"Just got home from illinois, lock the front door oh boy, got to sit down take a rest on the porch..." Creedence Clearwater Revival knew something about traveling, the wilderness and the benefit or resting in your own home. What they did not experience were gas prices reaching astronomical levels. So what wisdom can we gain from these talented musicians? "...imagination sets in, perrtty soon I'm singing, Doot Doot doot looking out my backdoor!"
While we all wish we could be journeying to new places, jumping from mountain top to mountain top, and juxtaposing ourselves in new cultures the reality is that sometimes we find ourselves sitting on our own couch dreaming of whats on the other side of the world. John Fogerty's lyrics are a sharp reminder that with some imagination we can turn our backyard into another world. In fact many times we only need to pick up a map or gazetteer to realize that exploring a new place or culture may mean driving only 40 minutes away and in some cases less.
The Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania which is relatively close to the border or West Virginia and Maryland. Just a stones throw from my back porch is the heart of appalachia. While many of the moonshining myths that go along with the word appalachia may or may not be true, poverty, farming, and mining are very prevalent. If you want to experience a new culture travel the back roads of southwest Pennsylvania to get a glimpse of a seemingly different world.
A great many individuals farm, mine and work hard to make a living in this area and many of those folks are dear friends. These friendships provide access to another culture that from an outside perspective can be misunderstood. Aside from the cultural differences the landscapes alone in my backyard are absolutely beautiful. There are streams, natural water-slides, waterfalls, hiking trails, and unexplored tracts of wilderness. Ohiopyle state park, which is located just east of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania is home to fantastic white water rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and rock climbing. Artist and architects can find just as much enjoyment as an adventurer by exploring Frank Lloyd Wrights, Falling Water. There is an endless amount of exploring to be done just out my backdoor and as I slip into wonderment, I can only imagine what is just over that hill looking out your back door.
If you are like me and you find yourself lacking resources but are desperate for a trip, let your imagination go wild and travel somewhere new, right in your backyard, "...giants doing cartwheels, statues wearing high heals, look at all the healthy creatures dancing on the lawn..." who knows what you might see! "Doot! Doot! doot! looking out 'Your' backdoor"
Best,
Aaron
The Author in Franklin WV
Unknown kayaker on the lower youghiogheny
Below Cucumber falls, Ohiopyle
