[Rockhounds] Up One Side Phase IV

[Glenn Wimpee]

How do you follow Niagara Falls? Well, we spent the weekend with our daughter Holly and got to see her husband Stephen between shifts at the hospital. Sunday May 18, Holly drove Jeanette and me to New York City where we enjoyed brunch at the fountain with Prometheus in Rockefeller Plaza, and then to the “Top of the Rock” for great views of Manhattan Island including the Empire State Building and Central Park. Then she led us on a walk to and along Times Square while we enjoyed the sights in the valleys framed by skyscrapers along the streets and sidewalks of the island. 
 
The subway then took us toward Ground Zero. 
 
In the small world category, a rider from near home in a Bama T-shirt who noticed the AU logo on Holly’s jacket gave us a “Roll Tide” cheer. We 3 responded with a big “WARRR EAGLE!!!!” LOL!
 
Leaving the underworld, with a whole different tone, Ground Zero loomed ahead. It's difficult to describe the feelings this "hole in the ground" evokes.   Visitors approach with quiet reverence and respect. It is awesome and thought provoking. The pit is still deep, and construction equipment is all around and in the hole. The fence has several spots where viewing is good, and many holes have been gouged through the tarp covering much of its length. A large American Flag flies atop a tall pole that does not quite reach ground level in the abyss. On the wall of the closest fire station, a bronze bas-relief depicts the towers billowing smoke, fire, and debris in one large frame, and firemen doing their jobs there under the inscription “MAY WE NEVER FORGET” in the adjoining frame.
 
A short fast walk took us to Battery Park where we observed the Statue of Liberty. Also impressive there, was an eagle monument to those who lost their lives at sea during WWII. And an art deco ball about 20 feet tall that had graced the plaza of the WTC. It now bears severe damage inflicted during the horrible collapse. It now stands as another monument to those unfortunate souls murdered that fateful day.
 
Back in the car, I could not believe the traffic. Nor could I believe how Holly, in her Honda Civic, out muscled taxis, other cars and trucks, and even a tour bus that seemed determined to take her spot in her lane.
 
After getting through the tunnel, calming my heart, and catching my breath, Jeanette pointed out an arriving passenger jet flying right along side us, that appeared to be traveling at the same speed we were. Then the road turned slightly and the jet flew right over us toward Newark's airport. We were also able to observe a big rock formation in the median on the New Jersey side of the tunnel. Lots of modern stone paintings decorated the stone outcrop.
 
Monday was some real ROCKHOUNDING! Elton (MR EMan on the list) met us in eastern PA and led us to the C. K. Williams Quarry where we collected Eastonite, talc, lizardite, and other mineral specimens from the abandoned site on the Delaware River. A quick stop at a park where Indians had quarried stone for tools and points, followed by observing creek scalloping on red stones now lining a driveway, led to a cemetery that held unakite dug out of the graves and discarded at the edge of the woods.
 
Finally that afternoon Elton showed us the way to Deer Lake where he had permission to collect in fossiliferous limestone containing lots of iron oxide. The hill is being cut away for some construction purpose, with layered, easily split stone everywhere. Wonderful plates of brachiopods, at least one trilobite, crinoid stems, a couple of clams, and more found their way to the bed of our Pilot.
 
 Thanks again Elton!
 
Tuesday held more showers as we took the long version of the National Park CD Car Tour at Gettysburg Battlefield. Very early on the route was a detour for bridge work, and I soon found a way to make a wrong turn, got flustered, lost GPS navigation, and drove around lost for a bit. When we got back on the right track, the whole experience was very moving and inspiring. Feelings and mixed emotions, admiration for the courage of the soldiers and officers, amazement at how many “little” things changed big events, actually being in such a place, and learning more of the history there was mind-boggling.
 
I appreciate that it is preserved and open for any of us who care to visit. The new Park Visitor Center is also still being finished as was the one at the Falls. (Note: Avoid the souvenir shops.)
 

  

The next, and finally, the final phase, will carry us through Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Franklin, North Carolina Mineral Museum, and a blue light special coming out of Atlanta.
 
Glenn & Jeanette
 
P.S. Please hit your delete key if at any time you become overly bored. LOL!
 P.S.S. Pictures are being posted via a link now. I'll post the link as soon as the first ones are ready.
 
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