Our society loves rocks. I can see why. Rock n Roll. Rock salt. Rock candy. The Paper, Scissors Rock game. Rock stars. Rockettes. Rocky movies. Sports fans cheer “We Will Rock You”. Chevy tells us their pick-up truck is “Like A Rock”.
And then there is the bible adding such imagery and strength to the rock. Go to Matthew 16:18: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” And the instructions we were given in Matthew to build our house on rock.“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it didn’t fall”.
A house of rock means quite simply building your life, your family on God. He is our rock..you will not fall.
It’s no wonder that I wanted to return to a place my Grandfather Blassey took me many moons ago. My mother’s family is from Olean, NY and a big attraction has always been Rock City. Rock City has been an attraction since 1890. Whoa. But that is nothing to the rocks itself that were formed 320 million years ago. The park is located on Route 16 in Olean very close to Pennsylvania.
The entrance to Rock City Park. Opened daily from May till October. $5.00 a person. $4.00 for seniors. $3.00 for kids. Age 5 and under are free.As you pull into the drive way there are all these great signs to greet you.As soon as the hike began, we came upon Fat Mans Squeeze. OK folks. It’s a narrow path. Better suck your tummy in.See what I mean. Narrow. But really…you can fit. No one has ever gotten stuck except for the Jolly Green Giant. At least that is what my grandpa use to tell me.My hiking buddy today was Caroline! No words can describe the depth of love this mother has for her daughter here.This is a 1,000 ton boulder balancing on another rock!They say the trail takes 45 minutes. Not if you stop and take pictures. Map quest also said it took an hour and 45 minutes to get there. Not if you go with us! I enjoyed going during the week. No crowds.The path itself offered some stairs but it was mostly an up and down walking path.The gift shop offered skinned rabbit fur and fox tails. Caroline did not like that. But, they do offer a large selection of the most beautiful wooded walking sticks that I have ever seen.The sign says it all.When we reached the top we were all smiles!! Caroline called me the “Hiking Bling Queen!”We are forever grateful for the kind person who left this heart made of stone in our garden. The rain indeed fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on our house, but it didn’t fall. Our home is built on rock.
Awesome! I have always admired your pioneering spirit. I love the way you would meander your way down to Florida every year, stopping to smell the roses and see the sights while we barreled our way down as quickly as we could. I need to take a lesson from your book. And I can totally relate to the love you have for your daughter. Your light is shining brighter than ever thanks to your faith and the love of a beautiful family-here and in heaven!
Rock City well throughout the late 19th century, but it did not become the attraction it is now until the 20th century. He later franchised his miniature golf concept as Tom Thumb Golf, now recognized as the nation’s first mini-golf course.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Trish. I am a poodle walker. Come along and hopefully find inspiration that I receive from my walks and simply paying attention to others here on earth.
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3 Comments
Maureen – posted on August 5, 2015 at 6:48 pm
Awesome! I have always admired your pioneering spirit. I love the way you would meander your way down to Florida every year, stopping to smell the roses and see the sights while we barreled our way down as quickly as we could. I need to take a lesson from your book. And I can totally relate to the love you have for your daughter. Your light is shining brighter than ever thanks to your faith and the love of a beautiful family-here and in heaven!
trish – posted on August 6, 2015 at 5:59 pm
Oh Maureen,
Thank you and I admire your faith. I love the thin veil between and heaven and earth.
Columbus Brueggemann – posted on September 3, 2015 at 4:18 am
Rock City well throughout the late 19th century, but it did not become the attraction it is now until the 20th century. He later franchised his miniature golf concept as Tom Thumb Golf, now recognized as the nation’s first mini-golf course.