinner. We decided to order two entrees  splitting both, so we could enjoy the tastes of two entrees instead of one. After a few tastes of both, I decided that one was not to my liking and gladly surrounded my half to my friend. Disappointed, my friend who had chosen the "unliked" meal, was concerned that my dinner was ruined. My reply was, "We also have a  cupcake and any meal that ends with a cupcake is a good meal."

I think of the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails as meal ending with a cupcake. Each trail site is chosen for its surroundings, culture, beauty and opportunity. Central Pennsylvania is a picturesque  area making the journey to each quilt square memorable. Occasionally roads may be detoured, traffic (though not likely), inclement weather, grumpy passengers, grumbling stomachs, cramps, headache, etc. yet once the trail square location is reached, a delightful trail piece (the proverbial cupcake) awaits the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails traveler.


Follow the PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails. Don't forget to pack a cupcake!