Friday - 22 Apr/16

We departed PA Dutch Country for the last leg of our trip home at 8:30 a.m.

Rather than follow the GPS suggested route we backtracked on US-30 to I-283 to I-83 to I-81. This, in my opinion, is a better route than being in the heavier traffic 0n US-222 to I-476. It was then I-81 North (almost) all the way home. I used the I-481 bypass around Syracuse, NY (and back to I-81).

We didn't really have rain on the way back as it wasn't falling. It was just misty patches (here and there) that would accumulate as drops on the windshield.

We made our usual stop at the Flying J. We will have to reconsider our travel fill-ups through PA as the state has recently really raised state gas taxes dramatically. PA is usually about 15 cents cheaper than NY state; however it is now about 15 cents higher. There was a 50 cents per gallon difference between our VA and PA fill-up price. I will have to look for a place to fill in "Bingo" (Binghampton, NY) so I can then make it to our usual stop in VA without having to fill in PA.

We made a quick stop at Watertown for a few last minute items from Harbor Freight (next to Walmart).  Then, it was back on I-81 past Watertown to SR-411 (Exit 49 to Theresa, NY). This is a short connector to Route 37.

We did our last motorhome (and car) fill up at Parkway Valero near Morristown, NY. This is the easiest location to fill up the motorhome (towing). There's a Timmy's (Tim Hortons) here so Charlotte got a coffee. We then continued on RT-37 to RT-812 at Ogdensburg, NY. This brings us to the bridge to Canada.

A quick stop at the Duty Free at the foot of bridge (USA) entrance. Custom allowances are based on alcohol content so we were able to get 4 bottles of Harvey's Bristol Cream as our duty free allowance along with 2 soccer balls as gifts for Marty.

We then crossed to the Canadian Customs at Prescott, ON. After a short wait in line we were on the last leg of our trip home on Hwy 401.

We took the Morrisburg, ON exit to the Golden Eagle Gas Station to fill up with propane (for use as we "Dry Camp" at Nick's Mobile RV Storage Lot during the summer). Then it was down CR-2 to our next-to-last stop at Liz, Marty's and Nick's house in Ingleside, ON. I arrived, as predicted, exactly at 6:30 p.m.

We leave the motorhome here (it will go to storage tomorrow). I unhook the car for the final few miles home. Marty helped carry in our coming home gifts. After distributing "The Booty" we enjoyed our traditional welcome home supper (Pizza!).

Nick drove Charlotte home (where Kathleen was waiting on arriving after work) while I unhooked the car. I had arranged for our girls (with Nick's help) to secretly replace the worn out front porch carpet as a surprise (and Mother's Day Present) for Charlotte. What I didn't know was that (at Nick's suggestion...rather, his insistence!) the girls and Nick replaced our old (now pretty "Ratty") rattan white wicker porch set with a new brown synthetic wicker set. Wow! It looks fantastic on the newly carpeted front porch.

Bonus: There is a rocker for me, too! A surprise for both of us.

It was good to be home again with family (and the cats - Jesse and Max).

We will unpack tomorrow and get the remainder of the "Stuff" that is in the RV later. Now it was time for bed - we are tired!

That will end the blog for this Winter Season! Thanks for following!

Thursday - 21 Apr/16

We had a new neighbour this morning.

It is similar in size (45') to the Ted Cruz motor coach that we passed on the road; but it wasn't him (grin). We were sick of hearing about the candidates  on TV when we were in Florida. We just can't escape the American Presidential campaign - the Pennsylvania party delegate vote is next week.

The "Prevost" based motorhome next to us arrived either last night or early this morning.

Prevost is based in Canada (Sainte-Claire, Quebec) where they manufacture premium touring coaches and shells for high-end custom RV's and specialty vehicles. Started in 1924, today Prevost is a subsidiary of Volvo. It's on my list for things to buy after I win the lottery. That's where the first 1.5 million (or 2) will be spent.

We continued our Fabric Store Tour today starting with a repeat stop at Log Cabin Quilts. Charlotte decided to get fabric that she couldn't make her mind up on yesterday.

Our next stop was in Intercourse at the quilt store that was closed for lunch yesterday. We did not find anything there; but we bought a few small items at the antique store (at the back) in the same parking lot area.

Charlotte found another panel and necessary fabrics for a quilt at Zook's Fabric Store. This is why Sauder's no longer existed (yesterday) - they were bought by and combined into Zook's.

By now it was after 1 p.m. and hunger pangs called. Our stop for lunch was at Miller's Smorgasbord (Ronk's, PA). In existence since 1929, it was the first smorgasbord (buffet) in the area. We have eaten here several times since we started coming to this area in the '70's.

Today we were not really hungry so we opted for the soup, salad and bread bar rather than the full smorgasbord. We enjoyed our leisurely lunch while viewing the beautiful surrounding farmland.

After lunch we took a short tour of some of our favourite places that we had visited (or stayed at) in the past. We spent about an hour, keeping to the "Back Roads" to avoid traffic (but not Amish buggies). We passed familiar landmarks of which one was the Red Caboose Motel, our favourite place to stay (before RVing). Located near the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum, Strasburg Railroad (Steam train excursions), and a few model railroad attractions, it was perfectly in theme.

One of our favourite memories visiting this area was a Hot Air Balloon Ride above the patchwork quilt of colours made by the surrounding farmlands. Being so familiar with the countryside added a dimension to the enjoyment as we recognized most of the landmarks that we saw from the air. Landing in a farmer's field was a treat for the Amish family (as was the bottle of wine given to the head of the household as a token "Thank You" by the pilot). Another bonus on that trip was that we stayed on for another flight and travelled with the "Chase Vehicle". This activity is highly recommended - especially in the early autumn.

We returned to the motorhome to rest before going to the evening (6:30 p.m.) show of "Samson" at the Sight and Sound Theatre. Sold out - as are most shows.

Before Superman, "Samson" was the original superhero who slayed lions and defeated armies. Like Superman and Kryptonite, there was a catch to Samson's powers: His strength was in his braided locks. Delilah (for money), was persuaded by Samson's Philistine enemies to seductively gained the secret to his power. She pestered him until he revealed the secret. His head was shaved while he slept. After the loss of his tremendous power he was easily captured, his eyes were gouged out and he was enslaved and subjected to hard labour as a prisoner.

Philistine tradition, during a pagan ritual, was to parade prized enemy prisoners before jeering crowds in the temple. The Philistines were not mindful that Samson's hair had grown back while a prisoner. In the temple, Samson braced himself between the two main supporting pillars and pushed collapsing the temple and killing all within (including himself).

Morally, the story is one of losing the calling of God through weakness and temptation. Despite being blinded Samson humbled himself and returned to God. He recovered through "Amazing Grace...He was blind, but now could see".

This large scale spectacular, complete with special effects and live animals (on stage and in the aisles) ended as Samson literally "brought down the house." As with all previous shows we have seen, the two and a half hours passed all too quickly. It was awesome entertainment!

We were back at the motorhome in about 20 minutes. Tomorrow we head home.

Wednesday - 20 Apr/16

We were out a little after 9 a.m. this morning. Our first stop was the Tanger Outlet. We shopped a few stores; but didn't find anything of interest.

Today I planned a treat for Charlotte. I programmed the GPS to take us to several area Quilt and Fabric shops. Today will be a "Yard Sale" Day. No - not that kind of yard sale - Charlotte will be buying a "Yard of This" (material) and a "Yard or two of That"! (grin)

Our first stop was the Log Cabin Quilt Shop on the Old Philadelphia Pike in Bird-in-Hand, PA. This is an excellent shop with plenty of variety.

Charlotte found a "Sewing Theme" panel that she liked. She will cut out each panel and re-assemble using co-ordinating materials to make this into a quilt. The search was then on for the additional needed fabrics which she found.

Continuing east on the Old Philadelphia Pike our next stop was Bird-in-Hand Fabrics. We first started shopping at this fabric shop years ago when in was known as Zooks. At that time it did not have electricity which added to the experience (especially when in the basement). Again Charlotte discovered a panel and co-ordinating fabrics that she like and added them to her "Yard Sale" purchases.

Our next destination was closed for lunch so we skipped it and continued on (across the intersection) to the Kitchen Kettle Village. This has been a favourite stop for years. As usual it was crowded with several tour buses in the parking lot.

After a Waffle Cone and a washroom break we set out to explore. Charlotte enjoyed the "Washpin Pals" store. They are cute dolls made using an old fashioned single piece (split) wooden clothes pin.

Kitchen Kettle Village (Intercourse, PA) is a great stop especially when it is lunch time. There are plenty of "Free Samples" to taste at a several locations. We started sampling the Flavoured Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars and Spices. They were tasty; however the samples weren't really filling.

At "Aged and Cured" we tried several meat and cheese samples. We ended up buying local Swiss and Aged Smoked Garlic cheeses as well as locally made Beef Jerky and Meat Sticks. It does pay to give samples!

The "Free Samples" in the huge "Jam and Relish Kitchen" covered a wide gamut. There were several varieties of pickles, peanut butter w/chocolate concoctions, fruit jams of every kind, cheesecake style dip mixes, hot sauces and more. Again, we made a few purchases.

Most of the time there is live music being played "on the street" in the "Village". Today a "Banjo Picker" was entertaining.

After making the rounds of the shops (and all the free samples) we were stuffed! Charlotte wrapped it up with a Cool Coffee (concoction of some kind) and we headed back out again on our the "Yard Sale Trail".

A "Double Right" out of Kitchen Kettle Village and a mile or so down the road brought us to Family Farm Quilts (Intercourse, PA). Again, Charlotte found a neat panel and the needed co-ordinating fabrics for a quilt.

Since I used the word "Intercourse" twice already - I should qualify so I don't have to wash my mouth out with soap.(grin) Intercourse, PA was originally known as "Cross Keys". There are a few theories on the names. One has to do with two (historic) old roads that intersected here (hence the original "Cross Keys" name). The second is a linguistic theory which purports that the common use in the day referred to either "fellowship" or "social interaction and support" which was the basis for this community (and most others in this area and era) that was faith (Amish/Mennonite, etc.) based.

Signposts in the area often "go missing" due to the name of the municipality. Also, I always drive slowly in this area for two reasons. First, there is heavy congestion because of the heavy vehicle traffic and numerous tourists crossing the roads. Secondly, I would not want to have to explain that I was caught "Speeding in Intercourse!" (another grin).

I planned the "Yard Sale" trip using internet info and ratings. Sometimes the info is not as up to date as needed. During our trip we found that a few locations were no longer in business; but we bravely ventured on!

Our next stop was Weaver's Dry Goods (Lititz, PA). This was by far the largest store that we visited today. The layout was organized by category in many areas with labels that describe the theme of the fabric on the shelves. Charlotte found another panel that she liked and located co-ordinating materials in the section labelled "Cats".

We continued on and arrived at Family Farm Fabrics (East Earl, PA). (Small World Item: The lady here indicated it was her sister who was the original founder of "Weaver's", the store we just left!

You guessed it! Charlotte found another panel and the necessary fabrics for another quilt.

Our last planned stop was at the Shady Maple Complex, also in East Earl, PA. There are several "Pennsylvania Dutch" Home Style eateries in this area. We have eaten at all of the over the years. This one, by far, is the largest with a 200 feet of "All You Can Eat" food counter space.

Next door is the Shady Maple Farm Market which is an unbelievable huge grocery store that has everything. I never knew there were so many varieties of the same item until we shopped here.

Another large facility. Good's Store, is directly across from the Shady Maple Farm Market. They are a Walmart/Target style store with a larger variety of items including a fully stocked hardware section. The sign also said "Fabric" so that was enough to entice us to enter.

No, Charlotte did not find a panel w/co-ordinating fabrics; however she did find "Pellon #809" which is a fabric she uses in making the quilts. This made for another good "Yard Sale" experience.

Charlotte also bought a 50 Pack of the Old Fashioned Clothes Pins in case she finds a pattern for the "Washpin Dolls".

That was it! We were done (both physically and for today) and departed for the motorhome. The half hour drive back was as enjoyable as the weather was great. We never get tired of the wonderful panoramic views of the well kept farmlands, We have been driving these "Country Roads" for over 45 years and still enjoy the view.

Again, we arrived back at the RV before sundown, in time to rest and enjoy the Cable TV for another evening after a great day in Amish Country.

Tuesday - 19 Apr/16

We left the Winchester Walmart at 9 a.m. for a ten minute jaunt up I-81 to the Flying J in Clear Brook, VA. Again, this is a regular stop. Truck stops are often positioned just inside the border of a state with the lower fuel prices (read taxes). This fill-up will get us to the New Milford Flying J a few miles before the New York state line. SC usually has the lowest gas prices on the eastern seaboard with prices increasing as you travel north. The lowest price for gas on our trip home will be the $1.809 at Max Meadows, VA. The Clear Brook price, although still in VA was a nickel more per gallon.

We arrived at Country Acres Campground in Gordonville, PA (often listed as "Bird-in-Hand, PA) just before noon. We have been coming to the Lancaster Dutch Country area of PA for over 45 years. This has been our campground of choice since we started RVing in the motorhome over 10 years ago. It is a premium facility "smack dab" in the middle of all the tourist sites (as well as farmer's fields).

When I originally reserved for this stop only a "Back-in" site available; however Cathy indicated she would keep a "Pull-Thru" for me if one came available. True to her word I was assigned a "Pull-Thru" in the new section when I arrived.

After setting up (and cleaning up) we set out for the Sight and Sound Theatre in Ronks, PA only a few miles away. This is the original theatre. We have been to the newer theatre in Branson, MO; however, this is still our favourite. The show currently on here is "Samson".

This is a "Faith" based organization that presents biblical plays. The name "Sight and Sound" was inspired by the teaching of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:10-23).

The theatre is "State of the Art" and visually impressive - inside and out. The cast is as large as the stage which is forty feet high and hundreds of feet across. The stage also has side extensions (It had cages with live animals replicating Noah's Arc in that show). The cast of hundreds included live animals both on stage and parading down the aisles. Each show is a new and impressive experience. We have seen several including a "Behind the Scenes" show that should not be missed.  Any show should be part of a visit to this area. No wonder over 3/4 of a million attend here yearly and shows are sold out well in advance. It is quite common to see 2 dozen or more Tour Buses discharging (well dressed) passengers at for the show.

We bought tickets for the Thursday evening show. That way we will have the daytime to shop.

After buying the tickets we cruised the Rockdale Outlet Mall a short distance down the road. We made a few stops and bought things we didn't know we needed.

Supper was at one of our favourite eateries: Route 30 Diner. Charlotte ordered the Turkey Dinner and I decided on the Liver and Onions w/Bacon. Our orders came with 2 sides and soup or salad.

Not only was the food excellent - the portions were huge. We will be having the other half for supper tomorrow.

As we were leaving a gentleman approached and asked if we knew where the Best Western was on the Lincoln Highway (that's Route 30). I told them we are Canadian; but I would look it up on my GPS.

Small World Items:

1) They are going to the same Sight and Sound (evening) show on Thursday. Maybe we will see them again?

2) She indicated her home is on Canada Road, Eh! (grin).

I looked the motel up on the GPS and had them follow me. It was less than a mile past the campground. They turned in and we turned around and zipped back to the park.

Bonus: The premium 50 Amp RV sites have a full selection of cable channels to watch including the NHL Hockey Playoffs. Charlotte will watch (channel surf) in the bedroom while I watch up front as I do the blog.

The weather appears to be really nice for our visit to the "Pennsylvania Dutch Country".

Monday - 18 Apr/16

Ooops! Sorry, I didn't do today's blog until we arrived at our RV Park on Tuesday.

The drive up to the Walmart Supercenter in Winchester, VA went well.

We were on the road about 8 a.m. The traffic around Atlanta is as bad as Los Angeles, CA. We were going away from Atlanta and it was still bumper-to-bumper for a half hour. At least we were at normal speed or close to it. Those going in were about half speed. I'm sure they had a 2 hour commute each way. No thanks!

We gassed up at Commerce, GA shortly after getting on I-85. It was a Flying J until a few days ago. All the Flying J signs were still up; however I didn't get my discount. If I'd have known I would have stopped at the next Flying J about 10 miles up the road. Also, if I was an American that would be a class action law suit for false advertising!

At Gastonia we took US-321 to I-40 to I-77. This was an excellent multi-lane road with a lot less traffic than if we would have waited to connect to I-77 at Charlotte, NC. I-77 brought us to I-81 were we filled up again at the Max Meadows, VA Flying J. This section gets us over the mountains and it is a workout for trucks and RV's. We usually do this West to East as it is more downhill. Today we were going East to West and there were a few long, hard climbs. Thanks to the "Banks Power Pack" on the GM 8.1 gas V-8 and the Allison transmission it went well.

Supper was at the Cracker Barrel right off I-81at Exit 222. Keep to the right off the exit and take a double right at the stop light to get back up the hill to the restaurant. If you also keep to the right around the restaurant there is enough parking for a motorhome/towing in the back. Notice a Theme here? - RIGHT! (grin). The RV parking is only long enough for Buses so you have to take up a dozen car spots lengthwise.

Another hour and a half travel after supper had us in the Walmart parking lot at sunset. This Walmart is a regular overnight stop for us. Of course, we went in to shop. Sam Walton was an RVer and most Walmarts that are not forbidden by local statutes allow overnighting. RVing etiquette is to park at the far reaches of the parking area with the entry door on the store side (for surveillance camera protection). Some Walmarts have signs forbidding18 wheelers; however if you check with the Duty Manager RV's may be allowed.

Sam Walton was no fool - every time we overnight at Walmart we usually spend $100 in the store. We did tonight.

After a 600 mile drive it didn't take us long to fall asleep.

Sunday - 17 Apr/16

We took it easy until after lunch.

Our destination today was the Consolidated Gold Mine in Dahlonega, GA.

Gold was first discovered in the Dahlonega area in 1828 when a deer hunter tripped over a rock that was full of gold. The first miners were actually able to pick the plentiful gold by hand. As the surface gold become scarce "panning" became the method of choice. It then progressed to "Sluice Boxes", similar in principal to panning, where the heavier gold sank do the bottom as water washes the covering material away. To speed up the process "Hydraulic Mining" came into use. Water once again was the power source. Water, over a 26 mile series of trenches and pipes, fell by gravity into 5-6" pipe. The tremendous pressure of the gravity fed "Water Canon" washed away the mountainside which was direct into Sluice Boxes. Today, in America, this process is outlawed.

Hard rock mining was the last stage as quartz veins holding the gold were sought out underground. Most quartz veins containing gold are only a few inches in width. Here the quartz vein containing gold was 22 feet wide - one of the largest in the world. It became known as the "Glory Hole" vein.

The 5 area gold mining companies could not make it profitable on their own so they joined to form "The Consolidated Mining Company" in 1895. It was out of business by 1906 due to a number of factors ranging from the low price of gold, the high cost of separating it from the encasing rock and investor scams. 75 years later, when the price of gold skyrocketed after de-regulation a Kentucky coal mining family bought and began to rehabilitate the old mine.

There was "Good News" and "Bad News" regarding their effort. The "Bad News" was that the value of gold went too low to make it profitable; the "Good News" was that converting the mine to "Guided Tours" is the reason the largest (ever) gold mining operation east of the Mississippi is now open to the public!

This tour is "Cool" - literally! The temperature below ground is about 60 F year round. The 45 minute tour starts with a short explanatory film and then we proceeded, in stages, as deep as 200 feet underground.

No - they do not use "Child Labour" today like they did in the original mine (grin). Jamie, our excellent guide, is explaining the hand drilling process originally used to make holes for the dynamite that blasted the rocks into pieces that could be hauled out using mine cars. Actual original mining artifacts that included mine cars, the original mine rail tracks and various mine drills were viewed. Jamie's detailed explanation of the processes involved brought the past to life.

Included in the tour is the opportunity to "Pan" for gold. After a short film explaining the technique; Jamie (switching hats) set us up with a miner's pan (filled with gold containing sand). He later placed our "Strike" of small (really small) flecks of gold into glass vials.

I bought Charlotte a "Gem" Bucket so she could "Sluice" for the contained Gems.

 

J.D. kindly identified Charlotte's find. He informed her of the gem stones that should not be processed in her Rock Tumbler. Processing would make it too difficult to cut these stones for jewellery mounting.

We made a stop on the way back to the motorhome at the North Georgia Premium Outlets. Naturally, we found items we didn't know we needed.

Supper was at the Texas Steakhouse just off US-19 (Exit 14). Our exit to the RV park was the next one down the road (Exit 13) so it was only 5 minutes to the motorhome after supper.

It was a very interesting day. Now we rest before our long drive tomorrow.