#3: [28-Jul-10]

#2: [26-Feb-05]

11-Aug-2000 -- We enjoyed finding the 40N 77W confluence and decided to visit 40N 78W. After leaving Lancaster, PA. we entered the Pennsylvania Turnpike (oldest in the nation) and headed west into the Appalachian Mountains.

The turnpike has several tunnels drilled through the mountains. The Tuscarora Tunnel (photo #2), is a good example. Inside the tunnels, our GPS receiver lost the satellite signals. After exiting the turnpike at the Fort Littleton interchange, we headed south on route 522 to locate the confluence. The aerial photo from the confluence web site, really helped us to determine which farm road would give us the best access to the confluence. (Photo #3)

We explained to the land owner that we are earth science teachers from Manheim Central High School. We also explained the significance of her property relative to the 40N 78W confluence. She agreed as long as we would lock the fence to prevent her cows from leaving the field and make sure we turned on the electric fence when we left the property. She also warned us about the cow pies and groundhog holes throughout the fields. Our shoes were clean when we got back into the car.

After jumping a stream and walking up a large hill for about 1/2 mile, we found the site with the GPS receiver. (Photo #6). The confluence was located in an open field, without trees or corn to prevent us from standing on the exact location! (Photos #4,5)

The field included clover, Queen Anne's Lace, and residue from our bovine friends. This view is looking west from the confluence. (Photo #1)