Pocono Adventures 3

Another day in the Poconos and we wanted to go for zip-lining. We decided to go to CBK Mountain Adventures in Tannersville, as it was quite close to Stroudsberg where we stayed for the night. It must be a half an hour drive from there. 

We left around 11:30 from the hotel, had breakfast on the way and arrived at our destination by 12:30. Went straight inside to check the list for that day's adventures, as there was prediction of a storm by the weather forecast. So we wanted to know beforehand about the activities scheduled for that day. And as expected they did have a smaller schedule. 

Still, the zipline and mountain coaster were available; so it wasn't that bad. We booked the activities and went back to the car to keep our phones and wallets. Came back, got the harness and walked uphill to reach the platform. It was built on a steep slope as is the case always. And within minutes we were all buckled up and were asked to move to the edge of the platform.

Both of us took a few minutes before pushing off the edge. And then we were flying, with the pull of gravity and steep incline; it was a fantastic ride. And I didn't forget to smile on the way, for the photographer who was clicking our pictures. Ride got over in no time and we were back on our feet sooner than we expected. Took off the harness and went around to see our pictures, which came out pretty well. Bought the pictures and left from there.

Next on the list was the Delaware Water Gap, which was on our way back home. We left and were there within 45 minutes. It was a beautiful sight with mountains on the other side and the river in between. Spent some time amidst the breathtaking beauty of the nature but had to leave early as it started raining.

From there, we went to the turtle beach which was about half an hour from there. And the drive was through the scenic forests, with the single lane road - it felt like the trees were almost covering the entire way, it was amazing. The beach was another beautiful place and we were there for a short while. On the way, we even saw signboard pointing to the route of 'Appalachian Trail' which passes through the Delaware water gap region.

                                                                     Appalachain Trail

Then it was time to move on, we started our journey back home. Got back around 7 in the evening and it was pouring. What a perfect end to a perfect vacation.

We had a fabulous time.

Pocono Adventures 2

After our visit to the 'Bushkill Falls', we checked in to the hotel. Our stay at the Residence Inn, Allentown was relaxing. For dinner, we went to a restaurant close by and were back around 11. It was a day well spent, I should say.

The following day, we had plans to visit one of the two places - either Dingmans Falls or the Crystal Cave, and we decided on the latter one. After having a scrumptious breakfast, we were on our way by 11. It was almost 30 mins away from where we were staying, and it took us just the same time.

A sharp left on the single lane road and there we were in a not so crowded parking area of the visitor center. Got the tickets and climbed up the hill to the entrance. There we were asked to wait for the guide. Within 10 minutes the guide was there and he led us into the theater to watch a small documentary on the history of Crystal Cave. It lasted for about 20 minutes and after watching it, we were even more curious to see the cave up-close.

                                                               Crystal Cave

Before going in, the guide informed us that the temperature inside the cave always stays under 60F and during the 45 minute tour, he will be putting off all the lights for a few minutes, to help us understand the way people experienced it 100 years ago. Another issue was of bats, but the guide assured us that though bats are there, he has never seen them come out in many years.

The moment we stepped in, the change in climate became obvious and it was quite surprising as well. Also, the huge stones along with indirect lighting made it appear very different from anything we had ever experienced. It felt like a journey into something unknown and strange.

The tour guide explained to us the formations of the various stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and drip-stone inside the cave. It could be easily compared to any beautiful artwork but in this case it was by nature itself. One of the stone structure looked like an ice-cream cone, some of them resembled an eagle or even an angel, one of those appeared so similar to a statue of a woman holding a vessel, some appeared as shiny crystals stuck to the stones and some were just indescribable. It was all so captivating.

We went all the way to the end of the cave walking though narrow walkways created on fallen rocks. And yes, the lights were put off for two minutes in between and it was pitch dark. Can't imagine how people must be venturing inside the cave without lights. In all, the cave is definitely one of the best things we have ever seen. And is aptly described in the Crystal Cave brochure as - 'a splendid museum of nature'. 

Stepping out of the cave was shocking again as the temperature suddenly changed. But we had am amazing experience, something to remember forever. We also got some great shots of the stone formations. 

                                                      Our ticket for the cave tour @ 12:55 p.m

After the tour, we went to the souvenir shop, picked up some colorful stones from the pile and other stuff. And left from there around 2:30. As we didn't have any plans for the day, we thought of going around the town. While on our way, we spotted a a big billboard showing the sign for House of candles and directions to reach there. And without thinking twice, we were on the road, through the narrow lanes of a small town with fields on both the sides. It was as if we were exploring the countryside. 

It was about 4 miles as mentioned on the board and we were there in no time. We saw some cars parked outside but it didn't look very crowded. Got off and went inside to check out the house of candles and it wasn't what we had expected to be. It was just a shop, a very big shop which sold candles; though it was different in a way- as you could watch a candle being made in front of you. It was quite interesting to watch the whole process, how the candle is dipped in various colors to form layers which is later on scratched off to form different patterns. 

Afterwards, we bought some candles and were on our way back to the hotel around 3:30. Had dinner in the restaurant and wrapped up the day happily. 

Pocono Adventures

Our fourth wedding anniversary trip to the Poconos was no less than adventurous. Planned, got the bookings done and we set sail (on the road) on the morning of 6th of September.

The first place, we had to visit was 'The Bushkill Falls', known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania. Around 10:30, we were there after a small detour from a campsite as the GPS had some tracking issues. Bought the tickets and decided to do one of the trails given in the brochure. The red trail covered most of the falls region and was good for hiking as well.

                                                    Red Trail Description from the brochure

The entrance to the trail began through a wildlife exhibit and there began our hike through the nature. The first was the top of the main falls, which was a beautiful sight. With lush greenery around and a small wooden bridge over the creek, it looked like a picture. Some more steps down the side and we were at the bottom of the main falls. One could get a clear view of the falls from this point.

Following the read trail, we moved on to the Lower gorge falls and it was breathtaking. It looked massive and there was a lot of mist around as well. So we had to click pictures quickly before the camera got soaked. From then on, it was a long hike uphill along the picturesque creek and we got some awesome shots there. We were quick enough and arrived at the first Bridesmaid's falls within 10-15 minutes.

                                                                    Main Falls
                                                    
And climbed up the steps to see the Bridal Veil falls, which was unbelievably stunning. We were able to go quite close to the falls and the view was mesmerizing. Spent some time there and went to the next Bridesmaid's falls, which was amazing too, as it came from behind a wall of rocks. Clicked pictures and took the numerous steps up again. Then, it was a long walk through the forest and we even spotted a dear on the way. It was definitely intimidating, as there was absolutely no human visible and it was almost like we were walking through the dense forest, just the two of us.

We got to the Delaware Valley lookout, in 20 minutes. It was a great point to see the Pocono mountains. Then we headed back to the main falls and on to see the Upper Canyon and Adams Flats. We were out around 2:30, completely enervated and hungry, we went straight to the cafeteria for lunch. Had a hearty lunch and also, bought souvenirs from the store. 

Then it was time, we left for the hotel from there.