The tiny town of Coudersport feels insulated from the rest of the world. Tucked between the mountains and the Allegheny Forest, it is the type of place where the locals all know each other and instantly trust everyone, even strangers from out of town. They leave their cars unlocked and a money box next to a pile of firewood, sure people will follow the honor code. I’m sure there is someway to get news from the outside world, but the areas we frequented did not have cable, reliable wifi, or AT&T coverage. According to census data, there is only 5.7 square miles of land in Coudersport and approximately 2400 residents. They can easily rattle off the names of the four residents in the county who have tested positive for the Coronavirus and know the source for their infections (two were travel, two were direct family members). I will admit that I didn’t really miss hearing the news and the total break from it healed my soul a little.
After being stranded for a week and a half, I was a bit stir crazy. I didn’t have a chance to download any books before leaving and we had already re-watched the few non-kid movies in our collection during quarantine, so the selection of activities were limited. I was also in the early stages of my foot injury, so taking leisurely walks and long bike rides were out. I don’t have the best track record with relaxing, so trying to figure out what to do with myself was a struggle.
A trip ”in” to town was just what the doctor ordered. We immediately saw the sign on the movie theater; however, it felt like it was an announcement that the entire town was closed until further notice.
Next, we drove by the courthouse where we saw some of the sherrif departments’ vehicles. For some reason, we couldn’t stop laughing over the sheriff of God’s county. We also drove by some great looking establishments like this one. Please don’t confuse this with the Outback Steakhouse. Instead, it is the Steakhouse that is outback, like behind the building.
While just a brief and unplanned stop on our adventure, this was definitely an ”Unknown” place.