Cook Forest, Pa. - part 1

[carey masci]

A Pennsylvania rangers patrol car stops abruptly, two rangers get out with flashlights, they march up to me rather quickly and say OH you're not in any trouble we just wanted to see your vehicle.

Rewind. A week and a half ago I asked Nick you want to go camping? I called Cooks Forest in Pa they had two spot lefts. I grabbed one and made plans. I tried to rally a few people into going but you know what, I am tired of cheer leading so it was me and Nick and that's alright by me. Nicks a good traveler and never complains whats on the agenda.

In typical Carey fashion I wanted to leave by 10 am Friday but didn't leave until 2pm. But it always works out for the best. I had to do an oil change before we left. Wow did my oil look bad. Then we headed to the local gas station in Wickliffe filled her up and that's when Nick walked back to the Bus after paying and told me look under the Bus. His face told the story. I was chicken to look and kept asking what? Just look. So I did and OH no, whats that leaking? Gas! Pulled it to the side of the station, crawled under and found the culprit. The small hose from the gas filter to the gas pump was – chewed? It seemed that way to me, Nick said naww and I said yes gnaw. I have a mice problem in my garage and the GoGo Bus. They pooped all over the top of my engine and somehow got into it and pooped in my chip bowl I left in it. Didn't know mice like BBQ chips.

I am thankful the line ruptured close to home and not on the freeway.

We were making OK time but the Bus was running rough so we stopped before Youngstown at Craig Woodruffs place, he rebuilds carbs and just did mine. He gave it a few adjustments and said have a nice trip. We took notes from him of places to see in Cooks Forest and headed back to Rt 80.

We made it to Shippendale the place I thought the male strippers come from, then I realized its SHIPPENVILLE. Driving through town was a small little grocery store, Red & White. A real throw back. It had small signs in front like Burma Shave one after the other. The smoked pork chops sign was the one that got to me. The store has wood floors, mounted heads of animals, some dry goods, essential groceries, produce, and in the back the butcher counter, deli and a small room where he does the smoking and making of jerky. The smell of the place was wonderful.

The owners name is Dan Stiller. They asked if we wanted to try their Bologna, wish I would of. After we left I noticed their business card said Try our almost famous Bologna & other smoked meats. After a few laughs we left. Its a good thing I didn't listen to Nick, he didn't want to stop. Not only because we found quality meat but because we were going the wrong way. The owner directed us to Rt 66 and said head towards Leeper and we did.

One more stop before the campground at another Red & White for pop, but they are not related or a chain according to the first one.

A short distance from the campground entrance we see road flairs and a patrol car with flashers. A little bit further more emergency vehicles, a tow truck and someone directing traffic around an accident. This was a You Tube moment if there ever was one but I tell you if it doesn't come out on my vid cam I will strangle Nick. I handed him the cam because I had to pay attention to driving and said tape whats going on. He momentarily put the cam down before I could pick it back up. What do I hope came out? The emergency workers, paramedics or what ever they were stopped look up and said hey neat vehicle! Oh my gosh! I am sure the party involved wasn't to thrilled to see the GoGo Bus.

We set up camp. Nicks excited his first tent experience. He said he usually sleeps in cars. After supper I nap wake up just about to exit the Bus when a Rangers car pulls up, two rangers get out in a hurry with flash lights drawn. My mind raced, was it the wood we took, the electric hot plate I am using, Euclid coming to get me. I must of seen scared because the one said to me Oh you are not in trouble we just want to see your vehicle. But they sure must of thought I was stoned. If you don't know me its this way after a nap or just waking... silence please, coffee and then you can talk. I forgot where I was at and said you are from the NY police? Duh! They enjoyed the brief tour of the Bus and took off.

It was the first time cops asked politely if they could look in my vehicle and the first time I more than obliged.


Part Two to come, stay tuned....
Gotta GoGo!!
Carey

[Kevin Town]

Your Camper is awesome!...Have you ever camped at Tracy Ridge in McKean County, Pa?...It's an awesome place to get away from it all, nice and quiet!