Posts by Paul g Wiegman
Big Savage Closing – Dec 1st
All good things must come to an end …. at least for a couple of months. The Big Savage Tunnel will close for the winter Thursday, December 1st. This is an annual seasonal closing to seal relatively warm air in the tunnel and prevent ice from damaging the entrance and concrete liner. Thanks for visiting…
Read MoreLeaf peeping with pedals.
Leaf peeping is a favorite autumn activity in western Pennsylvania. And the GAP provides a leisurely path for getting up close and enjoying the season’s color, scents, and crisp feel. The eighty-plus miles of the trail winding along the waterways of the Allegheny Mountains from the Eastern Continental Divide to Connellsville hold plenty of varying…
Read MoreReady! One, two, three ……. LIFT!
Well, that’s not exactly what happened, but have you noticed that the section of the Keystone Viaduct crossing the CSX tracks is higher than the portion over the woods, creek, and road? There’s a reason. In 2010, CSX upgraded its line to accommodate double-stacked container cars. However, the Keystone Viaduct was too low – just…
Read MoreLake Somerset returns!
After years of work repairing the dam and spillway, building fish breeding structures, adding trails and pavilions, and generally making the surrounding landscape suitable for all visitors, shimmering blue water is beginning to dominate. 22 May 2022, the Somerset Daily American reports that “the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has given the authorization to refill…
Read MoreGAP Trail delays Mile 110 – 111. Cedar Creek / West Newton
Intermittent Closures at Cedar Creek Park (GAP Mile 110) Partially Obstructed: Intermittent closures in Cedar Creek Park; expect brief delays during daylight hours. For through riders, check with the crews working for a way around the closed portion.
Read MoreSteam is Back! The last Baldwin.
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is the offspring of the former WMd Rwy. The route is now the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) from Connellsville to Cumberland. For years the WM Scenic RR ran excursions from Cumberland to Frostburg. The ride parallels the GAP with plenty of waving between cyclists and passengers. The Baldwin-built 2-8-0…
Read MoreThe Big Savage Tunnel is open.
The trail crew from Somerset County, plus volunteers, opened the Big Savage Tunnel. The lights are on and it will remain open through the 2022 season. The trails leading up to the tunnel, from both sides, are still wet and a little soft, but will dry and compact. A new limestone surface was laid, from…
Read MoreWelcome Trailhead Brewery to Rockwood.
Trailhead Brewery opened its doors an easy ride just across the Casselman River Bridge at the Rockwood Trail Access Area. Hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays. Co-owners Bob and Hope Metzgar make all kinds of craft beers. These include IPAs,…
Read MoreThe Big Savage Tunnel opens April 1st
The Big Savage Tunnel will open April 1st. It’s been a long winter, but spring is rapidly approaching, even in the highlands of the Allegheny Mountains. That translates to robins returning, turkey vultures sailing on the thermals, skunk cabbage in the wetlands, and most of all, the Big Savage Tunnel, Mile 22 on the Great…
Read MoreTo: Punxsutawney Phil, From: Sally Rockbolt, Respectfully, I disagree.
Dear Philip; The memo of Wednesday, February 2, 2022, predicting “six more weeks of winter,” was just slid under my west door. Your extensive experience in rodent meteorology is recognized and appreciated. However, I also have long followed western Pennsylvania weather from here inside the Big Savage Tunnel near Deal, PA, based on factual historical…
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