Feast on Summer

On Wednesday, it is August. The July-fly-by is almost complete. Age does not seem to be a factor in how short summer feels; however, the older I get, the longer winter becomes. After watching Frozen 700 times, I've come to the same conclusion after each screening.

Do you want to build a snowman?

No.

Alas, tis the season to soak it in. Last Saturday, I was a combatant in the 25th edition of Barnball, a 2-on-2 basketball tournament on Coon Ridge Road; simple by description, complex for the psyche. I first stepped foot in the barn when I was in high school. This summer, I was a 34-year-old veteran. The kids in high school are now closer in age to my kids than to me. When my partner and I were eliminated deep into the 2018 Barnball, I awoke the next morning and did what a small child would do.

I took a post-barn bubble bath. "No bubbles, no glory." - Mr. Bubbles 

While basketball brings it all together, this July phenomenon has endured through families; through community; through connection. The blood and bruising is a testament to Barnball's impossible to fully capture camaraderie; a quarter-century of fellowship on the hard, hard wood. Fathers and sons, brothers, and some incredible female athletes have laid it all out in the barn. Maybe, one day, my daughters will be playing hay bale hoops. For now, stick to Frozen and I'll ice my knees.

This Sunday, the Family Fun Barbecue at Our Mother of Sorrows was a much less rigorous form of fellowship. Spearheaded by my ambitious wife, the sun shined on dozens of families. In my 3+ years of parenting, I've used the wolf pack comparison the most. Once you start traveling as a parent, you are at your best in a pack. You get to talk about interrupted sleep while reasoning with your wolf pups on how attacking someone with a stick is not the same as "playing with sticks". You gain strength by learning about the weakness of other wolves - those parents in the fight of their lives. I told as many people as I could that my 1-year-old peed all over me during the New Testament. I went to the car, changed my shirt, and was back for the homily (wolf howl).

At OMOS, in the barn, and across Johnstown, I have met a lot of good people. My wife and I have made it a point to have our kids say 4 amazing words to anyone we meet - "Have a good day!" I believe the more that we say it - as a family, as a community - the more good days there will be. In our culture, we too often hear the word "news" and think "bad".

Make good news. Turn a barn into a family. Have your family feel like part of the community.

In the words of my daughters, "Have a good night!"

And for those parents staring at the moon, "HOWLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"

Joys of July

Once July arrives, it always feels as if summer accelerates. And in that acceleration, it is always nice to take time for some appreciation. This is the best that July has had to offer thus far.

Independence Day is a yearly reminder that we have it good. In our parental escapades, my wife and I try to channel our frustrations by reciting "first world problems" - a realization that the crosses we bear are quite bearable. On the 4th of July, I was subjected to Brownstown's firework bonanza as my daughters circled us like vultures - adorable, adorable vultures. My 3-year-old rejoiced in her idea for a family hug. As the sky lit up with explosions of all kinds and colors, our family of 4 hugged hard. It was a grateful and goofy moment.

On the very next day, that same family of 4 had private occupancy in Idlewild's toddler pool. This was because it was raining with ferocity and we were the only swimmers of silliness. We rampaged through the rain until the Soak Zone closed for the incoming soaking. By the time we got to the carousel, the heavens burst and thunder roared. A torrential downpour would not steal my oldest daughter's merriment. Completely at peace, she praised her horse. Then, it was a mad dash from the merry-go-round to the Subaru. It was one satisfying storm.

That weekend, my brother and his wife announced that a baby girl is on the way. My immediate and genuine reaction was to announce that they will be the recipients of an entire closet of clothes. Between brothers, the official production count is Women 3, Men 0. Bring on the Barbies.

This past Friday, it was a Dad-daughter day at Idlewild. Dividing the family and conquering is sometimes the smartest of strategies. I took my 36.5 inch blonde to do it all. We adventured through Storybook Forest. We climbed the cargo net. We joined the sea of humanity in the Soak Zone. And in our greatest act, we rafted Pipeline Plunge for the first time. In a twisty tunnel of darkness, I shouted "It's okay!" Unable to identify how my co-captain was doing, we sprang and splashed back into the sunshine. Upon making eye contact as we came to shore, she calmly told me she did not want to do it again.

After leaving the amusement park, we had a delicious dinner date at Carol and Dave's Roadhouse. My goal was to refuel and run her hard at Friendship Park in Ligonier after digestion. I did just that. After a solid hour of an American Ninja Warrior circuit, swinging, and shenanigans, it was time to head home. Believing she would fall asleep in no time, I was ready to embrace silence. About when I thought silence arrived, my Ninja Warrior loudly asked, "Dad, when do we trick-or-treat again?"

Alas, today - Sunday - the day of rest. Two Scripture readings seized the day. The first, Psalm 85, centered on the harvest. The second, the Gospel of Mark, focused on a journey and how a walking stick is all a disciple needs. In the late afternoon, I led a team of adventurers into Stackhouse Park, the latest installment of Faith and The Forest. I had my walking stick in hand and my 3-year-old in my hiking pack. A friend and his son joined us. An ambitious mom and her four kids rounded out our brigade. We played in the stream, searched for wildlife, and built relationships. As we climbed out of the park, rain fell upon our town once more.

In the upcoming weeks, soak up what remains of this summer. Enjoy and find joy in your community. When the harvest comes, don't look back and wish you did more. Appreciate what you have and don't accelerate too much. You never know how many more summers you will have.

To every sunrise and sunset,

Rest easy, Johnstown.

Trail Fever

June jubilation exists on our region's trails. Read below about what has happened this Spring and what is in store in the Summer of 2018. Share your positive experiences and support the community by enjoying the local scenery.

The Laurel Highlands Ultra, a 70.5 mile race, blazed through the forest this June. The Laurel Highlands Trail, running from Johnstown to Ohiopyle, is a challenging landscape to hike, no matter the distance. To run the entire thing - astonishing and a bit mad. According to the results link, 85 brave souls finished this wilderness test with finishers from across Pennsylvania and all over the land, including Vermont, Florida, North Carolina, and Canada. Congratulations to all those who finished this incredible adventure run.

One week later, another batch of brave men and women were on the Ghost Town Trail for a 50K, 25K, or 12K endurance Saturday. The event, Ghost Town Trail Challenge, is part of the 2018 Cambria County Trail Series. According to the results page, 191 men and women completed their challenge. The Ghost Town Trail is a regional gem for hikers, bikers, and runners. Upcoming events on the trail include the 4th Annual Chernisky Classic on Saturday, July 7th featuring a 10K, 5K, and Firecracker Run for the young bucks. Later in the summer, on Saturday, August 11th, the Run for the Trail 7K will takeoff from the Dilltown trailhead.

On the same day as the Ghost Town Trail Challenge, 59 humans completed the Levity Summer Festival 5K on the Hoodlebug Trail in neighboring Indiana County. This out-and-back course included a run through a tunnel and across a bridge. I was with this jolly gang as 3.1 miles is more in my wheelhouse. 70.5 miles or a 50K would be my nuthouse. 25K or 12K would be doable, but I would live in a house of pain well into the following week. Alas, I zipped along the Hoodlebug. My wife and her cousin pushed my daughters via strollers in the 2-mile family fun walk. They both fell asleep proving that exercising is relaxing and a good way to get some color. My daughters fell asleep - not my wife and her cousin.

The trails into Stackhouse Park are ready for summer fun. Take any trail to the main pavilion for tonight's First Day of Summer party. Games, music, and children will be running free at 7 PM. Then, this Saturday, join an adventure crew for Faith and the Forest. We will be leaving the Saint Michael's church parking lot at 10:30 A.M. to explore and more. It will be a looped hike for kids and adults. And finally, Run the Park, a 10-mile, 10K, and 5K is coming to Stackhouse on Saturday, August 25th.

My daughters and I recently visited the Jim Mayer Trail in Riverside, not to hike, but to bird watch (chase). Near the playground before the trailhead, a gaggle of geese and dozens of quackers were a-quacking. My 3-year-old and 15-month zoologist were mad over mallards. It was National Geographic meets Family Circus. The Family Fun Run on the Jim Mayer Trail is scheduled for Saturday, September 9th. I did it last year. It's a great 5K and the last leg in the Cambria County Trail Series.

If you voyage over Ligonier Mountain, check out the Ligonier Valley Trail that hugs Route 711. It is a smooth and flat trail, covering roughly 3 miles if you do an out-and-back. On a LVT run this morning, I competed against rabbits darting in and out of the brush. Mountain bikers need not travel over the mountain to find adventure as the Inclined Plane Trails in Westmont is now open for biking business. Ride at your own risk. Check out videos on the Facebook page - Friends of the Inclined Plane Trails.

Find a friend. Find a trail. Share the love. Share the trail.

Faith and The Forest

This weekend I adventured into Stackhouse Park, something I have been doing since I was a kid. On Saturday and Sunday, I was proud of two adventure teams, family and friends willing to explore; to discover, wander, and appreciate. Please respond to this blog if you want to join in Faith and The Forest adventures into Stackhouse this spring and summer. My hope is to teach and show my kids how to love nature and experience this community's great outdoors; how to experience nature and count your blessings along the way. And for the adults, rediscovering the kid at heart might just happen in the wilderness. Here is the Top 10 to the 1st weekend of Faith and The Forest:

10. Big, Fat Worm

My 3-year-old volunteered to hold this chubby invertebrate once I scooped him up. They had a brief, friendly relationship before she launched him back into his habitat.

9. Mark the Trail

That same daughter was fascinated by how trails are denoted by colors on trees. Saturday was blue. Sunday was red. Studying and staring at bark, she excitedly announced when her eyes locked on a mark.

8. Slithery Snake

My wife was the one who announced when a snake made his way across the trail. Everyone stood their ground as this footless creature disappeared into the brush.

7. Chuckling Crow

On our Sunday ascent out of the park, a crow flew right over top of us. This chattering bird landed on a tree branch and let out one mighty howl. My daughter immediately asked, "What is he laughing at?"

6. Slippery Salamanders

The stream was full of salamanders on Saturday. Everyone got in on the salamander chase. When my daughter found her own salamander under a rock, she shouted with spastic pride. The amphibian slipped along the rocky shore, eluding the passionate pursuit of a crazed child.

5. Detective Doe

There were no salamander sightings on Sunday, but deer were watching us through a maze of trees. At one point, two doe locked eyes with a daughter and her Dad. Silence was broken when the daughter screamed,  "What are you doing, deer?" They maintained their position and remained quiet. In a battle of who blinks first, the whitetails won. 

4. Beautiful Butterfly

Four of us - my parents, myself, and eldest daughter - got a glimpse of a purple butterfly on Saturday. When resting on leaves, it had no distinct color, a gray and gloomy look, but in flight, we were all struck by the color. My daughter contested the butterfly was blue, not purple. She immediately chastised me for incorrectly labeling this beautiful animal of the sky. It was a blue butterfly. Get it right or pay the price. 

3. Water Woman & LadyBug Lady

My youngest daughter desperately wanted to swim in the stream. With her mother holding on, this 1-year-old aquatic fanatic thrashed in the cool and flowing water, dipping her legs in pure happiness. Meanwhile. her sister was one with the water and the bug kingdom. She found a lady bug and they were best friends for two solid minutes. The lady bug traveled up and down her arm and all was right with the world. 

2. The One-Clawed Crayfish

A "sand castle" was a must-do for the Lady Bug Whisperer. In a sandy and sloppy mess, Dad and daughter dug and dug and found a crustacean with only one pincher. Our digging and discovery created a private pool for our one-clawed comrade. Sand castle architecture was interrupted by this bandit on the bank. 

1. The Scarlet Tanager

The most unexpected sighting was actually the first. On the steep descent into Stackhouse following the Brownstown Trail, my Dad called for our caravan to be still. There, in a tree overlooking the stream, sat a remarkable red and black bird. My Dad, who has taught me a lot about nature and enjoying the outdoors, knew this songbird. It was an awesome moment. My parents, my wife, my brother, and my kids froze to appreciate the Scarlet Tanager - amazing colors and amazingly quieted my children. 

"Nature has an unparalleled capacity to stir our emotions, fostering raw and powerful feelings of wonder, awe, mystery, joy - and yes fear." - excerpt from How to Raise A Wild Child  (currently reading, currently raising).

Summer is almost here Johnstown.  Who wants to adventure into the forest?

Amazing May

Amazing Grace

On a Thursday evening in May, my wife and I were at Our Mother of Sorrows church and surrounded by community members. The connection - Alpha, a Christian-based course offered around the world and locally initiated years ago at this Johnstown parish. This weekday celebration brought people together who shared a bond and a belief. "How sweet the sound" was heard and felt. Initiated by a dedicated few in our region, the Alpha course has helped many, including myself, shape and shift their spirituality.

Amazing Face

While my wife and I were singing Amazing Grace, my 3-year-old was pretending to be a turtle. Her younger sister, age 14 months, was being the shell. They were not at church. They were at the babysitter's humble abode. So deep into character, my eldest and wisest daughter was sliding her skull across the carpet, burning the first layer of skin off her nose. Her fearless tortoise role was Academy Award worthy and appreciated by her family, friends, and all those who support her imagination. At the time of this blog, she is still healing and remains willing to star as a jungle or barnyard animal.

Amazing Race

The 2018 edition of the Path of Flood Historic Races was a sight to behold. Almost a thousand competitors participated in one of the three distances - 5K, 12K, and half marathon. I have participated in the 5K each year and decided to challenge myself this spring. The 12K was a unique and fun route that included a scamper through the Staple Bend Tunnel. After emerging from the wilderness, the final stretch was in sunny Conemaugh to Peoples Natural Gas Park. As my feet pounded the pavement and the sun scorched my skull, I called upon some inner inspiration. I could still hear Amazing Grace. I sprinted to the finish line. Thanks to all the race organizers, volunteers, and competitors who make the Path runs a huge success.

Amazing Space

To end the month, my wife and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary without the presence of our children. We did not recklessly abandon them. Their loving grandparents provided love, nourishment, and housing. Our coastal getaway was a blessing. It was also incredibly bizarre not having our daughters around. Having a window of opportunity free from parenting provided an unparalleled amazement. When we triumphantly returned to Johnstown, those daughters hugged us hard. It was amazing to be back and so, so, so much louder.

Amazing Place

While part of me could have stayed on the Rhode Island shoreline, it was never in doubt - I was coming home. Johnstown is where I am from. It is where I belong. I've witnessed grace here. My daughters continue to grow here. I'll keep running through our neighborhoods, sometimes with a stroller.

Goodnight Johnstown. There is always something to be grateful for. Discover something or someone amazing.

And if you need a pick-me-up, come watch my daughter pretend to be a reptile.

Brave New World

On spring Saturdays, my 3-year-old daughter participates in Soccer Shots Laurel Highlands, a frenetic introduction to futbol. Each week, boy and girl whippersnappers learn about a word to apply in soccer and in life. This past Saturday the word was COURAGE.

Last Fall, that 3-year-old was 2 and about 1-inch short at Idlewild Park. When she was denied entrance to the cargo net in Jumpin' Jungle, her world crashed. I blogged about her teary-eyed reaction. Redemption was ours this May. After soccer practice, we were welcomed back to the Jungle.

As we climbed that net together, it was worth the wait. She realized the magic in the moment and as the climb became more daunting, she wasn't sure if she could make it. Magic turned to trepidation, but Dad was not about to have her turn back. We locked hands and together, we completed the ascent. I paused to take it all in. She did not pause because she does not pause.

We seized the rest of the Saturday. Mom and Baby Sister watched Dad and Big Sis attack the amusement. The Scrambler provided the most entertainment for this father as my daughter became more vocal with increased velocity. Rotating at max speed she belted out, "THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANTED!"  Her hair was in a panic and her body was squished into my pelvis. I could only laugh and implore her to hold on tight.

On Sunday, we sang a closing hymn that had this line, "And we will not give into fear". From soccer to Idlewild to Scripture, this weekend roared COURAGE. In the wake of another national school tragedy, we search for answers. A courageous step forward, for this community and all communities, is to acknowledge our fears.

And then, refuse to give in.

Standing at the top of that cargo net, it was natural to look back and see how far we had come. As I watch my girls grow up, I am thankful for everyone who has been a part of their development. Our whippersnappers are a reflection of so many hands and hearts. In that search for answers, express gratitude to the teachers, neighbors, family, and friends who are helping children grow.

Climb your cargo net. Keep looking up.

Our Great Outdoors

On the second Tuesday of May, I sat inside, but it was all about what was going on outside. A panel discussion was held at the Holiday Inn as part of Tourism Week in Johnstown. A room full of adventure seekers and city supporters listened to a panel discussion on our great outdoors. Six local leaders shared their thoughts, experiences, and concerns. Mother Nature was not visible, as the room had no windows, but she surely was the star. A sincere "Thank You" to Cliff, Eric, Mike, Corey, Kyra, and Chad. Their words flowed, like the Stonycreek, capturing my adventurous spirit. And away...we...go...

That Night

A short Subaru trek would have got me from Westmont to Brownstown, but the forest called my name. My wife and I picked up our kids from my parents' house after work, but I was destined for the outdoors, not the Outback. I put my eldest daughter in the toddler hiking pack and we headed for Stackhouse Park. My wife drove the littlest lady home as she cried for Mother, not Mother Nature.

In the wilderness, my daughter and I had fascinating talks about the birds and the trees. As a 3-year-old she described a time when "she was little" when a tree fell on her "head and teeth" and Mom had to take her to the hospital. My wife either hid this incident from me or it never happened. Either way, it was riveting.

When we got home, we told Mom about the animals we saw and found no medical records in regard to the tree-to-skull strike.

Friday

I had a scheduled golf showdown with my father at Glengarry Golf Links in Latrobe. Even though golf was not a part of the panel discussion, I now can sell the sport as "boosting the economy" or "contributing to the outdoor recreation in our community". I never will "go golfing" again.

It was a beautiful day in neighborly Latrobe and the Old Man got the best of me. My Front 9 was full of sunshine, but his Back 9 was even better. He introduced the game to me and I hope for many more duels under the sun.

Later that afternoon, I took my daughters for separate walks along the river wall in Cambria City. They enjoy bird watching, but prefer bird chasing. My youngest took a shot at capturing mallards. She does not have much technique, but there is a lot of joy. My oldest daughter is much more stealth and has a much less joyous approach. No ducks were captured, but we got to see them fly.

Saturday

For the second straight year, I laced up for the Johnstown Christian 5K. In 2017,  I played the role of Super Dad and ran stroller style with my-then-two-year-old. We almost rolled back down the hill that starts the race. The Johnstown Christian 5K's first mile is the Mount Everest in the local stroller circuit. I don't think there really is a local stroller circuit, but Tuesday's panel discussion was all about dreaming big.

The reality - I ran stroller-less this year. My family cheered me on as I made my final turn. The opening hill was much less treacherous and the home stretch was even more fulfilling. My wife and kids cheered me on as I made my way to the soccer field finish. Our tribe has made local races a part of our family life. They often shine a spotlight on what is great about this community. Whether you run, walk, or cheer - get out and support local causes. Running has been an uplifting part of my Dad life. The exercise is great, but the family I return to and the community that runs with me is even better.

Later in the day and before a torrential downpour, we poured out of the Outback for the Rec the Alleghenies Expo at Greenhouse Park. This was a "cool stuff" bonanza for my girls. We got to pet goats, got our feet wet in the river, had our hands painted (prior to goat petting), and wrestled in a water vessel (sister v. sister) that sat on land. The most unexpected feature was two adolescent acrobats on horses. Dressed in shiny green numbers, they took turns doing daredevil poses on sprinting stallions. It was awesome.

Then, I imagined my girls being teenagers and asking me if they can defy death and hang by their feet from a 900-pound beast. We moved along and pet a bunny rabbit.

Sunday

Alas, Mother's Day. Before she was a mother, she was my wife. She still is my wife and before any of this, she was my girlfriend and we were all about adventure. We still are. The adventures have just changed. We pack a lot more bags and feel a wee bit more responsible, but we still seek the thrill.

I cut the grass on Mother's Day to conclude my week in our Great Outdoors. Prior to yardwork, I strolled my youngest around the block to get her to nap. We were surrounded by songbirds and a blue jay floated by. Inside the house, Mom and sister took a much needed /deserved nap.

When everyone awoke, the much needed grass cutting was complete. It was time to move on to the next adventure.

Be a part of Our Great Outdoors. One of the takeaways from the panel discussion was the idea of "buying in" to outdoor recreation in Johnstown. Start this week. The Stonycreek Rendezvous begins this Friday. The 8th Annual 5K Run For Vets is Saturday morning in St. Michael's. If you are not a runner, the 2nd Annual Cambria County Hero Hike happens Saturday on the Ghost Town Trail.

Whatever your weekend plans, appreciate what is around you. Get outside and buy-in.