Sunday, September 17, 2023

More August Fun

 It's September, mid September at that, and I will go back to more fun days we had in August.


Ellen's Birthday Getaway

Sunday, August 27 our Ellen celebrated her 29th birthday!

Gifts waiting for her to open.


She seems to be a bit excited =)


Ellen really needed a new backpack purse.
So many times she would say we needed to look for one.
BUT, I already had one
I knew she would love!
She just had to wait for the correct day to find out about it.
She's pleased!

Later that day we drove to the historical town of Jim Thorpe, PA.
It was the first time we have ever been there
and weren't sure what all we would do other than ride the train.
Ellen loves trains and that was a big reason for visiting.


We got on the last ride of the day!
It was a lovely ride in the open air car.
Got some coffee in a shop as we walked to the train.



The scenery along the ride was gorgeous!


Lots of cars including open air,
regular cars, dome cars.



Hoping to see an eagle but none sighted .

We got some ice cream before heading back up the street to our cute apartment.

We loved staying here and would again in a heartbeat!

Jim Thorpe is all hills...

our apartment was pretty far up the street so we got exercise a-plenty!



Had dinner at Roadies,
a restaurant out of town and on a hill, of course!
The views were stunning.
Had to take a picture of the sunset as we were leaving.
I love a pretty sky!


Ellen's birthday dessert.
She brought it back to the apartment to eat.
Her pajamas were a birthday gift!

Monday morning Ellen slept in till 11.
Our goal this day was to take the trolly ride.
We booked the next one and had time to check out the area around 
this part of town.

Train Station/info center, trolly ride area...
was a beautiful shaded area to relax.


Didn't get a picture of the trolly but I did take a selfie with Ellen!

We thoroughly enjoyed the trolly!
It took us all over the Jim Thorpe area.

Jim Thorpe statue and burial place.
The history of why he is buried here
and why they changed the name of the town
is super interesting!

Could still catch a tour of the Asa Packer Mansion.
But first we had to walk up a steep hill and lots and lots of steps!

Was worth it to see this historic home!

Looking down to where we walked up.
It's a lot steeper than a picture shows!
Should have taken a pic of the steps.

No pictures were allowed of the inside.
It was breathtaking!
Everything was preserved
including artwork and original furnishings.



That porch πŸ’•

By the time we were finished with the tour
we were tired and very hungry!!

Stopped for pizza about halfway up the hill to the apartment.
We could have easily spent more days here but we only planned for two.

Tuesday
Had to say goodbye to this charming town and apartment.

Ellen standing in front of the colorful building
we called home for two days.
There are several apartments in this house.



Beautiful flowers along the side street to the parking area.

Next stop,
Bushkill Falls!

More walking, more steps, more hills =)

But the gorgeous views!


Some of it is boardwalks, some is not.


Peaceful!


Had to watch where I was walking...!


We call this our sweaty selfie πŸ˜€
We were indeed sweating.


Aw yes, worth it!!


Gotta get a picture with the bear!


More ice cream before heading to the hotel.

Our hotel was not the nicest but for one night it would do.

Found a fabulous place to eat though. 
Alaska Pete's did not disappoint!

My big salad..
it was delicious and I ate the whole thing!


Ellen enjoying her burger.


Wednesday
Time to head home again.
Ellen thought we should go back to Bushkill for another hike first...
nope, my knees were done!

Stopped for ice cream on the way home...
our girl loves ice cream!
(her parents do too!)

We don't often go past this little place anymore,
therefore it was a stop that had to be!


Ellen got a milkshake.


Dale and I enjoyed soft serve ice cream.

Was nice to get away and so nice to be home again...
no place quite like home πŸ’–














4 comments:

Jean said...

What a great vacation!! You said you didn't have time to go to all the little shops, but you did all the things we never did! We never went on the train or the trolley! We did tour the mansion though. Incredible place! And that hill!! We've been there three times. Would love to go again and go on the train and trolley.

I know we've been to Bushkill several times, but I can't remember when the last time would have been. The first time was our honeymoon. And I had NO sneakers along!!! I walked that entire thing in low heels!!! How unrealistic could I have been??? My feet were killing me till we were finished!

Mari said...

Happy Birthday to Ellen! This looks like so much fun. Glad you got to celebrate in such a fun way.

Theresa said...

What a fun time! I enjoyed EVERY picture and felt like I was right there with you! Happy Birthday Ellen! She is adorable with her new backpack purse! Great job Mom! The trip was perfect, places to see, lots of exercise, waterfalls and gorgeous views AND ice cream. Looks like you all had a great time! Enjoy your day sweet friend, HUGS!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Belated very Happy πŸŽ‚ Birthday wishes sent to Ellen🎈 and what a wonderful excursion with trains, trolley ride and ice cream. We also visited Jim Thorpe a few months ago and rode on two trains, but missed the trolley (perhaps next time). Looks like you all did a lot of outdoor activities and had great weather too.