OhioPyle State Park : Failing to See Falling Water

We went and checked the Ohiopyle back in October of 2020 just to break the monotonous lifestyle that Covid forced upon  in all of us.  We did not plan to do anything except to see how it is.  My husband's friend at work has been talking about this park so we wanted to see how it is.  

Ohiopyle State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 19,052 acres in Dunbar, Henry Clay and Stewart Townships, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The focal point of the park is the more than 14 miles of the Youghiogheny River Gorge that passes through the park. Just like West Virginia's New River Gorge, the Youghiogheny River Gorge  provides fun adventures for  the best whitewater boating. Ohiopyle State Park is bisected by Pennsylvania Route 381 south of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. According to the  article I've read, the park was  opened to the public in 1965 but was not officially dedicated until 1971.

We were surprised to see that there were so many people out there despite the scare of pandemic.  I guess, they were just like us who were tired of being cooped up in the house

On our way there, we  stopped at this scenic stop overlooking the beautiful part of Pennsylvania.

My son mentioned about the Falling Water that they are leaning in Social Studies so we wanted to check it out.  Unfortunately, due to Covid, they were only accommodating guests that booked ahead so we didn't get to see the  Fallingwater, a place that is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of American architecture.   

 Frank Lloyd Wright house is sort of off the beaten path in rural Pennsylvania, just outside of Mill Run, and a bit southeast of Pittsburgh. We thought we could drove by and see the location but we were turned away because we did not have a reservation.

Anyway, this is what we missed.  It would have been nice to see it. image source

Going on a spontaneous road trip is always fun as we can see some beautiful farm animals such as horses and cows.  Ohio and PA are our favorite route for that.

We wanted to check out this bridge where there were a lot of people walking but the parking area was so full that we just decided to just leave since it was getting late anyway.  When the restriction of this pandemic is over, we might go back there and do some activities.

I am praying that all of these pandemic restrictions will soon be over and also I hope that they won't require the vaccine for traveling.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I really don't want to be vaccinated for something that isn't proven to be safe.

Ohiopyle has some really neat displays such as this one along the  park.

I am not sure what building establishment is this one but the display outside is beautiful.

I have never played in a casino but I have been inside one when we went to Vegas.

We passed by a big flea market area on our way home.  

Pennsylvania is a beautiful state but I find it to be very busy compared to Ohio when we we go on a road trip there.  To me, it feels relaxing to drive around Ohio but in PA, I feel like we are always on a busy highway.

Anyway, I am hoping that we could go back in Ohiopyle someday and do some activities.  I would like to go on a hike.  As I stated earlier, it was a nice break even for just a short period of time.  If you want to check the place out, it is located in 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464.

Mirrored German Sculpture at Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park

If  you have seen my first post about the Theodore M. Berry International Park, I would love for you to see this neat feature, the Mirrored German Sculpture.  We had a lot of fun watching our reflections to these mirrors, it made us skinny, thick, and weird in every piece lol.

There are numerous descriptive signs along the path that describe  all about what went into making the particular areas and the meaning behind all of them. These pictures shows the  part of the formal European garden section and our favorite feature which is the  mirrored German sculpture.  It said that these pieces were  brought here and were assembled onsite.

My husband  said  he finally find something that made him look skinny without any specific workout routine or diet  tactic lol.

It really is a neat feature in that park.  I have never seen one like this in so many parks that we have been to so it was quite a discovery for us.

This park is well maintained and kept for anyone to enjoy.  I love that it is located  by the river.

I will feature the rest of the European Garden next time.  

Again, this park is located right on the Ohio River, it is one of coolest  city parks that I've seen.  According to the info I have read, this 22-acre Cincinnati Park Board park opened in 2003 and was, at that time, the first new Cincinnati Park Board park to open in 40 years. The park was named in honor of Cincinnati’s first African-American Mayor, Theodore M. Berry.

Naval and Military Park in Buffalo New York

After attending the mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, the priest  talked to us and he happened to have been  a chaplain in the military before  dedicating his time to a traditional church.  Upon learning that my husband was also in the military, he suggested for us to check the Naval and Military Park nearby.

I am so glad that the downpouring rain have stopped  as we  came out the church.  God hooked us up  by having a clear day after the mass, we got to enjoy the park and the rest of our time in Buffalo.

We live in mountainous region so when my kids see a body of water, they are excited.  Not to mention that  military  parks are also one of their favorite places to visit.

I love the location of this military park because you can both enjoy  a tour inside the ship or just enjoy exploring the land park.  We did not do the tour because we have seen a ship like this in  Corpus Cristi, Texas sometime ago when we visited San Antonio.

Besides, we were just there for a short amount of time so we really did not have time to  see  every nook of the ship.

We are a military family so we are always excited to see setting such as this.  The nearest one in our area to have a similar setting is Pittsburgh al;though it is a submarine and not a ship.   

What I like about going to a place like this is, it perks up my husband's spirit.  I think he misses being in the military sometimes.  I hate the constant moving when in  active duty but I do miss the travel part of it.  I think 20 years is long enough to say "I served my country."

Anyway, here's the entrance to the  tour to U.S.S The Sullivan.  I think if you have never been to a ship, I would highly recommend to go to one of these tours, it's really cool to see what's inside a military ship.

I love all of these monuments and statues, you get to learn so much info by reading each o them.

My husband's last tour  in the Navy was in South Korea.  WE HAD SUCH GREAT MEMORIES OF OUR STAY THERE.  This definitely bring back memories.

I like that their are   different dedications to every monuments.  This one is for all the Hispanic Americans who served/serving.

I just notice that I captured my husband's reflection on this  Rust Bucket display, can you see it (first shot below)?

As we walked around, it makes me sad to think that a lot of these sacrifices  is sometimes being overlooked by new generation.  I feel that it is less appreciated.

The anchor is always my favorite in military parks.  I guess it has to do with the fact that hubby is a retired sailor.

It's really nice though that the park is open for public.

The park is well kept  and maintained, it is so relaxing to walk around there.  I am so glad that we were given a chance to  see  this beautiful park before we  came back to our state.

The Buffalo River is  such a perfect background for this park  It makes you want to stay and hang out.  If only we had time, I would have explored more.

Who would forget the tragic event in Pearl Harbor.  Lots of lives have lost.

This park is complete with so much information.  I don't think they left out places  that the US has been ivolved  to when it comes to preserving the peace and protecting  citizens.

I hope you enjoy this virtual tour of  the Naval and Military Park.  It is a beautiful place to visit, really.  I hope you get the chance to explore there someday too.