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Feature - Thought Of Visiting All 117 State Parks? These Folks Have
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You could call it a labor of love, but for this dynamic duo intent on visiting all of Pennsylvania’s State Parks, there’s very little work involved, just a heck of a lot of fun.
So say Donna Griest and Caryn Shearer who, throughout the seasons last year, dutifully were crossing off the State Parks they had visited and enjoyed after striking out from their Carlisle, Cumberland County, home.
A total of 117 State Parks spread across the state—365 days to visit them—and two full-time jobs to also keep them busy. Somehow, utilizing weekends, vacations and days off, the pair crossed off 100 state parks on their list.
So says Donna’s sister, Diane:
"I just wanted to let somebody from State Parks know about a tremendous feat that my sister and a girlfriend accomplished in 2010,” said Diane Griest. “They visited 100 Pennsylvania State Parks. Since there are only 365 days in a year, they spent nearly one-third of their time visiting the state parks. Since they both work full-time jobs, it is especially impressive.
“I know they thoroughly enjoyed doing it and they have a great map showing all the parks they visited in 2010, and a diary they kept of the trips. If there is any way you can acknowledge them in some way, or—if you need some real life people for an advertisement—here you go!”
Thanks, Diane. And thank you Donna and Caryn for being two of the most active, supportive visitors a state park system could have. Consider this comment from Donna:
“I can't tell you how much we enjoyed our adventure,” said the 53-year-old school teacher. “It was one of those things that opened up my eyes to the naturally beautiful things that we have here in Pennsylvania.”
Together, she and Caryn, 47, an activities specialist, planned many long weekend trips and a two-week vacation to visit individual parks.
“We have a passion for playing disc golf, bicycling, hiking, fishing, and camping,” said Donna. “Our golden retriever, Camden, was present for numerous hikes and several camping trips. Some of the smaller parks were short visits where we read plaques and brochures.”
Okay ladies, 100 State Parks under your belt now. Which one emerges as your favorite?
In unison, they reply like true, skilled diplomats: so many good parks out there to pick just one favorite: “It is too difficult to pick just one favorite, but here are a few of our memorable moments:
-- Bald Eagle watching at Maurice K. Goddard and Little Pine;
-- Disc golf at Codorus, Pinchot, French Creek, Tyler, Moraine, etc. Just to name a few. Awesome volunteerism!;
-- Biking and beach and Presque Isle;
-- Camping back country at Raccoon Creek;
-- Favorite sunset at Pymatuning;
-- Wild flowers at Jennings Environmental Education Center;
-- Best views at Hyner View, Leonard Harrison, and Colton Point;
-- Most awesome waterfalls at Ricketts Glenn;
-- Cycling in a downpour at Oil Creek;
-- Fishing at Poe Paddy and Warriers Path;
-- Winter sports: Sledding at Laurel Hill, cross-country skiing at Laurel Ridge and Snowshoeing at Ohiopyle. Yes, we did them all last Valentine’s weekend—and it was so beautiful:
-- Meeting the “barefoot sisters” at the Appalachian Trail museum at Pine Grove;
-- Hometown favorite of Caryn's is Cowans Gap, her mother's birthplace (grandfather was in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and employed there during her childhood).”
Also, somewhere in the two outdoors enthusiasts’ collection of maps and reams of notes, certain State Parks have the notation: “Return visit!” affixed.
“So many good memories … and we wish to revisit certain parks that time did not allow us to fully experience,” said Donna Griest. “Such as the dark skies at Cherry Springs, renting a winter cabin at Kooser, the new lodging at Bald Eagle Inn. The list goes on and on.
“We gained so much knowledge and an appreciation of what our State Park system offers.”
Go Online to find a PA State Park near you.
(Reprinted from the current issue of DCNR's Resource online newsletter.)
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7/25/2011 |
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