National Aviary in Pittsburgh (with photo gallery)

Cassidy and I made a return trip to Pittsburgh about two weeks ago as part of a mini-summer getaway. The city is so big that we had to make a list beforehand of places we wanted to visit.

We originally had the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium in mind as one option, even though we've visited it before. Both of us enjoy animals, and the Pittsburgh Zoo has a great selection -- in addition to it being one of the few zoos to have its own aquarium. However, we wanted to try something new this time around.

That's when we remembered Pittsburgh has the National Aviary -- a "zoo" dedicated solely to birds. I have always been fascinated with birds, especially since my family has owned a cockatiel for the past few years.

He's a pet cockatiel with the heart of a soaring eagle.

We decided to make the aviary the first destination on our trip. After visiting it, I can say it was the best way to start our mini-vacation.

The aviary has an impressive assortment of birds -- about 500 birds spanning 150 species, according to its website. The birds are divided into regions, including grasslands, tropical rainforests, wetlands and more. These rooms are climate-controlled to imitate the habitats the birds came from. For example, the grasslands room was hot and dry, while the tropical rainforest exhibit was boggy and warm.

In almost all of the exhibits, the birds were free-roaming. Several of them darted past us, just inches from our heads as we walked around. Others sat on top of branches or speaker posts watching with curiosity. In most cases, the birds went about their business without interruption, as if the groups of people nearby were nonexistent.

I could ramble on about all the types of birds and the exhibits, but I took so many photos for this post that I'm going to switch my focus from text to art.

These are just a few of the birds out of the several Cassidy and I saw on our trip. I recommend anyone visiting Pittsburgh who likes birds to take some time to stop at the National Aviary. We got through the entire aviary in less than two hours, and the prices for parking, admission and food were reasonable.

For additional information, you can visit the aviary's website here for rates, events and more. Enjoy the photography.

Keel-billed toucans

American flamingo

American golden-plover

Bald eagle

Gouldian finch

Green-winged macaw

Hyacinth macaw

Inca tern

Roseate spoonbill

Wattled curassow

Victoria crowned pigeon

Steller's sea eagle

Burrowing owls

Brown pelicans

And last but not least: African penguins

Chimney Rocks Park / Hollidaysburg at dusk

Bucket list update

I overcame one major challenge in my hope to ride two massive rails-to-trails in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

In a previous post, I mentioned how I wish to tackle the Great Allegheny Passage and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath -- two trails about 150 miles long and 185 miles long, respectively. I have a list of issues I need to address before riding, however.

The biggest problem is how to lug several pounds of equipment for a couple of days.

The amount of bubblegum I can carry
with this pack is unparalleled.

When I wrote the previous post, I had nothing more than a seat bag and a rack for my bike. Although both have been useful for short trips, they wouldn't provide much support on a four- or five-day ride.

To address this problem, I purchased two panniers (saddlebags). The panniers mount onto the rack with ease. They provide ample space to carry larger items like drinks, food, clothes and electronics. Best of all, they're waterproof, meaning they'll hold up against a thunderstorm or the flood of tears I'll create from the pain of riding about 10 hours a day.

The panniers set me back about $135, but they'll last a while and are guaranteed to protect my valuables.

Now I can carry several packs of gum
and tons of Jolly Ranchers, too.

One other concern was my sleeping arrangements. I own a two-person tent, courtesy of a boss from work. It will be nice to have ample room to rest, but lugging a tent that size creates a challenge. Where do I store it? The panniers give me added space, but the tent -- even when folded -- is too large for them.

The bike rack was a possibility, but the tent is too long and has the chance of falling off while riding.

There's also the issue of it being drenched in rain since I have nothing to cover the rack.

My candy storage has no bounds.

The only option I have is an outer-frame backpack, also courtesy of my boss (I need to get him a gift card or Hickory Farms for Christmas this year.). The pack is huge, has great support and is also waterproof. I just needed to attempt storing the tent inside it.

I pushed that experiment off for weeks. Every time I remembered, I promised I would try it the next day. We know how that works.

Finally, about three weeks ago, I lugged the tent and backpack out and attempted the trial. I made sure the tent was wrapped as snug as possible. I also emptied the pack of any extra supplies.

To my surprise and elation, the tent fit with space to spare. The latter made my situation even better, since I now knew I could pack extra items into my backpack.

With the combination of the panniers and backpack, it has made my trips that much easier. I have other issues to sort out yet, but the packing situation was by far the most significant.

Okay, because of the tent, I may have to cut
back on the amount of Twizzlers I take.

I remain unsure when I'll attempt the trails, but it seems likely near the end of the summer or fall. It depends how high the temperatures are. The last thing I want after careful planning is to pass out from heatstroke a few hours into my ride.

In the meantime, I might attempt stuffing the panniers with heavier objects and hauling the tent/backpack while riding on a nearby trail to get a feel for the extra weight. Doing this will prepare me physically and mentally for my impending journeys.

But for now, I'm taking a break and basking in the greatness that is my small victory over limited space.

Canoe Creek State Park

Pictured: Not a creek. But it is Canoe Lake, and it offers many recreational options.

When I first arrived in the Altoona area, I wanted to find a place where I could escape the hub-bub of the city and relax.

Many people suggested visiting Canoe Creek State Park. It seemed like a good choice considering the park is fewer than 15 minutes from Hollidaysburg.

I didn't know much about the park at the time because I decided not to do research in advance. Who doesn't love surprises, right?

Well, from the second I pulled into the parking lot, Canoe Creek exceeded my expectations.

What sold me was the park's lake. Canoe Lake is 155 acres in size, according to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It's a puddle in comparison to neighboring bodies of water like Raystown Lake (8,300 acres), but Canoe Lake is large enough that it provides the people of Altoona with a multitude of water recreational options.

Pictured: No fishing. But you are able to bring your own boat,
kayak, canoe, etc., to the lake to fish. There are rentals available,
as well.

The most popular activity is fishing. Almost all of the lake's shoreline is accessible by foot, so it is not uncommon to see at least one angler every couple of yards during fishing season.

The lake also has boat launches on its eastern and western shores. Only electric motors are permitted, so some people turn to kayaks and canoes instead.

Speaking of watercraft, the park provides boat, kayak, canoe and pedal boat rentals from Memorial Day until September (likely Labor Day). The rates go by the hour or a full day. The prices vary depending on the craft, but I rented a one-person kayak for two hours a few weeks ago, and it cost me only $14 ($7 per hour). I'll take the rental any day, considering a kayak costs about $250 or more.

You have the chance to see some wildlife while on the lake like
geese and other waterfowl.

For those who don't want to be on the water, they have the option of being in the water. Canoe Lake has a 350-foot-long sand beach on its western shore near the main parking lot. The beach borders a section of water designated for swimming only. It's not the ocean, but it's a great (and free) option for parents looking to get their kids to the beach without the five-hour drive to Delaware or Maryland.

There is also a grass lot and picnic area by the beach if you don't enjoy the feeling of sand. The picnic area has a concession stand, changing rooms, bathrooms and showers. You can plan an entire day trip just to Canoe Lake's beach alone. The beach area is open 8 a.m. to sunset from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The Limestone Trail leads to the Blair Limestone Co. kilns, which
operated during the early 1900s.

Not everyone enjoys the beach or water. For landlubbers, there is the option of hiking.

Canoe Creek State Park has about eight miles of trails ranging in difficulties and scenery. During my short time in the area, I've conquered almost every trail the park has to offer.

The most popular one tends to be the Limestone Trail. It starts in Parking Lot No. 6 and follows Mary Ann's Creek until the trail connects with Moore's Hill Trail and the Smith Hillside Trail.

Near the middle of the trail are the remnants of the Blair Limestone Co. kilns. These concrete "pyramids" (or whatever geometric shape comes to mind) were once part of the thriving limestone industry in central Pennsylvania. Visitors can peak inside most of the kilns or walk the trail above them. They don't look like much, but the kilns have been around since the early 1900s. The surrounding park didn't open until 1979.

The inside of one of the Blair Limestone Co. kilns.

The kilns make the Limestone Trail worth hiking, but the latter doesn't provide much of a physical challenge because it's short and flat.

Those who want to push their limits should try Moore's Hill Trail.

This trail traverses the exterior of the park and includes hills (duh) and dense forest. Moore's Hill Trail takes about an hour to complete and will make you break out in a sweat.

One of the neater attractions on the trail is the Hartman Kilns site.

The Hartman site has this less-than-glamorous kiln. Even though
it's creepy, the kiln still manages to grab your attention.

If you aren't paying close attention, you might miss it. The site is just off the trail but deep enough in the woods that dense foliage obscures it.

What makes the site special is a lone kiln resembling the ones at the Blair Limestone Co. site. This one, however, is dark and damp because it has a concrete roof.

It looks foreboding. When I came across it, I cautiously peaked inside expecting to find a body or Bigfoot, but was relieved to find nothing of the sort.

After awhile, I opted to leave because I couldn't shake the eerie feeling the kiln gave off. I'd still recommend it to anyone passing by, but make sure to have a crucifix and a jug of holy water at hand.

The Moore's Hill Trail runs parallel with Canoe Creek shortly after
you pass the Hartman Kilns site. This trail eventually hooks up
with the Mattern Trail, which brings you back to Canoe Lake.

If you're looking for a real challenge, you may want to consider hiking the Mattern Trail.

It's a multi-use trail, but it is also designated for horseback riding, which means you should be one horsepower or more to attempt it. The Mattern Trail goes to the highest point in the park at about 1,350 feet. You can see Canoe Lake in its entirety from that height.

This trail isn't meant for novice hikers, though. At some points, you climb uphill at what is at least a 45- or 50-degree angle. Even with all my hiking experience, I had to rest a few times to prevent having a stroke.

The view is worth it, and you have the chance to see some wildlife along the way. I saw a few deer that day, which was the first time I saw any in the park since I started visiting it almost a year ago. On that note, I should warn you to be cautious in these areas because most of the park is open to hunting during hunting seasons. My advice: Leave your antler hat at home.

Canoe Creek offers some other activities not in the woods or water, as well. The field between the parking lot and the lake has a baseball field and a volleyball court. There is also disc golf in several locations.

For those who want to relax, they can sit at a number of picnic tables near the lake and elsewhere. Many of the tables have nearby grills for cookouts. There are also three pavilions in the park for larger groups. They are free to use, but groups can also reserve them for a fee.

What makes Canoe Creek State Park great is the variety of activities visitors can engage in. The park is geared toward anyone of any age. Out of all the things I mentioned, I'm sure there's at least one activity that appeals to you. Hell, you can even read a book or sleep all day at the park, if you want. That's the beauty of Canoe Creek -- it has something for everyone. Not every state park can make that claim.

I wasn't quite sure how to end this post, so here's a turtle I saw while hiking at the
park.