Frank and Jen On the Road

Frank had another birthday and decided on a lazy day (one of many lately). Enjoyed a nice dinner at TGI Friday's with friends Peter and Marlene, who we met in Indiana, saw again in Bar Harbor, and ran into here. They leave Saturday for Naples, where they will spend a couple of months, so we will probably look them up when we get to that area. Meanwhile, we need to get busy and make some reservations, as they tend to be hard to get for the next couple of months.

After more lazing around, enjoying hot air balloons and cranes in our park, we visited Kennedy Space Center, an amazing place. We saw the launch pad where Atlantis is waiting, though from our angle we could only see the big fuel tank and part of a solid fuel booster rocket. We saw all the history of the space program and even did a session in the launch simulator - boy is that a bumpy ride! We toured the International Space Station area, where they prepare all the pieces for the ride up. We even saw inside some of the modules, including a very interesting space toilet, complete with pedals. We even timed our visit right to witness the launch of a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral, though we were quite a ways off.

Moved inland a ways to our Orlando Thousand Trails park at Clermont, FL (close to Kissimmee), where we intend to remain through the end of the year. This is the largest RV park we can remember, with over 800 sites!

We have been lazing around enjoying the heat wave (daytime 80s and nighttime 60s) with the locals. Drove to the only beach in the area allowing dogs and sunned for a while, across the river from the local lighthouse, and watched a casino boat head out to sea (to avoid the local authorities?).

Moved on south into the sunshine state, finding our campground at New Smyrna, Florida, just south of Daytona Beach. We must have come south - we have palm trees!

Drove over to Tybee Island to visit their lighthouse and beach. All the actual buildings on the lighthouse grounds are still there, including the lighthouse keeper's cottage, where Jen decided to take here own picture in one of the mirrors. We climbed the 178 stairs to the top, where it was cold and the view was somewhat obscured by the low clouds. We gave up the beach visit because it was cold and dogs are not allowed. We took our picnic to the Fort Pulaski National Monument grounds instead. Then we visited the actual fort, which was layed out a bit like a castle, including a moat and drawbridge. We toured the inside, where even Bullett was allowed to soak up some history. A walk around the outside provided a view of where the wall was breached by cannon fire from Tybee Island during the Civil War (or the uncivil War Between the States, as it is called down here).

Took a trolley/walking tour of the Savannah historic district. Beautiful city, with their big churches, neat old homes, and fancy mansions. Saw several of their town squares with fountains and statues, and Spanish Moss everywhere. Jen did some shopping, while Frank visited the roundhouse and railroad museum. They had a shuttle for pickup and return right at the campground, so we didn't even have to drive into the city.

Our resident alligator came out to say goodbye before we left this morning. Moved on south to another KOA outside Savannah, GA. Pretty park on a lake full of all kinds of waterfowl, including herons, swans, several different kinds of ducks and geese, and we even saw an egret tree.

After saying good morning to our resident racoon, we drove over to the other side of the harbor to visit Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, which consists of self-guided walking tours of four WWII-era ships (and a gift shop, of course). The main attraction is the aircraft carrier Yorktown, which took quite a while to tour. We managed to not get lost in the bowels of the ship (small by today's standards), while seeing everyting from heads to the dentist office. Then, of course, we visited the flight deck, with its variety of aircraft, and the bridge. Then we toured one of the last diesel submarines, where the space was very tight, even for Jen. We also toured the destroyer Laffey and the Coast Guard cutter Ingham. We wanted to take the boat ride out to visit Fort Sumter, but took too long touring the ships.

Went into Charleston to see the sights. Walked along the battery, seeing the beautiful old homes, some with columns, walls and gardens. Saw quite a few of these large trees, which someone says are a form of oak, though the leaves don't have the classic shape. Had lunch at a waterfront restaurant, sitting outside with a nice view of the harbor. Then we found Market Street, which turns out to be six blocks of open-air gift shop. That took up the rest of the afternoon, of course. We did see the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, but had already eaten.

Moved southeast, clean across South Carolina, stopping a nice KOA just outside Charleston. Lots of squirrels and even an alligator in residence!

Took a drive partway up the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, through the forest with views of the still persisting fall colors. Took a couple of short hikes on quiet forest trails, one down to a creek bed and one up to the twin Eastatoe Falls. Neither one had much water in this severe drought, but sure is pretty forest country. Some of us required naps after all the fresh air.

Moved on south (and a bit west) to our Thousand Trails park in Fair Play, South Carolina. Not as nice as some of our parks, but sure is pretty - still seeing those fall colors.

Walked around the historic district of Lexington, including a tour of the old courthouse/museum - quite informative. We had go pig hunting so Jen could get pictures of the painted pigs. We found quite a few, including Christmas carolers, a policeman, a fireman, and even Clark Kent getting ready to change.

Took a drive through furniture country, seeing the the world's largest chair (Thomasville furniture) in Thomasville, as well as the world's largest chest of drawers (bureau of information) in High Point.

Drove into Lexington, intending to do the walking tour of their historic district. Found the visitor center, complete with one of the many displays of pig art displayed throughout the town. We got our maps and walked out the door to start the tour, but quickly decided to try it some other day when it is a bit warmer (about 40 with wind chill!). Ended up just trying out another BBQ place and returning to our beautiful park - flowering trees this time of year?

After several days of hanging around camp enjoying the peace and quiet of some perfect autumn days, we visited historic Old Salem, where the Moravians settled in the 1700's. Learned about their history, beginning in Europe in the 1500's, and how they came to be in America before the Revolution. Saw some of the original buildings, like the Boy's School, where boys lived and learned a trade. Toured the old gun shop, where they still build guns by hand, and Frank tried out a flintlock. Also toured the old Salem Tavern, where Jen tried out an old rope bed, while a typical supper was being prepared down in the kitchen. Ended with a guided tour of the Museum of Southern Decorative Arts, learning about the architecture, furniture, etc. of the 1700-1800's; very interesting!

Took a drive throught the countryside to see what's around. Found a Camping World (first in several months) where we did some resupplying. Since we are in the middle of barbeque country, we stopped and had some "que" at a local eatery. Overate, but well worth it!

They threatened snow overnight, but it was just very cold and dry this morning. Headed south out of Hatfield-McCoy country, finding our Thousand Trails park at Advance, NC (just South of Winston-Salem).

Drove east over more winding roads, finding a bookstore and Walmart in Princeton,WV. Came back through Bluefield (the WV one), and stopped at Pinnacle Rock State Park. A climb to the lookout point gave us a great view of the surrounding hills, which was probably a sea of color a couple of weeks ago. Fortunately for some, there was a place to rest at the top.

Took a long loop drive through some of the West Virginia coal mining country. There are still a few active mines around here, though many have shut down. We did see a few trainloads of coal on the rails. Our route led over some fun winding mountain roads, with little company mining towns every few miles. Some of the towns were mostly closed down, though some seemed to be thriving. One thing they all have seem to have in common is at least two churches, usually more.

Drove through some beautiful Virginia countryside, then angled up into West Virginia. Found the KOA at Ashland, WV, though the directions did not mention the 10 miles of narrow, winding, mountain road to get here. We are camped in the mountains (with no cell service) amid what's left of the fall colors (they tell us we missed the peak by a week or so) and many ATV enthusiasts.

Imagine our disgruntlement when we tried to take to the road yesterday morning, but not being able to start the motorhome. Spent most of the day calling around for a mechanic, finally finding one just up the road. He was able to come out first thing this morning, and it turned out we had bad batteries. Finally got on the road around noon with two new batteries, so we drove later than usual and caught up so we are only one day behind. Found a nice campground for the night at Staunton, VA, surrounded by more fall color than we had seen previously.

After a couple of weeks of being couped up with Jen's bad cold, Frank's bad back, and several days of torrential downpour, we were excited to get out to Gloucester, visiting a book store and Walmart. That's probably all we will get to see in this area now, since we pull out in a couple of days. Another area to revisit one day, I guess.

Moved on south to our Thousand Trails park at Gloucester, VA. Found a nice site with a view out the window of the Piankatank River. Great place to rest for a little while (John wore us out!) and see some of the nearby historic sites.

We delivered John to the airport and returned to the park before sunrise this morning. It was great to have him with us for our sightseeing (he was our "guide"). Wish it could have been for longer, as there is more to see here. Guess we will have to come back.

Decided we wanted to do something different for John's last day with us, so our official planners layed out a route to the Atlantic. We made a stop to see Annapolis, wandering the narrow streets and waterfront. We saw the Maryland State House, which has quite a history behind it. Also took a quick walk on the campus of the Naval Academy. Looks like any college campus, especially since we didn't see any drilling going on. Then on into Delaware, where we did find the ocean. The resort areas were pretty much closed down for the season, but we found a place to have lunch. Then visited their state beach, where we could get up close and personal with the Atlantic Ocean, though the weather was a bit on the cool side for some of us.

10/14/2007

One more train ride into Washington to see a few more sights, starting with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which was impressive. Then into the International Spy Museum, which turned out to be quite interesting. We rode the train way out to who-knows-where to visit the Washington National Cathedral. Turned out to be a longer walk than we had envisioned, but was worth the effort, as this is one of the most amazing buildings we have seen, both inside and out.

Back into Washington for more sightseeing. Went to the other end of the Mall to see the sights, like the White House (we didn't see anyone at home), the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the war memorials for World War II and Vietnam. Jumped a train to Arlington National Cemetery, where we were treated to a free tour by a docent. Visited the gravesites of JFK (and Jackie) and Robert Kennedy, as well as other historical figures. Visited the Tomb of the Unknown and witnessed the changing of the guard, which was very impressive.

Went into Washington by bus and train - very convenient. Started at one end of the National Mall and visited what we found, including the usual things like the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress (where we found a cafeteria for lunch). Then we went into the National Air and Space Museum, where we spent hours exploring everything from the Wright Brothers to the Mars Rover, and everything in between. John treated us to dinner at the ESPN Zone, where the food was great and sports was on viewing screens everywhere, including the restrooms.

Wandered over to Virginia to pick up John from his conference. While John got settled in, Bullett got settled into John's bed.

Moved on down into Maryland to a nice RV park in College Park. They have all the info we need to get to and from D.C. (we will find out more at a "touring session" this afternoon), so we should have no problems getting around when John arrives.

Drove down to Gettysburg to see the National Military Park. Toured the museum, then spent 3 hours doing about half of the "3-hour self-guiding auto tour". Saw many monuments and statues dedicated to the various regiments, both north and south, that fought in the battle. We got a good feel for how the battle progressed, but to see it all should be done by foot or bicycle over more than one day - something a real civil war buff would really enjoy.

Drove to the Amtrak station in Lancaster and took the train to Philadelphia, then took the subway to the historic district. Sure beat driving into the city. Walked around the area, seeing the sights. Jen toured the mint while Frank remained outside with the camera (what a pain!). Walked by the Franklin gravesite on the way to see the Liberty Bell (we thought the Liberty Bell would be larger). After lunching on a Philly Cheesesteak from a street vendor for lunch, we visited Washington Square, where there is a statue of George Washington overlooking the grave of the unknown Revolutionary Soldier (pretty impressive). Managed to make our way back to the subway and the train station in time for our return trip. As usual, with more time we could have seen much more, but that's enough big city for us for a while (we sure don't miss it).

After some time spent getting some minor fixes done on the motorhome, and getting to know the neighbors, we visited Hershey. Took the tour showing how the factory turns out some of their products, like kisses. Took the trolley tour of the town of Hershey (which does not really exist), learning much about the history of the area, as well as Milton and Catherine Hershey and the school they founded. They kept making us eat chocolate on the tour, but we survived.

Moved west into Pennsylvania, stopping at our Thousand Trails park near Hershey. Fairly easy drive, but it did cost us over $25 in tolls.

Drove over to Atlantic City - we hadn't realized we were that close to it (about 15 miles). Saw their nice beaches, though we are glad we went to Cape May for that. Spent most of the day walking up and down the Boardwalk, with its small shops and eateries, as well as the big hotel/casinos. As it was a warm day, Frank had to take a break in the shade with Mr. Peanut. Visited the Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest in New Jersey and third tallest in the U.S. Frank climbed the 228 steps to the top, but Jen declined to join him. Great views from the top of Atlantic City and further north up the coast.

There is an Airstream rally in the park this weekend - looks like we have a fleet of UFOs landing. Jen went shopping, while Frank and Bullett stayed home and watched the pair of egrets on the lake.

Returned to Cape May for a lazy day on the beach. The weather forcasters missed again, so it was a bit cloudy, but still nice enough to sit around for a few hours. We were rewarded by a gang (pod? herd?) of dolpins moving north up the coast.

Made the 100-mile drive up to Liberty State Park at Jersey City, taking the ferry to Ellis Island and Liberty Island. Ellis Island was a real education about how immigration worked in the early days. Took some brave and/or desparate people to go through all that. Liberty Island was a real thrill, actually seeing the Statue of Liberty in person, though security was about the same as at airports. We could only get as high as the top of the pedestal, but it afforded some great views of Manhattan, Ellis Island with Jersey City in the background, and some of the boat traffic with the Staten Island Bridge in the background. Even saw one of those famous NY Taxis on the water. Finished up with sandwiches for lunch, sharing the courtyard with the local pigeons. All in all, a great day worth the long drive.

Drove down the scenic route (to avoid tolls) to Cape May at the south end of New Jersey. Found beautiful beaches right on the Atlantic, lined with ridiculously large homes. Drove back up along the ocean, seeing more beaches and mansions, and paid more in tolls on little bridges that we would have by taking the Parkway. Oh well, it was a pretty drive.

Moved on down through New York, staying well away from NYC, into New Jersey. Traveled down the Garden State Parkway, finding our Thousand Trails campground at Port Republic, NJ. Got a nice site with a view of the lake.

Awoke to rain this morning, enough to almost drown our local speed bump. Headed over to the water, getting a nice view over the Sound and into the Atlantic at a little town named Noank. Crossed a little drawbridge over the Mystic River and into the famous town of Mystic. And, of course, we had to stop for lunch and try some of the "pizza that made the movie famous". It really is good pizza!

Another short drive (small states) to our next camp at Clinton, CT, on Long Island Sound. Ran into a couple of small rain showers on the road, but not enough to help them out. At least the temps are down in the 70s where they belong.

Drove down through Providence (where traffic was silly for a Sunday), getting good views of their capitol building. Proceeded down to Newport, stopping for lunch at a state park. We set up the chairs, where we all sat and enjoyed the view of Rhode Island Sound and the Atlantic. Then a drive on through the high-rent district, with glimpses of the ridiculously large mansions (some built as a summer cottage!). Drove by one of the public beaches, but they do not allow dogs, so we did not stop.

A short drive down to our next camp in North Scituate, RI. Saw a bit more color on the road, but the locals say it is because things are dying from lack of rain (the temps are still in the 90s today).

Drove through the Minuteman National Historical Park, which covers a portion of the Battle Road between Boston and Concord where the first battle of the Revolution was fought. Saw a great video portrayal of the events at the visitor center. Meandered around the suburbs and outskirts of Boston - actually made a wrong turn and ended up inside the city limits, but a quick u-turn fixed that (no way we wanted to drive in that city!). Then went up and wandered around Salem, seeing sights like a restored frigate, the Witch Museum (though we did not take the tour), and the spot where the National Guard began. We got a bit warm walking around in the 92-degree heat, so stopped at the local Ben and Jerrys store before heading home. Drove through some pretty country, though we are a bit early for the fall colors.

More beautiful scenery down the coastal highway, then on to our campground in Littleton, MA (30 miles NW of Boston).

Had a beautiful drive down the coastal highway of Maine, finding a quiet little campground in the trees to overnight at Freeport, ME. There is some neat shopping available, but Jen controlled herself and remained in camp. We all enjoyed our first campfire in many moons, and even roasted some hot dogs.

Went back to Bar Harbor and hiked over the sandbar (which is underwater at high tide) to Bar Island, where we got a different view of Bar Harbor. Then Frank and Bullett relaxed while Jen did more shopping with the crowds from the visiting cruise ship. And, of course, we had to try one more lobster roll for lunch. Then back to the national park and Thunder Hole, but the ocean was too calm and the wind blowing the wrong way to do much.

Visited the Big Chicken Book and Antique Barn, but neglected to take a picture. It is a huge old barn, with antiques downstairs and over 150,000 used books upstairs. Needless to say, that took up a good portion of our day. Then looped back north, across a unique new suspension bridge, where the cables are in the middle with the traffic lanes on either side. Then back through the outskirts of Bangkor, a Dairy Queen lunch, and back home.

Took a different loop through the national park and surrounding area. Passed through the high-rent district, with lots of very large, fancy homes and a bay full of boats and yachts. Then back up Cadillac Mountain (much more crowded) where, without the fog, we could actually see the surrounding countryside and out into the Atlantic. Then we joined Peter and Marlene from Kentucky, who we had met in Indiana, at another lobster pound for a lobster dinner. Then retired to our place to visit, and got lots of info about this area and about Florida, where they have been wintering. We will probably meet up with them again down there later this year.

Took a drive through Acadia National Park. A pretty place, but the views were hampered by fog today. We did get out onto the rocks by the water and saw lots of birds. We think we saw a seal stick his head up at one point, but a boat scared it off before we could be sure. Getting inland a ways, we did see the beginnings of some color in the trees. We drove to the top of Cadillac Mountain, but again the views were obstructed by the mist. Stopped at a lobster pound on the way back and dined on fresh lobster and mussels. It was a bit of work to eat, but well worth the effort.

Drove into Bar Harbor to check it out, seeing some older shacks as well as some fancy buildings. Wandered along their shore path, where Frank got his feet wet and Jen did not. Had great views out over the harbor and watched some silly cormorants drying themselves after some diving. Enjoyed crab rolls for lunch, then toured some of the many gift shops (of course), followed by wild Maine blueberry ice cream cones.

Said goodbye to Earl and Lucille this morning and headed for the other side of Maine. Found our RV park in Trenton, ME, a few miles from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Jen was up early (as usual) and caught several moose returning from their nightly romp. Then we found that we had picked a great day to drive the Auto Road to the top of Mt Washington, the highest mountain in the area. It was sunny and warm at the top (unusual for this place), and thankfully it was not windy. We had great views of mountains, forest, lakes, and rivers all around us - really a neat place. After a great dinner at Earl's favorite restaurant, we only got a little bit lost on the way home.

Earl and Lucille took us up to show us the hotel and golf club where they used to work. We actually saw a moose by the road on the way out, but it took off too fast for a photo. After a pleasant drive through the forest, we lunched on lobster rolls (mmmmm - goood!!) at the restaurant at the ninth hole. We had a great view of this incredible setting for a golf course, across the valley from the local ski slopes. Just more of the awe-inspiring scenery of the North Woods area. Then, after dark, we sat out on the porch for a couple of hours, bundled up and drinking cold beer (???!!??), watching the moose roam around under the full moon, with the aid of Earl's new portable spotlight. Having seen them from ground level crossing the road, the porch seemed like a good place to be while watching - those things are huge!

Earl and Lucille took us for a drive through the Rangely Lakes area, doing some shopping and lunch. Went up through the "height of the land" area, where there are great views of the lakes and surrounding forested hills. Stopped to see Auger Screw Falls, then explored some of the Upton back roads seeing the sights and looking for wildlife. We managed to spot a chipmunk and a nice buck. Then after getting back and going inside, Lucille spotted a moose crossing the road, so we all ran out and spent the next hour trying to find them in the near darkness. We managed to catch glimpses with the moonlight and flashlights, but all the attempts at pictures turned out to be black holes.

While Jen joined Lucille for the local Ladies Aid sale (Lucille has been baking for 2 days), Frank joined Earl and 2 grandsons at the race track. Earl and his son Mike have been into drag racing for a while, and Mike was racing their modified 1946 Ford. The time trials were looking good, but a recurring transmission problem caused him to lose in the first elimination round. Except for that disappointment (and the 100-degree temperatures), it was a fun experience for someone who had never been to a drag race. There were all kinds of race cars there, including dragsters, motorcycles, junior dragsters, and even a couple of snowmobiles.

Lucille had to work, so Earl took us to the Moose Festival in Colebrook, NH. The hilight for Jen was, of course, the quilt show. She saw some great quilts, including (naturally) a moose. Had a bite to eat and enjoyed some bluegrass, including bluegrass versions of some Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin, and Beatles songs. There was also a car show, which we hurried through without taking pictures, because it decided to pour down rain.

Took a drive with Earl and Lucille up north around the Connecticut Lakes. Saw beautiful mountains of forests and lakes, all the way to the Canadian border, enjoying a good lunch at a little cafe in Pittsburg. Our quest for a moose sighting is still ongoing, but we did see quite a few birds around the lakes, including a silly loon. Finished with pizza and beer back at the homestead.

Meandered through more beautiful forest lands, finally getting into northwestern Maine and parking at the home of Earl and Lucille (friends from the Tucson winter). Neat place in the woods with nearby wetlands, so we are expecting to get to see moose and other critters. Dined on a great spaghetti dinner perpared by Earl, as Lucille was working, then watched the Red Sox lose to the Devil Rays. Heard moose on the way back out to the RV, but couldn't really see them in the dark.

Took a drive through the White Mountains and North Woods, seeing more beautiful scenery. Stopped for a picnic at Moose Brook State Park, where they have dammed the stream to create a warming pool, which then feeds the swimming pool (neat idea). Further along the way, we even found a couple of old covered bridges.

Moved across Vermont into New Hampshire, through more beautiful forest lands and babbling brooks. Settled in at our campground amid the pine trees in the White Mountains, where they are predicting frost tonight!!

Jennifer not feeling well today, so she slept while Frank took a meander through the lush Vermont countryside and even found a Costco (lunched on samples). This is a beautiful area, pretty much all blue water and green vegetation.

Short drive northeast through some more of Adirondack Park, then over Lake Champlain into Vermont. Beautiful scenery down the Chaplain Islands, though we did see some cleanup going on from the severe storms that came through the area last night. Found our campground at the south end of the islands in South Hero.

After a lazy evening of browsing the literature, we headed over to High Falls Gorge and enjoyed a nice little hike through the forest and the gorge, with great views of the Ausable River and its waterfalls. We were thinking of taking the drive to the top of Whiteface Mountain, but the weater forcast did not look favorable for the "100-mile 360-degree" view, so we visited the local candy factory outlet to stock up on sweets, lunched at the local A&W, and came back for a nap.

Awoke to a stiff breeze, causing waves on the harbor, and hundreds of purple martins feasting on the millions of insects in the morning air. Move on east into the mountains of Adirondack Park (covers a large portion of upstate New York), stopping for lunch at Tupper Lake. After snaking our way through wall-to-wall tourists in Lake Placid, we found our KOA at Wilmington, NY. Except for the warmer temps, it feels like the forests of the Northwest.

Moved further east to Henderson Harbor, NY. Found a cool RV park on an island (had to drive across the causeway) on Lake Ontario, where the premier sites are right on the lake. Even for just overnight and with no reservations, we got a nice sight with a view of the lake out of our windshield. Then we got a pretty sunset over the water.

Dillard and Sandy joined us for one more trip to the state park, finding a free parking spot along the river. We walked the bridge to Goat Island, which separates the falls, passing over the amazing rapids that lead to American Falls. Then across the island and onto the Three Sisters Islands, where we could see the water disappearing over Horseshoe Falls. Then back to the car to retrieve the picnic lunch, which we enjoyed under the trees with the local inhabitants. Had to bring dessert back home, as we just beat out the rainstorm getting back into the car. Another great, relaxing day with friends in Retirement Land.

We all headed out to see the falls from the American side at the state park. Started out by donning our blue slickers and taking the boat ride to the bottom of the falls. Spectacular views of both American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. Jumped on the trolley for the trip to the small aquarium for some interesting exhibits (and ice cream). Then back on the trolley to the Cave of the Winds tour. There we started in the dressing room to don our shower shoes and yellow slickers. Then the trail leads to the bottom of the falls where it was too wet to get pictures. On their "Hurricane Deck" we felt like we were wearing Bridal Veil and were glad for the waterproof clothing which kept us (mostly) dry. Sure glad it was a warm, sunny day - we enjoyed some more ice cream while drying out and awaiting the trolley. Finished up a great day with a BBQ at Dillard and Sandy's place.

Got together with the other two couples and we all crammed into one car for a jaunt over the border. Enjoyed a great walk along the river (with stops in gift shops, of course). What we have heard is true - you can see the falls better from the Canadian side. We had spectacular views of American Falls/Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls. It started to drizzle, so we stopped off at a cafe for lunch before hoofing it back to the car. Ran into no problems re-entering the US (a great relief to Sandy, who was unable to locate her birth certificate) and returned to the park after a very enjoyable day.

Visited the Niagara State Park with Dillard and Sandy to see the falls from the American side. Pretty spectacular, but forgot the camera so got no pics. Met Gil and Liz (friends of Dillard and Sandy from Florida) for an early supper at a local cafe and made plans to visit the Canadian side.

Moved through Pennsylvania and into New York (our first toll road!), settling in an RPI park near Niagara Falls. Found a site near our friends from Louisiana (Dillard and Sandy) that we met in Ohio.

One more trip to Mentor this morning to finish fridge repairs. Seems to be working now, so we went ahead and made reservations near Niagara Falls for next week. Now we just need a load of groceries.

Got an early start to get to the service place in Mentor. Further checking narrowed the problem to the fans not runnning as they should. They had to partially pull the fridge out to get at the sensor and switch. Meanwhile Jen and Bullett relaxed in the shade to watch. The tech bypassed the switch so the fans always run, and we returned to the park (after a good lunch at the local Flying J) to wait and see if it cooled properly. Then will talk to tech about what to do next.

Fridge crapped out again, so called and set another appointment for Monday morning. Drove further east along the lake, finding it a windy enough for sailboats to have some fun. There was even enough wind to make some small surf. It is like looking at the ocean, especially since you can't see the other side. Stopped at a Bob Evans for an early supper since we have no food in the rig.

Breakfast from Starbucks this morning, then down to get the refrigerator serviced. While Frank was sticking with the service tech, the other two spent their morning reading and napping. They couldn't find the cause of the problem, but reset the system and got it running again. Guess we will wait and see.

Packed up this afternoon and headed down for our first experience overnighting at WalMart. We had to share the parking lot with other visitors, but enjoyed a nice sunset after a noisy thunderstorm.

Drove down to Mentor to find where we will get the refrigerator serviced on Friday. Found a nearby Walmart where we can park overnight to avoid rush hour on the freeway. Headed due north and ran into a great state park on Lake Erie, with a couple miles of beach, complete with lifeguards. You can't see the other side, so it is like being on an ocean beach without the surf. Cruised back east along the Ohio Coastal Trail route, until we ran into a deluge of rain from one of their "isolated thunderstorms". Jen acquired a headache, so we headed back to camp (with some KFC).

After being awakened in the middle of the night by the refrigerator informing us it was retiring, we made a fast drive up to our Thousand Trails park at Jefferson, OH. Tried to get someone to come fix it, but they never called back as promised. So tomorrow, we will be emptying the food (what we can't stuff down tonight) into the garbage and trying again to find someone to service the fridge. At least we got a nice campsite, overlooking the peaceful lake, and introduced ourselves to our neighbors from Florida so we could get a closer look at Casey, their beautiful African Gray Parrot from Australia.

Enjoyed a nice relaxing day at Ed and Dixie's, lounging on their deck, counting fish and turtles in the river, munching on goodies, sipping wine, with Jen and Dixie doing some of their "crafty" stuff. Finished with a sit-down supper, viewing some pics from our travels, and a fond farewell until next time (there is still more to see around the area).

Ed and Dixie took us on a drive through Amish country, with their beautiful farm settings, where we dodged their horse-drawn carriages and drove through their leavings. We visited a huge hardware store (twice as large as the original McLendon's back home), featuring everything under the sun, including some unfamiliar farm implements. On the way back, we stopped at an Amish bakery/produce stand and bought some of their goods. We even visited the local farm animals, including some lazy goats and something that is a cross between a horse and zebra. Ended up having a great dinner at an Amish restaurant and visiting an old flour mill across the street (complete with gift shop, of course).

Dixie took Jen up to Berlin for some craft shopping (Jen forgot to take her camera), while Ed and Frank got to stay home and relax. Then we all went down the road to Ravens Glenn Winery and Restaurant for a great dinner.

Ed and Dixie took us to tour the Longaberger Basket factory, which is quite interesting. We started in the factory, where we could look out over the floor and watch the workers making the different baskets, all by hand. After a great sandwich in their deli, we wandered around the beautiful grounds, seeing things like the large basket of apples, and the Rose Garden Teahouse. The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, though there were quite a few empty workstations because of layoffs over the last few years. On the way back, we stopped to take a look at their corporate headquarters building, which was designed by the company founder and is quite uniqe.

Moved up the road to Coshocton, OH, stopping in a small RV park whose water pump had just gone out (not again!). So we were without water the first night, but got a free night's stay for the trouble. The park is a few miles from the home of Ed and Dixie (and Britches), whom we had met over the winter in Tucson. They had us over for dinner, and we relaxed on their deck overlooking the river - what a neat setting!

After relaxing around the park for a few days, watching the thunderstorms roam through, we drove into Wilmington to collect our mail. Wandered around their historic downtown, which consisted of the usual courthouse, surrounded by decaying buildings. They do seem to be trying to spruce it up however, with things like this neat mural just getting finished. The only real person in this photo is the painter in the white t-shirt sitting in the chair.

Explored the outskirts of Dayton this morning, before taking the car in for servicing. Jen found her little roadster, but we didn't get one since they didn't have here color (whew!!!).

A short drive to our Thousand Trails park at Wilmington, OH (NE of Cincinnati and SE of Dayton). Found a nice site on a hillside with a view of the fishing pond. We even got here early enough to get an appointment to have the car serviced in Dayton tomorrow morning.

After watching Mother Nature's fireworks show that lasted 2 days, we arose to a bit of ground fog. We went back to Rising Sun on the Ohio River to check out one of the riverboat casinos. It was interesting, with all 4 decks crammed with slot machines and gaming tables. We even blew a whole dollar on a quarter machine. Looped back through some more farm country, seeing more of the same (corn, corn, corn).

Took another drive through rural Indiana, this time toward the Ohio River. We got out of the flat acres of corn and stuff, getting into some pretty hill country covered with trees (and corn growing in the open areas, of course). Found a picnic area in the little town of Patriot and had lunch on the Ohio. Found another car show, but skipped it this time.

Took a drive through the countryside on this side of Indiana. It looks just like the west side - beautiful brick and stone farmhouses amid acres and acres of corn and soybeans, with an occasional small town. We found another covered bridge, and even stumbled on a car show in Versailles - there must have been 300-400 cars on the streets around the town square. Found a nice county park and had lunch with the geese by a lake.

Moved east across Indiana to our Thousand Trails park in Batesville (50 miles from Indianapolis and 30 miles from Cincinnati). This is a large park with over 1000 sites and several small lakes. Current plans are to stay 2 weeks.

After sitting around watching thunderstorms for a couple of days, we took a drive west into Illinois. Stopped at Paris to see the sights, including their historic county courthouse. Then on to Amish country, touring the IL Amish Interpretive Center in Arcola (very informative), and on past miles and miles of corn and soybeans for dinner at an Amish restaurant in Arthur.

Took a drive through Parke County, "The Covered Bridge Capital of the World!". Saw several neat bridges, some still in use so we could drive through and some closed to traffic so we could just enjoy looking at them. The drive took us over lots of back roads through farm country, with thousands of acres of corn, strawberries, corn, wheat, corn, and various other unidentified crops. And when we returned to camp, we finally had water at our site!

Continued north to our Thousand Trails park at Clinton, IN, practically on the Illinois border (we are now on eastern time). A nice surprise is that they recently installed some 50-amp sites, and we managed to get one. That will be nice for a/c since the temps are forcast in the mid-90's for the next week. A not-so-nice surprise is the broken water main. The park manager enticed us into the waterless section by not charging the $2 per day for 50 amps. They hope to have the water repaired before the end of the weekend, so we should be OK. We are planning to stay about 10 days and explore the area.

Headed north, over the Ohio River and into Indiana. Travelled through some beautiful rolling farmlands and found a nice county park in Loogootee to spend the night. The thermometer reads 96 as we sit here with the a/c cranking out the cool air.