Visit with Chuck in Rush PA

After dealing with the movers, cleaning up and closing on the sale of our home, Russ and I were ready for some rest and relaxation.  Fortunately for us, our friend Chuck (last name left off for his privacy) invited us up to Rush PA for the long 4th of July weekend.  Don't know where Rush PA is?  You're not alone.  Rush has a population of 14 people, so it doesn't even have its own zip code. 
So we flew up to Tunkhannock, the closest public airport where Russ could land. 

 

Tunkhannock was the first place I'd ever been where I'd seen a vending machine for live bait.  Apparently this town is a perfect match for Chuck, who is an avid outdoorsman.

Chuck will be retiring from the Air Force next year and bought his retirement home ahead of time.  He plans on finishing the basement and making a "family room" location.  Fortunately for Chuck, Russ' background in electrical engineering is helpful for this project.

 

His home is on a lovely piece of land, approximately 9 acres.  It's a great location for his friends and family to come visit and have outdoor barbecues since you can be pretty loud and still not bother his neighbors.

 

Jarret, his cocker spaniel, has plenty of room to run and loves swimming in the creek that runs along the back of the property.

 

It wasn't all work and no play.  We took plenty of time enjoying the slower pace of small town living.  We went to "Podunk Valley" where his father lives on a farm.  (The first time Chuck turned in a leave request and had his dad's Podunk Valley address listed, I thought Chuck was playing a joke on me.  I didn't really believe there would be a town called Podunk anything.)

 

We stopped by his dad's farm and I got to pet the horses and other animals.  

 

 

 

I forgot the name of this bridge, but it was in a really pretty area.  We drove over it first and then found an access road to go exploring underneath it.  

 

Jarrett decided she really liked Russ when she learned he was willing to share some beef jerkey treats.

 

The second night we were in town we stopped by the camp grounds where Chuck's mom, Judy, and stepdad, Larry, were staying.  It was on top of a hill with a great view of the valley.  (Of course, my head is blocking the view, but we enjoyed the sights.)

 

 

Russ and Chuck brought a bunch of fire wood and stacked it for Judy and Larry.  (Chuck did the hard part and had cut and split the wood before our arrival.)  Then we had some dinner.  Larry was cooking some squash in the biggest frying pan I'd ever seen.  (Judy was seasoning it.)  We had a great meal followed by some delicious strawberry shortcake.

What a great change of pace and a great weekend!  Thanks for inviting us, Chuck!