A Journey Full of Surprises and Scenic Wonders

Our latest family adventure was nothing short of an epic road trip, filled with unexpected challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and a rollercoaster of emotions—quite literally! It was a journey that my wife, daughter, close friends, and I will cherish for years to come. We were a group of eight, and our trip started in the early hours of the morning, with the promise of an exciting getaway ahead of us.

The Early Morning Departure

We set off from Coram, NY at around 3 AM, with the night still wrapped in a heavy shroud of rain. The previous evening had been tumultuous, with heavy downpours leading to flash flood warnings across the area. We received alerts that some roads were impassable due to isolated flooding, which dampened our spirits slightly. The advisories suggested waiting until 4 AM before venturing out, but in the end, we took a leap of faith and decided to brave the journey.

Our route to Luray, Pennsylvania, was supposed to take a little over six hours, but Mother Nature had other plans. Due to the flooding, we had to divert several times, particularly when the Long Island Expressway was closed. What should have been a smooth drive turned into a seven-hour adventure as we navigated through detours, trying to escape the flooded sections of the expressway.

We passed through several states on our way, starting with New Jersey, then skirting the tip of Maryland. The possibility of passing by Washington, DC, crossed our minds, but we stayed focused on our primary destination—the Luray Caverns found in the state of Virginia.

Exploring Luray Caverns

After a longer-than-expected drive, we finally arrived at the Luray Caverns. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, these caverns are a marvel of nature. The caverns, discovered in 1878, are renowned for their towering stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the mesmerizing underground lakes. One of the most fascinating features is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, which produces musical tones when its stalactites are gently tapped—making it the world’s largest natural musical instrument.

Adjacent to the caverns, we explored the Carriage and Car Museum, a fascinating collection of historic vehicles that transported us back in time. The museum houses everything from antique cars to 19th-century carriages, giving us a glimpse of how people traveled in days gone by.

After our cavern adventure, we took a much-needed break at one of the picnic tables, enjoying the food we had packed. It was a simple yet satisfying meal, enhanced by the fresh air and the sense of accomplishment from overcoming the morning's challenges.

Shenandoah National Park: Nature at Its Finest

From Luray, we made our way to the Shenadoah National Park, about an hour's drive away. The park is famous for its Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic road that runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive offers some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and forests, especially from the various overlooks scattered along the route. I can just imagine the beauty during fall, it must be breathtaking, perhaps another reason to visit, the fall colors will be mesmerizing.

We made four stops along the way, each offering a different perspective of the park's beauty. The overlooks provided sweeping views of the rolling hills and distant valleys, covered in a lush green blanket. The air was crisp and refreshing, and the peacefulness of the park was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of our lives back home.

A Relaxing Evening in Virginia

After a day full of exploration, we headed to our hotel in Virginia, where we all settled in for an early night. The long drive and the day’s activities had left us exhausted. Before we turned in, we were visited by a long-time friend of my wife, which was a pleasant surprise and a perfect end to the day. We have a nice chat with friends from the homeland, Catbalogan Samar, the Philippines. We discussed some development issues, and the upcoming fiesta events and the much talked about Michael Cinco gala night and the people recognized by the famous designer. 

Hershey Park: A Day of Fun and Thrills

The next morning, after a hearty American breakfast, we set out for Hersheypark, a 3-hour drive away. Hersheypark is a chocolate-themed amusement park, and it did not disappoint! The park is home to over 70 rides and attractions, including some of the best roller coasters on the East Coast.

I decided to conquer my fear by taking on one of the park's giant roller coasters. It was an exhilarating experience—my eyes were closed for most of the ride, but the adrenaline rush was undeniable. It was a mix of terror and excitement, but I was proud of myself for taking the plunge. My daughter and her friend Sissy was braver, they were really enjoying the ride and promise to try it again someday.

My daughter, along with her "ate" (a Filipino term for an older sister or close female friend), and I enjoyed the bumper cars, followed by a spin on a carousel-like ride. The park was a blast, offering something for everyone, and it was a day full of laughter, fun, and a few moments of sheer thrill. They have also a zoo with various animals, it was my first time seeing a black bear.

The Historic Town of Jim Thorpe

On the third day of our DIY adventure, we decided to visit Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania—a charming town with a rich history. The drive took a little over two hours, but it was well worth it. Jim Thorpe is known for its picturesque streets, Victorian architecture, and the surrounding natural beauty. Some called it the Switzerland of America (in Pennsylvania).

The town is named after the famous Native American athlete, Jim Thorpe, who is often considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. The town’s history and heritage are palpable as you walk through its streets, with the quaint shops and historic buildings adding to the ambiance. At 1:30, we are suppose to have the trolly ride to some historic places in the town, sadly the 12:00 noon schedule was moved to 1:30 PM for lack of driver that time. We let go of the schedule because we will be driving to another destination, our final stop attraction before heading to New York.

We spent time exploring the town’s nature sites, including the nearby Lehigh River, which offers opportunities for whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities. I wonder how cold the water would have been if we tried water rafting. The combination of history and nature made Jim Thorpe a unique and memorable stop on our journey.

King of Prussia Mall: A Quick Shopping Spree

Before heading back to Coram, we made a stop at the King of Prussia Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the United States. The mall is enormous, boasting a seemingly endless array of stores. While we mostly indulged in window shopping, our little girl was thrilled to receive a Hello Kitty huggable pillow as a gift. We also grabbed some coffee and found a few discounted clothes. I was tempted to pick up some camping gear but decided against it, remembering I needed to be mindful of my budget.

We lingered at the mall just long enough to avoid the worst of the traffic before setting off on the final leg of our journey. As we drove back to Coram, the sky was clear and serene at 7:00 in the evening. The sun set between 7:30 and 7:45, and as darkness fell, we were greeted by a magnificent, oversized moon that illuminated our path home. It was the largest and most striking moon I had ever seen—a fitting end to a journey that had begun under stormy skies.

Back Home to Coram

After traversing through the scenic routes of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we finally made it back to Coram in a little over three hours. The trip had been long and at times challenging, but it was filled with moments of joy, wonder, and the kind of memories that only a road trip with loved ones can create.

This adventure reminded us that even when the journey is tough, the destinations, experiences, and the company of family and friends make it all worthwhile.