I almost got to the Poconos this week. Oh, it’s still a go. The trip, I mean. I just ran into a little situation this month that commanded my attention. That situation was the beginning of festival season throughout Pennsylvania, but especially in populous Eastern Pennsylvania.

The Fire and Ice Festival happened on the 7th of March in Harrisburg. Ice sculptures lined the streets, and food trucks filled every closed-down roadway through the Capital. Thankfully, only a few roads had to be closed, most notably (in)famous Second Street. As you can see in the photos below, a spring thaw led to crowded streets and a need for caffeination.

One of those food trucks was actually a coffee truck…Hangar 33 Brew Collective from…well, that wasn’t entirely clear. What was clear was that this was an entirely new operation. Operations are nothing new to owner DJ, of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. This one began late last year, and it’s still a small operation. DJ sells coffee roasted to order online (promising small batches and delivery in seven to ten days with free U.S. shipping) and has launched a massive food truck to bring coffee to the festival scene this spring. There’s another mission: to bring coffee to first responders.

The distribution company appears to be Temecula Coffee Roasters of California. I’ve heard of them. I’m not sure how much they’re doing for Hangar 33, but the connections in the coffee world are so interesting. Coffee businesses have to connect. Roasting is only the beginning, after all. There’s inventory storage, distribution, and overseas trade (because I’ve yet to see a coffee plant thrive in Pennsylvania).

I got a cold brew of their medium roast. They were only doing cold brews that day. I’ve no clue what was in the medium roast…OK, I have a set of forensic clues. A deep earthiness manifested as soon as I took a swig. To say “leguminous” would be selling it short. This was like baking cocoa, but without the distinct chocolate. Rather, it was distinct in its own regard for being so deeply loamy. It was probably Sumatran or Central American. Very satisfying on an afternoon when I shouldn’t have been drinking any coffee at all because I’d had some already.

Right now, I’m going through a terrible bout of insomnia. It lasts about a week and is horrifying. My brain doesn’t stop processing, and it’s hard to distract myself until the point of collapse comes, and I just give out, and finally get sleep. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. It’s part of the reason I didn’t get to the Poconos this week. If I don’t make much sense right now, that’s why.

I can only imagine how a neurological basket case like me would fare in the National Guard. Thanks to the folks who opt to serve of their own free will (like DJ), I probably won’t have to. I’m quite grateful. They deserve their lauds and success at home. I was proud to patronize this place.

Next month, if all goes as planned, we’re off to the Poconos. Until then, stay caffeinated. Or, maybe, don’t stay caffeinated if you need the sleep…

the festival…

the pleasant surprise…

the roast…

the oddly satisfying cup…

the ice…