The Topping cousins are heading out of town for a three day white-water rafting trip in Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania, about an hour southeast of Pittsburgh. Going on the adventure are my wife Suzanne, daughter Kiera, and son Ian; my sister Johanna and her son Elijah; cousin Gary from Maryland, his wife Eileen, and sons Kyle and Ryan; and my other cousin Karen from Connecticut (Gary's sister), her husband Alan, and their daughter Leah.

The park's website describes it as follows:

"A crown jewel of the Pennsylvania park system, Ohiopyle is situated where the slopes of Laurel Ridge clash with the Youghiogheny River. This clash has resulted in waterfalls, whitewater rapids, scenic overlooks, rock outcroppings, and a steep mountainous landscape. Combine that with a maturing forest and wildlife, and you've got a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, for all seasons." More information can be found on the website by clicking on this link Ohiopyle State Park.


Below is a panaoramic photo of the beautiful Thirty Thousand Island area in the heart of Georgian Bay on Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada. The shot was taken by my daughter Kiera while on her birthday float plane ride.