One of the enjoyable aspects of riding is exploring new locations. And of course, finding sugar of some sort. Glad I could lead you to some new places.

I did go over Madisonburg Mountain and as you say it’s dark and no cell coverage. I always have a flashlight with me though I suspect the long walk would see it fail. Probably a better plan would be to pull out the space blanket and just camp for the night. Let the zombies do what they will.

Deer. They’re scary in a real way. One of these days…

Sign me up! That would be a great time.

You know, this concept of riding the Vespas in search of sugar explains a lot. No wonder riding is so enjoyable. I haven’t made it back to Mammy’s since, so now of course I’m doubly interested in heading back there at some point.

If I’m not mistaken, your trip back home that night was over Madisonburg Mountain. I have to say, traveling that stretch at night is indeed a creepy experience. I’ve done it small handful of times. On cloudy nights it is pitch black up there, and the zero cell service is disconcerting when you consider how long of a walk it would be to reach civilization. (Note to self: get a flashlight to keep in the seat.) One night in particular, I encountered deer (twice) just standing in the middle of the road, fearlessly looking at me. I came to a complete stop both times and we just stared at one another for what seemed like an eternity but was probably under 30 seconds. I don’t know if the quiet engine of the Vespa was just not enough to spook them, or if something more sinister was going on…

Thanks Brad. Nice to know I’m not alone in the otherworldly experiences.

There are some old spots here. Perhaps the most supernaturally unsettled I’ve ever felt was on a damp, misty morning at the Devils Den in the Gettysburg National Battlefield. I was all alone on a photo assignment regarding whitetail deer and found myself overcome with a strange sense of dread. Didn’t really know where I was exactly but later when the fog cleared I understood. That place in general feels inhabited with spirits. Best to visit on a sunny day.

It would be an honor to ride to old places in Pennsylvania with you. Andy, Paul and others may want to join as well. We’re a long ride from the West coast though!

A lot of people share your unease with cemeteries at night. We have an old cemetery in Boalsburg that I have passed through at night while walking the dog and have never had any issues. My wife says there’s a ghost there that she’s encountered named Henry. That was revealed while she was sitting under a tree in the graveyard one night.

Otherwise, my only unsettled feelings in cemeteries have been two — once in Watkins Glen, New York at dusk when I stumbled upon a crypt for the Rothschild family. It had an eternal flame and the words, “The family perished on the Titanic.” Felt weird there.

And the other was at a cemetery in Altoona, Pennsylvania. I was walking through the old part and came upon a sea of small headstones and markers. All children, and all had died in the influenza epidemic in 1918. It was sad to think of so many perishing like that in a small town.

Hope I never get stranded at night with the Vespa in a graveyard though. That would be scary.