"When the World is Running Down...

Make the best of what is still around." I was listening to and thinking about this song as I was driving home from mountain biking last weekend at Rocky Ridge Park. Even though open space is decreasing around my home town and developments are springing up all the time, there still is open space to enjoy an array of outdoor activities if you're willing to make the best of it, or suspend value judgements and comparisons.

So, in no particular order here are my favorite outdoor destinations within 20 minutes of Mount Joy, PA.

1) The Susquehanna River: a great place to kayak and fish. It used to be a great place to fly fish for bass, but in years past the bass population has declined. This past summer I began fishing for catfish and had a blast doing it. Bald eagles are a common sight.

2) The Donegal Creek: arguably one of the best fly fishing creeks in Lancaster Co. for trout. Wild browns and some wild rainbows; brook trout are stocked. A Donegal hat trick is always a possibility.

3) Chiques Rock County Park: great place for rock climbing, hiking and trail running. The overlook at sunset is impressive.

4) Rocky Ridge County Park (York County): great place to mountain bike and trail run. Also a great place to scramble around on boulders

5) Governor Dick Park: great place to hike, trail run and mountain bike. Any trip here must include a walk up to the observation tower. On a clear day you can see, I think, 12 different counties. Also great rocks for bouldering.

6) Mount Gretna and the surrounding Game Lands: contiguous with Governor Dick. My favorite place to cross country ski. Also a great place for trail running and hiking. I used to hunt here frequently, but haven't done too much hunting in the past couple of years. Mount Gretna is also home to the "Got the Nerve" triathlon.

7) Conewago Rail Trail: great place for long bike rides and runs. Also a great place for birding in the spring time.

8) The Chiques Creek: An interesting place to fly fish if you don't mind catching numerous species of fish that are not usually pursued on a fly rod. Rock bass abound, and an occasional 15-17 inch smallmouth can be brought to hand.

9) Samuel L. Lewis State Park (York County): great place for a picnic, or to a fly a kite. Highest hill in the area. Great views of the Susquehanna valley. Cool boulder field to scramble around on.

10) Country Roads: This is not so much of a destination as a benefit of living in a rural area. I can raise the garage door and within 5 minutes be biking in the country. I have one ride that allows me to cross four covered bridges. I call it my "Covered Bridge Metric Half Century" as it is about 31 miles total distance.