The Candy Shop Tour was a success.
Ron and I met Grampa Mike promptly at 7AM at the State Hwy Garage in Frederick, Md. After a quick stop at the local WaWa store for coffee, soft drinks and breakfast we headed WB on I-70 toward Pa. The weather was not as nice it could be. Lots of clouds, some sprinkles, temps in the 60's.
During the drive, Mike and I caught up on what's been happening since last we met. Ron caught up on his beauty sleep. We arrived at Breezewood, Pa. which is pretty much a town located at the intersection of the Pa. turnpike (I-76) and I-70. For those of you who have never been there it is a junction of restaurants, gas stations and truck stops.
A short drive west on US 30 (Lincoln Hwy) found Juniata Trading gun shop. This is a well equipped sportsman shop offering a large selection of hunting, firearms, fishing and clothing needs. There is also a real estate office for those interested in purchasing local hunting/vacation land.
We continued west on US 30 to the junction of PA Rt 36. This is a scenic road that winds its way north through a valley with scenic views of mountains to the left and right. We began to see the signs of autumn with the beginning of the fall colors making their appearance.
After approximately 30 minutes we reached Fredericks Gun shop. A quaint tradional shop surrounded by farmland. Visitors at Fredericks are immeadiatly greeted by a welcoming committee: a very friendly tomcat who loves to have his belly scratched (and is not afraid to let you know that you have not finished scratching until he is ready for you to be finished!) and a friendly and beautiful blue eyed Husky who is quite photogenic. Visitors to Fredericks are warmly greeted by a very kind and knowledgable lady. The shop is well equipped with muzzleloading supplies, reloading equipment and ammo. There is also a small, but adequate, clothing section and a decent selection of firearms. I picked up bag of bulk 50 gr. .223 bullets and a set of rimfire scope rings.
Next we continued on Rt 36 toward Altoona. Nearing Duncansville, we stopped at a Sheetz store to re-fill our soft drink and coffee cups. There are two stops in D-ville: East Coast gun shop and Allegheny Trading. East Caost is a modern style shop located in a large aluminum building postioned in the middle of a residential community. Allegheny is five minutes away on a well travelled road and is a converted early 20th century house. Both are unique and well stocked.
It was nearing lunch and our stomach's were reminding us of that. We located a Hoss' Steak House nearby (imagine that) and enjoyed a hearty lunch.
After lunch we travelled north on I-99 through Altoona. Altoona is an old railroad city that seems to be positioned in two valleys sparated by small mountain range that splits the town lengthways. At this point of our trip we began encountering moderate to heavy rain along with fog that prevented many photo op's. We drove north on I-99 (along with many Penn State football fans on their way the Happy Valley. Sorry Lions fan's.) to the town of Tyrone. Here we picked up Rt 453 and followed it northwest across a few mountains and through some very beautiful country. At one point we happened across a flock of turkeys in the brush along the road side and attempted to get a photo however the photo did not turn out, probably due to the rain and fog.
Rt 453 led us to Rt 153 which took us to the town of Clearfield and our destination. First stopping at Grice Guns. We spent some time looking over the hundreds of guns on display. Mike decided he needed a Stevens 200 in 7MM-08. I found a used Savage 110 in .308 that I liked. Ron was just happy fondling everything (firearms!) that he could. We talked Mike into holding off on his purchase until we checked out Bob's Army/Navy store a couple blocks away. We were glad he did ... he was able to purchase the Stevens for $10 less that at Grice. He also picked up a 4X scope. I grabbed a couple boxes of 165 gr Core Loct 30-06 rounds. Ron found a pair of military boots for his step-son, who is a member of the Civil Air Patrol.
There is also a gun shop just outside of town (the name slip's by me). We stopped there, but didn't see anything that caught our eye. I decided to return to Grice and discuss a potential deal on the Savage .308. They were unwilling to do anything. Already having a Rem 788 and a Stevens 200 in .308, I decided I didn't need it bad enough, so I walked. After spending a couple hours in Clearfield we headed back toward Frederick. I was a nice relaxing drive in the rain (at times heavy rain!). We arrived back at approximately 7:30 PM. We chatted for a moment or two at the Highway garage lot then departed.
Totals: 376 miles roundtrip from Frederick, Md.
12 1/2 hours
However, Mike drove 160 miles round trip to Frederick from his home in Virginia. That equates to 536 miles and over 15 1/2 hours! Mike, YOU ARE THE MAN!
We had a wonderful day. Mike and Ron are two excellent fellows who each know a great deal about guns and are pleasant to be around. One couldn't ask for better company for an all day event. Ron and I have been friends for over twenty years. Mike and I did our first Candy Shop Tour over four years ago. This is our third and second with Ron. I look forward to the next time.
Frederick, Md Highway Garage:
Breezewood, Pa.
Breezewood, Pa.
Juniata Trading, Everett, Pa.
US Rt 30 Looking West, Everett, Pa.
Fredericks Gun Shop
Grampa Mike and the watch Husky. Fredericks Gun Shop
Hoss' Steak House, Duncansville, Pa.
