Groundhog’s Day 2014-

We were there to see Phil the Groundhog rousted out of his slumber, and taken out from his cozy stump to see his shadow amidst the brotherhood of the Inner Circle of Gobbler’s Knob.  The men were all dressed in top hats and formal attire.

Twenty four years ago (before the 1993 movie)  my sister Mary and I drove in the middle of  a foggy night to see the groundhog. I can tell you that it was a much different this trip.  Last time we just parked on the side of the road and walked up the hill to Gobbler’s Knob.  The whole event was well orchestrated and incredibly efficient, especially with the number of people coming to town.   Lots of dedicated people making a concerted effort to insure everyone’s safe and happy experience! Everyone pleasant and a festive atmosphere.  We had fun and were really glad it was rain rain and more rain instead of ice and snow snow snow!

Laura thought she’d like to go last year since it was on a weekend but it was super cold and I had an photography show opening  that weekend and it didn’t work out.  “Next year”, I said.  “Next year.”   Laura wanted to cross it off her Bucket List.

Mary came out from NYC on the train  Thursday night and Laura drove in Saturday morning from Columbus OH.

We went to bed at 8:30 PM Saturday night  and got up at 2:40 AM.

Pulled out of the driveway around 3:20AM and drove the 74 miles to Punxsutawney PA.  Not to0 much traffic but when we got there the Wal-Mart parking lot was already filled up. We were able to find a spot behind the County Market in Groundhog Plaza and walked two blocks to a McDonald’s where we got $5 round trip tickets for the bus to Gobbler’s Knob.

Just like Shuey had told us (he went last year in the bitter cold, driving his MOTORCYCLE from Niceville, Florida) it was “easy peasy.”  The crowd was estimated at 30,000 and yes, it rained on us the entire time but the temp was about 37 so no ice, no snow and none of us felt cold or miserable.  I’d wrapped the camera in a couple of plastic bags and rubber bands on the end of the lens.  At one point we were asked to all pull out our cell phones an light the place like a concert with a lighter. A fellow art teacher plays the bass fiddle in a band The Beagle Brothers and they played a few sets starting at 3AM.  Oh, the Star Spangled Banner, too.

We stopped in at County Market to buy a couple of magnets and use their nice restroom. The clerk had been there since the night before at 10:30 and her shift ended at 6AM.

School buses lined up to take Groundhog Fans to Gobbler’s Knob

On our way to the buses we saw this Groundhog Bride.  Groundhog Weddings were available but no “walk-ins”

Laura at Gobbler’s Knob

Cell phones light Gobbler’s Knob

Thirty minutes of Zambelli Fireworks in the woods was an unexpected delight.

The Beagle Brothers band

The Beagle Brothers played a few sets and the National Anthem.  Fellow art teacher Kyle on the Bass Fiddle.  Nice job!

Piles of snow and Television Trucks

Phil’s handlers belong to the Inner Circle.

Uh oh. He saw his shadow.   SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER!!!

Six more weeks of winter, he predicts.  The crowd let out a collective groan.

A fellow groundhog fan took our photo on Gobbler’s Knob

Josh  (dogmatic liveart) painted Groundhog Day right on the spot!

his palette

Groundhog fans checking their photos and messages.

Headed for the buses at Gobbler’s Knob

Groundhog Fan with Groundhog Hat

Another shot as the light increases in the sky- Laura at Gobbler’s Knob

Photographer on Gobbler’s Knob

After the Prognostication

Getting on the bus for downtown

Kids playing on piles of dirty snow

Necessary facilities

Groundhog Statues all over town!

Celebration Tent

Downtown Punxsutawney

Mr. Tom Uberti shook  my hand and welcomed me to Punxsutawney.  AKA Big Windmaker.  He graciously allowed me to “shoot him.”