It's a Family Thing - Exploring Together with guests Polly Goettler and Cindy Whelan

“For me, coming to the Pennsylvania State Parks has been a way to really disconnect from the stress of the world and the stress of our individual lives and just enjoy nature. And it has such a healing effect.”


Our host, Marci Mowery, chats with Cindy and Polly, whose Pennsylvania State Parks journey began in 2018 at Gifford Pinchot, where a passport sparked a family tradition that would grow from four campers to over twenty participants.


As self-described "box checkers," the sisters established personal rules, such as photographing every sign and genuinely experiencing each location through hiking, kayaking, or picnicking rather than merely collecting stamps.


Beyond their adventures, the parks provided unexpected therapeutic benefits. What started as weight management through hiking evolved into profound spiritual and emotional healing, particularly during the pandemic's isolation, when parks like Lyman Run offered stress relief.


Both sisters rave about how hiking creates connection, with partners, children, and siblings, in ways their fast-paced, social-media-driven lives rarely allow. Parks without cell service, like Black Moshannon and Cowans Gap, forced meaningful disconnection that initially felt difficult but ultimately proved liberating.


If you’re a newcomer, start with your nearest park and taste what it offers. The passion will follow naturally, and rules are optional. Just getting outside matters most!
Key Topics:

• Growing Family Tradition to 20+ Members (02:50)
• Mental Health Benefits Over Physical (06:29)
• Advice for Starting Your Journey (08:48)
• Pennsylvania Park Diversity Discovery (12:20)


 


Resources:

• Poe Paddy State Park (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recr...)
• Poe Valley State Park (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recr...)
• Preston's Pearl (https://www.morainepreservationfund.o...)
• Camping (https://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserv...)


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The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.


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