Trekking on the Yough
CONNELLSVILLE – A clear blue sky coupled with a warm summer breeze made for the perfect day for riding a bicycle, according to those taking part in the Regional Trail Corporation’s 2002 sojourn. “It couldn’t be a better day,” said Dorthea Motto of Greensburg as she arrived Wednesday at the Yough River Park from Ohiopyle with her husband and two grandsons.
The family members were among the first to arrive at the park, where they ate lunch provided by the Yough River Trail Council and then toured sites throughout the city before traveling on to Adelaide, where they would camp overnight.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said the couple’s grandsons, Kyle and Jared Jespersan.
This is the third year the couple made the 70-mile trip and the second year their grandchildren accompanied them.
“We are trail monitors and enjoy the outdoors and thought this would be a nice trip,” said Motto.
Her husband, John Motto, takes photographs of various wildflowers and animals he spots along the travel path.
“This morning I saw a young deer down by the water,” he said. “This is a beautiful area.”
Joe L. Honick of North Huntingdon and his 14-year-old son, Dale, also have participated in the annual trek.
“It’s the best part of my summer,” said the teen.
Accompanying the Honicks was Greensburg resident Judi Mulvihill, a self-proclaimed outdoor novice.
“This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this,” she said. “It has been really exciting.”
Their journey began Sunday at the Army Corps of Engineers’ outflow camping area at Confluence, where they were introduced to one another and advised of the activities scheduled for the six-day outing.
On Monday, the group traveled by rubber duckies (rafts) to Ohiopyle.
“We had a great time of Tuesday when we went whitewater rafting,” said Joe Honick. “I can’t remember another time when so many people ended up in the water.”
Honick said the experience allows for participants to relax and escape from the everyday pressures of work.
“You can always tell the first-timers who bring every gadget and the women who bring the hairdryers and makeup,” he said. “But after the first day, all that disappears and they start enjoying themselves.”
Although the rafting, bicycling and sightseeing are an enjoyable part of the trip, the most popular activity is eating, according to Joe Honick.
“We’ve had some really great food,” he said. “We travel…we eat.”
Each stop has included a breakfast, lunch or dinner at the campground, restaurant or local community center.
Also traveling with the contingent were Greensburg residents Chuck and Kim Hamilton, who also annually join relatives in the sojourn.
“It’s so much fun,” said Kim Hamilton.
After an overnight stay at River’s Edge Campground, the group will canoe to Dawson, where the Tri-Town Historical Society will serve brunch before they travel onto Cedar Creek Park in Rostraver Township.
Before breaking camp at the park on Friday, sojourner Dave Hamilton and volunteers from the Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter will prepare a German farmer’s breakfast. Participants then will journey to Sutersville for lunch and then travel to Buena Vista for an evening pool party.
The trip will end Saturday in Boston, where the participants will enjoy a farewell tea party, sponsored by the Mon/Yough Trail Council.