On April 17th, Sat, a group of 20 drove into the Pocono Mountains, arriving in Jim Thorpe, ‘the Switzerland of Pennsylvania’. An almost full parking lot indicated it was a busy day for the town. We signed the waivers, got the tickets, and waited for the train to come.

The train made a tortuous trip along the Lehigh River for about 1 hr. We enjoyed the view of the railroad and the river. There were fishermen, people in rafting, kayaks, hikers who were about to start on the trail. Big warm waves from them.

Arriving at White Haven where we got the bikes and started the 25-mi journey. Here is a group photo after the train ride:

Beginning on the road. The weather changed from time to time, sometimes drizzling a bit, sometimes cloudy, others with a bit of sun.

Nature Mother embraces us with scenic views along the ride. Many small beautiful waterfalls are scattered.

25 miles is definitely not an easy journey, just like grad school. But we made it in groups!

Some of us stayed for dinner at downtown Jim Thorpe:

Everyone finished the 25-mi biking successfully, even though the ache and pain on bodies might last a few days more. We celebrated our persistence and solidity during the journey:)

 

Trip leader: VamC, Artemiza, Luke, Shasha

Photos: by a number of attendees

Writing: Shasha