Great news for bicycle enthusiasts!  Amtrak will soon offer roll on bicycle service on the Capital Limited route that passes through Pittsburgh to Chicago. Reservations will be required and the railroad will charge a $25 fee for this service. Owners will be responsible for rolling their bikes onto the trains, securing them, and rolling them off. Only standard-sized bikes will be permitted. The service will be available at all stations on the route, which extends from Washington to Chicago. What a great way to enjoy the Fall color and scenery along the bike trails!

The Capital Limited route has stops in Cumberland, Connellsville and Pittsburgh which will allow cyclists easy access to the Great Allegheny Passage and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. There are trail towns all along the bike trails to stop and rest, eat and play.  In addition there are 25.2 miles of mountain bike trails in Ohiopyle.  The trails that are open to mountain biking include the Sugarloaf Trail System, Pressley Ridge Trail, McCune Trail, Baughman Trail, Jonathan Run Trail and Sugar Run Trail.  Other stops east of Pittsburgh include: Martinsburg, W.Va., Harpers Ferry, W.Va., and Rockville, MD.

Due to work on the track on September 6 and 7, 2015, Trains 29 and 30 will not stop at Connellsville, Cumberland, Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry and Rockville. Alternate service will not be provided to these stations.  For more info on Amtrak visit website.

Have you been lucky enough to cross paths with Tim Anderson, owner of KeyStone Balance? His balances are created in personally selected natural locations and consist of stones found in the direct vicinity in which they are balanced and photographed. No stones are brought in or used from other areas. Nor are any adhesives, rods or trick photography used. They are all simply balanced and sitting atop one another seemingly defying the laws of physics. Since the precarious balances normally last only short periods of time in nature, photographing them is the way to add permanence to these short-lived creations. Once standing they are photographed by Tim in the natural beauty surrounding them and then dismantled leaving no trace.

About Tim: His creations began as a result of a climbing injury that sidelined him during the 2011 season. Spending time along the river, having an artistic background and being influenced by cairns he encountered during his winter travels in the mountains, Tim began his playful venture into stone balancing during his recovery process.  As his skills evolved over the next several years and photos surfaced among friends, he was urged to share his talents with the world.  While not traveling doing demonstrations, appearances and art shows, Tim spends the majority of his time in the creeks and rivers near home stone balancing and being part of the beautiful areas where he’s spent most of his life.

To see more of Tim Andersons artistic creations, visit the KeyStone Balance gallery/studio which is conveniently located approximately 2 miles east of the Donegal exit off the Pennsylvania Turnpike on route 31. Open by appointment.  Call 724-415-8288 to schedule a visit.  KeyStone Balance Gallery, 3947B Rt. 31, Jones Mills, PA 15646.

Framed photographic prints are found throughout the building with the majority on the first floor and staircase. The studio space on the second floor of the building is where the printing, matting and framing takes place as well as consultations for those wishing to custom order prints or sets of images. With other offerings such as greeting cards, calendars, and matted prints there is something for everyone interested in owning images of these unique and gravity defying creations.  

Tim's creations are also available for purchase in Ohiopyle at Oddly Enough in the Lincoln St. shops and Ohiopyle Adventure Photography on Main St. near the boater put-in.

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Ohiopyle is perfect for anyone wanting to get out and enjoy the outdoors. It’s located just 35 minutes from the hotel and sure to be a perfect place to spend a sunny summer day.  With hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, fishing and swimming the choices are almost endless!  They also have a great selection of restaurants and venders to curb that midday hunger. Ohiopyle is famous for its outstanding whitewater rafting and kayaking.  You can opt for a guided or unguided trip down the Youghiogheny River and get your supplies from one of the local outfitters, who will be sure to hook you up with any equipment you’ll need.