Tat’s Bizarre Travels

This week I traveled deep into Ohio to see the giant baskets. More specifically the Longaberger baskets. There were three in all to see, but by the time I hit Dresden I was tired and cranky and there was some sort of street fair closing up so I passed. Now kicking myself for doing so. I totally should have pushed through the vendors closing up and visited the house sized basket.

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Jenner, PA - Poor giant praying mantis, he’s a bit worse for wear. According to Roadside America the big guy has been vandalized a number of times. On my visit he was again in less than perfect condition. An antenna had snapped and hanging down his face, poor guy. He’s a bit of cutie, with big red eyes and claws. Unfortunately the store was closed so I didn’t get to hear any stories about his life in Jenner, but I snagged some photos. I just wish that the local kids would let him be so everyone could get a picture of him at his best.

Homer City, PA - This was probably the most angry I’ve ever been at Google maps. The directions they gave, while technically correct, were hideously vague. I once again cursed myself for using Google and considered the alternative, GPS. I’m cheep, though, and Google is free. Gas, however, is not, so I’m looking into it.

Eventually, after not giving up even though my gas tank wanted me to, I finally found my way to the Homer City Generating Station. Surprisingly, if you just ignore the Google directions and start guessing it’s very easy to find. And disturbingly easy to get into. I didn’t walk the whole power plant, and stayed on my side of the fence, but from the looks of it if you really wanted to there was nobody to stop you. Even without jumping the fence you can get just a few yards away from the giant smoke stacks and cooling towers. In fact I’ve never been that close before and it’s a little unnerving. Very impressive, though.