April 27, 2007
The Wailer is No Whale-Tale!
Wissahickon Park offers myriad treasures for Philadelphians who feel the call of the wild but don’t have time for a trip out of the city. Hiking trails, swimming holes, millions of chipmunks, and… the Wissahickon Wailer.
A city with this much history is bound to be brimming with stories of the paranormal. Ben Franklin still wanders Old City, and Independence Hall hosts posthumous political debates, according to Philadelphia Ghost Tours. But in the distance, from the trees, you can hear the cries of someone altogether different. According to some, it’s the spirit of Thomas Livezey, who owned the Valley Green Inn until 1873, trying to reclaim his homestead. Others suggest the sounds are more likely the regrets of an ill-fated swimmer. Or maybe it’s just local pranksters keeping the legend alive.
All possibilities aside, there is no doubting that the erratic moans of the Wailer have added flavor to late-night walks and bonfires in this massive Philadelphia park for decades!
Philadelphia Ghost Tours
www.ghosttour.com
Friends of the Wissahickon
www.fow.org
(no responses)
April 27, 2007, 9:04 am
Mariana says:
Support the Wissahickon at the Rally in the Valley this weekend.
On April 28th, 2007, The Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association, with the cooperation of the Fairmount Park Commission and the Friends of the Wissahickon, is hosting a mountain bike ride event.
The Rally in the Valley is not a race, but a fun ride at your own pace through the beautiful and challenging Wissahickon Valley Park to support a great cause.
There will be 3 marked courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. There will also be a kids area and a few obstacles for all riders to try their skill.
Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Friends of the Wissahickon to support their ongoing effort to repair, maintain and rebuild the trails, as well as to benefit the long-term goal to redesign many existing unsustainable trails and bring them up to sustainable standards.
*Registration for the event will start at 8am and close at 10:30am.
* Riders can proceed onto courses at their leisure.
* Prizes from the sponsors will be raffled away starting at 1pm. All paying participants have a great chance to win biking swag. There is lots and lots of stuff to give away!!!!
* Helmets are mandatory for all participants.
*Registration is at Northwestern Ave. entrance to park, right off Germantown Ave. in Lafayette Hill, close to Chestnut Hill College. Google Map “W Northwestern Ave, 19118″
Donation is $20 for adults, kids 12 and under are free with paying adult.
April 27, 2007, 9:04 am
Caroline says:
I’m so glad you used “myriad” correctly. It’s not “a myriad.” Just a little pet peeve.
April 27, 2007, 9:04 am
MC says:
Caroline, myriad can be used as either an adjective or a noun. In fact, usage of myriad as a noun is traced back to 1555, as opposed to 1791 for adjectival usage.
As usual, there are myriad complexities involving a myraid of English-language words.
April 27, 2007, 9:04 am
Caroline says:
Thank you for pointing that out! See? There are a myriad of kind people who love English.
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