Up a little on the late side. We stayed up last night hooked on the Olympics. We arrived at the mall at 10:00 and found out they don't open until 11:00. We found a Dunkin Donuts had a coffee and donut to bide our time. We discussed what we should do and figure out that we both have cell phones with us, Nancy goes to Best Buy, Tom heads to Circuit City.
The line for Best Buy is really long and Nancy thinks oh, no we won't get the computer. Tom calls so we know the phones work inside the building. Nancy finds a clerk and yes they have the Dell laptop, just none of them out on display. Tom calls from Circuit City asking what the Dell has on it vs. what he is finding at Circuit City. When Tom finds out that the Dell has Intel whereas the ones comparable priced at Circuit City are AMD he tells Nancy get the Dell.
Tom leaves C.C. And heads up to Best Buy arriving before Nancy is all written up. “How much time for your Geeks to set up everything for us? About 3 hours. Forget it, I can do it myself at home. So, off we go with a new laptop. We are back up and running with a great new computer an hour later, including travel time.
After getting the laptop set up we find we did not lose any of our photos as we had backed them up on the portable hard drive. Great, what a relief!!
Nancy, now you better get over here and retype your blog that got blown away when the computer went kaput. SO, Here we are!!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Saturday August 9,2008
This is the day we have to vacate our campsite. We can't stay any longer as the campground is booked full. What do we do? I guess we head south to Syracuse and stay at Camping World until our parts come in and we get fixed. So, we must vacate by noontime. We pack up and off we go into the wild blue yonder. This is summertime in the north when campsites are reserved for days/weeks in advance. So Camping World will have to do until we get fixed.
We start to get on line and what is happening? Our computer is kaput. We frantically call Jeff and ask what to do, we need a computer to pay a few bills. We can find a library and get on line but Jeff tells us NO, don't do that.
We have nothing to do, so what the heck, we find a Best Buy and a Circuit City. The clerk at Circuit City has an open box computer, but NO battery. The manager tells him find out how much a battery costs and we can knock that amount off the price of the computer. The clerk get on line and finds the price of the battery on sale for $116.00. When the manager finds that out he decides that he won't come down for that. So, out the door we go.
We head to Uno's for a pizza for dinner, then it's onto Best Buy. The young kid greeting us at the door tells us don't buy tonight, tomorrow they will be on sale. He does manage to find a circular for the computer and price for us. We decideded to wait.
We start to get on line and what is happening? Our computer is kaput. We frantically call Jeff and ask what to do, we need a computer to pay a few bills. We can find a library and get on line but Jeff tells us NO, don't do that.
We have nothing to do, so what the heck, we find a Best Buy and a Circuit City. The clerk at Circuit City has an open box computer, but NO battery. The manager tells him find out how much a battery costs and we can knock that amount off the price of the computer. The clerk get on line and finds the price of the battery on sale for $116.00. When the manager finds that out he decides that he won't come down for that. So, out the door we go.
We head to Uno's for a pizza for dinner, then it's onto Best Buy. The young kid greeting us at the door tells us don't buy tonight, tomorrow they will be on sale. He does manage to find a circular for the computer and price for us. We decideded to wait.
Friday August 8, 2008
Today it rained all day. Sometimes hard, most of the time just drizzly. What the heck, we finally have good brakes on the Saturn, lets head on over to Canada for a ride. We leave and head east towards the nearest bridge. The 1000 Islands International Bridge. It is a bit of a wait at customs, but well worth it.
Arriving in Canada we got on the 401. Wrong road! We finally found the Canadian 1000 Islands Parkway. What a neat ride. The small towns we travel through are picturesque. We drive northeast about 75km to the next bridge before heading back to the U.S.A. The ride down the American side of the St. Lawrence River is just not as neat as the Canadian side.
When we arrive back to Alex Bay we think we will head into town for a bite to eat. Wrong move.It is the start of “Pirate Days”. The town is over run with tourists. We get back in the car and head back towards Clayton. Nancy wants to go into a Christmas shop and she she does, she checks with the locals on where is a good diner to eat lunch at. They direct her to the Kozy Korner. What a great little diner, with a good meal.
Arriving in Canada we got on the 401. Wrong road! We finally found the Canadian 1000 Islands Parkway. What a neat ride. The small towns we travel through are picturesque. We drive northeast about 75km to the next bridge before heading back to the U.S.A. The ride down the American side of the St. Lawrence River is just not as neat as the Canadian side.
When we arrive back to Alex Bay we think we will head into town for a bite to eat. Wrong move.It is the start of “Pirate Days”. The town is over run with tourists. We get back in the car and head back towards Clayton. Nancy wants to go into a Christmas shop and she she does, she checks with the locals on where is a good diner to eat lunch at. They direct her to the Kozy Korner. What a great little diner, with a good meal.
Thursday August 7,2008
The Saturn has bad brakes and we know it needs a brake job. We made an appointment with a local service station and this was the day to get the brakes done. Tom awoke early and headed into town. Chris, the owner, brought Tom back to the motor home. We sat and waited. Nancy thought this would be a good day to check into what Camping World found out about the jacks and the steps.
Calling two times to Camping World and not getting a return call she calls a third time. This time Nancy gets connected to Chuck. Chuck explains that he has not heard from Kwik Step, Power Gear or Evenbrake. Nancy takes the bull by the horns and asks for the telephone number of Power Gear and Kwik Step. She gets the number and finds out the Power Gear and Kwik Step are the same company. She makes the call and after numerous different voice prompts get a real live person. This person informs her she can't help, but offers to take Nancy's number. I tell them if I have not heard back by noontime I will call my lawyer. Wow, within 20 minutes I receive a call back. If Camping World will tall with them....well they will call me back.
The guy from Power Gear calls back and tells me he has faxed paperwork to Camping World and when it is returned he will send out the repair parts. I remind them if they had returned the call on Monday the 4th. That Camping World would already have the parts. Well, if Camping World sends the faxed paperwork back then they would drop ship the parts for us.
Nancy calls Chuck back, and he has already faxed paperwork back to Power Gear. When it comes in they will call us. “How long for the work to be down?” Well, about 2 hours. “Do, I need to make an appointment for the work to be done?” No, just come on in.
Great, we have accomplished a couple of things today.
Jeff (the mechanic) shows up and the Saturn is done. What a great day this turns out to be.
Calling two times to Camping World and not getting a return call she calls a third time. This time Nancy gets connected to Chuck. Chuck explains that he has not heard from Kwik Step, Power Gear or Evenbrake. Nancy takes the bull by the horns and asks for the telephone number of Power Gear and Kwik Step. She gets the number and finds out the Power Gear and Kwik Step are the same company. She makes the call and after numerous different voice prompts get a real live person. This person informs her she can't help, but offers to take Nancy's number. I tell them if I have not heard back by noontime I will call my lawyer. Wow, within 20 minutes I receive a call back. If Camping World will tall with them....well they will call me back.
The guy from Power Gear calls back and tells me he has faxed paperwork to Camping World and when it is returned he will send out the repair parts. I remind them if they had returned the call on Monday the 4th. That Camping World would already have the parts. Well, if Camping World sends the faxed paperwork back then they would drop ship the parts for us.
Nancy calls Chuck back, and he has already faxed paperwork back to Power Gear. When it comes in they will call us. “How long for the work to be down?” Well, about 2 hours. “Do, I need to make an appointment for the work to be done?” No, just come on in.
Great, we have accomplished a couple of things today.
Jeff (the mechanic) shows up and the Saturn is done. What a great day this turns out to be.
Wesnesday August 6, 2008
Today was sort of a drizzly day. We headed northeast to Alexandria Bay about 14 miles from camp. We drove around town, and the bad weather was leaving so we decided to take a boat tour. We got to the end of James St. (the main drag) and there was one of the boat tours. We parked the car and purchased tickets. We thought we would take the two nation tour.
We have about an hour to kill before our boat leaves, so we shop along the main drag. We purchased absolutely NOTHING!!! Heading back to the docks we decided to sit and wait for the boat. We got on the 11:30 boat and out it goes. The 1000 islands area has many old homes built on the islands and a lot of them were build by millionaires during the 20's, 30's and 40's. Stately grand old homes. This area is called the “Millionaires Row”. The ride takes us southwest, then turns and heads northeast before heading north into Canadian waters. The tour guide is very informative and interesting. He is a young college kid and and ad libs a lot.
After about 2 hours on the boat tour, we arrived at Boldt Castle. The castle was started about 1900 by Mr. Boldt, as a gift to the love of his life, his wife Louise. Well the story goes, that Louise got sick and the construction was stopped just hours after her death because he was so overcome with grief. Anyhow the castle sat abandoned for 76 years before the state of New York purchased it for $1.00 and started restoring the castle. It is something to behold and well worth the extra money to see.
After spending as much time as we wanted at the castle, we caught a return boat to the mainland and headed back to camp.
We have about an hour to kill before our boat leaves, so we shop along the main drag. We purchased absolutely NOTHING!!! Heading back to the docks we decided to sit and wait for the boat. We got on the 11:30 boat and out it goes. The 1000 islands area has many old homes built on the islands and a lot of them were build by millionaires during the 20's, 30's and 40's. Stately grand old homes. This area is called the “Millionaires Row”. The ride takes us southwest, then turns and heads northeast before heading north into Canadian waters. The tour guide is very informative and interesting. He is a young college kid and and ad libs a lot.
After about 2 hours on the boat tour, we arrived at Boldt Castle. The castle was started about 1900 by Mr. Boldt, as a gift to the love of his life, his wife Louise. Well the story goes, that Louise got sick and the construction was stopped just hours after her death because he was so overcome with grief. Anyhow the castle sat abandoned for 76 years before the state of New York purchased it for $1.00 and started restoring the castle. It is something to behold and well worth the extra money to see.
After spending as much time as we wanted at the castle, we caught a return boat to the mainland and headed back to camp.
Wesnesday August 6, 2008
Today was sort of a drizzly day. We headed northeast to Alexandria Bay about 14 miles from camp. We drove around town, and the bad weather was leaving so we decided to take a boat tour. We got to the end of James St. (the main drag) and there was one of the boat tours. We parked the car and purchased tickets. We thought we would take the two nation tour.
We have about an hour to kill before our boat leaves, so we shop along the main drag. We purchased absolutely NOTHING!!! Heading back to the docks we decided to sit and wait for the boat. We got on the 11:30 boat and out it goes. The 1000 islands area has many old homes built on the islands and a lot of them were build by millionaires during the 20's, 30's and 40's. Stately grand old homes. This area is called the “Millionaires Row”. The ride takes us southwest, then turns and heads northeast before heading north into Canadian waters. The tour guide is very informative and interesting. He is a young college kid and and ad libs a lot.
After about 2 hours on the boat tour, we arrived at Boldt Castle. The castle was started about 1900 by Mr. Boldt, as a gift to the love of his life, his wife Louise. Well the story goes, that Louise got sick and the construction was stopped just hours after her death because he was so overcome with grief. Anyhow the castle sat abandoned for 76 years before the state of New York purchased it for $1.00 and started restoring the castle. It is something to behold and well worth the extra money to see.
After spending as much time as we wanted at the castle, we caught a return boat to the mainland and headed back to camp.
We have about an hour to kill before our boat leaves, so we shop along the main drag. We purchased absolutely NOTHING!!! Heading back to the docks we decided to sit and wait for the boat. We got on the 11:30 boat and out it goes. The 1000 islands area has many old homes built on the islands and a lot of them were build by millionaires during the 20's, 30's and 40's. Stately grand old homes. This area is called the “Millionaires Row”. The ride takes us southwest, then turns and heads northeast before heading north into Canadian waters. The tour guide is very informative and interesting. He is a young college kid and and ad libs a lot.
After about 2 hours on the boat tour, we arrived at Boldt Castle. The castle was started about 1900 by Mr. Boldt, as a gift to the love of his life, his wife Louise. Well the story goes, that Louise got sick and the construction was stopped just hours after her death because he was so overcome with grief. Anyhow the castle sat abandoned for 76 years before the state of New York purchased it for $1.00 and started restoring the castle. It is something to behold and well worth the extra money to see.
After spending as much time as we wanted at the castle, we caught a return boat to the mainland and headed back to camp.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Early morning calls us. We want to be on the road early this morning. We are up and at 'em at 7:00 a.m. We are heading towards the 1000 Islands of New York State, on the St. Lawrence River. We arrive at Merry Knoll campground in Clayton, NY about noontime. We decide not to do anything until we drive back into Watertown and purchase lumber and perhaps some scissor jacks.
Off we head towards Watertown. It is much further down the road than we thought it would be. We find a Walmart, Lowe's, Target and much more. Then we find a place to eat. Nancy does not want to do Chinese, and that is what we find lots of. Well, oh up ahead, what is that? Why it's a Greek restaurant and that is where we go. Good food, nice decor and we are full. From there we head back towards all the shopping. Nancy heads into Target just to shop. Tom decides to sit in the car, knowing that makes Nancy hurry.
From Target we go to the Lowe's. Tom finds lumber and has some of it cut. He will need to make wooden ramps. And we find scissor jacks at Walmart. We are ready to return to campsite and hopefully make our campsite a little more level and the motor home not so rocky.
We arrive back in Clayton and start work. Tom makes wooden ramps and we drive the motor home up and it is still not level, but we are up about 3 inches on one side and 3 ¾ on the other side and it still was not enough, but we would have to make do.
So we raise the new sissor jacks and make ourselves at home.
Off we head towards Watertown. It is much further down the road than we thought it would be. We find a Walmart, Lowe's, Target and much more. Then we find a place to eat. Nancy does not want to do Chinese, and that is what we find lots of. Well, oh up ahead, what is that? Why it's a Greek restaurant and that is where we go. Good food, nice decor and we are full. From there we head back towards all the shopping. Nancy heads into Target just to shop. Tom decides to sit in the car, knowing that makes Nancy hurry.
From Target we go to the Lowe's. Tom finds lumber and has some of it cut. He will need to make wooden ramps. And we find scissor jacks at Walmart. We are ready to return to campsite and hopefully make our campsite a little more level and the motor home not so rocky.
We arrive back in Clayton and start work. Tom makes wooden ramps and we drive the motor home up and it is still not level, but we are up about 3 inches on one side and 3 ¾ on the other side and it still was not enough, but we would have to make do.
So we raise the new sissor jacks and make ourselves at home.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Monday August 4, 2008
Monday, the day started out with Tom rolling out of bed early at 6:25. We managed to have all things ready for an early start by getting ready the night before. We were on the road at 7:00 and heading for Camping World in Syracuse, N.Y. To have a few things fixed on the motor home. We had good weather and had no problems finding Camping World thanks to “Brit” our GPS. She guided us right to the front door.
Tom went into the service dept. at about 9:30 and told them, the steps weren't working the control module wasn't working: the jacks had a burned out left front jack and last but not least, the Evenbrake controller in the car was blinking red fast, all the time. After about four hours the service tech came back and said, “yes, you were right”. The service tech put a call into the three companies in which we needed an o.k. For them to fix at their expense as they all have a two year warranty. We sat around all day waiting for the companies to call back, and they have not returned any calls, so we are camping out in the parking lot of Camping World for the night.
Hopefully tomorrow will bring some good news. The service parts dept. has the needed part to fix the step immediately. Not so lucky for the jacks. The part would have to be sent from Indiana and would take about one week. And as for the Evenbrake, well Camping World sold it to us, installed it for us and they don't have the slightest idea just what the heck is wrong with it. Maybe Evenbrake will call back and then we would have something to go with. Hopefully, Evenbrake will know what is wrong and what needs to be done to fix the problem.
Oh, well tomorrow we will head for 1000 islands where Nancy called and had to cancel tonight's reservation. Our campsite there is right in Clayton, where from the description it is right on the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Tom went into the service dept. at about 9:30 and told them, the steps weren't working the control module wasn't working: the jacks had a burned out left front jack and last but not least, the Evenbrake controller in the car was blinking red fast, all the time. After about four hours the service tech came back and said, “yes, you were right”. The service tech put a call into the three companies in which we needed an o.k. For them to fix at their expense as they all have a two year warranty. We sat around all day waiting for the companies to call back, and they have not returned any calls, so we are camping out in the parking lot of Camping World for the night.
Hopefully tomorrow will bring some good news. The service parts dept. has the needed part to fix the step immediately. Not so lucky for the jacks. The part would have to be sent from Indiana and would take about one week. And as for the Evenbrake, well Camping World sold it to us, installed it for us and they don't have the slightest idea just what the heck is wrong with it. Maybe Evenbrake will call back and then we would have something to go with. Hopefully, Evenbrake will know what is wrong and what needs to be done to fix the problem.
Oh, well tomorrow we will head for 1000 islands where Nancy called and had to cancel tonight's reservation. Our campsite there is right in Clayton, where from the description it is right on the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Sunday August 3, 2008
Today is rainy to start the day. After much guessing what the weather is going to do Tom says “let's go for a ride". Perhaps, “the Catskills look inviting.” So the weather looks like it will break and off we go for a ride into the Catskills. They happen to be about an hour east of where we were camping.
We head east on route 17 (future I-86) to exit 90. There we get off the divided highway and head up the north edge of the Catskill Mountains. We drive through tiny villages heading for Downsville. In Corbet we find a small village with a one lane bridge going into town. It is a quaint village and Nancy just has to get out and take photos of the bridge.
Upon arriving in Downsville, we find a covered bridge built in 1746! Nancy has to have photos and she gets out to snap them, getting in the car to travel over the bridge. Then Nancy wants photos of Tom and Charley driving over the bridge so she walks back over the bridge to snap her shots.
Looking at the map we decided to drive to the north out of town on a back country road. We traveled up the north side of the Pepacton Reservoir. The road is twisty, winding and lots of fun. We both imagined what a fun ride it would be if we were on our motorcycles. We came up to a bridge and passed over it and found out the Pepacton Reservoir is the reservoir for the City of New York's drinking water and the headwaters of the Delaware River. Apparently when the reservoir was filled, several small towns were submerged as there were signs “Former Site of ???town”. We continued driving with the intention of finding a road traveling right through the center of the Catskills, when we find out the road is closed for repairs. Our only way to travel is back the way we came or continue on down the road ending up back at Downsville. We had rain off and on but the drive is still lovely.
In Downsville we found a 40's style diner. We had lunch before heading back to our campsite.
We head east on route 17 (future I-86) to exit 90. There we get off the divided highway and head up the north edge of the Catskill Mountains. We drive through tiny villages heading for Downsville. In Corbet we find a small village with a one lane bridge going into town. It is a quaint village and Nancy just has to get out and take photos of the bridge.
Upon arriving in Downsville, we find a covered bridge built in 1746! Nancy has to have photos and she gets out to snap them, getting in the car to travel over the bridge. Then Nancy wants photos of Tom and Charley driving over the bridge so she walks back over the bridge to snap her shots.
Looking at the map we decided to drive to the north out of town on a back country road. We traveled up the north side of the Pepacton Reservoir. The road is twisty, winding and lots of fun. We both imagined what a fun ride it would be if we were on our motorcycles. We came up to a bridge and passed over it and found out the Pepacton Reservoir is the reservoir for the City of New York's drinking water and the headwaters of the Delaware River. Apparently when the reservoir was filled, several small towns were submerged as there were signs “Former Site of ???town”. We continued driving with the intention of finding a road traveling right through the center of the Catskills, when we find out the road is closed for repairs. Our only way to travel is back the way we came or continue on down the road ending up back at Downsville. We had rain off and on but the drive is still lovely.
In Downsville we found a 40's style diner. We had lunch before heading back to our campsite.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Today started out with a drizzling rain. Charlie had to go.... bad. I walked her using an umbrella and her leash. Finally she did her thing and we went back inside. I let her loose and she ran for the bed and jumped on Nancy. Charlie was soaked and Nancy was still sleepy. I almost lost my happy home!
Later in the morning, the sky cleared and we decided to go to Watkins Glen and then to Ithaca, NY. The Glen because it is a famous race course and Ithaca, the home of Cornell University. Our first home in Bay City was on Cornell Street. We also saw both Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, 2 of New Yorks “Finger Lakes”.
We couldn't get on the grounds of Watkins Glen Racetrack. A Porsche Racing Club from Philadelphia, PA had the track booked and it was totally PRIVATE. The guard at the gate said if I parked by Gate #4 and walked up to the chain link fence, I should be able to see a fair amount of them racing on the “Boot” portion of the course. Nancy stayed in the car. Charlie and I walked the quarter mile cross country to the fence and sure enough. I could see probably 1.5 mile worth of the road course ... worth the effort, I thought.
We drove to Ithaca then. What a waste of time. Didn't even get a real good look at Cayuga Lake .... just a few quick glimpses from the high road on the East side of the lake. Lots of sailboats. Must have been races. Hard to tell when your doing 65 mph in heavy traffic and only catching flashing breaks in the trees along the highway !!!
Got back to the campground and fixed beer brats for dinner. Mmm mmm good.
Later in the morning, the sky cleared and we decided to go to Watkins Glen and then to Ithaca, NY. The Glen because it is a famous race course and Ithaca, the home of Cornell University. Our first home in Bay City was on Cornell Street. We also saw both Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, 2 of New Yorks “Finger Lakes”.
We couldn't get on the grounds of Watkins Glen Racetrack. A Porsche Racing Club from Philadelphia, PA had the track booked and it was totally PRIVATE. The guard at the gate said if I parked by Gate #4 and walked up to the chain link fence, I should be able to see a fair amount of them racing on the “Boot” portion of the course. Nancy stayed in the car. Charlie and I walked the quarter mile cross country to the fence and sure enough. I could see probably 1.5 mile worth of the road course ... worth the effort, I thought.
We drove to Ithaca then. What a waste of time. Didn't even get a real good look at Cayuga Lake .... just a few quick glimpses from the high road on the East side of the lake. Lots of sailboats. Must have been races. Hard to tell when your doing 65 mph in heavy traffic and only catching flashing breaks in the trees along the highway !!!
Got back to the campground and fixed beer brats for dinner. Mmm mmm good.
Friday August 1,2008
The beginning of the new month and we are in New York State. Tom's father passed away when he was 52 years old back in 1974. His father's only living brother lives in Vestal Center, N.Y. About 45 minutes away. This is our day to visit Uncle John and his wife Aunt Vivian.
We headed out early in the day, taking Charley with us. It was a beautiful day. We arrived at their home at 10:00 am to find them ready and waiting for us. We started out talking and trying to find out a little information about the Milton side of the family. Tom's father was orphaned at 3 years of age so we don't have a lot of information about this side of the family and we try to learn every little thing we possibly can while any relations are still living.
When lunchtime came we wanted to take John and Vivian out for lunch. They wanted to go to Old Country Buffet. Not what we would have picked out, but this was what they requested.
After lunch, they took us to their lake house, this is in Pennsylvania, which is about 14 miles away. The setting is just as pretty as a picture. John just loved showing Tom his lake house. On the way to the lake house we passed cousin David's home so we stopped to see David and wife. After the lake house visit we headed back into New York to visit with cousin John and wife Lisa. They have lots of land and David has 4 barns with lots of old cars and trucks that he restores in his spare time. Many more than he will ever get a chance to restore in his lifetime. But, that is what he enjoys doing.
Son John and wife Lisa have ponies, chickens and goats. Charley was not too brave. She would go up towards the fence and when the animals would come towards her she would lurch back away and bark at them.
It was getting late in the day so we returned Uncle John and Vivian to their home. Saying our good-byes we saw tears in Uncle Johns eyes. He is not in the best of health and pushed himself all day long to try and show us all he wanted us to see. On our way down the highway we spotted some hot air balloons in the air and then saw one landing. We found our way around and Nancy managed to run up the hill and get some photos of them re-packing the balloon and then of a few others in the air.
We headed out early in the day, taking Charley with us. It was a beautiful day. We arrived at their home at 10:00 am to find them ready and waiting for us. We started out talking and trying to find out a little information about the Milton side of the family. Tom's father was orphaned at 3 years of age so we don't have a lot of information about this side of the family and we try to learn every little thing we possibly can while any relations are still living.
When lunchtime came we wanted to take John and Vivian out for lunch. They wanted to go to Old Country Buffet. Not what we would have picked out, but this was what they requested.
After lunch, they took us to their lake house, this is in Pennsylvania, which is about 14 miles away. The setting is just as pretty as a picture. John just loved showing Tom his lake house. On the way to the lake house we passed cousin David's home so we stopped to see David and wife. After the lake house visit we headed back into New York to visit with cousin John and wife Lisa. They have lots of land and David has 4 barns with lots of old cars and trucks that he restores in his spare time. Many more than he will ever get a chance to restore in his lifetime. But, that is what he enjoys doing.
Son John and wife Lisa have ponies, chickens and goats. Charley was not too brave. She would go up towards the fence and when the animals would come towards her she would lurch back away and bark at them.
It was getting late in the day so we returned Uncle John and Vivian to their home. Saying our good-byes we saw tears in Uncle Johns eyes. He is not in the best of health and pushed himself all day long to try and show us all he wanted us to see. On our way down the highway we spotted some hot air balloons in the air and then saw one landing. We found our way around and Nancy managed to run up the hill and get some photos of them re-packing the balloon and then of a few others in the air.
Thursday July 31,2008
Here we are the end of the month and we must leave Hershey today. We are headed into New York and our new campground this evening is Forest Lake Campground, 15 miles East of Binghamton. We leave Hershey early in the morning like 8:30 am. We had pretty much everything picked up the night before so we just had to pump the black water tank, then the gray water tank. Pick up the electric and of course pick up the ground cover rug. After all of that we needed to still hitch up the car. To do this we needed not to be blocking the roadway so it was up to the clubhouse and the parking lot there.
Tom wanted Nancy to put the parking brake on the car before we tried to hook up. We managed to make the connections, which took a little time. Then we were on our way. We heard this terrible noise and Tom had Nancy get out and check the auto. Everything looked o.k. And a man who was walking by told Nancy that his brake system does the same thing. So, off we went on our journey to New York.
Arriving in New York at our campground we were very impressed. Nancy went in to register us and Tom stayed at the motor home to disconnect the auto. When Nancy was finished registering us she came out to an angry Tom. Nancy had not dis-engaged the parking brake, so we had driven from Hershey to Forest Lake (180 miles) with the damn thing on. Wow, was Tom upset with Nancy!!!!!
When Sandy, the, camp owner, took us around to our campsite we were really impressed. We drove around a lake and our site was right on the water. What a beautiful camp ground. I think this is the best one we have ever had. When we had cocktails out under the canopy that evening, we were looking at the lake and the mountain behind, what a spectacular site to behold.
Tom wanted Nancy to put the parking brake on the car before we tried to hook up. We managed to make the connections, which took a little time. Then we were on our way. We heard this terrible noise and Tom had Nancy get out and check the auto. Everything looked o.k. And a man who was walking by told Nancy that his brake system does the same thing. So, off we went on our journey to New York.
Arriving in New York at our campground we were very impressed. Nancy went in to register us and Tom stayed at the motor home to disconnect the auto. When Nancy was finished registering us she came out to an angry Tom. Nancy had not dis-engaged the parking brake, so we had driven from Hershey to Forest Lake (180 miles) with the damn thing on. Wow, was Tom upset with Nancy!!!!!
When Sandy, the, camp owner, took us around to our campsite we were really impressed. We drove around a lake and our site was right on the water. What a beautiful camp ground. I think this is the best one we have ever had. When we had cocktails out under the canopy that evening, we were looking at the lake and the mountain behind, what a spectacular site to behold.
Wednesday July 30,2008
Today is “Laundry Day”. Nancy is downstairs in the Clubhouse doing the laundry and I am here in the Recreation Room at the computer, trying to do the Blog thing. I hope you are all enjoying our adventures and ramblings. It seems to be a good way for us to remember what we did, too. The days seem to run together if we don't write this stuff down regularly.
I need to return some stuff to Wal -Mart. I bought some ratchet tie down straps and discovered I had two spares hidden away in a bin in the motor home after all. Maybe we will go for a ride this afternoon and discover something else new in the Harrisburg, PA area. Charlie loves to go for rides with us. The back windows in the Saturn have so many “Nose Prints” she can't hardly see out some parts of the windows.
It's supposed to be in the low 90's with 90% humidity today. Almost the same as Florida this time of the year.
There are days that I wish we had brought the Harley's along and rented a car. Today is not one of them. Too Hot and Humid. Yesterday would have been great to go riding. The car worked out great though.
Tom was having battery problems with his cell phone, so we drove around and found a Verizon store. They swapped out the battery and Tom asked about the Verizon Wireless Internet card. Long story short, that's how we now get on the internet while on the road. Works pretty nifty too. Nancy plays her AARP games, nightly, does this blog, does e-mail and Tom does his fianacial thingsdoes e-mail and surfs the net in the comfort of our motor home, instead of screwing around with those wi-fi things sometimes available where we end up for the night.
I need to return some stuff to Wal -Mart. I bought some ratchet tie down straps and discovered I had two spares hidden away in a bin in the motor home after all. Maybe we will go for a ride this afternoon and discover something else new in the Harrisburg, PA area. Charlie loves to go for rides with us. The back windows in the Saturn have so many “Nose Prints” she can't hardly see out some parts of the windows.
It's supposed to be in the low 90's with 90% humidity today. Almost the same as Florida this time of the year.
There are days that I wish we had brought the Harley's along and rented a car. Today is not one of them. Too Hot and Humid. Yesterday would have been great to go riding. The car worked out great though.
Tom was having battery problems with his cell phone, so we drove around and found a Verizon store. They swapped out the battery and Tom asked about the Verizon Wireless Internet card. Long story short, that's how we now get on the internet while on the road. Works pretty nifty too. Nancy plays her AARP games, nightly, does this blog, does e-mail and Tom does his fianacial thingsdoes e-mail and surfs the net in the comfort of our motor home, instead of screwing around with those wi-fi things sometimes available where we end up for the night.
Tuesday July29,2008
This was a day to remember. We headed into Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania. We enjoy the history that we learn of each capitol. We have stopped at almost every State Capitol Building we have been able to during our travels. (MI, OH, FL, GA, TX, NM, AZ, OK, IL, MN, WI to name a few.) The Pennsylvania capitol building is magnificent. It was built in 1906 at tremendous cost. The building has Italian marble, marble from other sources, solid mahogany doors, the brass handle of each door has the seal of the state on it. There are numerous stained glass windows each 4 foot in diameter. The building is a must see for anyone who is a history buff. We sat in the Senate gallery, the House gallery and in the Supreme Court room for short lectures by our guide.
After visiting the State Capitol Building, I asked a lady at the information desk, “Where is a good place to have lunch?” She said to try the “Firehouse” on 2nd Street. What a recommendation. The Firehouse is a converted 1902 fire station. In fact it was actually used until 1980 by Hope Engine Company #2. I had a Ruben. Nancy had a shaved prime rib sandwich. Both were outstanding. The building and interior décor were absolutely beautiful ...... made you think you were in someplace real special.
After visiting the State Capitol Building, I asked a lady at the information desk, “Where is a good place to have lunch?” She said to try the “Firehouse” on 2nd Street. What a recommendation. The Firehouse is a converted 1902 fire station. In fact it was actually used until 1980 by Hope Engine Company #2. I had a Ruben. Nancy had a shaved prime rib sandwich. Both were outstanding. The building and interior décor were absolutely beautiful ...... made you think you were in someplace real special.
Monday July 28,2008
Today we were going to just sit and be lazy. Instead we called ahead for reservations for this coming week-end and next week. We found out both places only take cash so we found the nearest bank for us and drove there and cashed a check. That took the whole morning.
It was hot and humid so we thought we would have an early dinner, then go to Hershey Gardens. We arrived at the Gardens about 5:00 p.m. It was still warm but the sun was going down so it was an enjoyable time to take a walk in the gardens. We picked up the self guided tour map and proceeded into the gardens. Wow, I must say the gardens were impressive. They have large rose gardens, conifer tree gardens and so much more. The children's garden was nice and I think all my grand-daughters would have loved it. We had a guided tour of the Butterfly Pavilion, learned all about butterfly eggs, larva and pupas. Also very informative and interesting. We talked to 2 guys who were filming with a TV camera. They have been creating a documentary of many private gardens in the US. They are now planning on visits to both Hendrick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids and the Dow Garden in Midland, Michigan.
We finished the gardens about 6:30 and we were hot and tired so we headed back to the campground right away to enjoy the a/c.
It was hot and humid so we thought we would have an early dinner, then go to Hershey Gardens. We arrived at the Gardens about 5:00 p.m. It was still warm but the sun was going down so it was an enjoyable time to take a walk in the gardens. We picked up the self guided tour map and proceeded into the gardens. Wow, I must say the gardens were impressive. They have large rose gardens, conifer tree gardens and so much more. The children's garden was nice and I think all my grand-daughters would have loved it. We had a guided tour of the Butterfly Pavilion, learned all about butterfly eggs, larva and pupas. Also very informative and interesting. We talked to 2 guys who were filming with a TV camera. They have been creating a documentary of many private gardens in the US. They are now planning on visits to both Hendrick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids and the Dow Garden in Midland, Michigan.
We finished the gardens about 6:30 and we were hot and tired so we headed back to the campground right away to enjoy the a/c.
Sunday July 27, 2008
Sunday is a day of rest and that is what we did. We got out our recliners and sat under the trees and read our books and took a nap. What a day. Saw lots of motor homes and 5th. Wheels leaving the park and I would guess heading for home. Friday, we had seen a lot of motor homes and 5th. Wheel vehicles pull in and I think they might have been there just for the week-end.
Saturday July 26, 2008
Saturday is a great day to travel. We have had quite a few items on the motor home go kaput. We are thinking of a new motor home. This time we will go with a more known brand name. We are thinking along the lines of a Newmar or Monaco. We get on line a find a Newmar dealer north east of where we are located. So, off we go to look at new or used motor homes.
We travel through some of the prettiest countryside we can imagine. The GPS directs us along back roads most of the way with the last little stretch of road being a busy 4 lane divided highway.
When we enter the dealership we were greeted by a nice receptionist. First of all we went into the store part of the dealership and purchased item we needed for our current motor home. We know that is where we could purchase these items, not being able to purchase in a camp store.
She got a salesman for us and when we told him we were from Florida and wanting to see the new Newmar's he said just drive along the front, they are all open and help yourself. I would never ever go back to a dealership like that. No personal rep for us to interact with. We drove around on our own and found the motor homes we were interested in and toured them. They were nice, but had a lot of extra options we definitely would not want. We had no one to ask what was included, and what was extra options on the models. The motor homes themselves were very nice. But when you are looking at motor homes in that price range you expect a salesman to be there to answer questions for you. Bummer, what is wrong with an RV dealership that won't even show customers even the easiest of courtesies.
We left and headed back to Hershey. On the way, we stopped for a late lunch at a Taco Bell. Absolutely the slowest and crappiest fast food restaurant we ever tried. Don't even want to remember exactly where the place was.
We travel through some of the prettiest countryside we can imagine. The GPS directs us along back roads most of the way with the last little stretch of road being a busy 4 lane divided highway.
When we enter the dealership we were greeted by a nice receptionist. First of all we went into the store part of the dealership and purchased item we needed for our current motor home. We know that is where we could purchase these items, not being able to purchase in a camp store.
She got a salesman for us and when we told him we were from Florida and wanting to see the new Newmar's he said just drive along the front, they are all open and help yourself. I would never ever go back to a dealership like that. No personal rep for us to interact with. We drove around on our own and found the motor homes we were interested in and toured them. They were nice, but had a lot of extra options we definitely would not want. We had no one to ask what was included, and what was extra options on the models. The motor homes themselves were very nice. But when you are looking at motor homes in that price range you expect a salesman to be there to answer questions for you. Bummer, what is wrong with an RV dealership that won't even show customers even the easiest of courtesies.
We left and headed back to Hershey. On the way, we stopped for a late lunch at a Taco Bell. Absolutely the slowest and crappiest fast food restaurant we ever tried. Don't even want to remember exactly where the place was.
Friday, July 25, 2008
This day we really did not do much of anything. We went grocery shopping and returned a few items we had purchased at other campsites which we found we did not need. But the day was relaxing. Tom and Nancy still managed to put a few miles on the car.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The rains had gone thru last night and we woke up to wet ground and overcast skies. But ... no rain. We had been debating about going to Philadelphia for a week. Today seemed like a good day to do it. It was around 100 miles one way, but what the heck. We walked, watered and fed Charlie, left her in the motor home and headed for Philly. We almost caught up to the storm front on our way East on the PA Pike.
On the way in to Philly, we passed one Harley Davidson Dealership ... a mortal sin, I think. But, we did stop at Valley Forge Harley Davidson and spent a little cash. It seems that we stop at almost every H-D Store we pass along the way. This Biking hobby is a little on the expensive side, when you have to buy at least two of everything :)
What a city !!! Traffic like crazy, narrow streets and zillions of people. Residents, visitors and just tourists all over the place. Fortunately, it was only in the 70's most of the day. After driving around the “Independence Square” area for a half hour, Nancy spotted a parking space only One Block from Independence Hall. It took quarters and all we had were five quarters... good for 1 hour & 15 minutes. We wondered around with the crowd looking lost. A little old lady overheard me query where do we go to see the “Liberty Bell”? She yelled at me to get my attention and said “get in that line, It's Free”. A half hour later, after security checking and searching of Nancy's purse, we actually got to see the “Liberty Bell” ... The real McCoy. And it was free, too.
Then we asked a guy how much a buggy ride was. $30for 20 minutes, $40 for a ½ hour including around “Society Hill”. We finished the Horse & Buggy ride and our time was up on the meter. Nancy hurried to the car. The meter was expired, but NO Ticket ... Hooray.
We had asked the buggy driver where to get a real Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich. He said the ONLY real one was at “Pat's Steaks” on 10th & Pashiank. Thank God for our GPS. We would have been soooo lost so many times without it it is unbelievable. We found Pats after blocks and blocks of one-way streets with cars parked on both sides of the streets and only room for one car down the center of the street. Two blocks and a stop sign again and again. Gino's is kitty corner from Pats and the guy behind us in line coached us on how to place our order Philly style. Wit is with onions, name your kind of cheese or you get cheese-whiz. Nancy got hers wit & wit American. Mine was wit & wit 'shrooms. I forgot to say what kind of cheese fast enough and got cheese whiz. It was still pretty good. That guy behind us in line had driven over from Camden, NJ just for a cheese steak sandwich. He says Pat's is definitely better than Gino's, but there were similar length lines at both places. It was a zoo, but a lot of fun all the same
. After that, we headed back toward Hershey and our motor home. Nancy really wanted to go back to a little shop in Amish Country she had tried to buy out a couple of days ago, So we made a little side trip thru Amish Country. Back roads, farm roads, little cross roads towns, all under the direction of our trusty GPS. I don't think some of those roads are on Pennsylvania's road maps. Found the little shop in Intercourse, PA. Virginia may be for Lovers, but Pennsylvanians have Intercourse. Nancy got the thingy that she forgot a couple of days ago. Then we went home and had a cocktail and played with Charlie. What a day!!
On the way in to Philly, we passed one Harley Davidson Dealership ... a mortal sin, I think. But, we did stop at Valley Forge Harley Davidson and spent a little cash. It seems that we stop at almost every H-D Store we pass along the way. This Biking hobby is a little on the expensive side, when you have to buy at least two of everything :)
What a city !!! Traffic like crazy, narrow streets and zillions of people. Residents, visitors and just tourists all over the place. Fortunately, it was only in the 70's most of the day. After driving around the “Independence Square” area for a half hour, Nancy spotted a parking space only One Block from Independence Hall. It took quarters and all we had were five quarters... good for 1 hour & 15 minutes. We wondered around with the crowd looking lost. A little old lady overheard me query where do we go to see the “Liberty Bell”? She yelled at me to get my attention and said “get in that line, It's Free”. A half hour later, after security checking and searching of Nancy's purse, we actually got to see the “Liberty Bell” ... The real McCoy. And it was free, too.
Then we asked a guy how much a buggy ride was. $30for 20 minutes, $40 for a ½ hour including around “Society Hill”. We finished the Horse & Buggy ride and our time was up on the meter. Nancy hurried to the car. The meter was expired, but NO Ticket ... Hooray.
We had asked the buggy driver where to get a real Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich. He said the ONLY real one was at “Pat's Steaks” on 10th & Pashiank. Thank God for our GPS. We would have been soooo lost so many times without it it is unbelievable. We found Pats after blocks and blocks of one-way streets with cars parked on both sides of the streets and only room for one car down the center of the street. Two blocks and a stop sign again and again. Gino's is kitty corner from Pats and the guy behind us in line coached us on how to place our order Philly style. Wit is with onions, name your kind of cheese or you get cheese-whiz. Nancy got hers wit & wit American. Mine was wit & wit 'shrooms. I forgot to say what kind of cheese fast enough and got cheese whiz. It was still pretty good. That guy behind us in line had driven over from Camden, NJ just for a cheese steak sandwich. He says Pat's is definitely better than Gino's, but there were similar length lines at both places. It was a zoo, but a lot of fun all the same
. After that, we headed back toward Hershey and our motor home. Nancy really wanted to go back to a little shop in Amish Country she had tried to buy out a couple of days ago, So we made a little side trip thru Amish Country. Back roads, farm roads, little cross roads towns, all under the direction of our trusty GPS. I don't think some of those roads are on Pennsylvania's road maps. Found the little shop in Intercourse, PA. Virginia may be for Lovers, but Pennsylvanians have Intercourse. Nancy got the thingy that she forgot a couple of days ago. Then we went home and had a cocktail and played with Charlie. What a day!!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Last night it rained almost all night long. At times the rain came down so hard it woke me up. Think of rain on a tin roof. The pitter patter sounded all night long.
This morning Tom and Nancy headed to the rec center so Nancy could start posting her blog. She had to start with the 11th. Of July and go on from there. Tom downloaded the photos they had taken so far and Nancy then went to work typing and trying to remember all that they had done. Not easy when your as old as we are!
This afternoon we were thinking of just settling down and reading a good book. The rain was still with us so we could not tour like we wanted. But, what the heck, the tour of Hershey Chocolate World was free and not to far from where we were camped. So, off we went for the tour. We arrived in Hershey and tried to drive where the GPS sent us, but alas the streets have changed somewhat and we had to follow the signs. Arriving at Hershey World, came be quite intimidating. They have an amusement park, gardens and factory tours all with the same entrance.
When we parked we entered into the Chocolate World complex. The smell of chocolate was everywhere and you just had your mouth watering all the time. We asked where the tour was and a guide pointed up the ramp and said go right in. Well, I thought we would tour the real factory when in fact you head up the ramp and it is made to look like your traveling thru a cocoa plantation. When we arrived at the top of the ramp, we were loaded unto a car like at Disney World and headed into a mock up of what a factory tour would be like. That is talking cows, and television screens explaining the whole process to us. When you finish the ride, you enter the chocolate shop and can purchase anything Hershey makes. You might even find a chocolate shirt if you look hard enough.
After the tour it was still raining and we found the outlets of Hershey to kill some more time. Then we headed homeward bound. Still an enjoyable day.
This morning Tom and Nancy headed to the rec center so Nancy could start posting her blog. She had to start with the 11th. Of July and go on from there. Tom downloaded the photos they had taken so far and Nancy then went to work typing and trying to remember all that they had done. Not easy when your as old as we are!
This afternoon we were thinking of just settling down and reading a good book. The rain was still with us so we could not tour like we wanted. But, what the heck, the tour of Hershey Chocolate World was free and not to far from where we were camped. So, off we went for the tour. We arrived in Hershey and tried to drive where the GPS sent us, but alas the streets have changed somewhat and we had to follow the signs. Arriving at Hershey World, came be quite intimidating. They have an amusement park, gardens and factory tours all with the same entrance.
When we parked we entered into the Chocolate World complex. The smell of chocolate was everywhere and you just had your mouth watering all the time. We asked where the tour was and a guide pointed up the ramp and said go right in. Well, I thought we would tour the real factory when in fact you head up the ramp and it is made to look like your traveling thru a cocoa plantation. When we arrived at the top of the ramp, we were loaded unto a car like at Disney World and headed into a mock up of what a factory tour would be like. That is talking cows, and television screens explaining the whole process to us. When you finish the ride, you enter the chocolate shop and can purchase anything Hershey makes. You might even find a chocolate shirt if you look hard enough.
After the tour it was still raining and we found the outlets of Hershey to kill some more time. Then we headed homeward bound. Still an enjoyable day.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
A great day, Nancy gets up and all traces of the ill effects of her itching are gone.
We debate on if we should stay home or go back and do the auto tour of Gettysburg. Well, the auto tour won and so back to Gettysburg. TAking the audio tour is great. The tour we took is from the most noted civil war local historian in Gettysburg. We listen to the tape to find our way around and at the same time learn about the civil war. It covers a huge area in respects that the battle of Gettysburg is in an area roughly 25 square miles and took three days time. It was a bloody battle.
We debate on if we should stay home or go back and do the auto tour of Gettysburg. Well, the auto tour won and so back to Gettysburg. TAking the audio tour is great. The tour we took is from the most noted civil war local historian in Gettysburg. We listen to the tape to find our way around and at the same time learn about the civil war. It covers a huge area in respects that the battle of Gettysburg is in an area roughly 25 square miles and took three days time. It was a bloody battle.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Look out York, here we come. Today we tour the York Harley Davidson Plant. This is where both our motorcycles are made. We arrive at the plant around 10:15 and the next tour is at 10:30. They have lots of stuff to look at during your wait.
Our tour time is called and we head into a movie theatre to view a film about Harley Davidson company. Then we learn that the new 2009 motorcycles are on the assembly line so we won't get that part of the tour. Bummer, that is what we really wanted to see. We did find out it takes two hours to make a Harley. We did tour the parts part of the plant, but not what we wanted to see.
We think a nice lunch would be good. We find a nice Chinesse buffet for lunch. We both love Chinesse food, so we have a big meal.
Leaving the area to head home after a little time, Tom pulls over to let Nancy drive home. Nancy itches a little, but does not think anything of it. When we arrive back at the RV Nancy looks at herself as she is really itchy now. Wow, she is broken out over all her torso, and down on her legs and arms, some. Nancy takes a cold shower to see if that will help, it does relieve the itching some, but not enough. We love the GPS as we type in Walmart and find one about 5 miles away. It is there we head to and find benedryl creame and liquid. When we get into the parking lot Nancy takes a swig of the bottle and hopes it will start calming the itching down some.
By bedtime Nancy is still broken out-some of the areas that were early in breaking out are going down, but new ones are coming. We know where the hospital is if we need to go, but hope the medicine and creme will work. Only time will tell.
Our tour time is called and we head into a movie theatre to view a film about Harley Davidson company. Then we learn that the new 2009 motorcycles are on the assembly line so we won't get that part of the tour. Bummer, that is what we really wanted to see. We did find out it takes two hours to make a Harley. We did tour the parts part of the plant, but not what we wanted to see.
We think a nice lunch would be good. We find a nice Chinesse buffet for lunch. We both love Chinesse food, so we have a big meal.
Leaving the area to head home after a little time, Tom pulls over to let Nancy drive home. Nancy itches a little, but does not think anything of it. When we arrive back at the RV Nancy looks at herself as she is really itchy now. Wow, she is broken out over all her torso, and down on her legs and arms, some. Nancy takes a cold shower to see if that will help, it does relieve the itching some, but not enough. We love the GPS as we type in Walmart and find one about 5 miles away. It is there we head to and find benedryl creame and liquid. When we get into the parking lot Nancy takes a swig of the bottle and hopes it will start calming the itching down some.
By bedtime Nancy is still broken out-some of the areas that were early in breaking out are going down, but new ones are coming. We know where the hospital is if we need to go, but hope the medicine and creme will work. Only time will tell.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
This was the day to just stay near the campsite and relax. Nancy did laundry, Tom took the computer to the recreation center and downloaded his e-mail. Nancy kept coming up from the laundry room and downloaded her e-mail also.
It was very hot today. We had thought about going swimming, but the pool was loaded with kids. We thought it best to wait until during the week.
Tom made new steps for our motorhome. We had them quit working back in the Carolinas so instead of trying to find someone to fix them, we just made a new two step out of wood and then painted them. Works just fine and we don't have to wonder if the motor burned out or if it was just a fuse we could not find that blew.
All in all a relaxing day.
It was very hot today. We had thought about going swimming, but the pool was loaded with kids. We thought it best to wait until during the week.
Tom made new steps for our motorhome. We had them quit working back in the Carolinas so instead of trying to find someone to fix them, we just made a new two step out of wood and then painted them. Works just fine and we don't have to wonder if the motor burned out or if it was just a fuse we could not find that blew.
All in all a relaxing day.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Today we thought we just might spend the day loafing around the campground. But, we thought we had time to find the cities of Bird in Hand and Intercourse, PA. They are both located in Lancaster County, and are heavily settled by Mennonites and Amish.
We arrive at Bird in Hand and head towards the bakery. June told me that they had wonderful raisin bread. We did not find any raisin bread, but did purchase shoo-fly pie and a breakfast bread.
We went into Farmer's Market and it was full of everything a family would want. They had everything from crafts to fresh food. WE had already eaten so lunch was not to be had here, but everything smelled good.
From here we went east to Intercourse and found the Kitchen Kettle. It is a huge outdoor mall like setting. It has many quaint shops along the walkway. Tom and Charley stayed by the car while Nancy went shopping. It was late in the day when we left, with hopes of returning another day.
We arrive at Bird in Hand and head towards the bakery. June told me that they had wonderful raisin bread. We did not find any raisin bread, but did purchase shoo-fly pie and a breakfast bread.
We went into Farmer's Market and it was full of everything a family would want. They had everything from crafts to fresh food. WE had already eaten so lunch was not to be had here, but everything smelled good.
From here we went east to Intercourse and found the Kitchen Kettle. It is a huge outdoor mall like setting. It has many quaint shops along the walkway. Tom and Charley stayed by the car while Nancy went shopping. It was late in the day when we left, with hopes of returning another day.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Great, we are finally here and get to tour like we have wanted to for the past two years. Today we are heading towards, Gettysburg.
Arriving in Gettysburg, we find the visitor center. Wow, this looks new (it was new April 2008). We take in the movie about the civil war and why this was such an important battle in the civil war. Then we tour the museum. This takes us the rest of the day. We see flags of the time, then we see the clothing for the armies of the confederacy and union. Also many kinds of firearms used during the civil war.
This is really great. The museum was everything we thought it would be and more. When we ask staff at the museum bookstore, they guide us to the cd audio tour and we purchase this so we can come back and take the audio tour some other day.
Arriving in Gettysburg, we find the visitor center. Wow, this looks new (it was new April 2008). We take in the movie about the civil war and why this was such an important battle in the civil war. Then we tour the museum. This takes us the rest of the day. We see flags of the time, then we see the clothing for the armies of the confederacy and union. Also many kinds of firearms used during the civil war.
This is really great. The museum was everything we thought it would be and more. When we ask staff at the museum bookstore, they guide us to the cd audio tour and we purchase this so we can come back and take the audio tour some other day.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Well this is the day, we leave D.C. and head for Hershey, PA. This will be an easy day of driving we have about 2 hours time and we will be there. We leave D.C. after morning rush hour. When we get close to Thousand Trails/Hershey we get the directions out. We travel into Harrisburg (the capital) and then east towards Hershey. The campground is actually outside of Campbelltown, PA It is well marked and we don't have any trouble find the campground.
We pick out a campsite it is in the back of the campground, and partly into the side of a hill. Our nearest camper is about 50-60 feet away. The back of the campsite is the hill and it goes up about 150 feet behind us. It is probably one of the best campsites you would ever want to have.
We settle in as we will be here until the 31st. of the month. We put out the awning, the floor mat, chairs and just make it our home for the next two weeks time.
We find time to get into the car and explore the area, before settling down for the night.
We pick out a campsite it is in the back of the campground, and partly into the side of a hill. Our nearest camper is about 50-60 feet away. The back of the campsite is the hill and it goes up about 150 feet behind us. It is probably one of the best campsites you would ever want to have.
We settle in as we will be here until the 31st. of the month. We put out the awning, the floor mat, chairs and just make it our home for the next two weeks time.
We find time to get into the car and explore the area, before settling down for the night.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
This is our last day in the area. We think it fitting to travel into the Virginia countryside and head towards skyline drive. WE head west our of the D.C. area and find gently rolling hills. This are would be great to be riding our bikes, but we thought it wise to bring the car this time around.
We drive into the coutryside, yes, Charley is with us. She just loves riding in the motorhome and the car, so when our day is driving or when we know it will be mostly riding, we take her with us.
We find skyline drive and they want to charge us for using the road. What is this? we can drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and there is no charge, so why the charge here? They can't tell us, so we find back roads and head back to the motorhome.
On the way back we find we are in rush hour traffic, whoa this is nothing like we have ever seen before. And just where did they find their drivers licenses? out of a cracker jack box???
We drive into the coutryside, yes, Charley is with us. She just loves riding in the motorhome and the car, so when our day is driving or when we know it will be mostly riding, we take her with us.
We find skyline drive and they want to charge us for using the road. What is this? we can drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and there is no charge, so why the charge here? They can't tell us, so we find back roads and head back to the motorhome.
On the way back we find we are in rush hour traffic, whoa this is nothing like we have ever seen before. And just where did they find their drivers licenses? out of a cracker jack box???
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
This is the day we learn to travel the bus and metro system in Washington D.C. area. We are a little intimidated by the whole sound of traversing the system. Luckily when we board the bus at the RV park we find a couple who had gone into D.C. the day before and they helped us find our way. We went from the bus station to the metro station. When we boarded the train we were told how to find the transfer for our return trip, how to get off from the green train and find the red train and take it to Union Station. WE did all right because we got to where we needed to go and purchase tickets for the Grey Line tour. We opted for the land/boat tour of the area.
This is really cool, we are on a double decker open topped bus. We figure that is a great way to be able to snap our photos. And snap photos is what Nancy did. Tom took a few but Nancy just would not let her camera sit still for long. When we had traveled into D.C. on Sunday we did not know all that we had seen, but on the bus tour we found out just what we had seen, and a lot more.
We traveled to the Smithsoian Institution, Air and Space Museum. The Smithsoian is really a lot of different museums, in many buildings. We stopped and took a look see before returning to the tour bus.
Then we had to travel the route again as we needed to get off in Georgetown for our boat ride down the Potomac. From our many years of boating, we know just how different a city can look from the water vs. the land. So, we did enjoy our boat ride. We got to see Watergate, and the Kennedy Center for the Arts from the water.
When we got off the boat it was a long two city blocks uphill to catch our bus. I ran on ahead hopefully so we would not have a long wait to catch the bus. Good thing I did, as the bus was just ready to leave the stop, but waited for us and about 10 others on the tour.
When we returned to Union Station we were on our own to find our way back on the metro/bus system. Thank goodness we paid special attention to our friends earlier in the day as we had no trouble catching the red line and changing onto the green line and then the bus back to Cherry Hill RV park.
This is really cool, we are on a double decker open topped bus. We figure that is a great way to be able to snap our photos. And snap photos is what Nancy did. Tom took a few but Nancy just would not let her camera sit still for long. When we had traveled into D.C. on Sunday we did not know all that we had seen, but on the bus tour we found out just what we had seen, and a lot more.
We traveled to the Smithsoian Institution, Air and Space Museum. The Smithsoian is really a lot of different museums, in many buildings. We stopped and took a look see before returning to the tour bus.
Then we had to travel the route again as we needed to get off in Georgetown for our boat ride down the Potomac. From our many years of boating, we know just how different a city can look from the water vs. the land. So, we did enjoy our boat ride. We got to see Watergate, and the Kennedy Center for the Arts from the water.
When we got off the boat it was a long two city blocks uphill to catch our bus. I ran on ahead hopefully so we would not have a long wait to catch the bus. Good thing I did, as the bus was just ready to leave the stop, but waited for us and about 10 others on the tour.
When we returned to Union Station we were on our own to find our way back on the metro/bus system. Thank goodness we paid special attention to our friends earlier in the day as we had no trouble catching the red line and changing onto the green line and then the bus back to Cherry Hill RV park.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Today we decide to travel out to Annapolis, MD. We drive east on the beltway and then on a parkway. We head into Annapolis and see an old city. I guess growing up in the mid-west we just don't realize some of the everyday sites that one sees on the east coast. We pass by old cities, buildings and houses that flatter the eye. Why I don't remember seeing this when we lived in the area? Well, I guess it would be that Tom was only an E-2 in the Army and a base pay of $95.20 per month did not give us the opportunity to see the country. If it was free, we did it, if not, ....!
We drive by the Naval Academy, getting to view this from behind a barbed wire fence. Remember when we could drive onto the army posts, naval bases and air force bases? Well, that ceased long ago (9/11/2001?).
Annapolis was a lovely city, worth a lot more time than what we gave it.
We left Annapolis and headed east, on the Bay Bridge. What a beautiful sight it was too. We drove down into the coastal region and found a marvelous little fresh fish diner at a place called Knapp's Landings. We stopped and had wonderful eats right in a fishing harbor on the Cheaspeake Bay. Talk about having a great time, we sure did.
We stopped by a little roadside stand and bought fresh corn on the cob to have for dinner. When we arrived back at the campsite we had the corn, a steak and a salad. Is this life great of what?
We drive by the Naval Academy, getting to view this from behind a barbed wire fence. Remember when we could drive onto the army posts, naval bases and air force bases? Well, that ceased long ago (9/11/2001?).
Annapolis was a lovely city, worth a lot more time than what we gave it.
We left Annapolis and headed east, on the Bay Bridge. What a beautiful sight it was too. We drove down into the coastal region and found a marvelous little fresh fish diner at a place called Knapp's Landings. We stopped and had wonderful eats right in a fishing harbor on the Cheaspeake Bay. Talk about having a great time, we sure did.
We stopped by a little roadside stand and bought fresh corn on the cob to have for dinner. When we arrived back at the campsite we had the corn, a steak and a salad. Is this life great of what?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Today we got an early start. Wanted to find our campground and get settled early in the day. We arrived before noontime and set up camp. This campground is marvelous! We back up to some woods and we have neighbors near, but not so near that you feel you are on top of each other.
This afternoon we take our auto and travel into D.C. We find so much has changed since our last time in D.C (around 1966)! It is a city of ever changing things and places to see.
We did manage to find our way around enough to drive past 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When we lived in D.C. area back in 1966 - we could stop and park in front of the White House, but now you drive by, don't stop and snap photos as you're traveling by.
Then we headed to the Lincoln Memorial. On the way we pasted the Vietnam Memorial and also WWII Memorial. Then we headed out to Arlington National Cemetery. We can remember when Fritz was stationed at Andrews A.F.B and had duty in the area. We did a lot of touring in the car and then headed back to our campsite.
A fun day and lots of excitement for us. Can't wait to take a tour and see and hear more of our capital city. Such an interesting place to visit. But during the week, we would NEVER think of driving into the city. We will take the buses and metro system.
This afternoon we take our auto and travel into D.C. We find so much has changed since our last time in D.C (around 1966)! It is a city of ever changing things and places to see.
We did manage to find our way around enough to drive past 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When we lived in D.C. area back in 1966 - we could stop and park in front of the White House, but now you drive by, don't stop and snap photos as you're traveling by.
Then we headed to the Lincoln Memorial. On the way we pasted the Vietnam Memorial and also WWII Memorial. Then we headed out to Arlington National Cemetery. We can remember when Fritz was stationed at Andrews A.F.B and had duty in the area. We did a lot of touring in the car and then headed back to our campsite.
A fun day and lots of excitement for us. Can't wait to take a tour and see and hear more of our capital city. Such an interesting place to visit. But during the week, we would NEVER think of driving into the city. We will take the buses and metro system.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Today, was a travel day. Leaving St. George heading north towards the Washington D.C. area. We stopped short of D.C. and stayed on the north side of Richmond, VA. Found a nice campground just off the x-way, so that tomorrow would be a short day. We called ahead and made reservations in College Park, MD. at the Cherry Hill RV campground for the next 4 nights.
We got to stop early in the day today. Was nice to have a short day. We know when we leave here our day will be short. Would not minding coming back to this campground as it is near historical places from the confederacy. Hopefully we might get the chance.
We got to stop early in the day today. Was nice to have a short day. We know when we leave here our day will be short. Would not minding coming back to this campground as it is near historical places from the confederacy. Hopefully we might get the chance.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Well, we did get to start our travels today. Tom had jury duty on the 10th. so we weren't sure we would be able to start when we had wanted to. Our start was at 8:30 a.m. We had hoped to pull out earlier, but we just did not make it. We headed up I-75 northbound until north of Tampa when we left the x-way and drove on U.S. 301 to I-10 near Jacksonville. From Jacksonville we traveled on I-95. Smooth sailing all the way. Hardly any construction zones, and what few we had we flew through fast. We got all the way into S.Carolina before stopping for the evening. Our first evening we stopped in St. George, S.C. We did 543 miles! Wow, what a day.
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