Geological Adventures in Bedford County

So Jolene and I had a bit of time to kill Friday on our way back from Somerset. Well we killed more than we should have and were late for the retirement party we were attending in the evening at the Allenberry Resort. What did we find so interesting?

Well first we stopped at the Jean Bonnet Tavern along Route 30 just west of Bedford. We ate in the tavern where we both had the Bison Burgers which feature bison from the nearby Bison Corral which we did not have time to visit. The food was great and they had a good selection of microbrew and small brewery beer. Since this was a geology trip we also were entertained by some roadwork just outside our window (mineral resource activity). After a quick stop with the goats, chickens, herb gardens, and gift shop just outside we headed on.

Our next stop was Coral Caverns in Mann's Choice, PA. We had some trouble finding it and I spent too much time swapping information with the operator so it's probably to blame for us being late for the party. It was a small cave by most public tour standards, but fun and well worth it particularly for the unique fossilized coral wall.

As you can tell by the misty photo of me standing at the cave's entrance it was a damp and drippy day. Next we travelled just a bit to the north to Gravity Hill. I arrived pretty skeptical after reading about this phenomenon on its own very nicely designed web page, but I was soon won over. If you go to the web page and print the very helpful directions it leads you to this very remote narrow country road. Pass the first GH on the road and proceed downhill to the Start line. There you put your vehicle in neutral and it will begin to very distinctly drift backwards up the hill. There was another vehicle waiting, so we didn't go the whole way or we would have eventually reached a pretty good speed. We also didn't get out and pour water on the road which is also suggested on the web page. We did however go up the road to a second such spot and experience it again. It was a real hoot and a must visit if you are in the area. It didn't make me a believer, but was alot of fun for free!