DOCSLIB.ORG

Ricketts Glen State Park Recreational Opportunities

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ricketts Glen State Park Recreational Opportunities A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for State Park Ricketts Glen Ricketts Glen TOP 10 ACTIVITIES Top 10 Activities at Ricketts Glen Pennsylvania State Parks Mission 1. Hike the Falls Trail System. Wear proper 6. Enjoy fishing on Lake Jean through all The primary purpose of Pennsylvania state parks is to provide footwear. Sandals are prohibited. seasons. Ice fishing is very popular from November through March, conditions opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as 2. Cool off on a hot summer day at the permitting outdoor classrooms for environmental education. In meeting these swimming beach on Lake Jean and grab an purposes, the conservation of the natural, scenic, aesthetic, and ice cream at the concession. 7. Have a picnic by Lake Jean. historical values of parks should be given first consideration. 3. Spend a winter weekend in one of the 8. Visit the park in winter to snowmobile, Stewardship responsibilities should be carried out in a way that modern cabins. cross-country ski, and snowshoe. protects the natural outdoor experience for the enjoyment of current 4. Camp overnight in the campground. 9. Enjoy 10,144 acres of hunting within the state park and additional acres in the and future generations. Scouts and other groups can try the rustic visitPAparks Organized Group Tent Campground. surrounding state game lands. 5. Explore the waters of Lake Jean via 10. Enjoy the scenery from Grand View boat. Boat rentals are available during the Trail, especially in mid-June when the Printed on recycled paper 2018 summer. mountain laurel blooms. RICKETTS GLEN STATE PARK RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Ricketts Glen State Park harbors the Glens Directions Spend the Day Pennsylvania State Parks, available at Environmental Education Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark. most state park offices; launch use permit and Interpretation Hike the Falls Trail System and explore the The park is 30 miles north of Bloomsburg PICNICKING: Picnic facilities are located from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Natural wetlands, old growth forests, and Glens, which boasts a series of wild, free- on PA 487. The section of PA 487 from the in the Lake Jean area and in the lower area Commission. town of Red Rock to the Lake Jean area of off PA 118. A limited number of charcoal majestic geological formations, which Stay the Night flowing waterfalls, each cascading through HUNTING AND FIREARMS: About the park is very steep. Heavy trailer units grills and hot charcoal disposals are located helped produce 22 beautiful waterfalls, make rock-strewn clefts in this ancient hillside. 10,144 acres are open to hunting, trapping, Camping: flush toilets and showers should avoid this hill and enter the park by in the picnic areas. Ricketts Glen an excellent choice for outdoor The 94-foot Ganoga Falls is the highest of and the training of dogs during established There are 120 tent and trailer campsites, taking PA 487 south from Dushore. studies. From March to November, the 22 named waterfalls. Old growth timber and SWIMMING: The 600-foot beach is open seasons. Common game species are deer, environmental education specialist conducts some available year round. The campground diverse wildlife add to the beauty. Ricketts from late-May to mid-September, 8:00 AM Reservations turkey, grouse, bear, coyote, pheasant, and hands-on activities, guided walks, and features hot showers, flush toilets, shaded Glen State Park is one of the most scenic to sunset. Swim at your own risk. Please squirrel. Common furbearers are raccoon, presentations on the natural and historical sites, gravel parking spurs, and a sanitary areas in Pennsylvania. This large park is Make online reservations at follow posted rules and regulations. A food mink, muskrat, beaver, coyote, and bobcat. resources for school groups, scouts, civic dump station. Six campsites are ADA comprised of 13,050 acres in Luzerne, www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free and refreshment concession, boat rental, and About 83,000 acres of state game lands lie to organizations, and the public. Call in advance accessible. Sullivan, and Columbia counties. 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM picnic facilities are nearby. Swimming is the west and north of the park. to set up a program that will enhance Cabins: Ten modern rental cabins to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. permitted inside the designated area only. Hunting woodchucks, also known as classroom or group studies. Campers and are available year round. Cabins are groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is FISHING: The 245-acre Lake Jean visitors may check the bulletin boards and furnished and have a living area, kitchen/ only permitted from the day following Labor Scarlet tanager has warmwater game fish and panfish. at the park office for a listing of scheduled dining area, toilet/shower room, and two Day through March 31 in designated hunting Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission programs. or three bedrooms. Linens and dishes are areas. The Department of Conservation and regulations and laws apply. Fishing is not provided. Cabins F and H are ADA HISTORY OF RICKETTS GLEN STATE PARK Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Birding prohibited in the Glens Natural Area. accessible. Dogs are permitted in cabin H. Game Commission rules and regulations At the outbreak of the American Civil War In 1942, the heirs sold 1,261 acres, the Falls Ricketts Glen is famous for its exceptional apply. Contact the park office for ADA Deluxe Camping Cottages: Five deluxe in 1861, Robert Bruce Ricketts enlisted as and Glens areas, to the Commonwealth of diversity of bird life, from 23 varieties of accessible hunting information. cottages are available from the second a private in the U.S. Army. Fighting for the Pennsylvania for a state park. warblers to bald eagles. As a result, the park Use extreme caution with firearms at Friday in April until the third weekend in Grand Army of the Potomac, Ricketts led Additional purchases from Colonel is part of the official Audubon Susquehanna all times. Other visitors use the park during October. Deluxe cottages have minimal Battery F during the Battle of Gettysburg. Ricketts’ son, William Ricketts, in 1943 River Birding and Wildlife Trail. This series hunting seasons. Firearms and archery furnishings including a kitchen stove top, Ricketts swiftly moved up in the ranks. and 1949, resulted in a park consisting of of trails connects some of Pennsylvania’s equipment used for hunting may be uncased microwave oven, refrigerator, electric heat, When the war ended, he was discharged approximately 10,000 acres. Purchases from finest birding and wildlife viewing sites, as and ready for use only in authorized hunting lighting, and bunk beds. There is no running a colonel. other individuals have brought the park to well as important historical and natural areas. areas during hunting seasons. In areas not water in these deluxe cottages. However, Colonel Ricketts at one time owned or its present size. open to hunting or during non-hunting Enjoy the Winter there is a restroom and shower facility for controlled over 80,000 acres of land in this Recreational facilities first opened in BOATING: electric motors only seasons, firearms and archery equipment shared use. All deluxe cottages are ADA area. 1944. In 1950, the former Department The 245-acre Lake Jean has dry mooring The park offers cross-country skiing, shall be kept in the owner’s vehicle or accessible. Dogs are permitted in 3 of the His heirs, through the Central Penn of Forests and Waters replaced the Lake and two boat launches. A boat rental snowshoeing, ice fishing on Lake Jean, enclosed trailer. Exceptions include: law deluxe cottages. Lumber Company, sold 48,000 acres to Jean Dam with a larger, earthen dam. This concession operates during the summer snowmobiling, ice climbing, and winter enforcement officers and individuals with Organized Group Tenting: Qualified adult the Pennsylvania Game Commission from combined Lake Jean with Mud Pond, season and offers rowboats, paddleboats, camping. Visit the website for ice and snow a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry and youth groups may use this 240-person 1920-24. This left them with over 12,000 creating the current 245-acre lake. kayaks, and canoes. depths. Please contact the park office for Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm capacity area that is equipped with picnic acres surrounding Ganoga Lake, Lake Jean, Other facility improvements and Motorboats must display a boat additional information on winter sports. concealed on their person while they are tables, water, and flush toilets. The area and the Glens Area. constructions have been completed over the registration from any state. Non-powered Visitors are encouraged to check in at the within a state park. is open from the third Monday in April Although the area was approved as a years, including the beach house, restrooms, boats must display one of the following: park office before heading out on the trails. to the third Monday in October. Advance national park site in the 1930s, World War II and cabins. boat registration from any state; HIKING AND HORSEBACK RIDING: reservations are recommended. brought an end to this plan for development. launch permit or mooring permit from see TRAILS section on reverse side HISTORY OF THE GLENS NATURAL AREA HOW TO ACCESS THE WATERFALLS In 1868, Colonel R. Bruce the waterfalls, which came to be known as trees tower to 100 feet in height. Southern Twenty-one waterfalls are along the Falls Lake Rose Trailhead Parking – Lot Evergreen Parking and Glens Lot Ricketts bought land in northeast the Glens Natural Area. and northern hardwood species meet here, Trail System within the Glens Natural provides the closest access (5-10 minutes) Trailhead Parking (PA 118) – Located Pennsylvania to timber it. Fishermen A member of the Wyoming Historical and creating an extensive variety of trees.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Executive Summary
    DRAFT LAKE JEAN TMDL LOW PH DUE TO ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SPRING 2004 Lake Jean TMDL Table of Contents Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Table 1: Lake Jean Listings on 303(d) List .......................................................................................................................... 1 Directions to Lake Jean ............................................................................................................................................................ 1 Figure 1: Location of Fishing Creek Watershed................................................................................................................... 1 Lake Jean Background............................................................................................................................................................. 2 Figure 2: Lake Jean Watershed Map................................................................................................................................... 2 Lake Jean Characteristics ........................................................................................................................................................ 2 Figure 3: Lake Jean Recreation........................................................................................................................................... 3 Table
    [Show full text]
  • Where to Go Camping
    There was a statement in an older version of the Boy Scout Handbook that said: “Have you ever dreamed of hiking the wilderness trails that were worn down under moccasins hundreds of years ago? Do you hear in your imagination the almost soundless dip, dip of Indian canoe paddles or the ring of the axe of an early pioneer hewing a home out of the American wilderness? Have you followed with you mind’s eye the covered wagon on the trek across our continent? Yes, it’s fun to be a Boy Scout! It’s fun to go hiking and camping with your best friends…..to swim, to dive, to paddle a canoe, to wield the axe…..to follow in the footsteps of the pioneers who led the way through the wilderness…..to stare into the glowing embers of the campfire and dream of the wonders of the lift that is in store for you…” This is the heart of Scouting, but we don’t always know the best place to go on these outings. How better can the Order of the Arrow fulfill a part of their responsibility of service to others than to make this camping guide available? A great guide to the best camping, boating, hiking and sightseeing both in and out of the Council, but, of course, one of the best places to do real camping is at one of the Council’s reservations. Richard A. Henson or Rodney Scout Reservation, both long term camping during the summer months, or weekends through the year, affords a maximum of program.
    [Show full text]
  • NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL GLERL-86
    NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL GLERL-86 GREAT LAKES STATES MONTHLY PRECIPITATION DATA - BEGINNING OF RECORD TO 1990 Raymond A. Assel Cynthia E. Sellinger Don E. Meyer Raymond N. Kelly Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory Ann Arbor, Michigan February 1995 UNITED STATES NATIONAL OCEANIC AND Environmental Research DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION Laboratories D. James Baker James L. Rasmussen Ronald H. Brown Under Secretary for Oceans Director Secretary and Atmosphere/Administrator NOTICE Mention of a commercial company or product does not constitute an endorsement by the NOAA Environmental Research Laboratories. Use of information from this publication concerning proprietary products or the tests of such products for publicity or advertising purposes is not authorized. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT ..............................................................................................................................................1 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................1 2. METHODS ...........................................................................................................................................2 2.1 Equipment and Procedures . 2 2.2 Data ........................................................................................................................................2 2.3 Statistical Quality Control ......................................................................................................2
    [Show full text]
  • Reconnaisance Survey of Jean Lake Watershed Code
    RECONNAISANCE SURVEY OF JEAN LAKE WATERSHED CODE 480 - 9936 - 709 - 386 - 01 SURVEY DATES : SEPTEMBER 05 - 06, 1995 Prepared for: MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, LANDS AND PARKS Fisheries Branch Skeena Region 3726 Alfred Ave. Box 5000 Smithers, BC V0J 2N0 By: Joseph S. DeGisi Jeffrey A. Burrows RR#1, Site 27, C2 Smithers, BC V0J 2N0 Jean Lake CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................................ii LIST OF TABLES ..............................................................................................................................................ii LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS..............................................................................................................................iii LIST OF APPENDICES ...................................................................................................................................iii 1. SUMMARY .....................................................................................................................................................1 2. DATA ON FILE..............................................................................................................................................2 3. GEOGRAPHIC AND MORPHOLOGIC INFORMATION ......................................................................2 3.1 Location.......................................................................................................................................................2
    [Show full text]
  • Waste Rock and Water Management at the Tio Mine Summary of the Project Description
    Waste Rock and Water Management at the Tio Mine Summary of the Project Description Rio Tinto Fer et Titane WSP Canada Inc. Adress line 1 Adress line 2 Adress line 3 www.wspgroup.com WSP Canada Inc. 300-3450, boul. Gene-H.-Kruger Trois-Rivières (Qc) G9A 4M3 Tél. : 819 375-1292 www.wspgroup.com Waste Rock and Water Management at the Tio Mine Summary of the Project Description Final Version Approved by: Numéro de projet : 111-20171-02 J U N E 2 01 4 3450, boulevard Gene-H.-Kruger, bureau 300 ~ Trois-Rivières (Québec) CANADA G9A 4M3 Tél. : 819 375-8550 ~ Téléc. : 819 375-1217 ~ www.wspgroup.com Reference to be cited: WSP. 2014. Waste Rock and Water Management at the Tio Mine. Summary of the Project Description. Report produced for Rio Tinto Fer et Titane. 25 p. SUMMARY 1 GENERAL INFORMATION Rio Tinto Fer et Titane inc. (hereinafter “RTFT”) has operated, since 1989, the Havre-Saint-Pierre mine, consisting of a hemo-ilmenite deposit, at its Lake Tio mining property, located 43 km north of Havre-Saint-Pierre (see Figure 1). However, the mine has been in operation since 1950. The most recent data from the mining plan provides for the site to be in operation beyond 2050. According to this plan, the total amount of waste rock which will be generated exceeds the storage capacity available under the current mining leases, which will be reached by the end of 2017. RTFT would therefore like to obtain new land lease agreements for the disposal of waste rock to be generated until the end of the mine’s life.
    [Show full text]
  • State Board of Geological Survey of Michigan for the Year 1907
    REPORT Superior soils......................................................... 14 Miami series. ......................................................... 14 OF THE STATE BOARD OF GEOLOGICAL SURVEY The ice retreat. ...............................................................15 OF MICHIGAN The glacial lakes. .........................................................17 FOR THE YEAR 1907 The retreat in Lake Michigan........................................17 Lake Chicago......................................................... 18 ALFRED C. LANE a. Glenwood 60-foot beach. .......................................18 STATE GEOLOGIST b. Calumet 40-foot beach...........................................18 Retreat of the ice to the Saginaw valley.......................18 OCTOBER, 1908 Early lakes on the east side .........................................19 BY AUTHORITY Lake Maumee........................................................ 19 a. Van Wert stage. .....................................................19 LANSING, MICHIGAN b. Leipsic stage ..........................................................20 WYNKOOP HALLENBECK CRAWFORD CO., STATE PRINTERS 1908 Lake Arkona .......................................................... 20 Retreat of the ice from the northern highlands. .........20 SUMMARY OF THE SURFACE GEOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. Lake Whittlesey—Belmore Beaches............................21 Lake Saginaw...............................................................21 BY Lake Warren.................................................................22
    [Show full text]
  • Applications Type Given to Me by R
    REQUEST FOR COMMENT & NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Proposed Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for Lake Jean in Luzerne and Sullivan Counties. Northcentral Region: Water Supply Management Program Manager, 208 West Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701 The Department of Environmental Protection will accept comments on the proposed TMDL developed for the Lake Jean in Sullivan and Luzerne Counties. The TMDL was established in accordance with the requirements of Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. Pennsylvania’s 1996, 1998 and 2004 Section 303(d) lists included Lake Jean as impaired by low pH due to acid deposition. Pennsylvania’s water quality criteria, as described in PA Code § 93.7, require the pH to be between 6.0 and 9.0. This TMDL will address pH by analyzing the balance between acidity and alkalinity. A two-step approach is used for the analysis of atmospheric deposition impaired waterbodies. The first step is a statistical method for determining the allowable instream concentration at the point of interest (sample location) necessary to meet water quality standards. The second step is a mass balance of the loads as they pass through the watershed. The following table shows the estimated current acidity loading for the sample locations within the watershed. Overall load reductions necessary in order to meet the TMDLs are also identified: Summary of TMDL-Based Load Reductions in the Lake Jean Watershed Sample Location Pollutant Existing Load TMDL % (lbs/yr) (lbs/day) Reduction Ganoga Lake Tributary Acidity 140.6 4.1 97 Beaver Dam Tributary Acidity 33.5 4.3 87 Direct Drainage to Lake Acidity 184.0 10.9 94 Lake Outlet Acidity 194.0 34.2 0 The data and all supporting documentation used to develop the proposed TMDL are available from the Department.
    [Show full text]
  • Participating in Wilderness Wheels Is Attached
    PENNSYLVANIA STATE PARKS PARTICIPATING IN WILDERNESS WHEELS Bald Eagle State Park Clear Creek State Park Gifford Pinchot State Park 149 Main Park Road 38 Clear Creek State Park 2200 Rosstown Road Howard, PA 16841 Road Lewisberry, PA 17339 Telephone: 814 - 625-2775 Sigel, PA 15860 Telephone: 717 - 432-5011 Telephone: 814 - 752-2368 Beltzville State Park Greenwood Furnace State 2950 Pohopoco Drive Codorus State Park Park Lehighton, PA 18235 2600 Smith Station Road 15795 Greenwood Road Telephone: 610 - 377-0045 Hanover, PA 17331 Huntingdon, PA 16652 Telephone: 717 - 637-2816 Telephone: 814 - 667-1800 Bendigo State Park 533 State Park Road Colonel Denning State Park Hickory Run State Park Johnsonburg, PA 15846 (Seasonal 3-Month Program) RR 1 Box 81 Telephone: 814 – 965-2646 1599 Doubling Gap Road White Haven, PA 18961 Newville, PA 17241 Telephone: 570 - 443-0400 Black Moshannon State Park Telephone: 717 - 776-5272 4216 Beaver Road Hills Creek State Park Philipsburg, PA 16866 Cook Forest State Park (Seasonal 3-Month Program) Telephone: 814 - 342-5960 PO Box 120 111 Spillway Road Cooksburg, PA 16217 Wellsboro, PA 16901 Blue Knob State Park Telephone: 814 - 744-8407 Telephone: 570 - 724-4246 124 Park Road Imler, PA 16655 Cowans Gap State Park Jacobsburg Environmental Telephone: 814 - 276-3576 6235 Aughwick Road Education Center Fort Loudon, PA 17224 835 Jacobsburg Road Caledonia State Park Telephone: 717 - 485-3948 Wind Gap, PA 18091 (Seasonal 3-Month Program) Telephone: 610 - 746-2801 101 Pine Grove Road Delaware Canal State Park Fayetteville,
    [Show full text]
  • Pennsylvania Happy Places
    ( ) Finding Outside Insights from the People Who Know Pennsylvania’s State Parks and Forests DCNR.PA.gov 1845 Market Street | Suite 202 Camp Hill, PA 17011 717.236.7644 PAParksandForests.org Penn’s Woods is full of the kinds of places that make people happy. At the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation we discover this each year when we announce our annual Parks and Forests Through the Seasons photo contest and marvel as your breath-taking entries roll in. And we hear it every day when we talk to the hard-working men and women who earn their daily bread in one of the hundreds of different occupations throughout the parks and forests system. We see the pride they take in their work—and the joy they experience in being outside every day in the places we all love. On the occasion of this 2018 Giving Tuesday, we are delighted to share some of their favorite places. Maybe one of them will become your happy place as well! Visit DCNR.PA.gov for the state park or forest mentioned in this booklet. Drop us a line at [email protected] or visit our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaParksAndForestsFoundation) and let us know what you find Out There. #PAParks&ForestsHappyPlace I’m drawn to rock outcroppings, hence my attraction to several hiking opportunities in the Michaux State Forest. Sunset Rocks Trail (https://www.purplelizard.com/blogs/news/ camp-michaux-and-sunset-rocks-history-vistas-and-more-in-michaux- state-forest), a spur to the Appalachian Trail, rewards the intrepid hiker with amazing views along a rocky spine.
    [Show full text]
  • PRAIRIE CREEK PROPERTY NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA TECHNICAL REPORT for CANADIAN ZINC CORPORATION
    AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd. BC0767129 Suite 1330, 200 Granville Street Vancouver BC V6C 1S4 CANADA T +1 604 669 0044 F +1 604 669 1120 E [email protected] PRAIRIE CREEK PROPERTY NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA TECHNICAL REPORT for CANADIAN ZINC CORPORATION Prepared by AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd In accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101, “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects”, of the Canadian Securities Administrators Qualified Persons: J M Shannon, P.Geo. AMC Mining Consultants Ltd D Nussipakynova, P.Geo. AMC Mining Consultants Ltd JB Hancock, P.Eng. Barrie Hancock & Associates Inc B MacLean, P.Eng. SNC-Lavalin Inc AMC 712017 Effective Date 15 June 2012 ADELAIDE BRISBANE MELBOURNE PERTH TORONTO VANCOUVER MAIDENHEAD +61 8 8201 1800 +61 7 3839 0099 +61 3 8601 3300 +61 8 6330 1100 +1 416 640 1212 +1 604 669 0044 +44 1628 778 256 www.amcconsultants.com CANADIAN ZINC CORPORATION Prairie Creek 1 SUMMARY This Technical Report on the Prairie Creek Property (the Property), located approximately 500 km west of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Canada, has been prepared by AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd (AMC) of Vancouver, Canada on behalf of Canadian Zinc Corporation (CZN or the Company) of Vancouver, Canada. It has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101), “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects”, of the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) for lodgment on CSA’s “System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval” (SEDAR). It discloses the results of a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) which has been carried out to assess the viability of starting up the Prairie Creek Mine (the Mine).
    [Show full text]
  • HISTORY of PENNSYLVANIA's STATE PARKS 1984 to 2015
    i HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA'S STATE PARKS 1984 to 2015 By William C. Forrey Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Office of Parks and Forestry Bureau of State Parks Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Copyright © 2017 – 1st edition ii iii Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... vi INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. vii CHAPTER I: The History of Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks… 1980s ............................................................ 1 CHAPTER II: 1990s - State Parks 2000, 100th Anniversary, and Key 93 ............................................................. 13 CHAPTER III: 21st CENTURY - Growing Greener and State Park Improvements ............................................... 27 About the Author .............................................................................................................................................. 58 APPENDIX .......................................................................................................................................................... 60 TABLE 1: Pennsylvania State Parks Directors ................................................................................................ 61 TABLE 2: Department Leadership .................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • UPLIFT Newsletter M Ay 2 0 19
    The United Presbyterian Church of Blairsville, PA UPLIFT Newsletter M ay 2 0 19 It was the day after Easter. Bobbi and I ran into a friend at Rite Aid. “So, you’re out getting your medicine?” he asked. “No” I replied, “I’m out getting my discounted chocolate candy.” To some, Easter is about receiving the power of God that renews us and makes us whole. To others, its about getting a cheap sugar high. To some its about resounding the Alleluias. To others its about an eyeful of pastel col- ors and a nose-full of fragrant blooms. But whatever it is, it sadly seems to eventually fade. There were those four glorious years of my childhood (before my sister was born) that I had the delight of being the only grandchild. Grandma doted on her “honey boy” and Pappy Moe spoiled me rotten. Each Easter, he would buy a dozen or so little chicks that had been dyed pink and yellow and blue and green. I would giggle and bounce as they ran around me. But within a couple days all the chicks would die (probably from the coloring that had been put on their feathers) and all I was left with was a memory. One place we get it wrong is when we think of Easter as a one day celebration—God’s victory neatly packed into a twenty-four hour box. According to our liturgical calendar, Easter is a season fifty days long in which we celebrate the forty days Jesus spent time with the disciples, then ascended into heaven and the faithful waited patiently for the coming of the Spirit.
    [Show full text]