Day Two- PA

Believing we were going to wake up early was optimistic. Believing we were going to get out of the hotel on time -- early -- in order to make three stops was VERY optimistic.

Jessica and Orit at breakfast.

We were having way too much fun working on the blog and figuring out our plans for the next few days that we weren't motivated to rush. In addition to that, we had such interesting interactions with some other guests. First two couples who said they had been watching us both on our computers wanted to take our picture. I guess the sight of two girls sitting in front of their laptops and on their cellphones was CUTE! We both felt like an odd roadside attraction! After they took a picture of us, we asked that they take one with my camera phone but this was the best the gentleman could do -- after four tries.

Our next encounter involved a woman who was eavesdropping on Jessica's conversation with the whitewater rafting outfit. As Jessica left the room she began asking Orit more questions about our trip. As soon as she heard Orit was from New York, she began talking about September 11th, which Orit found somewhat shocking.

Packed up and ready to leave we headed off to Amish country for a famous horse and buggy ride. The first issue was finding an ATM issue. Jessica (a vegetarian) was skeptical of the whole thing because of the treatment of the horses and Orit was worried about the horses trotting on the hard pavement and the cars/trucks passing alongside us on the busy route. It started off with all smiles and we enjoyed our deep conversation about the Amish community and farming with our driver. He had 7 daughters, 4 sons and 40 grandchildren, and the average family farm is only 50 acres!

Jessica in the buggy.

Farmer spraying his field.

After all this we realized that time was not on our side and we decided to skip Hershey. Instead we headed directly to Gettysburg but we couldn't pass up the opportunity to stop for lunch at the Country Corner restaurant on the Lincoln Highway.

Jessica and the Country Corner menu.

As we approached Gettysburg, we were really surprised at the high-level of commercialization of the area. It was more reminiscent of the Jersey Shore than a historically signficant site. We walked through the cemetery and the visitors' center where we bought a 2 hour cd auto tour. Due to a lack of time, we listened to the majority of the cd but selectively stopped at sites. In this small town there are over 1700 monuments! Enough was enough.

Soldier Memorial

Georgia's Confederate Soldier Memorial
Incredible Quote


Pennsylvania Memorial

With Ohio on our minds, we couldn't leave Pennsylvania without stopping at the famous Rita's. Jessica spoke so highly over their "water-ice" coupled with "gelati." We were so happy to find one before getting back on the interstate.

Orit at Rita's.

Taking 30 West (Lincoln Highway again) through the mountains took a lot of time, but the views were worth it. There was no way we could make it to the camp site near the white water rafting outfit in time to set up the tent before dark so we decided to get off the interstate in Somerset, PA and find a hotel. Luckily there were a number of hotels to choose from and Super 8's slogan, "take a right and spend a night" won us over. We're going to set out in the morning for white water rafting (Class III and IV rapids baby!!).

Next time we post we will be in Columbus, Ohio!

Oh, and no need to worry or comment about the foot anymore! Jessica ran a marathon today :)