Caledonia State Park and Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum (and Candy Emporium)
This weeks Adventure Tuesday leaves us without Miss A. as she is adventuring through the 'burgh with grandparents. While looking for something that would not leave the kids wanting to pair up, we decided on a hike which lead us to Caledonia State Park. This decision was based solely on the park's proximity to Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum (and Candy Emporium). For real. All kidding aside. Who doesn't want to go to an elephant museum that is primarily filled with candy?!?!?!?
PLANNING: Looking on the internet at DCNR's page about Caledonia State Park I thought we should do the Rambling Trail- a 2.2 mile loop, not labeled the easiest but also not the most difficult. We packed a picnic lunch, grabbed some extra waters, the camera, the GPS and we were off.
THE DRIVE: The drive took us straight down RT 15 South. My GPS (Jack) had us exiting WAAAAY before I thought we would at RT 30, but rather at RT 234 Heidlersburg. This gave us a stunning drive through Apple Country, PA that found some other adventures I'd like to take (Circle Barn and some wine country). Total drive time= 1 hr.
ARRIVAL: We headed straight into the State Park and stopped at the office for a map. The helpful woman in the large, clean office showed me a map and helped to verify that the Ramble Trail was right for us. On the map I noticed that there were waterfalls listed. I LOVE falls, of all sizes. I asked where these were and apparently we had drive right past them. We decided to stick to our Ramble Trail and later drive to the parking lot next to the falls. She pointed me in the direction of parking and we were off.
THE ADVENTURE:
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Picnic lunch |
THE HIKE: As soon as the van was in park (or was it sooner???), the kids wanted to eat. Luckily, there were beautiful new tables directly in front of us and we all ate and drank. After lunch, we used to map to direct us to the start of our trail. This part left us questioning if we chose the right way, but only for a few dozen feet as there were signs.
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Not going up those steps |
The start of our trail intersected with the Appalachian Trail at a place where there is a large man-made rock/stick/ stone/ mud staircase. It was really very pretty, but daunting looking. Once or twice during our lunch there were hikers with "real" hiking gear passing by. It was cool to know that there are tons of people still hiking the Appalachian Trail. I, however, was very happy with a small backpack with some water, a phone and water shoes.
The trail itself was stunning. The flora was beautiful! I could have taken pictures all day- really. The trail lead us in and out of different kinds of
vegetation, over different types of terrain, and through a visual heaven.
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Kids on a log |
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so pretty |
The kids loved all of the fallen logs to climb on! There were tons, but the parks dept. has done a great job sawing through those that had fallen on the path. The paths were clear. The trail also took us next to, over, and by the Conococheague Creek. Some spots of the creek seemed dried up, which is surprising since we have had a lot of rain lately, in other areas it was deep and flowing, in yet others, it was still.
While we had brought water shoes and a change of clothes, we did not let the kids get in and play in the creek. Although, there were moments when we thought they might fall in.
There was one family that found a great spot to swim, but it seemed as if our kids were excited to get to Mr. Ed's also and they did not really ask to splash.
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Over the creek and through.. |
I am not sure how long the 2.2 miles took us. It was slightly slower than regular walking, but faster than a meander. There was a lot to climb on, peek at, take pictures of... The trail was well marked, relatively flat (one decent down hill), and well maintained. Even though it was warm and muggy outside, the trail was cool and comfortable and completely shaded.
Once back at the van, we piled in and drove to
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Waterfall |
the other parking lot were Kim, T and I (left R and M lazily in the car) went to see the waterfall, which was a whopping 100 yards from the car. It was smallish, flowing and very pretty. Thanks T for posing!!! From there we turned onto the road and drove about 5 miles to Mr. Ed's.
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Elle |
MR. ED'S ELEPHANT MUSEUM AND CANDY EMPORIUM: (
https://www.mistereds.com/) Upon arrival, the eyes are bombarded with colors and sights. Around the museum there are many large elephants (one that even talks) signs, trucks and more and bearing the image of at least one pachyderm. We listened to Elle for a few minutes and she suggested driving through Apple Country once were were done at Mr. Ed's. I wonder if she had more great ideas but will never know as I was then urged into the museum...ok... Candy Emporium.
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Museum |
One walks into the museum expecting to see...well...elephants. This is not the initial view. Candy. Candy. Candy. As far as the eye could see there is candy. Bagged candy, boxed candy, fill your own candy, dirty candy (yes in the back (sorry guy who I scared out of that section (who puts the Adult section next to the bargain bins????))) and more.
The kids split into 3 directions, Kim a fourth, and I headed to the museum. That is the real reason we came here, right? Right? It is a small 10x 20 area filled with a gazillion elephants and their stories. In 2010, Mr. Ed's had a fire and there is homage to the elephants that were saved. I found the museum part to be more interesting than anticipated, but was urged out by a 14 yr old with candy.
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Yum???? |
The shop has a lot of newer candies in addition to many nostalgia driven classics. I found my favorite and M had made his pick, including a bacon flavored candy stick, and we hit the bargain bins (careful to keep his eyes on the bins) picking out 3 bags for $5- a real bargain. In addition to candy, elephant trinkets, and stuffed animals there was also a refrigerator with vintage and glass sodas. T opted for one of these: blue cream soda and some unique Nerds, Kim: the sesame sticks, M: gummy snacks and old fashion candy sticks, Me: lego candy (yup you can stack them), and R: loose candy you can pack in a bucket and old fashioned Dots. Realizing the time, we needed to hurry back to the car and race (safely) home. However we will need to go back and explore the rest of Mr. Ed's outside landscaping!!!! A
nd, perhaps, grab some more candy.
TIPS/TRICKS: Good shoes for hiking. Bring a bag for trash, state parks are usually carry in/ carry out. We did not see trash cans. Bug spray is great, it can prevent ticks and mosquito bites, but will not stop bugs from flying at your face *sigh*. Be prepared for creek stomping even if it is not planned for. Bring $ and a camera to Mr. Ed's. Prepare to spend a decent amount of time there- for real. Be prepared to want to go back.
BONUS PICTURES:
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love |
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Pretty |
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Yuck |
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Gargoyle T |
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"Thou shall not pass!" |
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M and T |
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Kim and R= love |
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Don't Fall! |
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A friend at the end |
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Still creek- reflection |
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Caledonia Furnace |
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