Colonel Denning State Park

When you live in the middle of downtown in a house on a busy road where you can reach out of your bedroom window and touch your neighbor's house...sometimes you just need to get out of town. Brett and I took our first camping trip here in PA. We planned it around a randomly warm Saturday, but the nights were cold! We drove about an hour to our site, and then realized we would be the only tent in the camping area. Everyone else was cozy in their heated campers. We did make friends with the retirees next to us (and their puppy!). 

 

Our campsite was gorgeous! It was next to a little creek. We stayed for two nights so we spent a a lot of time when we first arrived setting everything up. 

crazy wild man...

we were warned about bears in the area...

 

The first night we grilled hot dogs, listened to music, and talked by the fire late into the night. It was perfect!

We woke up the next morning and made eggs and breakfast potatoes over the fire. Then while Brett made a few phone calls, I went on a little hike and took some nerdy "biologist" photos.

it was chilly...poor boy :)

nature center

 

When I got back to the camp site, Brett and I thought we would go on another "quick" hike. We heard there was a really awesome overlook at the end of the one of the trails. So off we went!....without having eaten lunch, no water, no snacks, and Brett was in work boots. The first 30 min into the hike was exhausting, but we kept saying "I'm sure it will flatten out soon". Then we started seeing people coming back down the mountain with backpacks and hiking poles....not a good sign. Brett was okay with turning around, but I was SURE it wouldn't be much farther. I was so wrong. We reached what we thought was the "top" and realized we were only halfway! At this point we really needed water and food, so we had to turn back. Next time we go we will be sure to be more prepared. Turns out it was a 3 mile hike to the lookout point with a few thousand miles change in elevation. Oh well, it was fun anyways! 

The rest of the night was spent relaxing by the fire, grilling some great food, and making smores! It was an awesome weekend, and I can't wait to check out some other parks in the area.