Decision and the Cherry Springs trip

Hey Gang,
I made a decision. What decision? I will tell you.

I haven't been blogging much lately because of concentrating on my book. But I have kept busy writing stories, I just never posted them. So I got to thinking... maybe I shouldn't blog about my travels and experiences any more and just put them in book two. BOOK TWO??? Where is book one??

When I handed the publisher my work he said “WHOA you have enough for two books. What I would recommend is a series of short books no longer than about 100 pages in total.”

So with this material not included in the first book which is about to be released I started planning ahead for book two and book three. Book two and three!!! YES that is ONLY IF interest and sales are that great for book one.

So here's my decision... I will blog to keep my readers interested BUT and I repeat BUT only part of my stories. If a person wants to read the full adventure he would have to buy my books.

What's your thoughts on this plan? Yes terrific, or Carey you have gone batty, you cheap skate?

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Hey Gang,
I am back from Cherry Springs State Park which is in Susquehannock State Forest in Pennsylvania.  Cherry Springs is one of the darkest spots on the eastern seaboard. It's so dark astronomers come from all over to star gaze and take photos.

I love trips where nothing is planned but everything works out like they were and that’s how this trip went. The only things planned were seeing the dark park and maybe the Coudersport Ice Mine, other than that we would wing it.  Likewise with the routes. I only jotted down 90 east to 86 east to Olean, New York then head south into Pennsylvania and once there ask for directions. 

 Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. I joked on the way that I hope the darkest spot on the eastern seaboard isn't made even darker by the cloud cover. My sad prediction came true as it was cloudy or rainy for two days of the three day trip. At least the last day coming home was sunny and summer like.

 Our first official stop on the road was a restroom break on Rt. 86 in Chautauqua Lake. This rest area is one of the nicest and most extravagant I've ever seen. Way over the top. The view of Chautauqua Lake is just awesome. You could actually spend an afternoon here picnicking its that nice.

After our break it was back onto Rt. 86 until a road construction detour had the freeway blocked and threw us off and onto Rt. 417 in Salamanca. This actually worked out for the better because 417 runs right into Olean.

 We ate lunch outside of Olean in a little place that was set up more like a house with mismatched chairs and tables. The food was good. I asked our waitress for directions towards Coudersport, Pa.. She tried drawing a map. After a few futile attempts she finally made one that was legible. The cook saw it and said “Forget all that just stay on 417 until 44 and that will get you there”. I felt bad for the waitress so told her I would save her map and hang it on my fridge.

As I mentioned I didn't make much plans for this trip but everything went as if I did. The cooks directions took us right into Coudersport. Once in town we immediately located a grocery store to buy food because we didn't bring any so we could travel light. In the store parking lot I asked a man parked next to me if he knew how to get to Cherry Springs. He did and gave us directions. Then at Cherry Springs there was an unexpected surprise, there was a sign that read Star Party – Public Night.

Gotta GoGo!!
   Carey

stay tuned

Hey Gang,

Just received this...

Thank you for ordering a proof of Hey Gang! Ready to Go-Go?, Title #4927077. Your order was received and is currently being processed. Your proof will ship shortly. Delivery times may vary depending upon shipping method.

Once you receive your proof, we suggest you review it thoroughly before approving it for distribution.

Best regards,
The CreateSpace Team

  Unless something is drastically miswritten the book is done and should be available shortly. I will be having a book signing party at my place if interested in coming.

    Gotta GoGo!!

       Carey

www.gogobus.cc

Rest Area Made for a King

Hey Gang,
Your tax dollars are being flushed - literally.
Recently I stopped at a rest area on Rt. 86 in Chautauqua Lake New York.

Let me tell you... this has to be the most elaborate rest area I have ever been to. It's way over the top.

What's inside of this beautiful structure nicer than a lot of homes? A empty room where pay telephones use to be, a small room for vending machines, another small room with travel brochures and an information desk with more maps and brochures and an attendant to answer questions about tourism or routes. Oh and of course a men's and women's toilet with a family toilet squeezed between.

The outside is equally as nice. Its beautifully landscaped and cared for with a view of the lake that is awesome.  You could actually spend an afternoon here picnicking, its that nice.

I remember years ago most rest areas were sort of park like, a more natural setting, just a parking lot with trees to park under to get some zzzz's. For conveniences there was a hand pump for well water and pit toilets. Yes I do appreciate the more modern flush toilets but come on, are tax dollars really being wisely spent? Wouldn't a plain brick building with toilets get the job done as easily? After all what I am leaving behind is not a prized possession.

I think our taxes are being flushed away.

Gotta GoGo!!
Carey

ps: I need to add... it is scary that just about everywhere you go they are removing pay phones. Even the attendant here at the Chautauqua rest area agreed with me that removing them is dangerous. Suppose you have an emergency and you have no service or your cell phone fails with no one around? Now what?

about my book

Hey Gang,
Met with the publisher and the book is now down loaded.

In a few days will have copies to proof read. 

The book will sell for $9.95 so start saving your pennies.

I know you will want copies for all your neighbors and kin folk everywhere.


Gotta GoGo!!
Carey

covers that didn't make the cut

Hey Gang, These are the covers that did not make the cut. I came up with this one: Jeff's creation: Jeff has come up with a third one that I am happy with. More than likely that is the book cover so stay tuned. Gotta GoGo!! Carey

weekend part 2

Sunday I took out my little plastic fantastic car. My plans were to take ride to anywhere for a cookout. So I decided on Rt.2 to Rt.45 to find a park. But first we stopped at the antique co-op to check on things. All was fine there but over head things looked a bit bleak. Called mom to ask her if there were any warnings blaring on the TV? She said none. Five minutes later she calls back and said wow is it raining now. I was heading east and watching behind me as the storm was trying to play catch up. I didn't want dark clouds to put a damper on things so we stopped at IGA for dinner anyway. I grabbed pork riblets and a tough cut of beef, who can afford a good cut steak anymore? I know I can't like I use to. Fuel was running low so I stopped at a gas station in Ashtabula during a dazzling display of thunder and lightening. A tanker was dispensing gasoline and he shouted to me can you believe those dimwits, I was in Cleveland where I could of filled up but they told me to drive all the way out to Weirton, WV to pick up my load, they are crazy. I said well I don't think either one of us should be around these gas tanks with all this lightening. He yelled back don't worry, if it goes BOOM you nor I will remember it. He had the most terrific accent. I found out he was born in Dublin but when a baby his parents moved here. He was so friendly I gave him my card which just happened to be the only card I had and that was the Constitution Party card. He looked at the card in the rain and said I am all about freedom, I attended rallies in Painesville to stop the illegals – It's not to late to lock the gate! He told a quick political joke, I shook his hand then it was off to try and find a dry spot to cook. I stayed on 45 until I saw Rock Creek. Driving through it I spotted the Rock Creek Rotary Park Sign. It is a very small park with one small shelter, 2 picnic tables and one grill. The highlight though is the creek and falls, just beautiful. We stopped at one more grocery store for some last minute items then the dumpster at Dollar General for some cardboard to start the fire. I am glad I grabbed a large piece as it came in handy. We turned around, headed back to the park and had it to ourselves well at lest for a bit we did. One more photo of a car at the Garrettsville Festival

my weekend of June 27 through 29

Hey Gang, What a terrific weekend I had. So terrific I thought I should tell you about it even in the midst of a hundred things going on. I wanted to take a break and have fun this weekend and I did. Friday Ruth, Paul and I went to the Mt. Carmel festival down the street from my house. Its a nice fest, not that big but I get to see neighbors and friends I haven't seen in awhile plus just being out enjoying the weather and sights and sounds of summer is good enough reason to go. Saturday I tidied up the GoGo Bus as best as I could to head to the Garretsville Summerfest. My niece Crystal sent me a list of Ohio events and found it there. Thanks! Ruth and I arrived about 6p.m. with the car show already in full swing. I didn't even know about the show. Vehicles were suppose to register but I just drove around the barricade and was directed where to park. Driving the Bus, which is always a crowd favorite, I usually get Cart Blanche. I was impressed with some of the vehicles at the cruise in, one was an original '37 Lincoln and a highly custom Geo Metro that really got my attention. We parked and took off to walk around main street and check out all the festivities. It is not that large of a town but they had four bands playing at each intersection and one at the church. There was a 50's band, The Gospel Wagon country band that seemed like they were locked in 60's twang, a Heart cover band and four guys playing soft rock, something for everyone. The town is also very scenic with a pedestrian bridge over the falls that run through it. We saw signs everywhere for the chicken dinner at St. Ambrose so we ate there. Let me tell you... that was one delicious chicken dinner with some of the best green beans I ever did eat. Wow. Half a chicken, mashed potato's, green beans, bun, drink and desert for 10 bucks. For an after dinner snack I got a small pizza that was eh average at best. After dinner I stopped at the Portage County Tea Party booth that was humorously placed next to the Democratic booth. I asked the gentleman manning it how many fights has he gotten into? I said I got to take a photo of this so he leaned over into the Dem space and the man sitting there was not too pleased. Maybe he will ask his Democratic politician friends to pass a law to stop such photos. By the time we got back to the Bus the car show died down so I moved it closer to the remaining cars and immediately it got swarmed. I was a little taken aback when this one lady asked can I see in, next thing I know kids were piling in and not coming out. But how can you get mad at giggling kids having fun? I raced back home to catch an hour of the Mt. Carmel festival with Joe and saw a few more people I haven't in awhile. Sunday I took out my little plastic fantastic car....