Second Day of Pennsylvania Trip-Fishing at Sparks Farm

(August 1, 2008) Friday was another busy day as The Sharp men began the day fishing at Sparks Farm on the Juniata River in Everett, PA, while the women went running/walking at The University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown track. My dad has been fishing at the Spark's farm with his family for over 60 years, and the tradition has passed on to Kyle and I, and now it has been passed on to Christian. Before making the trek down PA 56, we stopped at Sheetz Convenience Store to stock up on sandwiches and drinks. On our way in to Spark's Farm, we stopped at the top of the hill, officially known as Hoot Owl Summitt. We know it better as "Pee Hill", and did as the name says. :o) When we arrived at the farm, we were greeted by Jack Sparks, the son of Mr. Sparks who used to let my Pap Pap (Dad's father) fish there with his family when my dad was a child. We got a tour of the Spark's house and dad and Jack reminisced about old times there. Mr Sparks had a few chores to tend to so we headed down to the river to carry on the Sharp tradition. Dad had purchased fishing poles and night crawlers the day before, so along with our purchases from Sheetz, we were ready to catch lots of fish! Something must have been wrong with my fishing rod, because Kyle and Christian had caught over 10 fish before I caught my first one. Christian caught 3 fish (2 on Kyle's pole I believe). Christian and I ate lunch as Christian had his fill of fishing for the day. Dad and Kyle headed downstream to "sunfish hole" to try their luck. After about an hour, Kyle and Dad headed back and joined Christian and I for lunch. We then took a tour of the Spark's Farm. Dad headed back to the van as Kyle, Christian and I walked up the road "to see what we could see". Dad went back, picked up the van, and picked us up. We made another stop at Pee Hill and stopped at a rock formation near the exit for what is now another Sharp tradition; placing coins between the cracks. Dad and Kyle have done this for several years, and now Christian joined in on the tradition. Overall it was a great day. As Dad says: "It never rains at Sparks!"

CLICK HERE to view the pictures