From Pocono to Ephrata

We awoke to a brisk 28 degrees this morning in Hamlin, PA in the Pocono Mountains. The foliage in the upper elevations had lost much of their color, but as we drove down the mountains the leaves were still on the trees. It was very interesting, as you could tell your elevation by the amount of leaves remaining.

As we drove our planned route, we noticed a sign that had an arrow and said Red Detour, so we exited the main highway and followed it. It lead us through some very scenic roads, and I had the opportunity to take pictures of this mountain stream.

We drove through many little towns and noticed similar architecture in many of them. There were buildings with colorful cupolas and each with their own story to tell.

We reached Ephrata, PA in the late afternoon, and enjoyed the peaceful setting of this National Historic Landmark. The Ephrata Cloister was founded in 1732 as a German religious community by Conrad Biessel who lived, worked and worshiped at the Cloister. The German settlers came here seeking spiritual goals, rather than earthly rewards. Some were married and some celibate. In 1813 the married group formed the German Seventh Day Baptist Church. It is a very interesting history to learn about. I will include a few pictures of the grounds so you can enjoy our journey too.

This was the Ephrata school building.

This is the cemetery on the Cloister grounds.

We drove through some of the Amish communities and then made our way to the Pennsylvania Turnpike to head on west. We stopped for the evening at Breezewood, PA with more new memories made of the places visited and people we met.