Trifter

When you plan a trip to Lancaster, PA, consider the fact that most of the small towns along route 30 get jammed up on the weekends by daytrippers from New Jersey, Maryland, and New York.  This is especially true in the Fall. 

Other than that, each Month has its charms…

January-February: Okay, the stretch from January to February is pretty uncharming.  The land is a monotonous brown: there are too few evergreen trees (too few trees in general), the farmlands are a depressing waste of fallow fields, the farm stands are shuttered, and the ridges that hold the valley plain are sharp with naked branches.  But, this is a great time for lonesome walks through the fields.  The ground is generally frozen, the crops are cleared, so there is no harm (though you should ask the owner’s permission before any such walk).   Contemplation, the smell of wood fires burning, the use of the legs, and the smell of fresh cold air helps the soul so sick of winter.  Soup and a hot drink after the ramble taste better than ever. 

March-April: Mud.  These two months can vary wildly in terms of weather.  Temps can range from freezing to the 70’s, the wind blusters, and the combination of rain and thaw makes walking anywhere that is unpaved a messy experience.  In these months, I get a lot of use out of my duck boots. 

Sales called “mud sales” which could be anything from fire hall auctions to yard sales to construction material sales abound.  Look for gatherings of pickup trucks, buggies, and bicycles (one recent visitor commented that he was surprised how many people in Lancaster commute by bicycle–many of the plain Mennonites use this mode of transportation) with cardboard boxes bungee-corded to their bike fenders.  These indicate a sale.  Another sure sign is a french fry vending truck!

May: This should be a great month to visit Lancaster: the weather is pleasant, people are out and about, fresh flowers and vegetables are starting to make an appearance, but be ready for the real deal, especially if you suffer allergies.  Lancaster County rates as one of the highest in the country for air pollution and the primary offender is agricultural activity, the same reason that the tourists come.  Combine the dust kicked-up by plows with the pollens being released by vegetation and you have a real problem if you suffer sinusitis.   Add to this the fact that many farmers spread manure in this month and those with sensitive noses may want to skip May.

My favorite months to be in Lancaster are coming up, but they will have to wait for another article!