A Night at the Museum

Approximately 350 participants invovled with the 2010 Pennsylvania Greenways Sojourn pulled into the America On Wheels (AOW) museum last Thursday afternoon for on of their final stops in a 250-mile journey that includes treks along trails such as the Ironton Rail Trail, Lehigh Canal Towpath and Delaware Canal Towpath.

The journey started last Saturday with an overnight on the battleship USS New Jersey before heading out along the Schuylkill River, Perkiomen Rail and Lehigh Gorge trails and then down the Lehigh River for a 10-mile raft trip before an overnight at AOW. Participants camped inside and outside of AOW (see picture above of the 220 pop-up tents behind the museum), enjoying the scenic views of the riverfront and a screening of “Night at the Museum” before departing for their return back to Camden and the Big J battleship.

The sojourn is conducted by the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) to draw attention and support to nationwide efforts to create more trails. According to the RTC, trails encourage healthier, more mobile lifestyles by making possible places to walk, bike and more. They develop healthier economies by promoting tourism and local businesses, and increasing property values. They support a healthier climate and environment by making active transportation a viable alternative to the automobile. They contribute to healthier, more vibrant community interaction, connecting people to the places they live, work and play.

America On Wheels is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, $3.50 for students ages 6 to 16. Children 5 and under are admitted free. For more information on the museum’s exhibits, visit their website.