Meeting a Blogging and Facebook Friend for the First Time
I met a blogging and Facebook friend for the first time yesterday morning. Eileen and I began reading and commenting on each other’s blog posts in December 2009. Eileen has three blogs, of which I read most often the blog entitled “Viewing nature with Eileen”. Eileen and I became Facebook friends in September 2010.
Eileen and her husband, Michael, live in Maryland. They are in Pennsylvania on vacation. Their vacation plans included visiting two Pennsylvania State Parks —Cook Forest State Park and Presque Isle State Park— and meeting me, if possible. Another Pennsylvania State Park was added to their itinerary, when Eileen and I made plans earlier this week to meet at Kinzua Bridge State Park.
I met Eileen and Michael at Kinzua Bridge State Park yesterday at 10:00 am. Kinzua Bridge State Park is located near Mt. Jewett, PA in McKean County. It is the home of the Kinzua Viaduct. The Viaduct, once known as the longest and tallest railroad structure at 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high, was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003. I drove to the park from my home in Warren, PA. Eileen and Michael drove to the park from Clarion (where they stayed while visiting Cook Forest State Park). While at the park we walked across the Kinzua Viaduct (now known as the Kinzua Bridge skywalk); we viewed the bridge and its ruins from three observation platforms; and we walked through the Visitor Center.
Eileen and Michael on the Kinzua Bridge skywalk
Eileen and me at the end of the skywalk
Kinzua Bridge skywalk and bridge ruins
(view from first observation platform)
We walked down to the lower observation platform seen in the photograph displayed above.
Kinzua Bridge skywalk and bridge ruins
(view from second observation platform)
On our way to the Picture Taking Platform under the skywalk, a colorful scene stopped me in my tracks.
Autumn is right around the corner
A nice woman took a picture of the three of us
and the remaining support towers from the Picture Taking Platform.
I LOVE the “3D” effect behind us.
I reciprocated the favor by taking a picture of the woman with her father.
I LOVE the “3D” effect!
A side view of the Kinzua Bridge skywalk and the bridge ruins
Eileen and Michael told me that they visited Kinzua Bridge State Park, with their young son, many years ago. The park looks a lot different now, compared to when they first visited. Their first visit was several years before the tornado hit that knocked down the railroad bridge. A train still traveled across the railroad bridge on their first visit.
We departed each others company, after visiting Kinzua Bridge State Park. Eileen and Michael headed to Presque Isle State Park; I returned home.
I am glad that Eileen, Michael and I were able to get together, albeit for a short time. We enjoyed each others company and conversation, while taking in picturesque views.
The Beauty Around Us 
5 Responses to “Meeting a Blogging and Facebook Friend for the First Time”
That was nice you could meet with a blogger for the first time. Wish I could do that same exact thing. To actually see the person, in person, to whom you’ve been talking back & forth with for all those years.
Hello, Linda! It was so nice to finally meet you in person. After blogging and facebook I began to feel like I already knew you for a long time. I enjoyed seeing the Kinzua Bridge State park and thanks for showing Michael and I around. Maybe we can meet again some day. Great photos.
How wonderful that you and Eileen and her hubby met. A lovely place to visit for sure and to be with a blogging buddy.
Hi it’s another Linda, visiting from Eileen’s blog. Nice photos, especially of the iron railroad trestle. I’ve met a few blogging buddies and it’s always a lot of fun.
I came over from Eileen’s post. It must have been fun catching up with her. The bridge skywalk would be nice too. Love your 3D shot under the bridge. Its a shame train travel is declining.