GROUNDHOG DAY 2004

Everbody has certain life moments that change them completely from that moment on.  For some people it is their marriage.  For others it is the birth of their first child.  Things work differently in Pennsylvania.  It is a "Rite of Passage" that all males in the Commonwealth must make a pilgrimage to the Mecca of Pennsylvania Cheese.  I am referring to Punxsutawney and Groundhog Day and this is my story...

My journey began on a cold blistery Super Bowl Sunday.  I decided to cut my traveling time in half by driving part way to Punxy the day before.  I stopped over in the sleepy little town of Livershitz along the Mighty Susquehanna and paid a visit to my friend Cory.

Welcome to Livershitz, PA

I told Cory all about my pilgrimage to Punxy and asked if he wanted to join me.  "Dude, that f***ing RAWKS!!!" But alas poor Cory could not make the venture to Punxy due to occupational obligations.

Cory's pumped up about G-Hog Day

I left Livershitz at 3 AM.  It was bitter cold that morning as the temperature eventually fell to 6 degrees.  At least I had my bottle of Vodka/Fruit Punch to keep me warm.

First and Only National Bank of Livershitz

I arrived at Punxsutawney at 6 AM still weary from the lack of sleep.  I found a parking space at the Groundhog Shopping Plaza and found a shuttle bus that would take me the last few miles to my destination... Gobblers Knob.

Entering Punxsutawney...

After a short drive along Woodland Avenue, the shuttle bus took us up a hill and into a clearing.  The shuttle bus unloaded the passengers and we were met with the Utoipian awe of our dreams.  We were standing on the hallowed grounds of Gobblers Knob, home of Punxsutawney Phil.

Gobblers Knob:  Home of Punxy Phil

Continue the adventure...