Parrots, Pierogis, and a Bus Breakdown

As part of Cub Scout Pack 217, the Zoo boarded a  charter bus for Pittsburgh's PNC Park a few weeks ago. Not only did the families experience PERFECT weather, they saw a great Pirates game as well! The Pirates edged out the Reds 4-3.

Heathens #2 and #3 are in the blue shirts.
The other boys are Scouts from our Pack.

The Heathens had never attended a professional baseball game before.  They loved the first 10 minutes.  They ATE their way through the first 6 innings (cotton candy, hot dogs, wings, hot pretzels, Skittles, soda, etc.)  I had even fed them before we left home, but it didn't matter.  Everything they saw someone else eating, they wanted.  I was really glad the Asst. Zookeeper and I had planned ahead and taken enough cash with us!

In addition to a great game, the Heathens were able to watch the Parrot at batting practice and the pierogi races!

 

Although the seats were WAY at the top of section 327, we had a gorgeous view of the river and the Pittsburgh skyline. The Heathens decided they should ride "that boat that keeps going past" next summer.

The view from our seats.

The Scouts also had the opportunity to watch another Cub Scout Pack serve as flag patrol for the National Anthem (which was sung by Steve Miller of the Steve Miller Band!)

Our Pack was also recognized as an attending group. Some of the Scouts and parents may have noticed when our Pack name was "Up In Lights" but my Heathens were busy eating instead.  I thought it was very cool!

After the game, the Scouts and their families headed back to the bus for the ride home. About a mile outside of Blairsville, the bus made a HORRIBLE BANG. The driver, Mr. Joe (who was a great guy) announced that we would have to pull over as the bus was beginning to overheat.

He pulled over at a closed restaurant (The Blue Ridge Restaurant on Route 22) and called McIlwain's for a "rescue bus" as ours wasn't going to make it back to Johnstown.

In true Cub Scout fashion, the boys quickly piled out of the bus and into the parking lot to entertain themselves during the hour or so we had to wait. With a Subway plastic bag and a few cans they found in the parking lot, the Scouts were completely content until the rescue bus arrived.

Special Kudos go out to the Ryan Kovach family for adhering to the "Be Prepared" slogan of scouting. The bus had to be turned off to prevent further damage to the motor - which meant no lights in the bathroom. Ryan and his family quickly produced a flashlight!

Once the rescue bus arrived, the Scouts and their families quickly made their way back to the WHES parking lot, arriving MUCH later than planned. However, the Scouts had a fabulous time and that is all that matters in the end!