Week 14: Hanging in the Hometown

The first week back in my hometown was a whirlwind of activity and I’m happy to report that week two settled down a bit and gave way to a lot of hiking, eating and being part of the Peifer’s everyday lives.

Part of this journey is figuring out when to stay and when to move on.  I’ve visited places where it was time to move on after a few hours and other places where I could have stayed much longer than I did.  But no place has felt as “normal” and relaxing as being back in the Poconos.  Perhaps it’s the woods, the wildlife, the close community, or just the fact that I spent the majority of my life here, but it is SO damn good being back!  It has been a tough winter here in the northeast and it will take time to thaw, but waiting for the weather to warm up before heading north is a great excuse to keep me here a little while longer.

It was definitely still winter in the Poconos!

Growing up in a tourist area had its advantages with unlimited outdoor fun to be had all year long.  The primary draw to this area of the Pocono Mountains is Lake Wallenpaupack.  If this sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because it was put on the map during the “Booze Cruise” episode of The Office (yes, we had many of those growing up!).  The lake is a reservoir created by the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company in 1926 for hydroelectric purposes.  It is 13 miles long, 1 mile wide at its max, and has 52 miles of shoreline.  The Lenape Indians named this area Wallenpaupack which means “The Stream of Swift and Slow Water”.  When I arrived here a couple of weeks ago, the lake was still frozen but as the days pass, the ice is receding and signs of Spring are revealing themselves.  I can’t think of a better place to be to watch Spring spring alive!

The lake in detail

Dwight on the "Lake Wallenpaupack Booze Cruise"... hilarious show and great episode! 

Speaking of Spring, apparently the bears are waking up... Jen caught this from her car shortly after we jogged by the house

Schumans Point
This 3-mile hike was my go to place for a little exercise when I lived here.  Schumans is one of the last undeveloped areas around the lake and since it’s a point, most of the hike gives easy access to the water and some great views.  Trooper and I headed out there a couple of times to revisit one of my favorite trails and look for photo ops.

Ready for a great hike!

Soaking it all in

Trooper enjoying the cold water

Epply Island, the largest of four islands on the lake

An amateur bald eagle chillin' on the ice

Catnap? 

Patiently waiting

View of Tanglwood Ski Area from across the lake

Tanglood Ski Area
As the lake gave us summers filled with jobs and memories, Tanglwood Ski Area did the same in winter.  I skied there since middle school and then worked as a lift attendant when I was sixteen.  After one season sitting in tiny booths freezing and watching people get dragged up the tow rope by their scarves and mittens, I decided it was time to get out on the snow.  The next season, I became a ski instructor.  I loved teaching people how to ski and spent my high school and college winters doing just that.  Tanglwood provided years of fun, friendships and harmless mischief.  Some of my fondest memories growing up are from the days on the mountain.  Unfortunately, Tanglwood closed a few years ago.  I drove up to check things out and was heartbroken to see the shape it’s in.  Trooper and I walked the slopes while I took photos and laughed as so many wonderful memories came to my mind.  Anyone reading this who made the years at Tanglwood so precious, thank you!!

Top of the mountain with the lodge on right and bunny hill shack on left (with Lake Wallenpaupack in the background)

The bunny hill shack I spent many hours working in

Heartbreaking to see it this way

Wildcat, one of two black trails, with a whopping 415' vertical drop (yes, that'a a tree in the middle of the slope at the bottom)

T & I enjoying the view and memories

Good Food & Great Friends
Around the insane Peifer schedule of school, basketball, baseball and dance, Jen and I managed to enjoy delicious food, great martinis, and good old fashioned girl time.  I must thank Jen and the family again; they give new meaning to the phrase “mi casa su casa”… love you Bif!  I’m afraid I will wear out my welcome, but Eli (the 7-year old) made it all right when he told Jen “Friend Jenn needs to move into our house and it’s not up for discussion”.  Corine gave me the name “Friend Jenn” when she was four to help distinguish me and “the Jen”.

Thanks Corine!  I've missed you all too... very much

Martinis or dessert?  Round 1: Fruit Loop Martini (left) and Lemon Meringue (right) complements of Billy B's Martini Bar in Dunmore

Round 2: Pumpkin Pie Martini (left) and Mint Chocolate Chip Martini (right)... check out the ridiculous list of martinis (aka desserts)!

Billy B's not only serves candy-like martinis, but also savory and delicious dinners

Another great meal... "Authentic Spanish Chorizo Sandwich" at Branko's Patisserie du Jour in Honesdale

I was blessed to spend an afternoon with Rich Myers, who built our log cabin in 1979 and has been a family friend ever since.  He is a great man who gives unconditionally to his family and who was a dear friend to my mother.  He was also the inspiration behind my mother buying my Nikon D300 as a gift before she passed away.  This camera has been around the world and captured some amazing things… thank you Richie!

My dear friend Rich Myers

Trooper getting his way... and yes, Rich puts hazelnut creamer AND sugar in his coffee (at least it was Starbucks)

Final Thoughts
Amazing Women.  As I sit here on a weekday morning (noon really) in my pajamas drinking a third cup of coffee, I want to give props to the amazing women I am surrounded by.  Immersing myself into Jen’s world has given me a newfound appreciation of her and so many others.  She is a high-school teacher, a politician’s wife, a loving mother of three, a devoted friend to many, and a woman who puts home cooked meals on the table every night while running three children in three different directions, maintaining a beautiful home, and somehow maintaining her sanity (99.9% of the time :)).  I am simply in awe of her.  I am also exhausted just trying to keep up with this family!  To all the women who are wives, mothers, workers, and whatever other roles you play… you are amazing and the people in your lives are truly blessed for all you do.

Thank you for reading and until next time...