Lost and Found

Walking the other day and found this on our property. If you lost it and would like it back contact me. It still works fine. I am thinking someone lost it over deer season. Mountain Girl, Paula logging out.

Twas the day before Christmas

Twas the day before Christmas as we walked to Leetonia and something just wasn't quite right. Not a flake to be found or ice on the ground just the sound of the creek to be heard. Now this is not common, but not so unheard to see not a soul just a bird. And as we shed our coats as we walked through along we wondered if Santa would know. Don't look for the snow or the ice here below cause we're skipping winter this year. The animals all said they didn't mind it at all and thought it was the best gift they've been given.  Easy walking and eating through the woods for the critters would be like a treat or treat for Christmas this year.


It was in the 60's as Lee and I walked from our house to Leetonia and back. Enjoy the pictures of your favorite place in the middle of the big woods. You may have to click on the pictures to see the entire picture. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Fall Color and Poisonous Canadian Caterpillar spotted.

Hickory-tussock moth

The colors are just starting to look good this weekend and should come to a high point sometime during the next week. Also on a more alarming note I spotted a couple of these caterpillars from Canada. At first thinking is was some sort of albino caterpillar until I found out they are poisonous. Do not pick one up if you see it. See  video report. These little guys can give a rash or worse. Let the kids know cause they love to pick up any crawly thing they see. Enjoy the great weather and color. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Let the Leaves begin

Every year about this time you can see bus loads of people coming up highway 15. They have a singular purpose to see the woods all dressed up in its finest glory before winter arrives. This is the time of apple cider and pumpkins. It has always been a time we cherish every warm day that comes our way because we know what is a head.  For Lee and I the past 13 years it has been a time of making sure we had enough firewood stacked to make it through the winter. And every Fall with the porches full I always felt rich. This year it will be different for us as we will not spend the winter in my most favorite place on earth. Instead, my home will become like so many others drained and cold through the winter. This was a hard decision for me as my work now is not close to the cabin but a hour away in Wellsboro.  The challenges of winter driving when you have a 8 am - 4 pm job daily did not align with staying at our home in Leetonia. But like the leaves who will soon drop we will be back again in the Spring.
What this means for many of you who depend on my winter road reports are that they will no longer exist. Also the road to our house will no longer be plowed. So it will return to a snowmobile trail and those who choose to drive will be going at the risk of getting stuck without an outpost of help. As with all things there are cycles. I will continue to write this blog as long as possible this Fall. And if any of you going up want to contribute email me and I will be glad to write it up. I will count on my extra eyes in the woods to keep track of things. Mountain girl, Paula logging off.

Chimney Rock View of the World

Hunter(my nephew) pretending to fall.

Chimney rock is known only to the few who have dared climb the mountain to stand on it. As you are driving south on 414 just about 1/3 of a mile before you get to the Cedar Run Creek bridge if you look carefully on the side of the mountain you will see a outcropping of rock shaped like a chimney. It is easier to see when the leaves have fallen. The climb is treacherous, steep slope of loose rocks varying from about a 30 degree slope to close to a 60 degree slope. It can take a good hour to get to the top unless you are in excellent shape.  It is sort of a blind climb as you can not really see the rock as you are climbing. I like having a rope not so much for the way up, but for the way down to keep from going too fast down. The pictures were taken a few years back when my nephew was a bit younger than now. Also as you can see it keeps brave children from causing their aunt to be a bit nervous when they are close to the edge. Don't climb when wet or icy or you may not come back in one piece...although I know a person who if they read this know who they are that climbed in multiple times on New Years Eve. I would say don't ever do that. Climb on a cooler day as it will take all of your strength and the heat will add to the difficulty.

Once you get to the top the world is yours. You feel like you are flying over Pine Creek. You can see Cedar Run below you and if you are brave enough to be at the edge there isn't anything that matches the quiet breeze and view. I often felt like an eagle soaring so much that you think you could step off and fly with them. But don't do that either unless you suddenly sprout wings you will only have a few seconds to enjoy the view. I am feeling it is time for another trip up there soon when the weather cools and I have a good supply of water for the climb. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Hunter and his sister Abbey point to Chimney Rock

Top of Chimney Rock...Hunter

Creek Walking and Perspective

Buck Run

Buck Run water path

Water garden

Elk Run Vista

When I was a kid(a few years before they had water shoes), I used to walk a mile down Buck Run in my tennis shoes. I would try to spot the elusive native trout and look for interesting rocks. A special rock would already be shaped like an animal or arrow head anything that caught my eye. I would imagine being an Indian Scout looking for food or traveling a long distance in an unknown land. In places where the hemlock branches overhang the creek it can form a dark tunnel and you often feel like you are in another land. The pools of water that form in areas where large flat rocks lay make you feel like you had your own secret swimming area. It was always cool on those creek walks even on the hottest days the spring fed creek was cold enough to give your feet a little shock when you first stepped in. And of course for the unknowing visitor, whom we liked to trick, we would beckon them to jump into the pool on a hot day delighting in seeing the shock on their face when the cold water covered them.

The creek has many hidden surprises from the small water plants like mint, when you step on it the mint smell fills your nose, to the moss covered rocks that appear like carpeting until you step on them wrong and find out they are more like a slip and slide as they take you to your knees or worse. As a child I rarely fell.  I walked down the creek like a water bug jumping from one rock to another. At 62, I find I judge the rocks and steps carefully testing for sturdiness and slipperiness. In my head I am still the limber youth running in the creek dashing from rock to rock. I remember as soon as my feet walk through the cold water again and  I enter the unknown land. The joy of discovery of what is just around the corner will never leave me even if it takes a bit longer to go around the corner.

The water this time of year is running low and is the best time to creek walk. You can go places that would in high water be impossible. You can find trees whose roots are clinging to the sides of the cliffs and incredible rock outcroppings, and rocks as large as cars that have been effortlessly moved by mother nature during high water. There are numerous flat rocks to skip across the pools large and small. You can follow a creek to its origin and see where everything starts or you can follow it downstream and end up in larger and larger creek until you are at Pine Creek or even an ocean for the very dedicated.

We live in a wonderful time when we can use google maps to see the crevices carved in the mountains that our streams come from and see how they are connected. This can be a wonderful way to choose a creek to walk or just walk up to one and introduce yourself and start the journey. You can never be lost walking a creek as long as you don't leave it you can follow it back to where you started. When lost in the woods it is an excellent way to find your way out. Follow it downstream until it gets bigger it will eventually lead you to a road or civilization. It is easy to follow even in the dark. I learned this a child of about 11. I walked into the woods a little too far away from my grandfather and made a wrong turn. It was getting dark so I ran to get out faster. I ran the wrong way. It was only until I stopped and followed the creek I found my way out. Even a young child can navigate this way and it is a good skill to know.

My last picture is a view off Elk Run seems in contrast from being in the creek but you can see mountain after mountain that when it rains all drain into the wonderland I call my creek wonderland. It takes you from the perspective of the small creek plant in a small creek to seeing many mountains with creeks. My grandmother used to scold me for ruining my tennis shoes walking the creeks of the forest. Now with my water shoes on, I don't have to ruin a pair of sneakers to go for a walk in the cool creeks of Tioga Forest. Join me you will be glad you did. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Cedar Run Swimming Danger Alert

Cedar Run Swimming Rock Before

Cedar Run Swimming Rock 

Thanks to Lori-Jo Stoner for this update from Cedar Run. The first picture was taken of myself and grandson in 2006. The part to the left of my leg as you are looking at the picture is now gone.  A large tree smashed into the swimming rock when we had high water. It has broken off two large sharp stones which are right in the area most swimmers jump. Look closely before you jump to avoid injury. Mountain girl, Paula, safety alert.

Wet 4th of July

Pine Creek from Cedar Run Creek Bridge

Water rushing down small stream on Leetonia Rd.

To see video you will have to go direct to blog and not read from email. Here are the results of a lot of rain coming quickly down this morning on soaked ground. Pine Creek made it up to 5.5 feet at around noon. The Stoners on Pine Creek reported to me they just saw someone floating by yelling holding on to a kayak. Another person in a kayak was following telling them to just let the kayak go. My experience with Pine creek is that anything above 4 foot is for expert paddlers, 3-4 foot is for a good paddler and below 3 anyone can give it a try.  Below 2' best not go far with a boat a tube is really about all that will float that low. Above 6 foot is for fools as usually large trees are floating down with you and dodging debris can be more than a challenge. My rule is if it is chocolate colored...I stay out. It is dropping fast and by tomorrow should be safe again for most causal boaters and swimmers. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Mange Bear in Leetonia

Bear with Mange looking in the Tannery window

John from the Tannery sent me his Mangey Bear picture. As you can see the poor thing looks more like an alien species than a bear. He took this picture when the bear was looking in the kitchen window hoping they would share some of that good smelling bacon. Bears like this if not treated will die when the cold weather comes. If you see one contact the Fish and Game Warden and see if they will trap and treat it. Since mange is very contagious to other bears(it is spread by a small mite that burrows into the hair foliace) controlling this on the bears helps other bears as well. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

4th of July in Leetonia

Ferns on Leetonia Rd

Lee Mowing near Township mower

Ruins officially becomes the Tannery

There are a lot of people up to their camps this weekend. It is a big weekend for picnics and outdoor fun. Mother Nature cooperated on the 3rd, but the fourth looks like a chance of rain again. The rain has been so consistent that it has been hard to keep up with the mowing. It seems the sunny days are only for mowing the grass that has burst up from all the rain then it is back to rain. The township parked their mower in our yard for over the weekend as they too have been working on brush chopping the sides of the road. Next week they are closing Leetonia road going South of Leetonia for a couple days to repair a couple of culvert pipes under the road between Leetonia and Fahneystock.  The forest is so green in comparison to winter time it almost feels closed in this year...like living in a cave of green.

The old Ruins Camp is officially changed names to "The Tannery". They posted a very nice sign in front showing the old tannery. So from now on I will only refer to it as the Tannery. According to John at the Tannery, Snagglenose is still around and so is a smaller bear who is very much covered in mange. John thinks it is a second year cub. It made a disturbing look into his kitchen window while they were cooking bacon. The poor thing's entire face and ears were bald and most of its chest. Mange is very spreadable to other bears and the State tries to catch the ones with Mange and treat them or put them under if they have lost more than 50% of their hair. Mange is a cruel death when winter comes as the bears can not stay warm and will end up dying. Here is link to page with Mange bear's picture. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Memorial Day Leetonia

Leetonia Cemetery Memorial Day 2015

Memorial weekend is always a big weekend for people coming to their camp. It is also a day when a special tradition takes place. The graveyard in Leetonia has fresh flags today including the ones on those who served in the military the last one being a Campbell in World War 1. Mick and Alice used to do the job of placing the flags each year. I have to be honest that I am not sure who has taken over this honoring of our veterans in the small out of the way place in Leetonia. I am sure someone knows and if they want their name mentioned let me know and I will be glad to do it. This day we remember even in the mountain ghost town of Leetonia. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

That Dam Thing

Austin Dam Ruins

Austin Dam Ruins

Memorial Plaque

Yesterday we were at a wedding for some friends at Austin Dam. I have driven by it several times on 872, but never entered the park. The Memorial Park opening is quite a distance before the dam on the right as you are heading south from Coudersport to Austin. The road to it is rough, narrow and feels more like a donkey trail than a road. Just about the time you sure you are lost it will appear at first on the left from above. It is definitely worth the trip to see what mere water is able to do. It cut through and moved these large concrete structures like they were pebbles and killed 78 people in the process who names are on the plaque below the dam. The dam was never rebuilt and the town now remains small compared to what it was during the flood.

Newpaper article click to read.

Inside of dam before flood

Business destroyed

Not much left standing

Lumber Museum Grand Reopening

5660 US Route 6 West, Ulysses, PA 16948
(814) 435-2652 (phone)

Looking for something free and fun. 

The Grand reopening of the visitor Center will be held on Friday May 15th and Saturday May 16th.
Public is invited to Attend. Some of Leetonia's history is there.

Spring has sprung in Leetonia as well. The leaves are coming out after fighting a little frost on Wednesday night. Mountain girls have been cleaning up and sorting through a lot of stuff. We are selling our Fleetwood Southwind 35' Motorhome we got just last year as my job changed so I don't have summer's off. Follow the link if you are interested. I hate to sell it after I worked so much on it last year, but don't want it sitting doing nothing. 
A lot of turkey hunters have been out trying there luck with Spring Gobbler, but I think the turkeys might be confused as to whether it is Spring, Winter or Summer depending on which day. We have had temperatures from 28 this Wednesday to 85. Oh, the joy of whiplash weather. So come prepared with layers, you never know what will happen. Mountain girl, Paula logging out.

Snaggle Nose lives on

Snaggle Nose taken by John Schilken over the weekend

Snaggle Nose appears to have come through the winter quite well. It seems he is boasting at least 500lbs of weight. He hung around the old ruins camp for about 6 hours and they got quite a few pictures of him. He is in no mood to move fast and doesn't feel at all threatened by much in the woods including people. Last year we noticed the other bears ran off when he showed up and he is even bigger now. Even with half his nose bit off he is still a formidable opponent for any other bear male.

It couldn't have been a more perfect weekend with temperatures in the mid 60's the first weekend of trout season was pleasant for all. It gave me some time to take a walk and check out the pond in back full of water from the melt off. The woods however, is quite dry and it was windy enough there were grass fire warnings. All week in town the sirens have been blowing chasing one small fire after another. It don't take long for the wind to whip a small fire out of control.

We are glad to have made it through a hard Leetonia winter and happier than most to see Springs and the warm weather. Lee and I got the screens up on the front porch to keep the barn swallows from building nest and the bugs to a minimum while we sit on the porch glider and enjoy the songs of birds once again enjoying the mountains of Leetonia. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Mud, potholes, water and beauty

Water Fall along Leetonia Rd.

Rock Slide 414 near Cedar Run Creek Bridge

I traveled up from Cedar Run tonight in 2-wheel drive. If you have a car you love and would be upset if it hit a pothole or got muddy don't come up yet. Otherwise it is quite drive able. This time of year you have to watch out for rocks falling as the weather warms and the rain comes down. The second picture shows them clearing the road near the Cedar Run Creek Bridge on 414. I had to wait a bit before I could get by. The rocks as large as the ones they are moving could kill more than your car. The smaller rocks are sharp and play whack a mole on your tires.

The combination of the rain and snow melt has popped Pine Creek up over 6 foot a few times and it is still running high for the skilled boat person this is the time they love. I myself like it from 2-4 feet 6 sort of scares me. The sound of the creeks rushing and the beautiful falls this time a year makes the drive up the back roads worth the torture to your vehicle. This weekend I am opening up one of the camps and praying that the well will start as our ground frost is still pretty deep. Next weekend is the opening to trout season so many a Leetonia Fisherman will be stalking the streams. The weather is supposed to be in the 60's over the weekend and I am loving that. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Road Conditions for the weekend

Just an update on Leetonia Rd. coming up from Cedar Run. The road is 75% melted. The stretches that are ice run 1/4 to 1/2 mile long. The two sections of narrow road right before Leetonia is one of those. I came up without chains as it was raining and warm. I traveled slow in four-wheel drive through the icy sections and was fine. However during times the temperatures drop below freezing these areas could become very slick and hazardous. On a mountain girl scale of 1-10(10 being forget it, 1 being flat-lander safe) today with above freezing weather. I give it a four. I still recommend having chains with you for weather changes and four-wheel drive is the best. From Leetonia up to our place it is icy under the trees to Micks old place. Then the last mile to our house is the deepest of all the slush ice anywhere. After our place you are home free if you stay on Leetonia Rd. Just remember sides of the mountain the sun don't hit are still going to have ice and snow.
Tuesday we got 5 inches of snow. I didn't want to post anymore snow pictures so look at the last two posts if you want to remember what snow looks like. Most of that snow melted in the 55 degree weather today up top and the 65 degree day in Wellsboro. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out and hoping Spring comes and stays.

Spring has run away

More snow and cold

Does anyone know where the Spring has gone? We are in the single digits again this morning and got an extra inch of snow added to the pile that still hangs on the mountain. It is getting harder to believe that Spring is here when you wake up to 6 degrees. The forecast for next week isn't so grim. Somehow today it is supposed to get in the 40's and by the end of the week we are to touch 60. Please mother nature don't be lying to me. You have tempted me in the past to believe that Spring was here only to sprinkle me with more snow and turn my play ground into a freezer.

Everyone is counting the minutes until we can again move freely outside without heavy coats and boats. The summer birds are already here singing anytime it gets above freezing trying to lure Spring into making a comeback. The difference between up here and Wellsboro is as usual very significant. You would never guess there is any snow and ice here when you see mostly bare ground down there. I caution everyone not to drive on the unplowed roads without having chains with you. There is still a lot of ice and snow on North Face roads. The Sun is peaking through the bare trees as I write these words hovered over a heater. Let the warm up begin! Mountain girl, Paula logging out.

Spring Equinox Snow...Leetonia's March Madness!

Spring Snow

The Robins have been out and many summer birds are coming back. I am sure they saying to themselves, "What was I thinking coming back here today".Oh yes, you read it right we got snow today a solid 4 inches of very wet snow. I was the first to drive up the mountain in the fresh snow and believe it or not that is the road in front of me. It can be hard to see the edges of the road when it is white and no one has gone before you.  The good news is we don't have 3 months of winter ahead of us. This will melt quickly and in a couple weeks the road will be opened to all. I am still not recommending a trip on any of the unplowed roads as many still have some deep spots on them. So March madness continues in Leetonia the see-saw of Winter vs Spring, snow vs mud. Just remember the beginning of trout season is a short three weeks away. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

ROAD UPDATE: ELK TOWNSHIP PLOWED LEETONIA RD DOWN TO THE MORRIS TWP LINE THAT IS RIGHT BEFORE MINE HOLE ROAD. THEY DID NOT CINDER AND CAUTION THAT THERE ARE STILL MANY ICE SPOTS, BUT THE DEEP SNOW IS GONE ON THAT PART OF ROAD.

Maple time only in PA

Maple Syrup time in the cemetery

Just when you think you seen it all. I found these maple trees scattered in the cemetery all being tapped. I wonder if the syrup is a bit sweeter there? It might depend on who is buried near the tree. Maple syrup time is in full swing and so is melting time. It rained this morning and we are now officially half mud and half snow/slush. Don't even think about traveling any unplowed road in the State Forest. Everything on the south side of the mountains has melted and everything on North side is still more than a foot deep.
The warm weather has brought the Turkeys out. This has made the little chihuahua quite happy as he missed being able to roll in fresh turkey poop. Shortly, after his bath his turned himself green rolling. Lee was not happy to repeat his bath.
We all have enjoyed temperatures as high as 50 degrees this week. Attitudes improve greatly with the warming of the weather and the longer light times. My wood pile is disappearing much slower and the cart of wood last 2 days instead of a half day. I got to spend a short time sitting on the porch in the sun this week the first time since Fall. I will let you all know when the roads are plowed. If you attempt to drive up before then good luck...you will need it. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out

Spring forward?

Skiing down Leetonia Rd

Leetonia Rd south of house

Intersection Leetonia Road Cedar Mtn Rd. looking down Cedar Mtn Rd.

The time changed last night but alas the roads are holding fast with snow. The next few weeks will be the most difficult time to travel any unplowed roads in the State Forest. Bare spots often lull people into thinking all is okay until they travel just far enough up the road to be stuck. The roads will be plowed open by April 15th and I would highly recommend waiting until they are plowed to attempt traveling down any unplowed roads without a snowmobile.

I cross-country skied down Leetonia Road a mile to the intersection of Cedar Mtn Road this morning. You could hear the sound of the snow melting and gurgling down the creeks. Our house is a great place to live if you like skiing or snowmobiling as you just walk out the door and go. It was quiet out as I saw not one snowmobile. Scooter went with me and was happy for the 32 degrees and a nice walk. We flushed up a couple of grouse in the pines on our way down the hill. The places the snowmobile grader has gone are nice and flat compared to the short mile I traveled full of humps and bumps. Last week gave us more snow and some nasty -18 weather. This week promises temperatures in the 40's and renews a hope that Spring is just around the corner. I enjoy the fact the day light hours are now a bit longer that with a combination of the time change will allow a lot more light at the end of a work day.  

I am looking forward to seeing some other colors beside white and grey. I know the trees are anxious to start growing once again as well. Taps are in the maple trees and the sap is flowing on these above freezing days. The Maple festivals will be in full bloom by the third week of March. The sap bring syrup and life to the trees to again embrace a time of growing and warmth. I love the beauty of winter but I will not miss the sting of its cold air. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

The Never Ending Winter

Snowmobiles finding plowed road

Multiple snowmobile turn arounds

last of front porch wood

Well today is the last of February and the wood on the front porch has made it through the cold weather as Lee predicated. We still have wood on the back porch for what should be the down side of winter the next few months. Although, the official end of Winter is March 21st the end of using firewood often does not come until May. We have had many below zero temperatures this winter and are hoping this morning's -12 is the last of them. Unlike the winter of 2012 when winter never showed this winter and last has had cold temperatures driving the depth of frost deep.  Last year there was still ice on the ground in April and I had a hard time getting water to start in two of the camps I take care of. This year is more of the same. We are very much hoping for the above freezing temperatures promised for next week although that will lead to the dreaded melting March combo's of mud, ice, rain, snow and whatever mother nature can think of.

For those of you thinking of driving your regular vehicle through the State Forest I would advise against it for now. No one will pull you out and it will be April before the road is plowed again. When the weather gets above freezing the nice packed snow you might have driven on will become a deep wet snow trap. One winter Lee and I spent 4 hours making the trip from Cedar Run up to the house and I walked the last 3 miles to get the snowmobile so I could pick up the groceries and Lee. Once the road refroze over night driving out again became possible. Best to wait a couple months, or plan on skiing, hiking, or snowmobling into camp for now.

We have more snow in the forecast for Sunday then a nice warm up next week.  Today we are enjoying the comfort of a good fire listening to the snow come off the roof and the snowmobilers turning around at the sight of plowed road from our house up. Enjoy the weekend in the woods safely. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Memories of Jack Bonitz live on in Leetonia

This photo was taken December 2009.  Uncle Jack (standing near bear) joined the Bear Kill club.  He is pictured here with Leann's Dad Bob in wheelchair.  (Who passed 3/2010). Leann swears it was one of his best days ever.  He drove for miles to show his friends what he bagged.  The bear was shot in Linglestown, PA area on Bob’s farm.   Jack shot many many deer in Leetonia along with turkey, grouse and a prized Bob Cat. Trout never had a chance if he was on the stream.  He was a friend to all and was well known at the local watering holes throughout Potter and Tioga county. Emailed from Leann Creamer.

Jack never let a guest go without a drink if you visited him. He was a welcoming host and a teller of tales about his adventures in Leetonia.
One of Jack's friends said: Jack is the last of the Leetonia first Generation. You'll be missed but we are happy you are with your family and life friends in heaven telling your Jack tales. We miss you, your council, your tall tales, but not taking our money.To clarify the taking of money...many a poker game was played during a dark night playing cards  and smoking cigars with his friends in Leetonia.

I remember Jack telling a couple of stories to me he claimed to be true. I will let you decide.

The Bear Incident

Jack told me he got so mad at a bear stealing the corn he put out for the deer he climbed on top of the feeder(which is at least 9' high) and waited for the bear with a bat. When the bear came he jumped down and gave him a good whacking. The bear didn't come back.

Legend of the lost wheels

He said one night he was in town at his favorite pub and it started to snow very hard. He said they got a couple feet of snow. But this did not stop Jack from driving back to camp on unplowed roads. He said he doesn't remember much of the drive, but the next morning when he got up two of the wheels and tires were gone on his truck. He claims the deep snow kept his truck up so he was able to make it back. He never did find those tires.

The Fish Story to top all fish stories

Jack claims he caught a 18" trout in the stream(No one doubts his ability to catch trout). But what happened next might be a stretch. Before he could land the trout a 24 " trout came along and grabbed the other trout. He claims to have landed both fish at the same time.

****

The Bonitz camp is on the what is called the "boneyard," where they buried a lot of cow bones. It was also the spot for the old Leetonia School House. The property was owned by Frank Wilsbach and sold to Jack's father John Bonitz. They built the existing cabin around 1958.

Jack joins many other hunting and fishing enthusiasts as well as lovers of Leetonia that now roam the woods loving every minute and sharing their tales with each other. RIP Jack from the Mountain girls, Paula and Lee Anne

reprint of
Jack's Obituary in Harrisburg Paper 

On the evening of Saturday, February 7th, 2015, John T. "Jack" Bonitz, Jr., 80, of Harrisburg, passed away, peacefully, surrounded by his family at the Community Campus of Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg, PA.
Jack was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on August 19th, 1934; the oldest child of John T. Bonitz, Sr. and Sylvia M. (De Dee) Bonitz. Jack grew up spending much of his time trapping, hunting, and fishing. He was happiest while spending time at the family cabin in the mountains, fly fishing for trout. He loved to duck hunt and spent many endless days fishing on the Susquehanna River. In his later years, Jack enjoyed spending time in Ocean City, NJ, deep sea fishing and spending time with family and friends.
After graduating high school, Jack enlisted in the reserves. He served on the USS Albany and was honorably discharged in 1961. He attended college in Elizabethtown and worked for the family business, Bonnyview Development. He co-owned Bonitz Bros. Wholesale Sporting Goods. Jack loved to travel and visit with other business owners along the east coast. Later, when he partially retired, he worked for Faber Brothers and often earned top awards for being an outstanding salesman.
Jack received his Eagle Scout Award in 1949, while a member of Troop 79 in Progress. Jack was a Navy veteran, and a member of the Linglestown American Legion Post #272, and the Masonic Perseverance Lodge 21 F & A.M., Harrisburg Consistory. 
In 1957, Jack married Sally Clark (Winand). They had three children together. Jack is preceded in death by his mother and father, both paternal and maternal grandparents, many aunts and uncles as well as his brother, Robert "Bob" Bonitz, Sr., and his second wife, Kathy Fox. Jack is survived by his daughter Cindy Bonitz-Ryan and her companion Ron Reed of Bayfield, CO, son John T. Bonitz III and his wife Christine of Harrisburg, and daughter Cathy Bonitz-Eakin and her husband Kirk of Mechanicsburg; his nine grandchildren, Weylin Ryan, Ricky Ryan, Nolan Reed, Casey Reed, Steffanye Hawbaker Mack, Paige Bonitz, Ryan, Haley and Ashley Eakin. Jack is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ann Bonitz, his niece, Leann Bonitz Craemer, and nephew Robert Bonitz, Jr. , all of Harrisburg and his companion Carolyn Adams.
Please join the family at a Celebration of Jack's Life on Tuesday, February 17th, 2015 at 11 am at the Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, with Rev. Nathan C. Minnich, officiating. There will be a visitation from 10-11 am at the funeral home with a masonic service at 10:50 am. Graveside services will be held privately at a later date.