20 Jan – 27 Apr 2017; Epilogue and Prologue

Greetings everyone!  Sorry it has been so long, but a lot has transpired in the past 3 months.  Bottom line, is we closed up shop in MS in early March, sold the Coach, packed up our storage unit in Orlando in mid March, and closed on our new house in Wisconsin on the 23rd of March.  A lot of moving parts to make everything come together, and in the end, it all worked out tremendously.  Let’s get started.

EPILOGUE:

We really enjoyed the remainder of the time we had with Jason and Meghan’s family in Mississippi.  We got to watch the kids quite a bit, and we were able to enjoy Mardi-Gras on the MS coast as well.  Terri and I were getting really worried that the coach had not sold as of late Feb, and we knew we were coming up on the end of our for sale ad on RV-Trader.  We would have loved to keep the Coach, but we really would not need anything that big for when we start part-time RVing again.  Also, we could use the infusion of cash from the sale to re-establish a home and all that goes with it once again.

As early March approached, we started receiving some calls on the Coach.  In fact, on the last day it was advertised, we received 8 calls from folks that all seemed very interested.  One gentleman in particular said he would call me the next day with a decision, and early the next morning he called me from his bank, handed the phone over to the banker, and she asked for the correct spelling of our name for the cashiers check!  Done…site unseen!!  This was like the 2nd of March or so, and this transaction really kicked things into high gear.

I had just the day before paid for the entire month of April at the RV park we were at, as I thought I’d be coming back down to Mississippi to pick up the Coach in April after we’d settled into our house…hit reverse please!  The folks at the RV park were great, and refunded me the entire amount.  Now it was time to figure out how to get almost three years of “stuff” out of the Coach and get it ready for delivery…and how to deliver it.  The gentleman that purchased it is from Georgia, and we decided that we would meet each other on the 10th in Florida at a rest area on I-10.  This would allow us to go over things on the Coach, and then turn south toward Orlando to get ready for the clearing of the storage unit and eventual move to Wisconsin.  OK…getting ahead of myself here.  Let’s back up, and let some of the photo’s do the talking.

Peyton’s birthday party at Chucke e Cheese in late January.


I think when mechanical items know they are about to be sold, taken to the mechanic, or whatever, they balk and try to make things difficult for you. This is a shot of the hot water line for the kitchen sink. We just happened to note a small leak by chance. Thank goodness we did, as this hose is well hidden in a dog house type structure under the sink. I don’t even recall how we heard it, but we did. A quick trip to Home Depot for a new hose, and we were back in business.


Jason and Meghan were out of town with Quinn for a few days, so Terri and I got to spend some quality time with Peyton and Logan. Peyton was at school, so we took Logan to the beach.


It was a bit breezy, but he had a good time…what is the old saying about dance like no one is watching, etc? He wore himself out on the beach.

Oh yeah, in mid Feb I went out to pull the living room awning out, and the internal spring broke.  Hmmm…we’ve been to this rodeo before.  In fact, Terri and I had just replaced this Zip-Dee awning spring when we were in Iowa in May.  I made a quick call to Zip-Dee and sent them a couple of photos, and they shipped a new mechanism out that day.  Great company that stands behind their product, and also has great tech support.

This spring is actually about 4 feet long when all together, and is wrapped around a huge dowel that is inserted in the awning canister. It was a major pain getting this one out of the tube so we could install the new one. I’m glad Jason was around to lend a hand!


Another shot of the culprit.


Terri continues to have fun with her projects. I think this one is really neat. Now she has a whole room to herself for her projects!


The city of Biloxi had a kids Mardi-Gras parade shortly before we left. The kids had a blast!


Even Quinn got into the act…kind of.

Terri found out that the small town of VanCleave, MS was having their annual parade as well, so we ventured out into the country to find it.  This parade is unusual in that it takes place on a small winding road in the middle of the country.  We were lucky we found the place before the parade got going, as it starts at the end of a dead-end road.  We got to the end, turned around, and found an elderly lady that let us park in her yard for the parade.

If you look close, you can see the huge fishing net she is holding. She used this to catch beads and all the other stuff the folks in the parade were tossing out.


It was a comical and very enjoyable parade…nothing like we’d ever seen.


You never know what you will find…or where.


These folks claim to be from the Slap A Ho Tribe…?  And yes, that is a rifle he is pointing at us.


No parade is complete without the Adams Family Party Bus I guess.


Needless to say, we had a great time on one of our last days in MS.


WARNING!! DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION!! I found this morsel on sale (wonder why) and just had to try it. It’s been about two months or so, and I still cannot get the taste out of my mouth. DON’T DO IT!


The last weekend we were in Biloxi we found a neat little Barbecue carnival. Face painting, pony rides, etc. Perfect day for the kiddos.


Head ’em out, move ’em up, Rawhide!!


Logan looks like he is having second thoughts, but he had fun.

Just like that, our time in MS had come to a close.  We spent the week of the 5th of March packing, unpacking, and repacking.  As I mentioned earlier, it is amazing how much “stuff” we actually had in the Coach.  So much so, that we rented a U-Haul trailer and filled the truck to the gills for the trek to Orlando.  The Coach had to be empty, as we were meeting the new owners to make the transfer on Friday, the 10th.

We filled everything to the rim for sure. In fact, we had taken a truck full over to the storage unit two weeks before this, and still barely had enough room for the rest of our stuff.

We were up and at it early on Friday the 10th, and met the new owners just before noon.  Neither Terri or I slept a wink the night before.  Last minute packing, cleaning, and worrying.  That never does one any good, but everything runs through your mind at the last minute…will the Coach behave?  Will the deal go through?  Will the piece of crap U-Haul trailer make it all the way?  Everything had to come together just right.  Get to Orlando, find a place for all of our Coach stuff, as our present storage unit was full to the top.  Find a rental truck…find help to load…get loaded on the 17th, and make the trip to Wisconsin on time for a March 22 walk through, and a March 23 close…hope everything about the house was the way we remembered and all the inspection items had been taken care of….

We were greeted by a gorgeous morning.  The Coach fired right up, and we had an enjoyable trek into Florida.  Terri followed me with the truck and U-Haul in tow.  It was bittersweet having the time in the Coach by myself for those few hundred miles.  All the memories flying through my mind, along with the expectation of beginning a new chapter in our lives.

When we arrived at the rest stop we’d agreed on, we were met by the new owners.  They had a short window of time for us to show them how everything worked, as they needed to get to Jacksonville, get the Coach set up, and head off to a baseball tournament.  We knew this in advance, so we wrote up as many helpful hints and cheat sheets if you will as to how to operate the Coach.  When we purchased it, the former owner spent two days with us to make sure we had everything down pat, and there was still a bit of a learning curve after all that time.  It all went well; however, and after a few hours, we saw our home for the past nearly 3 years motor on down the interstate.

 

The new owners of the home that treated us so well over the years.

PROLOGUE:

Well, it was a fast paced end to an awesome chapter in our lives, and time to turn the page on a new adventure.  After the Coach motored on out of sight, Terri and I just sat in the truck for a bit (after I’d deposited the check electronically and made sure it cashed:)  What a load off of our minds.  Now we could focus on clearing the storage unit, and getting ready to head north.  We were both dead beat tired and hungry.  We headed into Lake City for lunch, and planned to grab a hotel room and catch up on some much needed sleep.  Lunch was great, but there were no hotel rooms to be had.  Daytona bike week was starting, and it was still Spring Break, so our only choice was to motor on down the road to Orlando, and hope to make it to Justin and Mandi’s house in one piece.  Traffic on I-75 was horrific for the most part, but we finally made it late in the day.  Thank goodness for Mandi and Justin, and the hospitality they afforded us!

After a  long nights rest, we were able to focus on getting a rental truck arranged, found some folks to help us move, and were able to move all of the stuff out of the U-Haul and into a storage unit right next to the one we had for only $40.  The folks at our storage place treated us right.  We only needed the room for one week, and they we accommodating.  We were able to take the trailer back to U-Haul right away on Saturday to avoid any additional fees.  We spent the week getting everything in the storage unit packed up so it could make the 1200+ mile drive north.  We were also able to spend some really fun time with my mom and dad, and Mandi and Justin.

Just like that, it was the morning of the 17th of March, and load day.  We had some great guys from a local moving company help us load, and we were done by 3 in the afternoon.  That worked out great.  Enough time to get back to Mandi’s and have a quiet evening so we could hit the road at 4 in the morning.

This guy that helped us load is the cousin of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix…one of the Packer’s DB’s. Neat.


Loved his shirt.


The Beast.


Almost done!


The guys did a real good job packing the truck. Nothing got broken in transit. The duck did not ride there…all the taxidermy rode first class in the back seat of the truck with Terri.


The truck was just the right size. Enough room after we were all loaded to add a few more things that we had at Justin and Mandi’s house.

We were on the road as planned at 0400 on the 17th of March.  Not knowing what the Spring weather would bring as we headed further north, we wanted a day or two buffer before the 22 March walk through and 23 March close.  The trip, although long, was quite uneventful.  We had great weather most of the way.  We made it to Murfreesboro, TN the first night, and all the way to Rockford, IL the second night.  That is a night we’d rather forget however.  The first room we were given was smoke filled…in a non-smoking hotel.  They gave us another room, but forgot to update their registration list.  Thank goodness we flipped the latch on the door before we went to bed.  About midnight or so, we heard an awful banging.  I jumped out of bed, and saw someone trying to get into our room…they had a key.  Long story short, they double booked our room, and gave a key to someone else.  In the end, they comped the room for us…what a night.

We made the trek the rest of the way on Monday, and arrived at Terri’s mom’s house in the early afternoon.

We made it in time to head out that night for Terri’s sisters birthday. Great to be back home again!

The walk through on the 22nd went great, as did the close on the 23rd.  We were completely unloaded and had the rental truck back by late afternoon on the 23rd.  Since that time, we have been busy getting everything where it needs to be, and stimulating the local economy by purchasing all the things we had either given away or sold when we sold the last house…you know, stuff like couches, beds, yard tools, lawn mower, car for Terri, and on and on.  It has been fun, and we have been taking it slowly.  We’ve spent a lot of time in the back, working on clearing trees and brush so we can see the river from the house and the deck.  Our lot is about 3 acres, with about 600 feet of river frontage.  We have our bird feeders up, and they are always packed.  We’ve seen deer, turkeys and other assorted wildlife, and have been thoroughly enjoying getting reacquainted with life in Wisconsin!

Move in day…Terri overseeing her new empire.


Chair here, chair there, picture here, picture there…it will take a while.


More changes.


Looking toward the river before any work began.


New couch.


New wheels for Terri. Look out world…she has her own wheels, and she’s unafraid!


A couple of wind storms took out some more trees. Thank goodness we had Ashley, Garreck and Toby a couple of weekends to help. Toby also spent a week with us. Looking forward to more of that. Meghan and the kids will be joining us for a while in June as well!


Making more progress…piles getting larger, and can almost see the river.


Always nice to have good help!!


A nice addition from some friends in Florida!


Hey…there is actually a river out there!!


Toby had to head out the weekend before Easter, but we did get an egg hunt in.

The garage is starting to come together.


And the fires are great!


Can see a little more each day. Things are really starting to green up, so need to get the brush chipped and the rest of the area cleared before Spring is completely Sprung.


Neat oil lamp kit that Jason and Meghan got us before we left.

 

Shhhh! You can almost hear the Spring.

I guess we were not quiet enough…this is what greeted us this morning.

That about wraps up this iteration.  Still a lot to do here, but nothing is an emergency, so we are taking it a little at a time.  We are enjoying getting reacquainted with the area, friends and family.  We are always open for company, so if you find yourselves headed in this direction, give us a shout.  As far as the RV thing goes, we will start looking for our next “home away from home” once we get a bit more settled.

So…that sums up what’s been keeping us busy!  As always, we hope this finds you Happy, Healthy, and Living Your Dreams!!!

 

2 Dec 16 – 19 Jan 17; Family Fun, A New Addition, Some Major Changes

Greetings from a very wet and rainy Biloxi, MS.  We are still here in the Keesler AFB RV Park, and will be until March sometime.  A lot has happened since our last post.  This will once again be mostly a photo blog.  I sure hope the photos come through.  I know that in the past couple of posts, some of the photos were not appearing.  Something is wrong with the Google photos interface.

We had a fantastic Christmas and start to the New Year, and hope that you all did as well.  Let’s get started.

Terri and I were each fortunate enough to get up to Wisconsin and see Ashley, Garreck and family shortly before Christmas. More on that later.

Terri and I were each fortunate enough to get up to Wisconsin and see Ashley, Garreck and family shortly before Christmas. More on that later.

LOL!!

LOL!!

We spent a great evening with Jason's family at the small train museum in Gulfport. They go all out for the Christmas season. Train rides, lights, trees, you name it. What a blast.

We spent a great evening with Jason’s family at the small train museum in Gulfport. They go all out for the Christmas season. Train rides, lights, trees, you name it. What a blast.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve with Jason's family. This is the last good shot of my great beard. I made the mistake of going to the base barber to get a haircut and a beard trim...big mistake. Told the lady three times I only wanted my beard evened up...after she made one pass with the clippers, I lost three months of growth. The haircut was even worse. I have not taken off my hat since.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve with Jason’s family. This is the last good shot of my great beard. I made the mistake of going to the base barber to get a haircut and a beard trim…big no no. Told the lady three times I only wanted my beard evened up…after she made one pass with the clippers, I lost three months of growth. The haircut was even worse. I have not taken off my hat since.

Christmas Morning!

Christmas Morning!

Terri helping the kids bake.

Terri helping the kids bake.

Logan sporting my Badgers hat after their Bowl victory.

Logan sporting my Badgers hat after their Bowl victory.

And now Logan sporting Gramps' Packer hat after their first playoff win...and enjoying a cold one.

And now Logan sporting Gramps’ Packer hat after their first playoff win…and enjoying a cold one.

Fast forward to 10 Jan…we welcomed Quinn Rose Ten Haken into the world.  What a glorious and wonderful day!!

Peyton was at school, so before we picked her up to see the baby, Terri made these for Peyton to give out to her school mates and teachers to welcome Quinn.

Peyton was at school, so before we picked her up to see the baby, Terri made these for Peyton to give out to her school mates and teachers to welcome Quinn.

One happy Gramps!!

One happy Gramps!!

Peyton was sooo waiting to finally meet her little sister! What a blast to be part of this!!

Peyton was sooo waiting to finally meet her little sister! What a blast to be part of this!!

One happy Grams as well!!

One happy Grams as well!!

I think Quinn is very lucky to have this guy as her big brother!

I think Quinn is very lucky to have this guy as her big brother!

And the whole happy family!!

And the whole happy family!!

We've had so much fun watching the other two when we can to allow Jason and Meghan get settled in with Quinn. Logan and I took his car for a spin out to the base Marina.

We’ve had so much fun watching the other two when we can to allow Jason and Meghan get settled in with Quinn. Logan and I took his car for a spin out to the base Marina.

Terri and I were fortunate enough to be able to attend Peyton's birthday party at her school.

Terri and I were fortunate enough to be able to attend Peyton’s birthday party at her school.

On the 15th we went to a pizza place in Biloxi for Peyton's birthday. The guys in the kitchen placed some salami and pepperoni on the inside glass for Logan to decorate.

On the 15th we went to a pizza place in Biloxi for Peyton’s birthday. The guys in the kitchen placed some salami and pepperoni on the inside glass for Logan to decorate.

Happy birthday to a special little girl!!

Happy birthday to a special little girl!!

Logan doing double duty...watching his baby sister and getting jazzed about the Packers win over the Cowboys!!

Logan doing double duty…watching his baby sister and getting jazzed about the Packers win over the Cowboys!!

Earlier this week we went to the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport with Peyton and Logan.  What a place!  Birds, reptiles, fish, gators, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, dolphins and sea lions all at a very affordable price.  We felt like royalty, as we were the only ones on the morning tour.  They have crowds as large as 140 at times.  With just us on the tour, the kids got to do things that you normally have to pay more for, and have to be older to do, like pet the dolphins.  A really neat place and a great day.

Most of the things here have been rescued, like this guy, that loved to talk, play basketball, roller skate and match colors.

Most of the things here have been rescued, like this guy, that loved to talk, play basketball, roller skate and match colors.

The kids got to pet stingrays, starfish and horseshoe crabs.

The kids got to pet stingrays, starfish and horseshoe crabs.

And snakes!

And snakes!

Peyton was really interested and not afraid at all...well, a little bit when petting the baby gators, but she did great.

Peyton was really interested and not afraid at all…well, a little bit when petting the baby gators, but she did great.

This girl is a 39 year old Navy veteran!

The day ended with a great sea lion show.

The day ended with a great sea lion show.

We all went bowling yesterday. Baby Quinn just watched.

We all went bowling yesterday. Baby Quinn just watched.

Well, that’s about it…wait…I mentioned something about major changes.  That’s right, Terri and I are going to be going to part-time RVing, as we found a home in Wisconsin. That’s why we each had trips to Wisconsin just before Christmas…Terri to check it out with the realtor, and I went up for the home inspection.  We plan to spend most of the year there, and continue to RV, but not full time.  We love this lifestyle so much, but it just so happens a property popped up that met all of the criteria we have been looking for over the years in the area of Wisconsin where we grew up.  We plan to close on the house in early April.  In the meantime, we are working plans to get all of our stuff out of storage in Orlando and up to Wisconsin, as well as selling the Coach.  Yep, you read that right.  We love this Coach, and would hang onto it indefinitely if we were staying full time, but we are going to look for something a bit smaller for the shorter trips we will be taking in the future.  The whole reason we embarked on this journey was to be able to spend time with our kids and grands and not impose on our kids homes.  We plan to continue doing that, but will also have a place that they can come to as well.  Terri has only asked for one thing since we’ve been married, and that is to find a home with trees and a creek in Wisconsin at some point in time, and that is exactly what we found.  The property is almost three acres, and has over 600 feet of frontage on a river that I used to trout fish in when I was a kid.  There is no doubt we will miss in a big way our full time experiences, but we are looking to turn a page and are looking forward to great experiences in a differing way.

If any of you know anyone looking for a quality built used Coach, please let me know, and I can point you to our RV Trader ad.

Will post pictures of the house at some other time, but here is one shot to give you an idea of what we are looking forward to:

Part of our soon to be new back yard.

Part of our soon to be new back yard.

So, there you have it.  A lot going on, and truly blessed, as we pray you are.  As always, we hope you are Happy, Healthy, and Living Your Dreams!!!!

1 Nov – 1 Dec, 2016; Family and Friends

Greetings all from Biloxi, Mississippi!  Man, it has been a full month already.  Where does the time go?  We have had an absolute blast this past month catching up with family and friends in Florida, and landed back in Biloxi, MS yesterday.

We last left off on Halloween at the Cummins repair facility in NC.  Our parts showed up the first thing on Tuesday morning (new heater booster pump and hoses), and the mechanics had us out of the shop and parked back in our spot by early afternoon.  Total damage with parts (pump, hoses, 32 gallons of antifreeze) and labor was just south of $1K…not too bad considering all that happened.  Rather than head down the road that late in the afternoon, we decided to spend one last night in the Cummins park.  We hit the road early on the 2nd, and made it as far as the Coastal Georgia RV Park near Brunswick, GA.  It was an uneventful day, and nice travels.  We have stayed here once before, and oddly enough it was the night before we got towed the first time back in the summer of 2014.  Karma I guess.

Nice park with concrete slabs and a lot of amenities. Price for one night was only $23 due to our Passport America membership.

Nice park with concrete slabs and a lot of amenities. Price for one night was only $23 due to our Passport America membership.

We departed early on the 4th, Thursday, bound for Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake in Orlando, where we were originally supposed to be on the 1st.  Again, another good travel day, but if we never, ever drive I-4 through Orlando again with the bus we will not be disappointed.

Our spot at Turkey Lake. This is a nice park with a lot to offer, but their slabs are extremely un-level. There are only about 3 out of the 40 sites that will get us close to level, and even then we have to use blocks on some tires. Time the right front is up on blocks.

Our spot at Turkey Lake. This is a nice park with a lot to offer, but their slabs are extremely un-level. There are only about 3 out of the 40 sites that will get us close to level, and even then we have to use blocks on some tires. This time the right front is up on blocks.

The next almost two weeks were a blur.  We spent a ton of time with Mandi and Justin, and got to see my mom and dad and play some cards a couple of times.  I don’t have a ton of photos…

Great bike paths and vistas in this park.

Great bike paths and vistas in this park.

Justin and Mandi scored us tickets to the UCF game on the 5th, and we had a blast. We tailgated ahead of time in the RV lot. One of their friends has an uncle that parks his bus at the RV lot during most games so the

Justin and Mandi scored us tickets to the UCF game on the 5th, and we had a blast. We tail gate ahead of time in the RV lot. One of their friends has an uncle that parks his bus at the RV lot during most games so the “kids” can tail gate just outside the stadium. This was a great win for UCF.

Nice new Jumbo Tron at the stadium.

Nice new Jumbo Tron at the stadium.

The rest of the week slipped by with trips to mom and dads, shopping, truck maintenance, bike rides, dinners with Mandi and Justin and just other “stuff.”  Saturday the 12th we ended up back at UCF for their next home game.  I got a free ticket due to their promotion of Veteran’s Day.  What a great gig.

We got to the campus in time to take a walk around and see what has changed. They have made a ton of improvements to this campus.

We got to the campus in time to take a walk around and see what has changed. They have made a ton of improvements to this campus.

Mandi snapped this shot of Terri and I at the new Veteran's Memorial at the south end of Memory Mall.

Mandi snapped this shot of Terri and I at the new Veteran’s Memorial at the south end of Memory Mall.

What a great looking new ROTC facility located on Memory Mall as well. This sure is a step up from the double wide trailer that Jason was associated with during his time in ROTC at UCF.

What a great looking new ROTC facility located on Memory Mall as well. This sure is a step up from the double wide trailer that Jason was associated with during his time in ROTC at UCF.

Another shot of the veterans memorial.

Another shot of the veterans memorial.

And UCF won this game as well...one of Mandi and Justin's friends said we had to go to the next two games as we were a good luck charm...I guess he was right, as UCF dropped the next two games. They are still going to a bowl game however. Pretty decent going from zero wins last year to a bowl this year.

And UCF won this game as well…one of Mandi and Justin’s friends said we had to go to the next two games as we were a good luck charm…I guess he was right, as UCF dropped the next two games. They are still going to a bowl game however. Pretty decent going from zero wins last year to a bowl this year.

We were allowed on the field after the game. That was a neat experience. The last time we were on the field was when I commissioned Jason as an Officer in the USAF.

We were allowed on the field after the game. That was a neat experience. The last time we were on the field was when I commissioned Jason as an Officer in the USAF.

On Monday, the 14th we transitioned over to Wickham Park in Melbourne FL for a little over a week.  It was a great time catching up with great friends!!

The day we arrived, Tommy and Donna pulled in next to us and spent the next three days.

The day we arrived, Tommy and Donna pulled in next to us and spent the next three days.

Here's their dog Buddy giving me the business for being too close to their Coach...

Here’s their dog Buddy giving me the business for being too close to their Coach…

On Friday we were joined by Eric and Ellen and their new Coach!

On Friday we were joined by Eric and Ellen and their new Coach!

What a blast…I know I say that a lot, but it really was fun catching up with, and not spending nearly enough time with several folks who stopped by, or that we met at the Marina or elsewhere.  Time sure does fly.  Thanks to Trase, Shonna, CJ, Al, Marlena, Tina, Steve, Kevin, Michele and to anyone else that stopped by or we caught up with that I may have failed to mention.  We certainly hit the jackpot with the folks we got to know during our time on the Space Coast.

We even got to see an Atlas V launch while we were there.

We even got to see an Atlas V launch while we were there.

We got this pic of our youngest grand while we were in FL...Man he is growing up fast! Just turned two.

We got this pic of our youngest grand while we were in FL…Man he is growing up fast! Just turned two.

Tuesday, the 22nd was our last day at Wickham...time to pack up and head back to Orlando.

Tuesday, the 22nd was our last day at Wickham…time to pack up and head back to Orlando.

We learned earlier in the month that Jason and Meghan and family, and Ashley and Toby were going to all come to Orlando for the Thanksgiving weekend.  Mandi and Justin were happy to have everyone in their neck of the woods.

Jason and Meghan arrived on the afternoon of the 23rd at Turkey Lake, and go the site right next to ours. I've mentioned before how great this park is. They have a little farm that offers behind the scenes tours, and the kids loved it.

Jason and Meghan arrived on the afternoon of the 23rd at Turkey Lake, and got the site right next to ours. I’ve mentioned before how great this park is. They have a little farm that offers behind the scenes tours, and the kids loved it.

Jason and Meghan's camper with the

Jason and Meghan’s camper with the “puppy pen” between us.

Our son and his son...

Our son and his son…

Terri cooked up an awesome Thanksgiving meal at the Coach. It was just us folks until later in the day when Mandi got off work. Terri is getting to be quite the pro at using the convection oven. The full sized turkey turned out great. This was just prep for Sunday, when we would all celebrate Thanksgiving together, as Ashley and Toby were due in on Saturday.

Terri cooked up an awesome Thanksgiving meal at the Coach. It was just us folks until later in the day when Mandi got off work. Terri is getting to be quite the pro at using the convection oven. The full-sized turkey turned out great. This was just prep for Sunday, when we would all celebrate Thanksgiving together, as Ashley and Toby were due in on Saturday.

Peyton enjoying her find at the farm in the park.

Peyton enjoying her find at the farm in the park.

Jason and Meghan got out to the campus on Friday and got to re-live their college years. Sign these two up??

Jason and Meghan got out to the campus on Friday and got to re-live their college years. Sign these two up??

Another memorable spot on the UCF campus.

Another memorable spot on the UCF campus.

The tour wore the kids out, and they enjoyed some time at Mandi's house.

The tour wore the kids out, and they enjoyed some time at Mandi’s house.

their didn't get to rest for long, as they were put to work on dishes after supper.

They didn’t get to rest for long, as they were put to work on dishes after supper.

We celebrated Thanksgiving on Sunday at Mandi's. Jason, Meghan and family, Ashley, Toby and Mandi went to Mandi and Justin's church on Sunday morning. Justin and I cooked, and Terri went to get my mom and dad. Here is Jason at the kids table...how does that still happen??

We celebrated Thanksgiving on Sunday at Mandi’s. Jason, Meghan and family, Ashley, Toby and Mandi went to Mandi and Justin’s church on Sunday morning. Justin and I cooked, and Terri went to get my mom and dad. Here is Jason at the kids table…how does that still happen??

Good eats, good company...not such a great shot.

Good eats, good company…

It sure was great getting as many together as we could. We sure missed Garreck, Emma and Eli though!!

It sure was great getting as many together as we could. We really missed Garreck, Emma and Eli though!!

On Monday we went to a few parks with Mandi, Ashley and Toby, as well as taking a walk around Winter Park and getting haircuts for Toby and I. Here Toby is showing me how to use the ATM.

On Monday we went to a few parks with Mandi, Ashley and Toby, as well as taking a walk around Winter Park and getting haircuts for Toby and I. Here Toby is showing me how to use the ATM.

A neat park with an adult/kid swing.

A neat park with an adult/kid swing.

Toby liked it a lot!!

Toby liked it a lot!!

Ashley and Toby headed back to WI early on Tuesday morning, and Terri and I hit the road early too and made it about 420 miles to Eagles Landing RV Park in Holt, FL which is just off of I-10 north of Pensacola.  That would leave only about 160 miles to go to get to Keesler AFB, MS by Jason and Meghan on Wednesday, the 30th.

We took our time on Wednesday morning, watching the weather before we left FL.  There were severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings along our route.  We were lucky and avoided the tornado activity, but did get into some nasty thunderstorms.  I do love the way our Coach handles wind, rain, whatever.  We made good time and were all set up in the Keesler FamCamp in the early afternoon.  We plan to be here for a couple of months or more to welcome our next grandchild which is due in mid January.

This afternoon and early evening we were treated to a Christmas celebration at the base Marina provided by the base Force Support Squadron.  Here is what went on:

Family photo ops.

Family photo ops.

Trains you can drive.

Trains you can drive.

Trains you can ride.

Trains you can ride.

Cookie decorating.

Cookie decorating.

Hay rides.

Hay rides.

Snow in Mississippi?

Snow in Mississippi?

Frosty frosted her.

Frosty frosted her.

And a tree lighting!

And a tree lighting!

Well, a very brief explanation of what has transpired over the past month.  We are feeling very blessed and fortunate to be able to do what we do, and especially for the time with family and friends that would not have been possible had we not embarked on this journey over two years ago!  We hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving, and wish you an early Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Oh, we found a neat quote the other day:  “The school of hard knocks is an accelerated curriculum.”  —-Menander

As always, we hope this finds you Happy, Healthy and Living Your Dreams!!!

 

10-31 October, 2016; VT, NY, PA, VA, NC…Lot’s of Fun and a Breakdown

Happy Halloween all!  We are currently enjoying the day, and likely a few more in the Cummins parking lot in Kenly, NC.  We broke down shortly after hitting the road from Raleigh, NC on Saturday headed to FL.  We will get to that story later, but first we’ll cover the past couple of weeks.

We headed out of VT as planned on the 10th, and took a longer route up and over Lake Champlain near the Canadian border and turned south in upstate NY.  What a nice drive with all the color, and little traffic.  We made it to a very busy campground and tourist area in Lake George, NY for the night.

So, here is what it looks like when travelling down the road. An awesome view.

So, here is what it looks like when travelling down the road. An awesome view.

The color was spectacular.

The color was spectacular.

Our campsite in Lake George. This place was a little too busy for our taste, so we hit the road again on the 11th.

Our campsite in Lake George. This area was a little too busy for our taste, so we hit the road again on the 11th.

We had another nice drive on the 11th, and landed at the Beldon Hill Campground near Harpersville, NY. Harpersville is not too far from Falls, PA where we wanted to spend a few days researching Terri's family history.

We had another nice drive on the 11th, and landed at the Beldon Hill Campground near Harpersville, NY. Harpersville is not too far from Falls, PA where we wanted to spend a few days researching Terri’s family history.

We spent the 11th and 12th mostly in the area around Falls, PA and Tunkannock, PA.  We were able to find the cemetery where Terri’s Great Great Great Grandfather and Grandmother are buried.  We also spent quite a bit of time at the Wyoming County Historical Society  in Tunkhannock, getting copies of old wills and newspaper accounts from the early 1800’s, all dealing with Terri’s relatives.

The cemetery in Falls where Terri's GreatX3 Grandfather, Jacob Sickler and his wife Hannah are buried.

The cemetery in Falls where Terri’s GreatX3 Grandfather, Jacob Sickler and his wife Hannah are buried.

Dear Ancestor…
Your tombstone stands among the rest;
Neglected and alone.
The name and dates are chiseled out
On polished, marbled stone.
It reaches out to all who care
It is too late to mourn.
You did not know that I exist
You died and I was born.
Yet each of us are cells of you
In flesh, in blood, in bone.
Our blood contracts and beats a pulse
Entirely not our own.
Dear Ancestor, the place you filled
One hundred years ago
Spreads out among the ones you left
Who would have loved you so.
I wonder as you lived and loved,
I wonder if you knew
That someday I would find this spot,
And come to visit you.
-Author Unknown

Hard to read in the photo, but these are their markers.

Hard to read in the photo, but these are their markers.

 

Quite a nice little place in the PA hills.

Quite a nice little place in the PA hills.

The newspaper obit for Hannah.

The newspaper obit for Hannah.

We were able to find Jacob’s will.  We are stunned at how the wording of wills have changed over the years.  It took us a while to get it typed out, and it was of course written in long hand, and kind of hard to decipher off of the microfiche.  The folks back then stayed true to their faith for sure.  It is a great read, and typed out exactly as written with their punctuation (or lack of it) as well.

Jacob Sickler’s Will

In the name of God amen. I Jacob Sickler of Falls township Luzerne county and state of Pennsylvania being sick and weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding (praised be God for it) and considering the uncertainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof and to the end I may be better prepared to leave this world whenever it shall please God to call me hence do therefore make and declare this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say, First and principally I commend my soul into the hands of Almighty God my Creator, hoping for free pardon and remission of all my sins and enjoy everlasting happiness in the heavenly Kingdom through Jesus Christ my savior, my body I commit to the earth at the discretion of my executors herein after named, and as to my property I dispose of as follows, I give and bequeath to my dear wife Hannah one half of the house where I now reside to her own proper use as long as she remains my widow, if she marries she is to have two beds two cows and other furniture necessary in proportion for keeping house.  To my son William I give one bay horse that is called his and one hundred dollars to be paid to him in one year from next spring.  It is my wish the two oldest sons William and Jacob Jr. should stay at home and take charge of the property that now is, likewise to take care of their mother and the young children, it is my wish that my son John should stay at home until he is of age, and then to fall in shares with the two oldest in taking care of the property, then my oldest sons William Jacob & John are to have all they can make with the property over and above supporting their mother and the young children comfortably until her death or leave them by marriage.  It is my wish that when Miles my youngest son is eighteen years old the property should be divided provided his mother should be dead at that time, I give to my daughter Elizabeth two beds, two cows and furniture in proportion for housekeeping when she gets married if she does not marry to receive the above mentioned property at eighteen years of age likewise at the final division of the property Elizabeth to receive one hundred dollars, and I give to my daughter Hannah in equal proportions with Elizabeth my three oldest sons as above mentioned to have the one half of the dwelling house where I now live together with all other  privileges of buildings, mills, farming utensils oxen cows and all other property to use occupy and enjoy as to therein shall seem proper until the day official division then to return their goods as they were or the value of them in proportion to the inventory when taken.  The household furniture that now is to be in possession of my wife Hannah to use occupy and enjoy as to her shall seem proper while she remains my widow that is for her and the little children, at the decease of my wife the household furniture to be equally divided between my three daughters, it is my wish that Elizabeth have three months schooling at the expense of the three oldest sons, the other children younger than Elizabeth are to be sent to school to learn to read and write and cipher? sofaras the single rule of three at the expense of the three oldest sons.  When Miles is 18 years old, should his mother be dead then the final division is to take place and the property to be equally divided between my seven sons, I now nominate constitute and appoint Luther Dailey, Isaac Smith & Jacob Sickler Jr. sole executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other and former wills by me at any time heretofore made, in witness whereof I have heretofore set my hand and seal the fourth day of November AD in the year of our lord 1830.

[Luzerne County Wills  Book A Page 369 Dated 4 November 1830]

We were able to find the plat map of where their land was along the Sesquehana River.

We were able to find the plat map of where their land was along the Susquehanna River.

It was really a lot of fun researching this with Terri and actually walking the ground her ancestors walked.  After those fun two days, we were off again on the 13th, headed to the Twin Grove RV Resort in Pine Grove, PA.  It was a really nice place, and easy access to bike trails, Gettysburg, Lancaster, and Pottsville where the Yuengling brewery is located.  Here are some shots of our many days in that area.

Great view from our campsite.

Great view from our campsite.

Sporting our pumpkins from Mike and Paula. They have trick or treat at this park every Saturday during October.

Sporting our pumpkins from Mike and Paula. They have trick or treat at this park every Saturday during October.

The 14th was Terri’s birthday, so we headed over to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater in Lancaster for a great meal and a great show.

We had a great time!  The weekend was spent touring and biking, as well as into the next week.  The colors were not very visible when we first arrived, but that changed daily.

This guys made the rounds of the campground every weekend.

This guys made the rounds of the campground every weekend.

As is typical most places we stay, this place fills up on the weekends. This is only one part of the campground. The have about 300 RV spaces and 20 or so cabins.

As is typical most places we stay, this place fills up on the weekends. This is only one part of the campground. The have about 300 RV spaces and 20 or so cabins.

I finally got the Coach fully cleaned. This is a picture of me taking a picture obviously...this is my reflection in one of the windows on the Coach.

I finally got the Coach fully cleaned. This is a picture of me taking a picture obviously…this is my reflection in one of the windows on the Coach.

It's been great to have the Packer game every week so far...but, the outcomes have not been too good...

It’s been great to have the Packer game every week so far…but, the outcomes have not been too good…

There is a really nice Rails to Trails bike path real close to the Campground.

There is a really nice Rails to Trails bike path real close to the Campground.

A really neat old bridge along the Appalachian Trail.

A really neat old bridge along the Appalachian Trail.

Nice night out playing cards.

Nice night out playing cards.

Early the next week we headed over o the oldest brewery in the US...Yuengling. It was a really great tour of their original Brew House.

Early the next week we headed over to the oldest brewery in the US…Yuengling. It was a really great tour of their original Brew House.

The caves under the brewery where they stored keg beer until they were sealed off during prohibition. They recently opened the caves up to the public.

The caves under the brewery where they stored keg beer until they were sealed off during prohibition. They recently opened the caves up to the public.

There is a ton of history here. Well worth the tour if you are near the area.

There is a ton of history here. Well worth the tour if you are near the area.

Bottling line.

Bottling line.

When they expanded the brewery, they got as close to the church as they possibly could...

When they expanded the brewery, they got as close to the church as they possibly could…

Outside of shipping dock.

Outside of shipping dock.

Later in the week we made it to Gettysburg.  What a great tour back in time to one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.

360 painting of the battle. It was originally done in the 1800's, and recently restored and displayed in a huge building. They have done a fantastic job. What a job the artist did. He painted this from sketches done during the three day battle.

360 painting of the battle. It was originally done in the 1800’s, and recently restored and displayed in a huge building. They have done a fantastic job. What a job the artist did. He painted this from sketches done during the three day battle.

We took one of the bus tours, and learned so much more than we have in the past. The tour guide was fantastic. This is a shot of where Pickets Charge took place. They are doing a lot to this landmark. So much has changed since I was here in 2000. They are restoring the lands throughout the park back to what they were like during the battle...correct orchards, crops, fences, etc.

We took one of the bus tours, and learned so much more than we have in the past. The tour guide was fantastic. This is a shot of where Pickets Charge took place. They are doing a lot to this landmark. So much has changed since I was here in 2000. They are restoring the lands throughout the park back to what they were like during the battle…correct orchards, crops, fences, etc.

From the top of Little Round Top.

From the top of Little Round Top.

Gettysburg is another must see if you get the chance.  We spent most of the rest of our time in PA hiking and biking.

Back on the bike paths.

Back on the bike paths.

And just like that, our time was up and we headed on down the road.  We landed at the Endless Caverns RV Park in VA for one night.  This campground is very steep and very dusty.  We could not get level in the fist site they gave us, so we found one that we were finally able to get level in.

Only two sites up from our site...looks like you could walk right up on the roof.

Only two sites up from our site…looks like you could walk right up on the roof.

We were up early on the 25th headed south.  Terri found out that the State Fair Grounds in Raleigh, NC had full hookup sites for a fair price (HA HA).  We always wanted to see this area, so we spent four days.  I guess we never realized how close NCSU, UNC and Duke all were to each other.  We traveled to each town (Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham) to see each campus.  Really nice!

NCSU football stadium.

NCSU football stadium.

The stadium adjoins the state fair grounds. When we were pulling out on Saturday, there were shuttles picking people up in the campground to take them to the game. Nice touch.

The stadium adjoins the state fair grounds. When we were pulling out on Saturday, there were shuttles picking people up in the campground to take them to the game. Nice touch.

The above happens to be the only pictures I took for some reason.  Our timing getting to Raleigh was just right, as the state fair had just ended.  While the fair is going on, (most of October) you can’t stay at the campground.  We also made a couple of trips to the state farmers market.  Great produce and other wares to be had there.  They are open 7 days a week.  We got some great apples, butter beans, cabbage and other trinkets.

We were on the road at 0900 this past Saturday, and we were off of the road and broken down by 1000.  We usually try to stop at a rest area after we have some miles under our belts just to be able to do a walk around of the Coach, check the connections to the truck and check the bike straps.  Good thing we did that this time!  When I got to the rear of the Coach, I noted the front of the truck was all wet, and when I looked under the rear of the Coach, I could see radiator fluid spraying out from who knows where.  I ran back inside and shut down.  After we let the engine cool for a bit, we got underneath and determined where the leak was.  It looked like some kind of pump, so we dug into our tech manuals and determined the leak was coming from our Heater Booster Pump.  Our Coach had three pumps that circulate the radiator fluid throughout the Coach for both cab heat (like the heater in your car) and the hydronic heating system.  This pump is the one for the cab heat.  One thing you gotta love about Terri is her desire and ability  to jump into anything (most anything anyway.)  The pump is located in a position on the Coach that I could not get into to see exactly where the leak was on the pump.  Terri was able to slide underneath, and actually sit upright and get some good photos and determine exactly where the leak was.

Here's my little

Here’s my little “mobile mechanic” doing her thing!

Here is the pump. The leak was coming from the nut on the top of the pump on the right side in this photo. Terri tried to tighten the nut, but it must be stripped...would not tighten or loosen.

Here is the pump. The leak was coming from or near the nut on the top of the pump on the right side in this photo. Terri tried to tighten the nut, but it must be stripped…would not tighten or loosen.

Here is the page from our tech manual that shows the two types of pumps and where they are located.

Here is the page from our tech manual that shows the two types of pumps and where they are located.

Another shot of the pump. We were able to get the part number and manufacturer off of one of the photo's. This helped in further identifying the issue, and for ordering new parts. Country Coach used two brands of pumps, and luckily the company that made this one is still in business.

Another shot of the pump. We were able to get the part number and manufacturer off of one of the photos. This helped in further identifying the issue, and for ordering new parts. Country Coach used two brands of pumps, and luckily the company that made this one is still in business.

Our

Our “breakdown” spot.

Now that we were armed with as much info as possible, and knowing we could not fix it on our own, it was time to start figuring out what we were going to do.  We did a search for Cummins Service Centers, and found out there was a Cummins facility that is also a Coach Care facility only 30 miles away from us in Kenly, NC.  They are closed on weekends, but Cummins always has an emergency number.  In short order I was on the phone with a nice guy named Jay.  I explained the issue, and he stated he could send a mobile repair man out, but it would be a waste of money, since Cummins does not carry the pumps in stock.  Not knowing how much coolant I’d lost, we decided to call Good Sam Roadside Assist and get towed to the Cummins facility.

Now the long wait really started.  Good Sam was not able to find a company that was willing to tow us on the weekend.  We figured we’d get some antifreeze and put some in to see if we could possibly determine how much we lost, and if not too much, try to drive to the Cummins facility.  After adding two gallons, we still could not see any coolant in the reservoir…not good.  We were getting ready to determine how we were going to spend the weekend at the rest stop, when Good Sam called back and said they had found a tow company in Durham, and Good Sam also approved the tow to Cummins for no extra charge.  This roadside plan paid off again, as the tow would have been $1,500.00.

The tow truck was dispatched at 3:00.  We were hoping to get on the hook and in the Cummins parking lot before dark.  He showed up at 4:30.

On the hook, and ready to roll...almost. When towing these things, the drive shaft has to be disconnected, and the tow truck has to pump air into the Coach air system to keep air in the suspension and brakes or the suspension won't work and the brakes will apply themselves...not good. When the two truck driver hooked up the air, I told him I didn't think his truck was not pushing enough air, my air indicator was not moving. He said this is typical, and would air up as he started moving...hmmm.

On the hook, and ready to roll…almost. When towing these things, the drive shaft has to be disconnected, and the tow truck has to pump air into the Coach air system to keep air in the suspension and brakes or the suspension won’t work and the brakes will apply themselves…not good. When the tow truck driver hooked up the air, I told him I didn’t think his truck was pushing enough air, as my air indicator was not moving. He said this is typical, and would air up as he started moving…hmmm.

Pulling out.

Pulling out.

Here we are, following our

Here we are, following our “home” down the road. We were about 18 miles into the 30 mile trip, when I noted smoke coming from under the Coach. I called the driver and told him to pull over. I guess his air system didn’t work after all because the rear brakes were starting to lock up. He switched to a higher output hose, and this aired up the front tank, but not the rear. I figured there was enough fluid in the engine to start the Coach and get the rear aired up, so that’s what I did. We got everything pressured up, and pushed down the road. The ABS indicator light is still on, but that should clear once I’m back on the road…I hope!

Getting backed into our spot at

Getting backed into our spot at “Camp Cummins.”

After finally finding a power pedestal that actually worked, we got set up, grabbed a bite at a truck stop,and called it a night. This is our view from the parking lot...that is I-95.

After finally finding a power pedestal that actually worked, we got set up, grabbed a bite at a truck stop,and called it a night. This is our view from the parking lot…that is I-95.

Yesterday we went back to the state farmers market and checked out the thriving metropolis of Kenly.  We found a really neat antique shop in Selma that had tons of things to look at.  When did stuff that we had as kids become antiques??

Sometimes you just have to giggle.

Sometimes you just have to giggle.

Well, the technician just came back…they got the old pump off, and now they can order the new one.  The Coach is back parked in its spot, and now we wait for how long it will take to get the part in.  I called the campground where we will be staying in Orlando to see if I can get a rebate for a few nights since we will not be there tomorrow, and of course the answer is no.  Oh well, that’s the way it goes sometimes.

That’s all for now…hoping for a quick ship and a quick fix and looking forward to getting back on down the road.  As always, we hope this finds you Happy, Healthy and Living Your Dreams!!!

4-9 October, 2016; Still Exploring Vermont

Good evening everyone!  We were so happy to hear from all of our family and friends in Florida that things went relatively well with Hurricane Matthew.  Unfortunately, it looks like he may have taken quite a toll on the Carolina’s.  Hoping for the best for all!!  When we wrapped up on the 3rd, we had just arrived in the little town of South Hero, VT which is located on Grand Island, just north of Burlington…and that is where we still are, until tomorrow.  Let’s see what happened this week…

Tuesday the 4th was a work day for me, and Terri spent time researching campgrounds and where we may land in FL for the late fall/early winter.  That was hampered of course by not knowing what Matthew was going to do, and what campgrounds may or may not be left.  We now know things are in good shape for the areas we want to go, so we will start making plans.  Terri also spent a bit of time exploring this campground some more, and planning some trips for the week…so, no pictures from Tuesday.

Wednesday, on the other hand was very nice.  It was mostly sunny, and in the 60’s, so we decided to head back to an area we had been to before…Smugglers Notch and Stowe.  We attacked from a different direction, and were greeted by spectacular scenery and color.  Unfortunately, the pictures once again do not do the scenery justice at all…I guess you will just have to come and check it out for yourselves!

Cruising the back roads in northern Vermont.

Cruising the back roads in northern Vermont.

Working our way up Smugglers Knotch from the North.

Working our way up Smugglers Notch from the North.

Getting some good color here.

Getting some good color here.

This country is so beautiful, your eyes get tired after a while.

This country is so beautiful, your eyes get tired after a while.

We made it into Stowe, and had a great lunch at the Idletyme Brewing Company. they have a fantastic outdoor area with Corn Hole, and other games and places to just sit and soak up the scenery.

We made it into Stowe, and had a great lunch at the Idletyme Brewing Company. They have a fantastic outdoor area with Corn Hole, and other games and places to just sit and soak up the scenery.

A better shot of the church in downtown Stowe that I had in the last blog. This one is much better me thinks.

A better shot of the church in downtown Stowe than I had in the last blog. This one is much better me thinks.

Here we are parked at Ben and Jerry's. Tried to get the Packer Plate as close to the NY plate as I could since we are playing the Giants tonight.

Here we are parked at Ben and Jerry’s. Tried to get the Packer Plate as close to the NY plate as I could since we are playing the Giants tonight.

This place was packed beyond the worst definition of crowded, so we took and pick and hit the trail. They definitely have a loyal following based upon the number of people just waiting to pay $4 to take a short tour and get a little paper cup with a sample of their ice cream.

This place was packed beyond the worst definition of crowded, so we took an pic and hit the trail. They definitely have a loyal following based upon the number of people just waiting to pay $4 to take a short tour and get a little paper cup with a sample of their ice cream.

When we got home, we received this awesome school pic of our grand daughter! See you soon Peyton!!

When we got home, we received this awesome school pic of our granddaughter! See you soon Peyton!!

We battened down the hatched and secured the awning in honor of our loved ones in Florida as they prepared for Matthew.

We battened down the hatches and secured the awning in honor of our loved ones in Florida as they prepared for Matthew.

It was early to bed, then early to rise on Thursday, the 6th as we were headed into Burlington to check out their rails to trails bike paths.  Burlington is really a neat little town that has a big attitude.  The records state the population is about 42,000.  It doesn’t seem that big.  There are 3 Universities here, including the University of Vermont.  It looks like a very nice campus, as we drove past and through it several times while we were here.  We landed downtown where the ferry comes over from NY (as it does in a few spots near here…more on that later.)  We found a great parking place right at the trailhead on the waterfront, loaded up, and took off…well, kind of.  We did not know that there was about a two mile detour right after the trail began heading north due to trail maintenance.  We both ended up walking our bikes up a huge hill to take a busy street to get back to the path, but it was well worth it, as I hope the pictures below depict.  This trail runs from downtown Burlington, 9 miles to where you can catch a bike ferry on the weekends to get to Grand Island…where we are staying.  I took a shot from the north side looking south on the 3rd when we arrived, so we wanted to get to the ferry landing on the south side.  What a great trip!

On the trail overlooking Lake Champlain into NY.

On the trail overlooking Lake Champlain into NY.

The trails are nicely maintained, and blacktop for the first 6 miles going north.

The trails are nicely maintained, and blacktop for the first 6 miles going north.

Neat bridges and bays all along the trail.

Neat bridges and bays all along the trail.

Here the trail turns to crushed granite, along the old RR causeway that heads to Grand Island.

Here the trail turns to crushed granite, along the old RR causeway that heads to Grand Island.

If you look at where the gap is in the lake...way out there...our campground is on the left part of the gap.

If you look at where the gap is in the lake…way out there…our campground is on the left part of the gap.

Looking the opposite way from the shot I took on the 3rd.

Looking the opposite way from the shot I took on the 3rd.

On the way back, enjoying the views.

This is the only area in this part of the lake that allows boats to access east to west. The guy in this sail boat has done this a few times...the wind was really whipping, and he took the cut under full sail, and had time to through me a wave.

This is the only area in this part of the lake that allows boats to access east to west. The guy in this sail boat has done this a few times…the wind was really whipping, and he took the cut under full sail, and had time to throw me a wave.

Awesome views on the way back...scenery included!

Awesome views on the way back…scenery included!

Back downtown and a view of part of the harbor.

Back downtown and a view of part of the harbor.

We walked a few block east of the harbor and landed on Church Street. A very nice shopping and dining district that is shut off to motor vehicles.

We walked a few blocks east of the harbor and landed on Church Street. A very nice shopping and dining district that is shut off to motor vehicles.

You can get just about anything you desire in this section of town...upscale, downscale, good food, fine food, quick food. It is all here, and the people are very friendly.

You can get just about anything you desire in this section of town…upscale, downscale, good food, fine food, quick food. It is all here, and the people are very friendly.

Friday brought forth another glorious fall day, and we decided to take a drive north on Grand Island and see what we could see.  We landed first at a really neat fish hatchery on the shores of the lake that had a free, self guided tour.

The tour had signs indicating how the harvest water fro the lake, grow the fry, and release them...mostly lake trout and salmon...much like the Great Lakes hatcheries.

The tour had signs indicating how they harvest water from the lake, grow the fry, and release them…mostly lake trout and salmon…much like the Great Lakes hatcheries.

Just a quick pic on the side of the road in a little town we stopped in...North Hero I believe.

Just a quick pic on the side of the road in a little town we stopped in…North Hero I believe.

We drove up as far as you could before entering Canada, and passed over to the NY side of the lake for a quick trip along the lake south for a ways, and took the ferry back over to Grand Island.  This thing runs 24/7 365 weather permitting, and every half hour.  It appears it is used mostly by commuters…but commercial trucks use it as well.

On the ferry headed back to VT.

On the ferry headed back to VT.

It was $10 for me and the truck, and an extra $4 for Terri.

It was $10 for me and the truck, and an extra $4 for Terri.

That finished up Friday.  We did some grocery shopping and grilled out back at Grampa’s Bus.  Saturday was forecast to be overcast, rainy and colder…and it was.  There was a craft fair and bake sale at the campground that we attended and donated to…especially the bake sale part of it.  We then headed into Burlington to see what was going on, and we landed at the Magic Hat Brewing Company, where they had free tours, tastings, live music, and samples from local Vermont vendors specializing in organic food.  Nice time on a gloomy afternoon!

We were back  before dark, and Terri whipped up an awesome chicken dish, and we watched a red box movie.  We settled in early, as we were headed out early on Sunday to visit the Shelburne Museum, in Shelburne, VT.  Here is what the folks at Wikipedia have to say about this great place:

Shelburne Museum is a museum of art, design, and Americana located in Shelburne, Vermont, United States. Over 150,000 works are exhibited in 38 exhibition buildings, 25 of which are historic and were relocated to the Museum grounds. It is located on 45 acres (18 ha) near Lake Champlain.

Impressionist paintings, folk art, quilts and textiles, decorative arts, furniture, American paintings, and an array of 17th- to 20th-century artifacts are on view. Shelburne is home to collections of 19th-century American folk art, quilts, 19th- and 20th-century decoys (see Waterfowl decoy collecting), and carriages.

Electra Havemeyer Webb was a pioneering collector of American folk art and founded Shelburne Museum in 1947.[1] The daughter of Henry Osborne Havemeyer andLouisine Elder Havemeyer, important collectors of Impressionism, European and Asian art, she exercised an independent eye and passion for art, artifacts, and architecture celebrating a distinctly American aesthetic.

When creating the Museum she took the step of collecting 18th and 19th century buildings from New England and New York in which to display the Museum’s holdings, relocating 20 historic structures to Shelburne. These include houses, barns, a meeting house, a one-room schoolhouse, a lighthouse, a jail, a general store, a covered bridge, and the 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga.

In Shelburne Mrs. Webb sought to create “an educational project, varied and alive.”[2] Shelburne’s collections are exhibited in a village-like setting of historic New England architecture, accented by a landscape that includes over 400 lilacs, a circular formal garden, herb and heirloom vegetable gardens, and perennial gardens.

In 2013, the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education was opened with two galleries, an auditorium and classroom, transforming the institution from seasonal (mid-May through October) to year-round operation. While the main campus operates seasonally, the Pizzagalli Center and Museum Store are open year-round.

If you are ever in the area…this is a must see.  Here are some pictures:

Round Barn from East Passumpsic, VT, 1890.

Round Barn from East Passumpsic, VT, 1890.

Terri on the 3rd floor in front of the silo inside the barn.

Terri on the 3rd floor in front of the silo inside the barn.

Pano of the circus building, loaded with hand carved circus stuff, and a working 1920's carousel out front.

Pano of the circus building, loaded with hand carved circus stuff, and a working 1920’s carousel out front.

Inside the Beach Lodge, which houses some awesome Adirondack life and hunting displays.

Inside the Beach Lodge, which houses some awesome Adirondack life and hunting displays.

Inside the 1890 Grand Isle Rail Car...it was so ornate, I only got this pic.

Inside the 1890 Grand Isle Rail Car…it was so ornate, I only got this pic.

Yes, the 1906 Ticonderoga is dry docked here. Go to google and see what they had to do to get this thing here! It is a great display, and you get to check the whole thing out. This ship worked the lake for years and was retired in the 50's.

Yes, the 1906 Ticonderoga is dry docked here. Go to google and see what they had to do to get this thing here! It is a great display, and you get to check the whole thing out. This ship worked the lake for years and was retired in the 50’s.

On of the sitting rooms on the ship.

On of the sitting rooms on the ship.

A shot of the countryside for the Pilot House.

A shot of the countryside from the Pilot House.

Color shot of the grounds.

Color shot of the grounds.

A barn that is slap jack full of carriages and sleighs. Must be one of the largest collections in the world...

A barn that is slap jack full of carriages and sleighs. Must be one of the largest collections in the world…

And a two room slate jail...from Castleton, VT. 1890.

And a two room slate jail…from Castleton, VT. 1890.

More of the grounds.

More of the grounds.

Unusual two lane covered bridge with pedestrian walkway, moved here from Cambridge, VT originally constructed 1845. They still use it as an entrance for the museum.

Unusual two lane covered bridge with pedestrian walkway, moved here from Cambridge, VT originally constructed 1845. They still use it as an entrance for the museum.

And here she is folks...in all her color!! Don't tell anyone, but she has a birthday on Friday, and it's one of those double digit ones that means we will now get the senior discount at Denny's!! She doesn't look a day over 30, and keeps me on my toes to this day...love this one still, even after almost 34 years of marriage, and two years living in less than 350 square feet.

And here she is folks…in all her color!! Don’t tell anyone, but she has a birthday on Friday, and it’s one of those double-digit ones that means we will now get the senior discount at Denny’s!! She doesn’t look a day over 30, and keeps me on my toes to this day…love this one still, even after almost 34 years of marriage, and two years living in less than 350 square feet.

That’s about it for this go around.  We got almost everything stowed away and ready to hit the road tomorrow.  We still don’t know for sure just which way we will head out of here.  Will either head south on the western border of Vermont, or go north a bit, and come down the west shore of Lake Champlain in NY.  Out next hard stop is for two weeks in a little town in Pine Grove, PA which is just north of Harrisburg.  We will take our time getting there, as it is only about 460 miles away and our reservations start on Thursday.  It has been a real bugger trying to get reservations even now…we thought things would calm down after this holiday weekend, but I guess not.  Plenty of room during the week, but everything is full on the weekends.  The only reason we got the campground we did in PA is because someone cancelled at the last minute.  Oh well, it all worked out.

As always, we hope this finds you Happy, Healthy, and Living your Dreams!!!!

27 Sep – 3 Oct, 2016; Loved Maine, Headed Back to Vermont

Greetings all…I finished the last post on the morning of the 27th listening to the rain, and enjoying a quiet day.  With two more days left in Maine, we decided to get to know a few folks in the campground, and got a couple of shots of the “Pumpkin Patch” RV Park:

Cloudy, rainy day, but very nice and relaxing. Nice sites here, and a lot of room. it was a bit challenging to get level on this site, but our Coaches leveling system did real well. It did re-adjust several times over the week we were here, but all in all, it worked out just fine.

Cloudy, rainy day, but very nice and relaxing. Nice sites here, and a lot of room. It was a bit challenging to get level on this site, but our Coaches leveling system did real well. It did re-adjust several times over the week we were here, but all in all, it worked out just fine.

Quite a bit of room between sites for an independent park.

Quite a bit of room between sites for an independent park.

We headed over to Mike and Paula’s later in the afternoon for a great meal and another round of fantastic conversation with they and their family mostly continuing to catch up on life.  Mike and I spent a lot of time at their fire pit shooting the breeze.

Paula suggested we meet her and Laura at the apple orchard that all of their kids work at the next morning, and see where that takes us.  Well, we had another fantastic day!

We met Paula and Laura at the Treworgy Family Orchards late in the morning. What a great place! U Pick apples, Cider, sandwiches, petting zoo, corn maze, etc., etc. What a great family place!

We met Paula and Laura at the Treworgy Family Orchards late in the morning. What a great place! U Pick apples, Cider, sandwiches, petting zoo, corn maze, etc., etc. What a great family place!

Pumpkins too! Mike and I drove past here on Sunday and the place was PACKED! Glad we came on an off day, and even so, it was still very busy with young families and school groups.

Pumpkins too! Mike and I drove past here on Sunday and the place was PACKED! Glad we came on an off day, and even so, it was still very busy with young families and school groups.

In the corn maze. They change the theme each year. This year it is a Knight and a Dragon. You have 6 stations you have to find and answer questions at each one. After you are done...you turn in your card and get free ice cream!

In the corn maze. They change the theme each year. This year it is a Knight and a Dragon. You have 6 stations you have to find and answer questions at each one. After you are done…you turn in your card and get free ice cream!

This is the exit where you compare your answers to those on the board.

This is the exit where you compare your answers to those on the board.

The girls found their way out!

The girls found their way out!

They have a very nice property here. As I've mentioned before, a camera does not do this country any justice at all.

They have a very nice property here. As I’ve mentioned before, a camera does not do this country any justice at all.

After we were done at the orchard, we popped across the street to the DMV so Laura could pick up the plates for her SUV. Paula mentioned that she and the kids got Mike a memorial brick at the Veterans Memorial in Levant. What an awesome idea! There is his brick!

After we were done at the orchard, we popped across the street to the DMV so Laura could pick up the plates for her SUV. Paula mentioned that she and the kids got Mike a memorial brick at the Veterans Memorial in Levant. What an awesome idea! There is his brick!  We are so proud of this whole family…

Small town America, doing it up right!!

Small town America, doing it up right!!

We headed down the road a ways, and hit up a really nice and quite large antique store.  We spent quite a bit of time there.  It is always neat checking out antique stores that carry merchandise from the local area.  It is like a walking history book.  After that fun, we headed to a family seafood market to get lobsters and steamers for the evening meal.

You pick 'em, they bag 'em. These came of the family boat and arrived at the store the afternoon before.

You pick ’em, they bag ’em. These came of the family boat and arrived at the store the afternoon before.

Fresh and feisty they were!

Fresh and feisty they were!

We got back to Mike and Paula's with enough time for me to get a few more shots of their property before we started the feast. Love their little piece of Heaven. I got to let the chickens out...the love to roam, but everyone is aware of the eagles, hawks, coyotes, bear, and all other lovely creatures that share this space.

We got back to Mike and Paula’s with enough time for me to get a few more shots of their property before we started the feast. Love their little piece of Heaven. I got to let the chickens out…they love to roam, but everyone is aware of the eagles, hawks, coyotes, bear, and all other lovely creatures that share this space.

A better shot of the coop that Mike and Paula built from a tree they cut down on their property. Mike had the log milled, and did an they did an awesome job on this insulated casa!!

A better shot of the coop that Mike and Paula built from a tree they cut down on their property. Mike had the log milled, and did and they did an awesome job on this insulated casa!!

Rabbits down low, right and left, and chickens up high for the most part.

Rabbits down low, right and left, and chickens up high for the most part.

We did sweet corn on the grill, and Terri took some of the husks out. The chickens loved her for it...I don't know if the chickens or Terri enjoyed this more!

We did sweet corn on the grill, and Terri took some of the husks out. The chickens loved her for it…I don’t know if the chickens or Terri enjoyed this more!

A better shot of Mike and Paula's bees with the bear fence around it.

A better shot of Mike and Paula’s bees with the bear fence around it.

Their awesome garden, where we got to pick some pumpkins, and some squash, which we enjoyed immensely last night!

Their awesome garden, where we got to pick some pumpkins for decoration, and some squash, which we enjoyed immensely last night!

Water is boiling on the stove, the steamers are on the steamer on the grill...time to get our grub on!!

Water is boiling on the stove, the steamers are on the steamer on the grill…time to get our grub on!!

Yes please!!! Are you kidding me!! Pinch me...It was all AWESOME! Terri tried lobster for the first time, and ate steamers too! She has become quite adventurous in her young age...

Yes please!!! Are you kidding me!! Pinch me…It was all AWESOME! Terri tried lobster for the first time, and ate steamers too! She has become quite adventurous in her young age…

Quite a bowl of steamers to get through, but they did not last long!

Quite a bowl of steamers to get through, but they did not last long!

And all too soon, our time with Mike and Paula and family were done.  We miss you guys already, and cannot wait to get together again!  We left quite early on Thursday, the 29th to head right back to the Moose River RV Park in Saint Johnsbury, VT.  It was an awesome drive, the sun was out, and the trees were really starting to pop.  It was only about 200 miles, but took about 5 or more hours on two lane roads.  We were able to get a riverside site this time.  Even though not 50 amp, being right on the river is nice.

Can't get much closer than this!

Can’t get much closer than this!

Sorry for the bad pic, but at least you get an idea of what the site is like.

Sorry for the bad pic, but at least you get an idea of what the site is like.

Oh yea, before we left the night before, Mike presented me with the Husson U CJ coin. Quite an honor in my mind! Neat idea that I hope more CJ programs take on. Ask a military person if you are not familiar with the coin thing.

Oh yea, before we left the night before, Mike presented me with the Husson U CJ coin. Quite an honor in my mind! Neat idea that I hope more CJ programs take on. Ask a military person if you are not familiar with the coin thing.

Back of the coin. Another treasured possession...I spent my first 13 years in the military in Law Enforcement.

Back of the coin. Another treasured possession…I spent my first 13 years in the military in Law Enforcement.

We headed out early Friday morning to check out the local area again.  The campground we are at is awesome in providing ideas of what to do and maps to get to neat places.  We ended up out in the country at a couple of festivals and crafts shows.

An old church that sponsored a pancake breakfast, and later in the day a ham dinner. They do this all over the place in this area of VT this time of year.

An old church that sponsored a pancake breakfast, and later in the day a ham dinner. They do this all over the place in this area of VT this time of year.

Found ourselves in the neat little town of Pecham, VT. Settled in 1776! The folks do a great job keeping their properties up.

Found ourselves in the neat little town of Pecham, VT. Settled in 1776! The folks do a great job keeping their properties up.

As we headed back, we ended up in the old downtown area of Saint Johnsbury. As we were walking down the street, we noticed a guy with a caped Moose mount in the back of his pick up truck. Come to find out he owned the store we were in front of, and invited us in. What a neat place!! Part of it was an old bank, and this place was stuffed full of things we like...wildlife mounts, art, pictures, clothes for this time of year, on and on. This is their wine vault! they used the old bank vault.

As we headed back, we ended up in the old downtown area of Saint Johnsbury. As we were walking down the street, we noticed a guy with a huge Moose mount in the back of his pick up truck. Come to find out, he owned the store we were in front of, and invited us in. What a neat place!! Part of it was an old bank, and this place was stuffed full of things we like…wildlife mounts, art, pictures, clothes for this time of year, on and on. This is their wine vault!  They used the old bank vault.

After a quick bite to eat downtown, we headed back to the campground and played a few games of cards and called it a night.  We woke Saturday to rain, and kind of slugged it all day.  We met some great folks in the campground that we hope to meet up with in FL later this year, and capped the night off with a huge fire.

One of the neatest decorations I've seen yet. Sunken Allis is what I like to call it.

One of the neatest decorations I’ve seen yet. Sunken Allis is what I like to call it.

They have a huge fire here every Saturday night . The owner gets pallets for next to nothing to burn.

They have a huge fire here every Saturday night . The owner gets pallets for next to nothing to burn.

We were up early on Sunday, and headed over to Lyndon, VT and the Lyndon Bible Church.  What a great time!  The people were awesome, and the head pastor and the guy that was leading worship are both ardent Packer fans!  The folks at this little country church were extremely welcoming, and we ran into one of the couples at the Danville Craft Fair later in the day.

Kids dancing to the local folk music. We had a blast, and did our part to support the local community with some

Kids dancing to the local folk music. We had a blast, and did our part to support the local community with some “donations.”

On the way back from Danville, we headed up to Dog Mountain. A guy and his wife bought this property and turned it into a dog chapel and open area to hang out with your pets. It also has about 150 acres of trails, ponds, scultpures and art. It was the brainchild of an artist names Stephen Huneck and his wife Gwen. Google them and the park if you are interested.

On the way back from Danville, we headed up to Dog Mountain. A guy and his wife bought this property and turned it into a dog chapel and open area to hang out with your pets. It has about 150 acres of trails, ponds, sculptures and art. It was the brainchild of an artist named Stephen Huneck and his wife Gwen. Google them and the park if you are interested.   Tragically, they both took their own lives for some reason.  In any case, their dream lives on, and it is an awesome property.

We wish the sun would have been out, as this is some of the best color we have seen.

We wish the sun would have been out, as this is some of the best color we have seen.

Inside the chapel. This guy went all out. Stain glass windows and all. The notes stuck to the wall are all from pet owners that have lost a pet at some point in time.

Inside the chapel. This guy went all out. Stained glass windows and all. The notes stuck to the wall are all from pet owners that have lost a pet at some point in time.

When we got back to the campground, Terri found a Rails to Trails bike route that had a trail head right in Saint Johnsbury.  Off we went!  What a great trail!  Wish we would have taken advantage of it sooner.  The rails to trails routes use abandoned railroad beds, so the grade is never more than 3%.  This went through some of the most gorgeous country we have seen.

In one of three tunnels we rode through. When we cam back, it was darker, and they have motion activated lights overhead that light your way.

In one of three tunnels we rode through. When we came back, it was darker, and they have motion activated lights overhead that light your way.

Love this time of year...leaves changing, leaves falling, cool days and colder nights!

Love this time of year…leaves changing, leaves falling, cool days and colder nights!

Terri most definitely in her element!

Terri most definitely in her element!

Awesome trip!

Awesome trip!

If you ever get the chance...here is the map.

If you ever get the chance…here is the map.

And again…just like that, our time in Saint Johnsbury was done.  We left the Pumpkin Patch around 1100 today to drive the short 90 some miles to South Hero, VT which is located on Grand Island, just north of Burlington, VT on Lake Champlain.  We are presently at the Apple Island Resort.  It is a really nice park, and we look forward to exploring it for the next week.  Terri took off and checked out the campground while I finished setting up, and after that, we took a short bike ride on one of the many trails they have in the area.

Terri found this bluff in the campground overlooking the lake.

Terri found this bluff in the campground overlooking the lake.

Looking out over the lake to an island that is full of color...although you cannot tell in this photo.

Looking out over the lake to an island that is full of color…although you cannot tell in this photo.

The end of the road...at this for this time of year, except for Saturdays and Sundays when they have a

The end of the road…at least for this time of year, except for Saturdays and Sundays when they have a “bike ferry” that gets you to the other side so you can ride trails all the way to Burlington.

Nice properties.

Nice properties.

That is all for now.  I have work tomorrow, and the sun is supposed to appear again, so Terri will likely get to check out some more of the trails around here.  The temps are apparently on the rise, so we will likely see 70’s this week, and sun.  We hope to get some good foliage peeping in.  As always, we hope this finds you Happy, Healthy, and Living your Dreams!!!

19 – 26 September, 2016; Vermont and Maine!

Greetings folks!  The 19th was a special day for us, marking our two year anniversary on the road full time.  On 19 Sep, 2014 Terri and I began this great adventure.  Thinking back over the wonderful things we have seen, the people we have met, the time with family and friends, new and old, and the joys and challenges we have experienced and faced, we are awed, blessed and thankful!  Two years certainly flew by.

We last left you in Bernardston, MA and a great little campground with great hosts.  We had pouring rain most of the day on Monday, which was fine, as it was a work day for me.  Terri lit out between rain drops and checked out the local area on her bike.  We were up and at it on Tuesday with the destination of St Johnsbury, VT.  We landed at the Moose River Campground…real nice:

Just a shot off the roof of the Coach. I rand up top to check some stuff out, and figured I should take a pic or two.

A shot off the roof of the Coach. I ran up top to check some stuff out, and figured I should take a pic or two.

Quite a nice front yard. Marty Moose was a great host.

Quite a nice front yard. Marty Moose was a great host.

This place goes all out for the fall. Decorations everywhere.

This place goes all out for the fall. Decorations everywhere.

Shortly after we arrived, we headed out for a haircut for me and a bite to eat, and when we got back, they had decorated the power post at our site.

Shortly after we arrived, we headed out for a haircut for me and a bite to eat, and when we got back, they had decorated the power post at our site.

This girl always has to check out the water...Moose River in this case.

This girl always has to check out the water…Moose River in this case.

Looking at the power poles from the other side. Temps were unseasonable, in that we had the air on and were in shorts. Come on kewl weather! By the way, the Coach is trashed on the outside...we traveled in rain all day to get here. They charge $50 for you to wash your own RV here...some obscure state law. Not gonna do it!

Looking at the power poles from the other side. Temps were unseasonable, in that we had the air on and were in shorts. Come on kewl weather! By the way, the Coach is trashed on the outside…we traveled in rain all day to get here. They charge $50 for you to wash your own RV…some obscure  law. Not gonna do it!

OK…great first day.  The leaves are not really changing too much as of yet, and most of the locals say that it will not be a real good color year because it has been too dry.  We will see…we are at the beginning of the season, and will take what we can get.   What we do know is that this part of the country is awesome…a term I’ve used many times, for many parts of our country.  While talking to the folks at the camp office, they let us know that they had a tour that the owners of the campground put together called the belly ache tour.  Named so because it goes to many sugar houses and cider houses.  It is about a 200 or so mile round trip tour.  So on Wednesday, the 21st we headed out, and we did go to many neat places…everything from sugar houses, to cider houses, covered bridges, Smugglers Notch, Cabot Creamery, Montpelier, Stowe and much more.  Here are some shots:

First stop was the Cabot Creamery. They do a great job here letting you sample everything. We were going to tour the inner workings, but just as we arrived, a tour bus pulled in that had a reservation for the tour...so we tasted a lot of the cheese, and hit the road. Good cheese for sure, but I wouldn't put it over Wisconsin cheese!

First stop was the Cabot Creamery. They do a great job here letting you sample everything. We were going to tour the inner workings, but just as we arrived, a tour bus pulled in that had a reservation for the tour…so we tasted a lot of the cheese, and hit the road. Good cheese for sure, but I wouldn’t put it over Wisconsin cheese!

Next stop was the Braggs Sugar House in East Montpelier. This is a small, family owned sugar business. It was real neat. They still do it the old fashioned way with a big pan and wood fire to cook the sap down. You have access to everything. They have really good Creamies too...ice cream with Vermont Maple syrup in it. Too sweet for me, but Terri loved it.

Next stop was the Bragg’s Sugar House in East Montpelier. This is a small, family owned sugar business. It was real neat. They still do it the old fashioned way with a big pan and wood fire to cook the sap down. You have access to everything. They have really good Creemees too…ice cream with Vermont Maple syrup in it. Too sweet for me, but Terri loved it.

Outside of the sugar house. See the stack to the right? Small place, nicely done and nicely run. The owners are on sight and are the ones that give you the tour and all.

Outside of the sugar house. See the stack to the right? Small place, nicely done and nicely run. The owners are on site and are the ones that give you the tour and all.

Onto the state house in Montpelier...the VT state capitol. It is the only state capitol in the nation without a McDonalds! It is a small town, and a really neat place that we want to see some more of at some time.

On to the state house in Montpelier…the VT state capitol. It is the only state capitol city in the nation without a McDonald’s! It is a small town, and a really neat place that we want to see some more of at some time.

Moving onto the Cold Hollow Cider Mill! You can taste everything here. This stuff was awesome! We toured the cider manufacturing, and had a great lunch here.

Moving onto the Cold Hollow Cider Mill! You can taste everything here. This stuff was awesome! We toured the cider manufacturing, and had a great lunch here.

The ground up apples going into the press to make cider. They have a spout that feeds directly into the tour area where you can taste the stuff right off the press.

The ground up apples going into the press to make cider. They have a spout that feeds directly into the tour area where you can taste the stuff right off the press.

We then traveled on to Stowe, VT.  Great little town.

Small town, big views.

Small town that apparently explodes in the ski season.

Neat little town.

Neat little town.

Further up the road, we landed at the Trapp Family Lodge. The youngest member of the Von Trapp built this back in the 80's, and if you get a chance to wonder the halls, you will see a lot of the history from the Von Trapp family getting to the U.S. during WWII and settling here. The real story is much different than The Sound of Music...just so you know.

Further up the road, we landed at the Trapp Family Lodge. The youngest member of the Von Trapp family built this back in the 80’s, and if you get a chance to wander the halls, you will see a lot of the history from the Von Trapp family getting to the U.S. during WWII and settling here. The real story is much different from The Sound of Music…just so you know.

The Trapp Lodge.

The Trapp Lodge.

We then headed to Smugglers Notch, and over the mountain.  What a neat trip.  I forgot to take pics, but a real nice ride over the mountain.  We stopped at a pull off and ran into some folks coming out of the hills with what looked like folding mattresses strapped to their backs.  Come to find out, they use these to do a thing called “bouldering.”  Check it out on-line.   We went on down the road and found a covered bridge.

Headed back to the Campground, we got this nice pano of the countryside.

Headed back to the Campground, we got this nice pano of the countryside.

We got back in time to have a nice dinner at the campground, and prep for the Thursday move.  We headed out on as early as we could on the 22nd.  We only had about 200 miles to go, but it was all on two lane roads, through many towns to get to the Bangor, Maine area.  It was a very nice trip and not too stressful at all, but took about 6 hours with only one stop for fuel.  It was all truck route, and went through some very nice country.  We were able to definitely see the change in the types of trees from VT to ME.  We left behind mostly sugar maples and headed into hard woods interspersed with evergreens.  We landed at the Pumpkin Patch RV park in Hermon, ME about 3 in the afternoon.  This is a very nice park, and hope to remember to take a few shots before we leave.  Soon after we got set up, we heard from our great friends that live here now that we had been stationed with in Montana and Colorado.  What a blast to catch up with these folks!!  And what a wonderful family!  Cannot believe it has been so long, but that usually does not matter, as we pick up right where we left off.

Mike stopped over at the Coach after work, and we were able to catch up a bit.  He left for a bit and picked his two boys up after football practice (their school is right by our campground,) and he brought them by for a visit before they all headed home for the night.

Mike is a professor at Husson University here in Maine, and invited us to join him for one of his classes at the University the next day…you bet!  Mike and I were instructors together at one point in the military, and he was always one of the very best!  No wonder he ended up doing what he knew he wanted to do way back then.

The classroom had much more people than this...Bad Ron photo...but Professor Mike has the stick. We are so grateful to have been able to attend one of his classes.

The classroom had many more people than this…Bad Ron photo…but Professor Dr Mike has the stick. We are so grateful to have been able to attend one of his classes.  We got to meet a lot of the staff he works with, and got to “re-meet” one of their two wonderful daughters there as well!

After lunch at the university cafeteria and the class, we headed to Mike and Paula’s house and got to finally see Paula again and their oldest daughter.  We were in Montana for both of the girls being born, and met the boys when we were in Colorado together in ’01 and ’02.  I could go into pages and pages about this awesome family and how much they mean to us and our kids; however, I would not be able to do that justice.  Let it just be said, that great friendships last forever.

Later in the evening we headed out for dinner, and then headed to their boys high school football game.  It had been a long time since Terri and I enjoyed some Friday Night Lights!  Even though it did not turn out in the boys favor as far as who won, they played great, and are able to play together on the varsity team.

The last time we experience Friday Nights Lights was when Jason was in High School in FL...needless to say, we were not in shorts, but blankets and hoodies. It was awesome!

The last time we experienced Friday Nights Lights was when Jason was in High School in FL…needless to say, we were not in shorts, but blankets and hoodies. It was awesome!

It was a great night.  On the way home, Mike and Paula invited us to go for a hike with them and some folks from their church on Saturday morning.  Why, yes!  We left about 0830 on Saturday and headed to Borestone Mountain in Elliotsville, Maine for a great time!!  The hike is about 2.5 miles each way, and goes from about 900 feet to 1,900 feet at the summit.  What a rush!  Here are some pics:

At one of the overlooks on the trail on the way up.

At one of the overlooks on the trail on the way up.

The hiking crew sans Mike who is the photographer.

The hiking crew sans Mike who is the photographer.

Few places in this country leave us speechless...this is one of them.

There are a few places in this country that leave us speechless…and this is one of them.

This hike was much more technical than we thought it would be. A few very vertical transitions, and iron bars inserted into the mountain to make sure you had grip. As you can tell by Paula's hair, as we got higher, it got quite windy.

This hike was much more technical than we thought it would be. A few very vertical transitions, and iron bars inserted into the mountain to make sure you had grip. As you can tell by Paula’s hair, as we got higher, it got quite windy, which added to the “thrill” factor if you will.

Almost at the summit.

Almost at the summit.

Mike, Paula, Terri and I.

Mike, Paula, Terri and I.

A rather steep

A rather steep “5 points in contact with the ground” downward climb before the final press up to the summit.

Top of the hill!

Top of the hill!

Huddled together having lunch on the leeward side of the summit.

Huddled together having lunch on the leeward side of the summit.

Just to give an idea of the elevation change. Those lakes are not the bottom.

Just to give an idea of the elevation change.

Terri sprinting down the mountain.

Terri sprinting down the mountain.

Down always seems to be worse than up for us for some reason...

Down always seems to be worse than up for us for some reason…

Yes, I am suspending myself by holding to only iron and leaves!!

Yes, I am suspending myself by holding onto only iron and leaves!!

Almost at the end of a great hike!!

Almost at the end of a great hike!!

The lake where it all started.

The lake where it all started.

What a great day it was!  We were back in the early afternoon.  Terri and I headed back to the Coach, as I was going to try to figure out why the heater would not fire up the night before.  I really wanted to get it going, as the temp was going to be in the 30’s the next two nights.  The heat pumps were still working fine, and we have the electric heater that we can plug in, but the heat pumps don’t do real well below 40 degrees.  Mike planned to come over and lend a hand later on, and in the mean time, I headed to the office to see if they knew of anyone that knew how to work on these older hydronic heaters in case I couldn’t solve the issue.  They gave me the card of a guy they said could help on Monday if we had not resolved the issue by then.  Also, one of the camp hosts that works here said he had some experience with these types of heaters and would stop by in a bit.  In the mean time, I decided to start pulling things apart to see if I could figure out what the issue was.  I guess if you pull enough stuff out and put it back again (maybe not correctly even) you get lucky every now and then.  After spending two hours fiddling around, I got it to fire up, and knock on wood…it’s been working fine ever since.  Mike showed up just as we were firing it up, and I blame him for making it work…he scared it into submission.  We had a bunch of smoke coming out of the exhaust, which has never been an issue before though.  Mike recognized it right away, even though he’s never had one of these things…he said, “hey, I think you’re getting too much air.”  Yep…I still had the access panel off and it was sucking air big time.  Once I secured the panel, it burned clean.  Stupid high school shop class mistake…duh!!  Paula joined us later, and we enjoyed a night catching up and playing a dice game Terri recently acquired.

We were invited to church with them on Sunday, and it was awesome!  Caught up with the folks we’d hiked with, and were warmly greeted by many others.  So thankful for their church and community.  God is good!

We headed over to Mike and Paula’s after church, and I got a couple of shots of their property, after which, Mike and I headed out fishing and Terri and Paula hung out and made dinner.

Mike and Paula have Bees!! And chickens, and rabbits, and dogs! Awesome! Note the wire around the hives...keeps the bears out...that have visited before the electric fence!

Mike and Paula have Bees!! And chickens, and rabbits, and dogs! Awesome! Note the wire around the hives…keeps the bears out…that have visited before the electric fence was up!

Chicken and Rabbit coop built and designed by this creative couple.

Chicken and Rabbit coop built and designed by this creative couple.

Ahhhh...out on the lake with Mike. We caught a few Crappie and Bass. It was an awesome , awesome time.

Ahhhh…out on the lake with Mike. We caught a few Crappie and Bass. It was an awesome , awesome time, or a “Wicked Pissah” as they say here!

Man...this brings back memories of doing the same exact thing with Mike on the Missouri River in Montana!

Man…this brings back memories of doing the same exact thing with Mike on the Missouri River in Montana!

As the sun started to fade, we headed in and back for Mike and Paula’s, where Paula had cooked up a bunch of chili and corn bread for us.

On Monday, Paula and Laura joined us in the morning for a trip to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.  They gave us a windshield tour of the area, and we stopped at a couple of places in the park, or at least we tried to!  We all figured that on a Monday after school was in session and the leaves not in color yet, there wouldn’t be any Peepers (as they call them here) out and about.  Man, were we wrong!  Paula stated it was busier that she had seen it in the middle of the summer.  So, we bypassed a couple of areas, but we did get some great shots.  We decided to head out for lunch so Paula could get Laura back for work, and Terri and I would head back into town to fight the crowds in the afternoon.  Paula suggested we head to the Chart Room restaurant before it got too late in the lunch hour and too busy.  She was spot on!  No wait, and the food was awesome.  I had the boiled whole lobster special, Terri had bang-bang shrimp, and Paula and Laura has lobster rolls.  It had been years since I had lobster, and having it here was fantastic!  Here are some shots of the great day we had:

Looking out to sea from near the entrance of Acadia.

Looking out to sea from near the entrance of Acadia.

We tried to stop at Sand Beach, but there was no parking to be had, so we headed up to thunder hole, which is what this picture is of. When the tide is coming in, the impact of the water this area is so loud, it sounds like thunder. The tide was out at the time we were here,, but an awe inspiring site none the less.

We tried to stop at Sand Beach, but there was no parking to be had, so we headed up to Thunder Hole, which is what this picture is of. When the tide is coming in, the impact of the water in this area is so loud, it sounds like thunder. The tide was out at the time we were here…but an awe-inspiring sight none the less.

Looking out toward Bar Island from the harbor. We had fun watching the lobster boats come in and unload their catch.

Looking out toward Bar Island from the harbor. We had fun watching the lobster boats come in and unload their catch.

The little black spot in the foreground is a sea lion that was playing around in the harbor.

The little black spot in the middle of the shot near the little  boat is a sea lion that was playing around in the harbor.

The way they say it here!

The way they say it here!

A pano from the top of Cadillac Mountain looking south into the Atlantic.

A pano from the top of Cadillac Mountain looking south into the Atlantic.

The vistas were phenomenal with the naked eye. Very hard to catch in a photo.

The vistas were phenomenal with the naked eye. Very hard to catch in a photo.

Looking down at Bar Harbor. As you can see, there was a cruise ship in port, so another reason it was so busy.

Looking down at Bar Harbor. As you can see, there was a cruise ship in port, so another reason it was so busy.

Looking northwest form Cadillac.

Looking northwest from Cadillac.

Last shot of the day!

Last shot of the day!

And just like that, another day in the books.  Terri and I headed back to the campground and called it a night.  We have managed to get reservations made for our next stops.  I had forgotten about Columbus Day coming up, so we were getting a little nervous about finding a spot during that holiday and all the Peepers storming in.  We will leave here on Thursday (grudgingly) and head back to St Johnsbury, VT and the park we were at before we came here for 4 days, then on Monday we will head over to the Burlington, VT area to a park right on Lake Champlain for a week.  We are hoping we hit peak color in VT during that week.  After that…we don’t know just yet.  Whatever it is, we have been having a blast and look forward to continuing to do so.

As I finish this up (started last night and ran out of gas) it is raining.  It is supposed to clear up bit around noon, so we will head out to see what we can see.  We were going to head back to Acadia early, as we figured it would not be so busy with the rain, but sometimes it is just nice to spend the morning relaxing with a hot cup of coffee on a cool morning listening to the rain hit the roof!

As always, we hope this finds you Happy, Healthy and Living Your Dreams!!

15-18 Sep, 2016; New York State to Mass…Beautiful Country

Howdy everyone from New England!  We made it to northern Massachusetts today, and have been in the rain most of the day.  Not an issue though…the sites along the way were fantastic!  The Berkshires, even enveloped in clouds and fog proved spectacular.  We were up and at it about 0630 today so we could make it to the next park before they closed the office for the day…not to worry…all went well, and we got to  our park in Bernardston, MA right around 2:00 pm.  I’m getting ahead of myself…we have had a blast the past few days, so let’s get started.

I told you the park that we were in was very tight…here is how our camp ground was set up:

Neighbor needs a can of Franks and Beans? No problem...open the window and pass it over.

Neighbor needs a can of Franks and Beans? No problem…open the window and pass it over.

Not complaining…the parks in the Niagara Falls area are very expensive, and we got this gem at a great price with full hook ups.

The interior section of the park. These sites are very short and not level at all...would have been a better

The interior section of the park. These sites are very short and not level at all…would have been a better “ambiance,” but we were out and about and busy anyway.

We were up fairly early on the 15th to check out the area north and east of us along Lake Ontario.  Here are some shots.

This is the Freedom Crossing monument in Lewiston, NY. This was where a major portion of the underground railroad operated. We had heard about this the day before from our tour guide. Impressive..

This is the Freedom Crossing monument in Lewiston, NY. This was where a major portion of the underground railroad operated. We had heard about this the day before from our tour guide. Impressive..

Here you can read most of the history for yourself...some cut off by the Bad Ron photographer, but you can Google it!

Here you can read most of the history for yourself…some cut off by the Bad Ron photographer, but you can Google it!

This is the Niagara River below the falls where it really opens up before entering Lake Ontario. this is where Josiah Tyron would take the escaped slaves in his row boat to more safety in Canada...even though the Northern states were against slavery in this area, many escaped slave hunters from the South would comb this area to find them and return them to the South. In Josiah's mind, as well as many others that operated the Underground in this area, the only way these folks would actually be safe was to get out of the country.

This is the Niagara River below the falls where it really opens up before entering Lake Ontario. This is where Josiah Tyron would take the escaped slaves in his row-boat to more safety in Canada…even though the Northern states were against slavery in this area, many slave hunters from the South would comb this area to find escaped slaves (even though they were now free) and return them to the South. In Josiah’s mind, as well as many others that operated the Underground in this area, the only way these folks would actually be safe was to get out of the country.

Another shot of the same area looking up stream. Looks beautiful and peaceful now. Back then, the falls would have been much closer, and crossing this area at night would have been treacherous at best.

Another shot of the same area looking up-stream. Looks beautiful and peaceful now. Back then, the falls would have been much closer, and crossing this area at night would have been treacherous at best.

Further up the Coast, looking over Lake Ontario. It did not come out in the photo, but with the naked eye, we could see Toronto from this little state park.

Further up the Coast, looking over Lake Ontario. It did not come out in the photo, but with the naked eye, we could see Toronto from this little state park.

Looking to the North East this time.

Looking to the North East this time.

No matter which body of water we come to, Terri has to stick her foot in it...

No matter which body of water we come to, Terri has to stick her foot in it…she said it was quite warm.

We took a nice long ride through the countryside, and stopped in a few areas just to enjoy the scenery.  A lot of the farm land in this area now seems to be taken over by grape vines…much more on that later.

After a stop at the grocery store, and a quick meal, it was time for a shot of the sunset before bed.

After a stop at the grocery store, and a quick meal, it was time for a shot of the sunset before bed.

Friday was move day.  While getting ready to roll, we got a chance to talk to our neighbors from the past few days.  You rarely find folks in the camp ground here, as they are out and about touring the area.  In any case, the folks next to us were from Colorado and headed to Maine as well.  In fact, after we got set up and did some touring in the afternoon, we ran into them when we stopped for gas.  I was surprised, as they were planning on doing over 360 miles, and we only did about 120.  I guess they took a wrong turn, and were still going to motor on down the road…at least that was his story…hers was different, LOL!

We’ve received a lot of question about how we find camp sites, and I’ve mentioned the All Stays app a few times.  We use it most of the time to find and review the camp sites we are looking at.  Here is a screen shot of the place we landed on Friday:

As you can see, you get a wealth of info. Number of sites, rating, hook ups, price rating, etc. Phone number and web stie as well. It works real well for us.

As you can see, you get a wealth of info. Number of sites, rating, hook ups, price, rating, etc. Phone number and web site as well. It works real well for us.

I’ve talked about Passport America a lot this trip, and it’s paid off well.  This place has Passport, but only during the week, but they gave us a military discount that almost equaled the Passport rate.  Always pays to ask!

Here is a screen shot of the park we are at now. They offer PA rates, and we have two night of full hook ups, 50 AMP for a total of $30...can't beat that out here! The WiFi is spotty, but working for me, and the camp hosts are awesome.

Here is a screen shot of the park we are at now. They offer PA rates, and we have two nights of full hook ups, 50 AMP for a total of $30…can’t beat that out here! The WiFi is spotty, but working for me, and the camp hosts are awesome.

Getting ahead of myself again.  The manager at the Waterloo Harbor Campground was great, and gave us a lot of ideas of what to do over the next two days.  We started with a bike ride along the north shore of Seneca Lake, which is located in the City of Geneva, NY.  Sheesh…we were just in Geneva On the Lake, OH the other night, and spent time in Lake Geneva, WI this summer…those Swiss!  It was a nice ride along some nice bike paths.

North end of Seneca Lake.

North end of Seneca Lake.

A harbor at the edge of the State Park.

A harbor at the edge of the State Park.

It was Friday night, so I had to take a shot of the local Tiki Bar for my friends in FL!

It was Friday night, so I had to take a shot of the local Tiki Bar for our friends in FL!

After we got back to the camp ground, we headed out to tour a bit of the northeastern shore of the lake.  We ended up at the Three Brothers Winery and Estates, as recommended by the manager at the campground.

Looking west over Seneca Lake. These photos to not do justice to the awesome scenery!

Looking west over Seneca Lake. These photos to not do justice to the awesome scenery!

Very nice place with nice facilities, live music and food. We had to leave a bit early, as they had a private party going on.

Very nice place with nice facilities, live music and food. We had to leave a bit early, as they had a private party going on.

I almost forgot...they have a soon to be legendary brewery on site too!

I almost forgot…they have a soon to be legendary brewery on site too!

We decided to head into Geneva for dinner, and I had the best pot roast sandwich I’ve ever had at the Brews and Beef Cafe.  The scenery and history and buildings in this little town at the north end of the lake are fantastic.

Downtown buildings. Could not get them all, so only took a shot of a couple.

Downtown buildings. Could not get them all, so only took a shot of a couple.

When we were headed home, we saw the Harvest Moon on the rise over the lake.  I’ll post a pic here, but there is absolutely no way we can do justice to the awe-inspiring sight it was with the moon rising over the lake!

Moon rise over Seneca Lake.

Moon rise over Seneca Lake.

That was about it for the night.  We headed back to camp, and met the new neighbors next door who were from Syracuse and spent the remainder of the night chatting with them around the camp fire.  We were up and at it early on Saturday to head down the western shore of Seneca to go to the Windmill Farm and Craft Market in Penn Yan, NY, then a trip further to the southern tip of the lake to take in the Watkins Glen State Park.  Here are some shot of the rest of the day.

Awesomeness with potatoes! Yes, I used an E like Dan Quayle does. don't know if I spelled his name right though?? The Pierogi's were awesome, as was the rolled cabbage.

Awesomeness with potatoes! Yes, I used an E like Dan Quayle does (even though I think it is proper in this case…have to ask Betty Beggs, my high school English teacher,  but I don’t think she’s around any more.) Also, I don’t know if I spelled his name right?? The Pierogi’s were awesome, as was the rolled cabbage.

There are a ton of shops at this market, but we only came away with a basket of concord grapes and some honey crisp apples!

On to Watkins Glen State Park.  Here is some info on the park from our friends at Wiki before we get to the pics.  If you are ever in the area, check it out.   More than worth the $8 parking fee:

“Watkins Glen State Park is located outside the village of Watkins Glen, south of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County in New York‘s Finger Lakes region. The park’s lower part is near the village, while the upper part is open woodland. It was opened to the public in 1863 and was privately run as a tourist resort until 1906, when it was purchased by New York State.[1] Since 1924, it has been managed by the Finger Lakes Region of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.[2]

Jacob’s Ladder, near the upper entrance to the park, has 180 stone steps, part of the 832 total on the trails

The centerpiece of the 778-acre (3.15 km2)[3] park is a 400-foot-deep (120 m) narrow gorge cut through rock by a stream – Glen Creek – that was left hanging when glaciers of the Ice age deepened the Seneca valley, increasing the tributary stream gradient to create rapids and waterfalls wherever there were layers of hard rock. The rocks of the area are sedimentary of Devonian age that are part of a dissected plateau that was uplifted with little faulting or distortion. They consist mostly of soft shales, with some layers of harder sandstone and limestone.

The park features three trails – open mid-May to early November – by which one can climb or descend the gorge. The Southern Rim and Indian Trails run along the wooded rim of the gorge, while the Gorge Trail is closest to the stream and runs over, under and along the park’s 19 waterfalls by way of stone bridges and more than 800 stone steps. The trails connect to the Finger Lakes Trail, an 800-mile (1,300 km) system of trails within New York state.[2]

Onto the pics:

Entrance to the trails.

Entrance to the trails.

Amazing!

Amazing!

One of many waterfalls...although not as majestic as the ones we saw in Oregon, most impressive to say the least!

One of many waterfalls…although not as majestic as the ones we saw in Oregon, most impressive to say the least!

Looking out from behind one of the falls.

Looking out from behind one of the falls.

Caught this glimpse of a natural bridge formed when a tree fell over...

Caught this glimpse of a natural bridge formed when a tree fell over…

They have done a fantastic job making this place accessible to the many throngs of folks that visit here each year. It is over 1.5 miles from one end to the other, and over 880 steps if you take the gorge trail up. we took the gorge trail up, and the Indian trail back down. Fantastic!

They have done a fantastic job making this place accessible to the many throngs of folks that visit here each year. It is over 1.5 miles from one end to the other, and over 880 steps if you take the gorge trail up. We took the gorge trail up, and the Indian trail back down. Fantastic!

Under Rainbow Falls.

Under Rainbow Falls.

We marvel at the work the State has done to keep this in great shape so anyone can visit.

We marvel at the work the State has done to keep this in great shape so anyone can visit.

On a suspension bridge on the way back down overlooking the gorge. I lifted the camera do you can see over Seneca Lake to the East.

On a suspension bridge on the way back down overlooking the gorge. I lifted the camera so you can see over Seneca Lake to the East.

Wow…what an adventure!  We wish we had time to visit all of the finger lakes, but, I guess it will only be Seneca this time.  We often laugh at the pronunciations and names of things…when you are not local, you screw up.  The guy at the camp ground office kept talking about a must see which is a little town at the north end of “Skinny Atlas” lake.  We could not find the lake on the map on the map!  Come to find out, it was very close to Seneca Lake and is spelled “Skaneateles.”  We love it!

After that 3+ mile hike up and down, we took another suggestion, and headed to the Grist Iron Brewing Company in Burdett, NY.  It is on the SE side of Seneca Lake.  What a nice place.  We had a beverage, and just enjoyed the scenery.

Before the pics, a bit of a side bar…we mentioned while we were in Oregon that you likely could not swing a dead cat (sorry cat owners) without hitting a microbrewery or a winery…well, watch out Oregon!  I think New York State is heavy on your heels!  they may be able to do it with a dead squirrel.  Seriously…there would be four or five vineyards located every mile along a 10 mile or so stretch.  This was in several areas!  And they were all busy.  Side bar closed…

Looking West from the patio overlooking Seneca Lake. We had to move inside, because Terri had a Pumpkin Beer that had a cinnamon and sugar mixture on the rim, and the bees in the area were more than happy to take it from her! She was not that inclined to allow them.

Looking West from the patio overlooking Seneca Lake. We had to move inside, because Terri had a Pumpkin Beer that had a cinnamon and sugar mixture on the rim, and the bees in the area were more than happy to take it from her! She was not that inclined to allow them.

Interesting bathroom signs?!?!

Interesting bathroom signs?!?!

Our beverages. Terri's on the right, with the sugary substance now gone.

Our beverages. Terri’s on the right, with the sugary substance now gone.

As mentioned earlier, we are in Bernardston, MA and will be here for two days, then on to Maine.  We have reservations starting there on Thursday, so we will take a couple of days getting there enjoying this beautiful country of ours!

Before we sign off, we have to wish my mom a very, very happy and blessed 88th birthday!  Courtesy of my sister, here is a pic of her and my dad at half her age, I can only hope we have the strength, faith and fortitude these two have had all their years together…love you!

As always, we hope this finds you Happy, Healthy, and Living Your Dreams!!!!

 

8-14 Sep, 2016: Illinois, Ohio, New York and Niagara Falls

Good Wednesday afternoon/evening folks!  We have been making some tracks once again…it is good to be back on the road.  When we last posted on the 8th, I was at the Cummins facility in Wisconsin getting my annual maintenance done on the Coach.  That went real well, no surprises other than needed a new air filter.  They are not cheap…$185!  I try to remove the air filter and clean it out every month or so, but it had been two years since I’d put a new one in, so it was time.  Other than that, normal fluid changes and lubrication’s.

We stayed in Terri’s mom’s driveway on the night of the 8th, and hit the road early on the 9th.  We had planned to take I-39 down to I-80 to start our trek East and to avoid Chicago, but we ended up going a bit further South in order to get over to Columbus Ohio on the 10th and 11th so we could visit some friends that were unexpectedly in Columbus for a bit.  We drove in the rain most of the day on Friday, the 9th, and it wasn’t too bad other than making a mess out of the Coach and the truck.  Terri found a place just north of Champagne-Urbana, IL.  It is the small town of Rantoul, IL and the RV Park (Prairie Pines) sits on the grounds of what used to be Chanute AFB, IL.  Chanute was closed by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) in 1993, and most of the base has been turned over to the local community.  I chatted with some folks that now live in the old officer’s housing, and it looks like Rantoul has made the most out of what appear to be great facilities like the gym, library, dorms that are now apartments, etc.  The RV Park sits in what used to be the base mobile home park, so it is kind of oddly laid out, as you will see in the pics that follow.  The deal between the Federal Government and the City of Rantoul as far as the RV Park is concerned is that the City has to make a major improvement every 10 years over the course of 30 years, at which time the property will be turned over to the City for good.  It was a nice place, and only $25 for 50 AMP, Full Hook Ups.

This is the West end of the park, looking out over what used to be the flight line. You can see hangars in the background if you look closely. What I meant about odd layout above is that you see the parking areas and sidewalks that used to go to the mobile homes. Now they lead to grassy RV sites...some of the time.

This is the West end of the park, looking out over what used to be the flight line. You can see hangars in the background if you look closely. What I meant about odd layout above is that you see the parking areas and sidewalks that used to go to the mobile homes. Now they lead to grassy RV sites…some of the time.

Our site...a pull through, kind of. The camp host (who has been here over ten years) led us through another camp site to pull straight into this one. Easy out the next day.

Our site…a pull through, kind of. The camp host (who has been here over ten years) led us through another camp site to pull straight into this one. Easy out the next day.

The pavilion in the foreground is a recent improvement, and the bath and showers are located in the building in the background...the building used to be the base dental office.

The pavilion in the foreground is a recent improvement, and the bath and showers are located in the building in the background…the building used to be the base dental office.

Most of the North side of the park is occupied by long term construction workers that travel here each season.

Most of the North side of the park is occupied by long-term construction workers that travel here each season.

All in all, it was a great experience, and we will stay here again if we are ever in the area.  Soon after we had gotten all settled, severe weather hit the area and the weather radio went nuts.  There were a few tornado’s that touched down not too far to the South of where we were.  Severe weather is always a concern when living in this box, but the bad stuff dissipated, and we had a great nights rest.  We were up and gone by 0900, but ran right into rain again, and it stayed with us all the way to the Columbus area.

We arrived at the Cross Creek RV Resort in Delaware, OH (just North of Columbus) about 3:00.  And just in time!  As soon as we got the Coach into our spot and plugged in, a nasty thunderstorm pushed through.  That lasted about an hour, and we then put the slides out and set up the rest of the camp site.  Cross Creek is a beautiful park, with tons of amenities, few of which we unfortunately took advantage of.  It was a little pricey, but we’ve learned to keep within our $600 per month camp site budget pretty well over the last two years.  In fact, we have actually come in under that each year so far.

Unfortunately, we did not get any pictures of the camp ground.  We headed out early on Sunday morning to meet up with great friends in Columbus.  Clay, Mary and Trase Travers were all in town, so we got a chance to spend the morning together and catch up.  God’s Speed to you all!!

That afternoon was gorgeous, so we decided to take in the Columbus Zoo.  Kind of pricey, but they honor a military discount, so it wasn’t too bad.  It was well worth the price.  This is definitely one of the nicest zoos that we have been visited.  The way they have arranged most of the animal exhibits gives you the feeling they are in their natural habitat…especially in the Africa area.

Hyenas playing around in the water hole area before the Cheetah run began.

Hyenas playing around in the water hole area before the Cheetah run began.

They do a Cheetah run 3 times per day weather permitting. It was a blast watching these speed demons chase around like they were hunting.

They do a Cheetah run 3 times per day weather permitting. It was a blast watching these speed demons chase around like they were hunting.

One of the areas I was referring to above...every kind of animal that can live together without seeing the other as a meal lives in this expansive area.

One of the areas I was referring to above…every kind of animal that can live together without seeing the other as a meal lives in this expansive area.

The Reindeer are just losing their felt. As we walked past, this worker had just untangled to of them that somehow got one of the others halter off and they were hooked together.

The Reindeer are just losing their felt. As we walked past, this worker had just untangled two of them that somehow got one of the others halter off and they were hooked together.

And of course, the Bonobos. This gal looks bored, but the younger ones were flying all over the place, so much so that one of the elders had to smack a few to calm them down...funny.

And of course, the Bonobos. This gal looks bored, but the younger ones were flying all over the place, so much so that one of the elders had to smack a few to calm them down…funny.

We were up fairly early on the 12th for a shorter trek to Geneva on the Lake Ohio.  It is just East of Cleveland.  What a great place!  It is right across the street from Lake Erie, and they are a Passport America Park, which means we get 50% off their rates, as we are members.  For only $40 per year, this membership usually pays for itself in one or two nights.  I talked earlier about staying within our budget, well, this is one of the ways we do it…staying at an upscale independent park for half price…why, yes please!  And a gorgeous park it was!  Plenty of room between sites, cable TV, swimming pools, movie stars…er, nope.  Sorry, went Beverly Hillbilly on ya there.  But a huge, really nice place with a full grocery store on site, chapel, theater, meeting areas, stocked catch and release fishing ponds…they had it all, and for the PA rate of $25 per night…we will stay again!

Our long pull through site. The truck is still attached to the Coach...just a bad angle.

Our long pull through site. The truck is still attached to the Coach…just a bad angle so you cannot see it.

Looking out towards the fishing ponds. The Coach got a bath this day too! I love Blue Beacon Truck Washes. they are the cheapest and they seem to do the best job. It was $50 to do the Coach and the truck, and they sprayed off our bikes for us too!

Looking out towards the fishing ponds. The Coach got a bath this day too! I love Blue Beacon Truck Washes. They are the cheapest and they seem to do the best job. It was $50 to do the Coach and the truck, and they sprayed off our bikes for us too!

One of the ponds.

One of the ponds.

Another pond with a nice gazebo on it.

Another pond with a nice gazebo on it.

Nice pool! And the several restroom/shower/laundry facilities are likely the best we have seen.

Nice pool! And the several restroom/shower/laundry facilities are likely the best we have seen.

Sun setting over Lake Erie. There is a path across the street from the park that the park Chapel built. It is first class as well...

Sun setting over Lake Erie. There is a path across the street from the park that the park Chapel built. It is first class as well…

Terri at the bottom of the overlook enjoying the view.

Terri at the bottom of the overlook enjoying the view.

We were up and at it early again on the 13th, Tuesday.  We had a fairly short trek to Grand Island, New York, which is right near Niagara Falls.  Terri and I have never been, so we were looking forward to it.  I have to say, the highways in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Western New York have been great…I hope that continues as we move East.  We stopped at the first rest area in PA, and the lady working the counter couldn’t have been nicer.  She directed us to a few scenic routes that are navigable with the RV, and off the tollways.  Those of you from this part of the woods know that tolls are prolific!  In fact, we are considering buying an EZ Pass for the remainder of the trip…tough to swallow that though…I’ve been looking at alternative routes.

We had a very nice trip through some of the PA and NY wine country, and had a very uneventful trip through the city of Buffalo to reach Grand Island.  We are parked at the Cinderella Motel and RV park, with 50 AMP and full hookups, cable…but it stops there.  We hardly watch TV, so cable isn’t that big of a deal.  What drove us to this park is the location near the falls, and the price…they are another Passport America park, and rather than spending $75 a night for a really “tight” park, we are paying half of that.  What I mean by “tight” is that I know for a fact that if my neighbor on either side needed sugar, or a beer, or whatever, I could open the window and hand it to them  through their window!  Oh well, we are not here to spend all of our time the Coach anyway.  Looking ahead, it appears that I may have the unfortunate opportunity to blow the monthly camping budget in the NE…these places “ain’t cheap!!”

Onto today and the falls!  We decided to use the Gray Line tour system, and tour the Canadian side.  We are so glad we did!  It cost about $100 each, but well worth it for the places we got to go.  We totaled up what it would have cost us to park, and admission for what we got to do, and we would have spent way more than that if we had gone on our own, and we would not have gotten the history from our life long Buffalo resident and ardent Bills fan, Howard.  On to the pics.

Walking down to the Hornblower Canadian falls boat tour. This is a pic of the American falls....obstructed by the trees! The tower on the other side is the elevator that takes you to the boat tour on the American side.

Walking down to the Hornblower Canadian falls boat tour. This is a pic of the American falls….obstructed by the trees! The tower on the other side is the elevator that takes you to the boat tour on the American side.

A shot from the back of Hornblower of the Rainbow bridge that connect the two Niagara Falls cities.

A shot from the back of Hornblower of the Rainbow bridge that connects the two Niagara Falls cities.

Looking upriver toward Horseshoe Falls. Canada on the right, US on the left.

Looking upriver toward Horseshoe Falls. Canada on the right, US on the left.

The American Falls...they will close this off in the next year or so to repair a bridge that goes to one of the islands. We learned soooo much today about how they control the water on this river, and how they get it to the hydro-electric plants further down river. What an experience...It would take pages to re-capture everything we learned.

The American Falls…they will close this off in the next year or so to repair a bridge that goes to one of the islands. We learned soooo much today about how they control the water on this river, and how they get it to the hydro-electric plants further down river. What an experience…It would take pages to re-capture everything we learned.

Another shot of Horseshoe, the Canadian side, the behind the falls tour group (middle right) and a sliver of one of the our of service electric plants.

Another shot of Horseshoe, the Canadian side, the behind the falls tour group (middle right) and a sliver of one of the out of service electric plants.

Selfies Suck I say, but here we are...the background is the spray caused by Horseshoe falls...can't see a thing.

Selfies Suck I say, but here we are…the background is the spray caused by Horseshoe falls…can’t see a thing.

Down river by the

Down river by the “whirlpool” and the tram. The river make a severe 90 degree turn here, which results in a huge whirlpool on the left. The only place along the Niagara river where you can look across the river, and you are still looking at Canada.

More of the whirl pool.

More of the whirlpool.

The floral clock. Design changes twice per year. Maintained by the Horticulture University on the Canadian side.

The floral clock. Design changes twice per year. Maintained by the Horticulture University on the Canadian side.

OK...I hate heights, but this was worth it...looking at Horse shoe from the top of Skylon Tower.

OK…I hate heights, but this was worth it…looking at Horseshoe from the top of Skylon Tower.

The American Falls, Bridal Falls on the far right.

The American Falls, Bridal Falls on the far right.

Well, that’s it for now.  What an awesome last few days!!  We are planning on exploring more of the local area tomorrow, and hope to get to the finger lakes next and spend a few days there.  We have not determined if we will go the northern or southern route around the lakes, but the southern route does not include tolls…so there is one indicator.  We are still looking at how we will traverse to Maine, but it appears now that we may catch I-91 in Mass, and take that all the way to the Northern end of VT and take US 2 over to I-95.  We will see.  If any of you have suggested places to go and see, routes to take, or things to do, please let us know!

As always, we hope this finds you Happy, Healthy, and Living Your Dreams!!!!

30 Jul – 8 Sep 2016; Wrapping up Summer, On the Move Again!

What a great summer we have had!  Unfortunately, it is coming to a close, but on the other hand, Terri and I are looking forward to getting on the road again.  We were very busy through the month of August with Ashley’s family, and spent almost all of that time in the park in Caledonia, WI near her house.  It is great being able to spend quality time with family, and not have to invade them…another reason we started this RV life!

Since it has been such a long time since we posted, I’ll likely make this mostly a photo blog, rather than going day by day.  We were lax in taking photo’s too, so not too many!  I’ve heard from a lot of folks that they miss the blog since they were accessing it via Face Book, so I’m re-activating my account so folks can keep up with our travels…thanks for wanting to stay with us on this journey!  And what a journey it has been…later this month we will mark our second year anniversary on the road as full-time RVers!!

To recap the past weeks, as mentioned above, we spent August in southern Wisconsin.  We were fortunate enough to be involved in graduation parties, birthday parties, trips and excursions in the area, a trip to DC for work for me, and just good old family time.  At the end of August we made a trip way up north to Boulder Junction, Wisconsin for a week to attend a wedding of the son of dear friends of ours, and to spend time with extended family at the camp ground.  Yesterday we made it back to Terri’s mom’s house in Wausau, and as I write this I am sitting in the customer lounge at the local Cummins shop waiting on the Coach to come back from its annual physical…or maintenance if you will.  Hopefully it won’t be too painful in the wallet.  Early tomorrow we plan to start our trek to the NE, and hope to take in everything from NY, NH, ME, VT and hopefully some of Canada.  We don’t know how long we will be up that way, but will try to extend in the cooler country as long as we can.  The long term plan right now is to be in FL for December, and MS in Jan and Feb…we will see.  Let’s get started…

We sure got our share of heat in August this year! It did cool off at night most of the time.

We sure got our share of heat in August this year! It did cool off at night most of the time.

Terri and I shopping for decorations for Emma's grad party...turned into more of an off to college party...She is going to Hope College in Holland, MI...thus the reason for the sign and the orange letters.

Terri and I shopping for decorations for Emma’s grad party…turned into more of an off to college party…She is going to Hope College in Holland, MI…thus the reason for the sign and the orange letters.

Having a walking taco bar for food, so a trip to the big box stores was in order as well.

Having a walking taco bar for food, so a trip to the big box stores was in order as well.

Saturday, the 6th of August was finally cool enough for a fire.

Saturday, the 6th of August was finally cool enough for a fire.

There is a huge farmers market near the camp ground every Sunday. This is a stand for one of the microbreweries in Kenosha.

There is a huge farmers market near the camp ground every Sunday. This is a stand for one of the micro-breweries in Kenosha.

We also found some

We also found some “rummage” sales on Sunday, the 7th. My brother-in-law has a frying pan just like this one for cooking on the camp fire.

Terri dropped me off at the Milwaukee airport on Wed the 10th for a short trip to DC for work. The clouds were awesome on our descent into DC.

Terri dropped me off at the Milwaukee airport on Wed the 10th for a short trip to DC for work. The clouds were awesome on our descent into DC.

An awesome view from the rooftop of our company headquarters in Crystal City.

An awesome view from the rooftop of our company headquarters in Crystal City.

My good buddy Dan Deans giving me the nickle tour before my departure Friday evening.

My good buddy Dan Deans giving me the nickle tour before my departure Friday evening.

Made it back in time for Emma's party on the 13th.

Made it back in time for Emma’s party on the 13th.

The taco bar was a big hit!

The taco bar was a big hit!

Decorations turned out well.

Decorations turned out well.

Hard to see here, but later on Saturday while sitting outback of Ashley's house, the sky was absolutely filled by hundreds and hundreds of Dragon Flies. They are one block off of Lake Michigan, so don't know if there was a hatch neat the lake or what, but I'd never seen anything like it.

Hard to see here, but later on Saturday while sitting outback of Ashley’s house, the sky was absolutely filled by hundreds and hundreds of Dragon Flies. They are one block off of Lake Michigan, so don’t know if there was a hatch near the lake or what, but I’d never seen anything like it.

As I was watching the dragon flies, I caught something out of the corner of my eye, and saw a rabbit being chased by a Coyote. We'd seen a lot of Coyote scat in the area behind their house, but had not laid eyes on the it. I ran around back through the neighbors yard, and took a quick video of the Coyote headed for the lake. These shots are not the greatest as I pulled them off of the video.

As I was watching the dragon flies, I caught something out of the corner of my eye, and saw a rabbit being chased by a Coyote. We’d seen a lot of Coyote scat in the area behind their house, but had not laid eyes on the it. I ran around back through the neighbor’s yard, and took a quick video of the Coyote headed for the lake. These shots are not the greatest as I pulled them off of the video.

The Coyote saw me, stopped, and just sat for a while. As I took a step towards it, it scampered off. The shoreline in this area if full of broken up rocks and concrete for erosion. It makes perfect housing for these critters.

The Coyote saw me, stopped, and just sat for a while. As I took a step towards it, it scampered off. The shoreline in this area if full of broken up rocks and concrete for erosion. It makes perfect housing for these critters.

We were fortunate enough to have Toby quite a bit in August. Here we are headed for the bike trails.

We were fortunate enough to have Toby quite a bit in August. Here we are headed for the bike trails.

Terri, Toby and I met Ashley at a little Mexican Restaurant on the 16th, the night before Toby's 4th birthday. The folks at the restaurant put on a great show for him!

Terri, Toby and I met Ashley at a little Mexican Restaurant on the 16th, the night before Toby’s 4th birthday. The folks at the restaurant put on a great show for him!

And on the 17th, we celebrated his 4th at his house!

And on the 17th, we celebrated his 4th at his house!  Batman AND Spider man cake!

The weekend of the 19th brought a huge adult softball tourney to the park we stay at. We had Batman for the weekend, and he scaled the fences.

The weekend of the 19th brought a huge adult softball tourney to the park we stay at. We had Batman for the weekend, and he scaled the fences.

I always seem to get small tears right at the knee in the shorts I wear. Instead of getting a new pair (these fit just right!) I made some modifications.

I always seem to get small tears right at the knee in the shorts I wear. Instead of getting a new pair (these fit just right!) I made some modifications.

This park is busy on the weekends, but clears out during the week, and we have most of it to ourselves.

This park is busy on the weekends, but clears out during the week, and we have most of it to ourselves.

On wed, the 24th, we found a weekly food truck and music event that we hadn't know about. It was only about 20 minutes from the park. Great food and a great time.

On Wed, the 24th, we found a weekly food truck and music event that we hadn’t known about. It was only about 20 minutes from the park. Great food and a great time.

It's a real nice venue at an athletic complex, and it is also a ski area in the winter.

It’s a real nice venue at an athletic complex, and it is also a ski area in the winter.

Part of the small ski area.

Part of the small ski area.

We had Toby through the weekend of the 26th, as Ashley and Garreck were taking Emma to college. Here is Toby

We had Toby through the weekend of the 26th, as Ashley and Garreck were taking Emma to college. Here is Toby “instructing” a new friend on the proper use of the bubbler, as it is known up here.

we took Toby to his house a couple of days for his nap so we could mow lawn and such. I guess we wore him out!

We took Toby to his house a couple of days for his nap so we could mow lawn and such. I guess we wore him out!

Finally some cooler weather again and more fires.

Finally some cooler weather again and more fires.

Saturday, the 27th was a perfect day for the local Racine Zoo!

Saturday, the 27th was a perfect day for the local Racine Zoo!

The Zoo, although not real big, has a lot to offer. It is located right on the banks of Lake Michigan, so the vistas are great as well.

The Zoo, although not real big, has a lot to offer. It is located right on the banks of Lake Michigan, so the vistas are great as well.

Toby and L'il Joey.

Toby and L’il Joey.

The birds were acting nuts! The Zoo worker said that in the late summer after rains, they go crazy. All you had to do was stand still and you'd have five or six of them on you. They climbed into Terri's purse as well. the worker at the door had to check purses and pockets as people left the cage.

The birds were acting nuts! The Zoo worker said that in the late summer after rains, they go crazy. All you had to do was stand still and you’d have five or six of them on you. They climbed into Terri’s purse as well. The worker at the door had to check purses and pockets as people left the cage.

Later in the afternoon Toby and I took a walk around the Kenosha harbor and got to see the Big Red Ship giving rides.

Later in the afternoon Toby and I took a walk around the Kenosha harbor and got to see the Big Red Ship giving rides.

I’ve mentioned before that we get to meet some really great people in our travels.  A few in particular are the maintenance man at the park (Mr. Bob) and the camp hosts, Dave and Judy.  They were wonderful.  Terri and I really enjoyed our chats with Bob…he would try to stop by and take a break from mowing or whatever and just catch up with life.  He knew Toby had a birthday, and I found this on our site post:

What a wonderful gesture!

What a wonderful gesture!

We will miss them, but hopefully catch up again next spring.

Monday, the 29th was move prep day.  Since we had been sitting for quite a while, I checked all the fluids, and decided to get all the tires to the proper pressure.  They were not far off, but I hadn’t equalized them in a while.  I run 110 PSI in the front and 95 PSI in the rear.  Luck would have it that as soon as I started airing the front left, the valve stem core gave out.  Thank goodness I have spares and the core tool.  After that near debacle was avoided, I had to air the tire up about 20 PSI.  I have an on board compressor, that will max out at 120 PSI, so when you get over 100, it is real slow going.  One of our neighbors (Joe) who has been here all summer stopped by when I was done, and showed me the neat gauge he made so you can tell when your system is aired up.  I can do that if I run inside every few minutes, but that is a pain in the rump.  Here are a couple of shots of what Joe made:

He just added an in-line gauge to his air chuck. It is a little tattered, but works well. I'll be making one of these soon.

He just added an in-line gauge to his air chuck. It is a little tattered, but works well. I’ll be making one of these soon.

The rest of the prep went well, and after an early bed time, we were up early and got all of our goodbyes in, dumped, and hit the road for Terri’s mom’s house.  The trip to the Camp Ground we  were going to for the wedding would have been a bit longer for one day than we wanted, so it was great to break it up by stopping at Shirley’s.  The only issue we ran into was the fact that the county was re-paving the road in front of her house.  I stopped to re-fuel a few miles away, and Terri took the truck up to see if we could get through.  The foreman indicated I had about a 30 minute window to get in, but they would then be shutting lanes down.  I made it in plenty of time, and we pulled the lawn chairs out and watched the work.

Things have changed quite a bit from what I recall from my youth seeing this done. Now they chop up the old blacktop, and recycle it. It goes to a place near where they are working to be re-tarred if you will, then goes on trucks and into the heater and paver.

Things have changed quite a bit from what I recall from my youth seeing this done. Now they chop up the old black top, and recycle it. It goes to a place near where they are working to be re-tarred if you will, then goes on trucks and into the heater and paver.

It was fun to watch, and the foreman and crews were great to chat with.

It was fun to watch, and the foreman and crews were great to chat with.

We had a nice night catching up with Shirley, and Ryan and Mason stopped by for a while.  We were up early on Wednesday to make the trek to Boulder Junction, WI and the Camp Holiday RV Resort.  We had to leave by 0900, or we would have been stuck for the day as they were starting the second coat of black top.

Here is our site at Camp Holiday. Very nice park, and we were right across from the playground on one side, and the lake on the other. Ashley and family arrived later that day, and Rob and Pat and family arrived on Friday.

Here is our site at Camp Holiday. Very nice park, and we were right across from the playground on one side, and the lake on the other. Ashley and family arrived later that day, and Rob and Pat and family arrived on Friday.

It was an awesome week and long weekend.  We met James and Laurie and family wed night in Minocqua for a water ski show, and just to catch up.  Their eldest son Josh would be getting married on Saturday.  We had a blast all week…great bike trails, cards, fires, food, wedding, visits to family and much, much more.  Here are some shots of the week:

The lake with the water trampoline.

The lake with the water trampoline.

Fabulous bike trails located less than two mile form the park. They go for miles and miles! Some of the best trails we have ever seen.

Fabulous bike trails located less than two miles from the park. They go for miles and miles! Some of the best trails we have ever seen.

The blue dot gives you an idea of where we were at.

The blue dot gives you an idea of where we were at.

It wasn't real warm each day, but the beach was located in a protected area and the water temp was warm.

It wasn’t real warm each day, but the beach was located in a protected area and the water temp was warm.

Awesome wedding venue on the lake!

Awesome wedding venue on the lake!

Great friends James and Laurie, parents of the groom.

Great friends James and Laurie, parents of the groom.

Post ceremony reception before dinner.

Post ceremony reception before dinner.

What a nice venue, and fantastic wedding!

What a nice venue, and fantastic wedding!

More days of swimming!

More days of swimming!

View from Terri's cousins house on Gunlock Lake near out camp ground. They have a beautiful house and location in the Northwoods!

View from Terri’s cousins house on Gunlock Lake near our camp ground. They have a beautiful house and location in the Northwoods!

Stacy showing Toby how to put the boat in the water.

Stacy showing Toby how to put the boat in the water.

Brandon and Stacy took us for a boat ride around their little piece of heaven.

Brandon and Stacy took us for a boat ride around their little piece of heaven.

Love this shirt! Saw it in a store in Minocqua on Tuesday while we were staying out of the rain. Ir rained, hailed and blew like crazy Monday night. I didn't sleep a wink, and we were joined by Toby and Ashley about 0400 when it was getting real bad. Garreck and Shiloh toughed it out in their tent camper.

Love this shirt! Saw it in a store in Minocqua on Tuesday while we were staying out of the rain. It rained, hailed and blew like crazy Monday night. I didn’t sleep a wink, and we were joined by Toby and Ashley about 0400 when it was getting real bad. Garreck and Shiloh roughed it out in their tent camper.

Sunset over the lake on our last night.

Sunset over the lake on our last night.

Well, that’s about it!  We drove in the rain yesterday to Shirley’s, so the Coach is nasty dirty now.  the Coach should be done soon, and then we will prep for an early departure tomorrow.

As always, we hope this finds you Happy, Healthy and Living Your Dreams!!!!