My home, Ohiopyle

I just can't begin writing of new adventures until I attempt to explain how good my life already is.

For the past year or so I planted roots in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, a town of few in the winter and many in the summer. Naturally, it was the whitewater that drew me here in the first place. With a river guaranteed to run every day of the year and countless more within a 2 hour radius, my lust for the flow and movement of water was pleasantly satiated.

Ohiopyle also fulfilled my need for alternate means of physical exhaustion, in my front yard no less. Miles of winding trails in the state park that surrounds the town allowed me to take off at a moment's notice to run over creeks, up to mountain overlooks and past cascading waterfalls. Road biking always offered a challenge since every road leading into or out of town seems to gain and then abruptly lose hundreds of feet every quarter mile. This was especially amazing in Autumn when leaves ablaze in spectacular reds, yellows and oranges lined the roadway and showered down at the slightest breeze, like confetti celebrating every smooth turn.

You might say many mountain towns provide these things. Rivers, trails, biking, yeah yeah yeah. But your town doesn't have Yogi Wade.

Every Tuesday and Thursday night at 6:30 a close-knit community of shop-owners, ecologists, park rangers, snowboard instructors, lawyers, teachers, moms, dads, sisters and friends converge at the Ohiopyle Community Center for Wade Zinter's famous mixed Ashtanga yoga class. While newcomers frequent, especially during the populated months of summer, a core group of locals can be found at nearly every class. These people understand the value of using strength and focus to work the body's systems in ways other forms of movement can't seem to do. They need it since often they have already gone kayaking, running or biking before the class even began. Wade manages to make each class interesting, honest and beneficial for every level of student. He is my guru. Follow the link above for free downloads of his hour and a half classes and see for yourself.

This group of friends spawned other events as well, like Girl's Nights. Rosy wine cheeks, profuse laughter and even the occasional x-rated conversation are commonplace with these ladies, as well as discussing upcoming outdoor endeavors. Sometimes I'm in awe at the lives these women lead and am grateful that they are such an influential part of my life.

Don't even get me started on the food; homemade breads, garden fresh hors d'oeuvres, hearty soups and casseroles to name a few. Friendly wars even have the husbands competing for the most savory, delectable treat at these events. I can only hope that the provocation, teasing and harassment thrive until I return.

But, sadly, it is time to move on ::sniffle sniffle::. For now I will put Ohiopyle family in my back pocket, available anytime I need to fill up on some Laurel Highlands beauty.