A few months ago I was looking for directions on Mapquest. Yes, I still use Mapquest, even though a number of people have moved on to bigger and better things. When I figure out how to navigate through a 3D rendered map, I'll switch to something too, but for now, Mapquest is fine by me. As a matter of fact, I often enjoy their wrong directions. They get you to the vicinity of where you want to go, but not all the way there. It gives you a little dash of challenge in your trip, and that's the exciting part.

While I was getting directions I noticed a town with a funny name. I'd tell you what it was, but I forget. I decided to look for more funny-named towns in the area-- it could be a new series on the site, "Pete Visits Funny-Named Towns in PA." I had to work on the name, but the concept was novel. So I got a list together. I don't know what happened to the list. I shared the plan though, and I took my first trip to Shakespeare Club, PA, a few months ago. It was a fun trip. We passed through Bloomsburg and burned some time there, then ended up in the middle of the woods in a state park. Shakespeare Club was not to be found. Only Amish with cars, deep pits off of cliffs, snow, and sings to Jersey Shore. The destination was very anti-climactic for me.

I decided not to let it get me down though-- you can't keep a good man down, and I'm good. So over the weekend I decided that it was time for trip number two. This would be less risky, as Ruggles, PA, is only a half-hour away, opposed to the two-hour Shakespeare Club trip. I washed the car, gassed it up, and went off for adventure-- this time on my own.

The trip was no crazy time, I recognized most of the sights in the Back Mountain of NEPA from trips to the Priebe house, county fairs with Karen, and terrible, terrible, terrible memories of the only time I was made physically ill by a human being. But guess what? Gas is six cents cheaper in the Back Mountain-- "And with the price of gas going through the f--king roof, that's a deal." I did notice some new stores though!

	Marissa loves Pizza L'Oven-- and how can she not? They have Pizzae Very Day! And I just though Sushi Go Go! was funny, but what do I know, right?
	And this joke is really just too easy, but I'll make it: Salon and Day Spa, or Speedy Circumcision store?

When I got through the stores and all that jazz, I noticed a sign for Harveys Lake (not possessive). I was glad to be going through the area, as I've heard it is nice, but had never been. Boy was I missing out. It was almost like I was in Ocean City, NJ, Jr. It was cozy and quaint. People were actually outside doing things. It looked nothing like Northeastern PA. I was truly amazed that something so nice could exist up here. Most things are so dark and dank, but maybe it's because this lake is sucking up all the beauty. I took a picture or two, but it did it no justice.

I took this one so Greg knows where to become a cop. They have a little make-it-yourself garage for the cop cars-- awesome!	This is Harveys Lake-- it's actually pretty and in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Shocking!

I went around the lake, simply amazed by the sights. My jaw was seriously dropped. My directions told me to turn right onto Noxen Road, I think. When I turned right, I was back in NEPA. A rusted out shed behind a rusted out fence stretched down one side of the road and a trailer park was a little way down. I reached the end of my directions and I was shocked (again). No signs for Ruggles! No little signs, no big signs, no Ruggles Diner, no Ruggles Rod and Gun Club-- nothing. I was distraught. I drove five miles in each direction (which put me in other towns) and found nothing. I pulled over to collect my thoughts and I ended up in a marshy field. As I panicked and gassed, kicking up mud and dirt, I feared a farmer coming to shoot at my car.

When I escaped, I drove back to the crossroads that Mapquest took me to. My car was very dirty. If you remember, I just cleaned it. Oh well though. Back at the crossroads, I pulled off and took a picture, climbed back in the car, and went on home.

(top) yes-- that's THE tim carroll (not THE son, but the dad). my only criticism is that this sign is in the middle of nowhere. (right) that's me, in my huey lewis shirt and big, cooking-oil stained pants. the things I do for tasty potatoes. the sign you see behind me is the crossraods that is the beginning, ending, and middle of Ruggles

I took the long way home through Kingston, contemplating life, love, drama, mystery, miracles, beauty, and all things lovely. I also had a great soundtrack that made me want to stay in the car (from MC Paul B to Pepe Deluxe). The last part of my trip was through Kirby Park, which led me to the last funny picture I got.

what's funnier than an old man on a motorcycle? an old woman on the back, in a dazzling white coat.

So my trip, again, was not a total loss, but the destination was another bust. One day I will find a funny-named town and get my picture with the town sign. The website peanut gallery say to go to Intercourse and Blue Balls, but I'm not standing in line with a bunch of frat boys for a photo op. That's not what we're all about here. We think Ruggles is funnier that Blue Balls. Ruggles. Maybe I'll name my dog that some day. Then you can visit Ruggles and actually find it.